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THE 



HISTOEY 



OF 



WYANDOT COUNTS' 



J 



OHIO 



CONTAINING 



A History of the County; its. Townships. Towns, Churches 

Schools, etc.; General and Local Statistics; Military 

Record; Portraits of Early Settlers and Prominent 

Men; History of the Northwest Territory; 

History of Ohio; Miscellaneous 

Matters, etc., etc. 



ili_.tjst:e^j^teid. 



CHICAGO: 

LEGGETT, CON AWAY & CO 

1884. 



\ 






4^ 



JOHN MORRIS SUCCESSOR to 




PREFACE. 



TO rescufi from a fast engulfing oblivion the authentic events which 
have transpired in this region during a period of more than one hundred 
years, to preserve and to do honor to the memory of those who first dwelt 
within its boundaries, and to present an historical view of the institutions 
and industries of town and hamlet and township, is the object we have had 
in purpose in the preparation of this work. It has been our endeavor to 
glean the facts thoroughly, to present them simply and plainly. 

As the table of contents indicates, the work is divided into four parts. 
Parts First and Second treat briefly the history of the Northwest Territory 
and the State of Ohio. Parts Third and Fourth are chiefly devoted to 
Wyandot County. 'The twelve chapters embraced by Part Third, as well as 
l/the history of the town of Upper Sandusky found in Part Fourth, have been 
prepared by Capt. John S. Schenckj a gentleman of wide experience in thej 
compilation of local annals. The remainder of Part Fourth, mainly bio- 
graphical in its contents, has been arranged by a staff of competent, pains- 
taking writers, and possesses additional value from the fact that each bio- 
graphical sketch has been submitted for correction and approval before going 
to press. This department of the work was largely prepared by C. G. Har- 
raman. Part Third contains the general history of the county, and inci- 
dentally some fragments of the history of Northwestern Ohio. In Part 
Fourth, which is supplementary to Part Third, those minor details are pre- 
served in connection with the township histories, which could not well be 
given place in the chapters upon a broader class of subjects. In these will 
be found carefully made records of the early settlements, accounts of 
churches, schools, etc., and much of incident illustrative of the men and 
manners of early days. 

Returning to the general history, or Part Third, we will remark that 
within the first pages the effort is frequeiitly made, not only to chronicle 
facts, but to show their relation as causes and effects in the great chain of 
events by which a portion of the American wilderness was reclaimed and 
added to the mighty realm of civilization. In the first few chapters of this 
part, succeeding Chapter I, a chronological order of arrangement is main- 
tained, as nearly as may be, while in the later ones the topical form is re- 
sorted to as more practical and appropriate, and for other reasons which 
should be obvious to the reader. 

Chapter I describes the location, extent, and natural features of the 
county. Then follows three large chapters which tell the story of the Wyan- 
dot Indians, and of other Ohio tribes, from time immemorial to 1843. Under 
the title "Early Settlements." etc., is given a brief history of the settlement of 
the county, with a few remarks showing the retarding effects caused by the 
Wyandot Reserve being located within its borders. Many of the trials of pio- 
neer life are also dwelt upon in the same chapter, and the building of the 



iv PREFACE. 

log cabin, the dress, customs, and occupations of the first settlers are 
minutely described. A separate chapter is devoted to the civil history of the 
county, and outlines its formation and organization, the establishment of 
its courts, refers to notable public transactions, the erecfion of the county 
buildings, township divisions, and the results of elections, including also 
a valuable reference list of county officials, and the representatives of 
the county in the State and Federal Government. The Bench and Bar, the 
Medical Profession, the Newspaper Press and Educational Interests like- 
wise have each separate ]^laces in the volume. The chapter styled "Mate- 
rial Progress " embraces a variety of topics, articles upon population, the 
more important county societies, post offices, productions, etc., and the pub- 
lic improvements in the county, from the days when the " mud road " was 
the only means of communication and travel down to and including the era 
of railroad development. The county in the dark days of the rebellion re- 
sponded to the call for troops in a manner of which her people may ever be 
proud. For that reason the soldiers* record is given the large space which 
its importance demands and thus occupies a large chapter. 

In conclusion, we add that this work contains the essence of many vol- 
umes of pertinent Federal, State, County and Township Archives, of al- 
most complete newspaper tiles, and the invaluable recollections of the best- 
informed people of the county. Especial acknowledgments are also due to 
the editors and publishers of newspapers, to the pastors of churches, to 
county, village and township officials, the members of the bar and medical 
profession, the olficers of public institutions, and the members of various 
secret orders, all of whom, without a single exception, have responded prompt- 
ly and most courteously to requests for data. AVe are especially indebted 
to Hon. John D. Sears, for his able articles on the Newspapers of Upper 
Sandusky to 1871, and on the "Early Poets and Poetry " of the county, as 
well as for valuable assistance in other departments of the work. To El. D. 
Dumm, Esq., we are under many obligations for his well- written Rem- 
iniscences, and for his able and earnest co-operation in each and every de- 
partment of the history; and lastly we acknowledge iu a general manner, 
for their generous assistance, our obligations to Hon. L. A. Brunner, Pietro 
Cuneo, Hon. Robert McKelly, Hon. Chester R. Mott, Col. Moses H. Kirby, 
Hon. D. D. Hare, Hon. George W. Beery, J. G. Roberts, Thomas E. Beery, 
George Harper, and many others who aided materially in the preparation of 
the History. 

As completed, the work is now presented to its patrons. That some ei-roi-s 
will be found in the spelling of proper names, and in an occasional date 
furnished from memory, is not improbable. That such can be avoided, how- 
ever, is equally as impossible, from the fact that the persons mentioned 
aggregate many thousands, traces of whom have been obtained, largely, 
from written records, prepared very frequently by those who were, seem- 
ingly, not particular whether they wrote legibly or spelled the proper 
names correctly or not. Yet, firmly believing that the History of Wyandot 
County will prove eminently satisfactory after a careful perusal and 
investigation, it is without further remark or explanation respectfully 
submitted. 

LEGGETT, CONAWAY & CO. 
Chicago, August, 18S4. 



CONTENTS. 



PART I. 

HISTORY OF THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



PAGE. 

Geographical Position 19 

Early Explorations 20 

Discoverj' of Ohio 32 

English Explorations and Settlements 34 



PAGE. 

American Settleiuunts 59 

Division of the Northwest Territory 65 

Tecumseh and the Warof 1812 69 

Black Hawk and the Black Hawk War 73 



PART II. 
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 



History of Ohio 93 

French Historv 96 

Ordinance of 1787, No. 32 105 

The War of 1812 122 

Banking 126 

The Canal System 128 

Ohio Land Tracts 129 

Improvements 132 

State Boundaries 136 

Organization of Counties 137 

Description of Counties 1.37 

Early Events 137 



Governors of Ohio 160 

Ancient W^orks 174 

Some Genera'; Characteristics 177 

Outline Geology of Ohio 179 

Ohio's Rank During the War 182 

A Brief Mention of Prominent Ohio Generals... 191 

Some Discussed Subjects 196 

Conclusion 200 

Comments upon the Ordinance of 1787, from the 

Statutes of C)hio. Edited by Salmon P. 

Chase, and Published in the year 1833 204 



PART III. 
HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 



CHAPTER I.— Geology 215 

Location and Extent 215 

Natural Features 215 

Geological Structure 216 

CHAPTER II.— Indian Occupancy (from time 

immemorial to 1782) 224 

Legendary Accounts Concerning the Dela- 
ware and Iroquois Indians 224 

TheShawanese and Eries 230 

The Hurons or Wyandots 231 

CHAPTER III. — Indian Occupancy Continued 

(Events from 1782 to 1818) : 240 

The Equipment of Col. Crawford's Com- 
mand 241 

The Expedition to Upper Sandusky 242 

The Battle and Defeat 246 

Col. Crawford's Capture 247 

Dr. Knight's Narrative of the March, Battle, 

Capture and Death of Col. Crawford 247 

Treaty of 1785 258 

Treaty of Greenville, 1795 263 

Treaty of 1805 264 

Treaty of 1808 264 

Treaty of 1817 205 



CHAPTER IV.— Indian Occupanc(^' Continued 

(from 1816-18 to 1843) 274 

The Wyandots in 181G 274 

John Stewart, the Colored Preacher 274 

Rev. James B. Finley Appointed to the Wy- 
andot Mission 278 

The Mission School 285 

The Delawares Cede Their Lands to the 

United States 290 

The Wyandots Cede Their Reservation to 

the United States 295 

Their Departure for Kansas 299 

CHAPTER v.— Early Settlements— Picture of 

Pioneer Life 302 

First Settlers in the Several Townships 303 

A Picture of Pioneer Life 304 

CHAPTER VI.— Civil History 312 

A Glance at This Region Prior to the For- 
mation of Wyandot County 312 

Formation, Organization, etc., of Wyandot 

County 313 

Copy of the Act of Congress 317 

Public Sale of Town Lots at Upper San- 
dusky 319 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE. 

Townships 323 

Public Buildings, etc 325 

A Few Notable Proceedings of Courts 326 

Election Returns Since the Organization of 

the County 331 

Representiitives in Congress 348 

Slate Senators 348 

State Representatives 348 

County Officers 348 

CHAPTER VII.— The Bench and Bar 353 

Introductory 353 

The Bench 354 

Supreme Courts .3.59 

District Courts 359 

Court of Common Pleas 360 

Some of the Associate Judges 361 

The Bar 364 

CHAPTER VIII.— The Medical Profession 374 

Physicians of the County in 1845 375 

Biographical Sketches of Some of the Early 
Physicians 376 

CHAPTER IX.— The Press 378 

Upper Sandusky's Journals and Journalists. 378 

The Wyandott ''Telegraph " 376 

The "Pioneer" 381 

The "Tribune" 383 

The "Vindicator" 385 

The "Herald" 385 

The "Union" 385 



PAGE. 

The "Pioneer" Changed to the "Repub- 
lican " 386 

The "Chief" 386 

Biographical 386 

Carey Publications 399 

The Carey "Blade" 399 

The Carey " Weekly Times " 399 

The Nevada "Enterprise" .399 

The Sycamore "News" 400 

CHAPTER X— Educational Interests— Clerical 

Profession — Early Poets and Poetry 402 

Educational Interests 402 

Clerical 408 

Early Modes of Religious Worship 408 

Early Ministers of the Gospel 409 

Early Poets and Poetry 410 

CHAPTER XI.— Material Progress 419 

Pojiulatiou 419 

The Standing of Townships in 1845 420 

Transportation Facilities „ 421 

Post Offices 430 

County Agricultural Society 435 

CHAPTER XII —The County's Military Record 438 

Early Wars 438 

The Revolution 438 

The War of 1812-15 438 

The Mexican War 439 

The War of the Rebellion 439 

Regimental Histories and Soldiers' Roster.... 443 



PART IV. 
TOWNSHIP HISTORIES. 



CuAPTER I.— Town of Upper Sandusky 483 

Location 483 

Original Plan of the Town as Surveyed 483 

The Streets and Lots 484 

Early White Inhabitants 485 

Incorporation of the Town 487 

R. D. Dumm's Reminiscences 488 

Corporate Hi-story 528 

Officers of the Town since 1857 529 

Banks and Bankers 533 

Manufacturing Interests 534 

Church Organizations 537 

The Wyandot County Bible Society 543 

Wyandot Sabbath School Union 544 

Oak Hill Cemetery 54,', 

Secret Associations 546 

The Public Schools 551 

Crane Township 553 

Biographical Sketches 355 

Chaptek II.— Antrim Township 673 

Biographical Sketches 692 

Chapter III.— Crawford Township 737 

Biographical Sketches 764 

Chapter IV.— Eden Township 811 

Biographical Sketches 815 



Chapter V.— Jackson Township 832 

Biographical Sketches , 838 

Chapter VI.— Marseilles Township 852 

Biographical Sketches 860 

Chapter VII.— Mifflin Township 883 

Biographical Sketches 888 

Chapter VIIL— Pitt Township 897 

Biographical Sketches 904 

Chapter IX. — Richland Township 932 

Biographical Sketches 939 

Chapter X. — Ridge Township 962 

Biographical Sketches 966 

Chapter XI. — Salem Township 974 

Biographical Sketches 980 

Chapter XII.— Sycamore Township 992 

Biographical Sketches 1000 

Chapter XIII.— Tymochtee Township 1029 

Biographical Sketches 1040 



PORTRAITS. 



Altstaetter, Henry 4G0 

Between-the-logs (Indian) 261 

Bravton, William 688 

Briukerhoff, A. W 169 

Bruuner, Hon. L. A 333 

Carey, Mcl>. M 513 

Dumm, R. D .388 

Kn^el, John K 477 

Ewing, Samuel, Sr 6.53 

Harpster, David 212 

Lee, B. F 620 

McConnell, Dr. James 316 

McKelly, Hon. Robert 369 



McKelvy, Robert 496 

Mononcue (Indian) 280 

Peters, Henry 405 

Rieser, J. F 441 

Sears, Hon. John I) 352 

Seider, John 424 

Straw, David 188 

.straw, Lewis 532 

Van Gundy. William 549 

Walton, L. R 585 

Walton, William 568 

Wood, John , 721 



CONTENTS. 



ILLUSTBATIONS. 



PAGE. 

■Source of the Mississippi 22 

I.a Salle Landing on the Shores of Green Bay.... 24 

Buffalo Hunt 26 

Trapping 2S 

Mouth of the Mississippi '-il 

High Bridge 33 

Pontiac, the Ottawa Chieftain 42 

Indians Attacking Frontiersmen 55 



PAGE. 

Present Site Lake Street Bridge, Chicago, in 1833 .58 

A Pioneer Dwelling 60 

Lake Bluff. 62 

Tecumseh, the Shawnee rhieftain 68 

Indians Attacking a Stockade 71 

Black Hawk, the Sac Chieftain 73 

Perry's Monument, Cleveland 91 

Niagara Falls 92 



MISCELIiANEOUS. 



Biographical Sketches, Index to ix 

Map of Wyandot County 14-15 

Constitution of the United States 79 

Area of the United States 203 

Wyandot County Court House, Lithograph 279 



Wyandot Mission Church, Lithograph 243 

Indian Jail, Lithograph 225 

Population of Principal Countries in the World 203 

Population of Ohio by Counties 203 

Population of Wyandot County 419 




INDEX. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



PAGE. 

Agerter, John 555 

Ahlefeld, Samuel 939 

Allen, Archibald 5.56 

Allien, Jacob 764 

Allis, Justin.. 939 

Alter, David 838 

Alter, Jeremiah M 839 

Alter, John 839 

Alter, J. R 939 

Althouse, Christian 556 

Althouse, .Samuel 815 

Altstaetter, Henry 557 

Altvater, Frederick 980 

Anderson, James 692 

^ Armstrong, George 816 

I Armstrong, Samuel 816 

^Arnold, Elias 981 

Arter, Jacob P 557 

Aspinall, William 76-1 

Ayres, David 557 

Babcock, Peter L 10-10 

Bachtell, Emmet E 692 

Bachtell, Joseph 692 

Bachtell, Samuel 693 

Bachtell, Uriah L 817 

Bacon, Irvin 693 

Badger, George 1040 

Badger, Jesse 1040 

Baker, David L 940 

Baker, Jacob 940 

Raker, Job 1000 

Baker John 764 

Baker, Samuel 840 

Baker, William 940 

Baldwin, George W 904 

Balliet, Leonard 817 

Bare, Dr. Hiram 1001 

Barick, J. L 558 

Barr, Dr. James D 860 

Barth, Christian 904 

Bartram, Ezra G 861 

Baughman, Daniel 941 

Baughman. Ebenezer 966 

Baum, Peter 1041 

Beam, Mrs. Mary 558 

Bechler, 8everin 559 

Bechtel, Daniel 765 

Bechtel, Orren M 941 

Bechtel, Samuel 941 

Beebe, Buell S 766 

Beer, J. Adam 818 

Beer, Hon. Thomas 364 

Beery, Brooks 5.59 

*^Beery, Hon. George W 560 

v'Beery, Frank 563 

VBeery, Isaac H 563 

W^eery, Thomas E 564 

Beidler, Peter B 565 

Bender, Andrew F 1001 

Bender, Jacob 905 

Benner, John 566 

Berg, Frederick 566 



PAGE. 

Berlien. J. P 840 

Berlien, Reuben 840 

Berry, Jr., Hon. Curtis 569 

Berrv, Hon. John 569 

Bertsch, William 981 

Betz, Michael D 1002 

Between-the-Logs (Indian) 264 

Betzer, William 1002 

Betzer, William W 1003 

Bever, Samuel 694 

Bies, Charles 767 

Billhardt, Dr. A 570 

Binau, John 981 

Binau, Peter, Jr 981 

Blair, Theodore F 1003 

Blair, William L 694 

Bloom, Jacob 967 

Blow, Joseph 861 

Blue, Abraham 1041 

Blue, Chester C 1042 

Bope, Conrad 1042 

Bowen, Hon. Ozias 362 

Bower, Henry S 841 

Bower, .Jefferson D 841 

Bower, Michael 861 

Bowers, John S 570 

Bowlby, D. W 905 

Bowlby, Emanuel 695 

Bowlby, James 767 

Bowman, Thomas M 905 

Bowman, Dr. Isaac N 571 

Bowsher, Clinton 571 

Bowsher, Jesse 571 

Bowsher, William E 572 

Brashares, Plenry .'...1045 

Brashares, Perry 942 

Brashares, Truman 1045 

Brauns, Edward A 572 

Brauns, Ewald 572 

Brayton, Dr. Asa 767 

Brayton, Oliver 768 

Brayton, William 768 

Breese, John E 1004 

Bretz, Andrew J 1004 

Bretz, David S 906 

Brewer, Jacob A 906 

Bricher, C. P 888 

Brinkerhoff, A. W 573 

Brinkerhoff, M. H 576 

Bristoll, William 942 

Brown, Abraham 696 

Brown, Asa 1004 

Brown, Henry 818 

Brown, Henry P 769 

Brown, Johu'X 943 

Brown, Joseph 982 

Brown, .Joseph A 696 

Brown, Wilber 1005 

Brown, William 576 

Brunner, Hon. Louis A 393 

Bryant, Benjamin F G97 

Buckles, S.B "0 



INDEX. 



PAGE. 

Bunn, Alva 1005 

Burbaugh, Samuel 697 

Burke, Charles W 698 

Huruett, Samuel M 842 

Burnside, James 698 

Buser, John 577 

Byron, Dr. D. W 577 

Bvron, Dr. W. K 578 

Caldwell, Rev. David S 699 

Caldwell, Martha 819 

Carey, Hon. John 770 

Carey, McD. M 773 

Carey, Robert 578 

Carothers, Wilson 770 

Carr, Daniel 769 

Carter. Richard 907 

Case, Myron B 819 

Castanien, David 908 

Castauieu, Frank P 907 

Casvanien, John 907 

Caughey, William A 1006 

Chamberlin, James M 1044 

Chance, James P 699 

Chatlain, Frederick H 821 

Clabaugh, Henry J 1044 

Clark, Dr. S. L 943 

Clayton, D. D 578 

Clinger, Daniel 888 

Close, James T 579 

Coates, Sylvanus R 944 

Cole, Barnet 820 

Cole, Isaac H 944 

Cole, Lewis A 945 

Cole, William H 820 

Consteiu, William 580 

Cook, L Hopkins 908 

Cook, James L 700 

Cook, Simeon B 862 

Cook, Stephen R 908 

Coons, Daniel 908 

Copley, William H 770 

Corfman, Jacob 1045 

Corfman, William 1007 

Courtad, Martin 580 

Courtad, Peter 581 

Cramer, David 581 

Cramer, Francis M 582 

Craner, Louis 701 

Crawford, James 582 

Crawford, Col. William 254 

Crites, Jonas 945 

Cross, Henry C 821 

Cummins, James S 821 

Cummings, William 822 

Cuueo, Pietro 396 

Curlis, David A 1045 

Dahmer, Henry H 909 

Daniels, Myer 583 

Davis, Alfred K 774 

Davis, Ephraim W 701 

Davis, Dr. Jacob W 583 

Dean, Hamilton 889 

De Bolt, Silas 584 

Demarest, Peter L 863 

Dickerson, W. T 774 

Dirmeyer, John 587 

Dotts, Andrew 701 

Dotts, William H 702 

Downev, Solomon F 1007 

Duffield, W. W 945 

Dumm, Robert D 394 

Dunlap, Daniel 1008 

Dunlap, Fayette 1008 

Durenberger, Arnold 842 

Dustman, Rev. J. M 774 

Dye, Andrew 702 

Kdgington, Jesse 822 

Ekleberry, Alice 1009 

Ekleberry, Levi 1046 

Ekleberry, Nathan 822 

Emptage, William 863 

Enders, Abner E 983 

Engel, Christian 587 

Engel, John K 588 

England, Daniel 775 

England, John 775 

Ewart, Oliver C 703 



. PAGE. 

Ewing, John M 982 

Ewing, Samuel, .Sr 982 

Eyestone, Edmond K 1008 

Eyestone, George W 1009 

Faul, Henry 775 

Fehl, Frederick 863 

Feichter, Charles 909 

Fernbaugh, Henry 843 

Fernbaugh, William 588 

Fetter, Ileury 776 

Flickinger, Andrew H 703 

Flock, Daniel 703 

Forney, J. H 844 

Fowler, Dr. Stephen 376 

Fowler, C. Rush 909 

Fowler, Scott M 910 

Fowler, Stephen P 911 

Fox, Cieorge W ;. 864 

Frater, William H 911 

Frazier, David 589 

Frederick, Mrs. Barbara 589 

Freet, George W 590 

Fulk, Abraham 946 

Gamel, Thomas J 983 

Gangwer, John 704 

Gantz, George W 983 

Garfield, Joseph E 590 

Gaster, John J 844 

Gates, Horatio S... 864 

Gault, Jordan 1046 

Gault, .Jordan S 1009 

Gaver, Ephraim 823 

Gear, Eugene M 776 

Geiger, Madison P 1010 

Gibbs, Addison E 776 

Gibbs, Dr. Isaiah B 1010 

Gibbs, William 1011 

Gibson, Isaiah 823 

Gibson, James : 889 

Gibson, Joel W 590 

Gier, W. Scott 1047 

Giles, W. T 386 

Gilliland, Jacob 1047 

Gilliland, William 824 

Gipson William A 591 

Gintert, John 777 

Goetz, ^iicholas F 592 

Goodbread, James N 705 

Goodbread, William F 704 

Goodman, David 1012 

Gordon, Capt. E. A 592 

Gottier, .Tacob 983 

Gray, Lauren 706 

Gregg, George W 705 

Greek, Alexander J 946 

Greek, George 967 

Greek, Jacob 593 

Greek, John 967 

Greek, William 968 

Greer, John 777 

Griffith, Cyrus 1011 

Griffith, Harvey 1011 

Grubb, Leuis 1048 

Grummel, Peter 594 

Grundtisch, Henry 593 

Gump, Jonathan i 594 

Haas, John J 595 

Hale, Daniel 595 

Hale, Capt. George W 595 

Hall, Edward 706 

Hall, (ieorge W 596 

Hall, Goodwin 707 

Hall, Jude 364 

Hall, Judge Lawrence W 361 

Handchy, Henry 866 

Haner, John 89u 

Hardy, Dr. Neil 597 

Hare, Curtis B 597 

Hare, Hon. D. D 597 

Hare, John K 778 

Harman, Samuel 912 

Harmon, Henry 600 

Harper, George 598 

Harpster, David (Pitt Township) 912 

Harpster, David (Crawford Township) 779 

Harris, L. B 599 

Harris, Z. W 947 



INDEX. 



PAGE. 

Hart, .Tacob P 600 

Hart, John D 778 

Hart, Silas S 913 

Hartle, Adam M 86.5 

Hartle, Socrates 86.5 

Hartsough, Capt. Daniel 600 

Hayman, Jacob 1049 

Healy, J. E 890 

Hedges, Wesley 601 

Hehr, Jacob 602 

Heilman, Eli 1049 

Heistand, George 1012 

Heller, Philip 844 

Henderson, Avery 603 

Henderson, Dr. R. A 602 

Hendrickson, Russell B 890 

Henige, Valentine 779 

Herring, Henry 914 

Hershberger, Aaron C 1013 

Hesseldenz, George 845 

Hetzel, George 1050 

Hetzel, Michael 10.50 

Hewlitt, Thomas 866 

Hibbins, James 984 

Hickel, Jacob 780 

Hildreth, David B 867 

Hildreth, Stephen 867 

Hile, Levi 780 

Hill, Jonathan 1013 

Hill, Samuel P 867 

Hines, George H 845 

^Hitchcock, \V. B 604 

Hite, lienjamin 707 

V Hite, John 707 

v/tlite, Simon 708 

Hofftuan, Daniel 604 

Hohwald, (^'asper 605 

Hoke, George 1 915 

Hollanshead, Jacob 891 

Hollanshead, Milton M 891 

Holmes, Frank 400 

Honsberger, Abraham 1013 

Hopp, Benjamin 708 

Hornby, Charles 916 

Hostler, Charles W 947 

Hough, Alvin M 605 

Hough, Frank B 605 

Hough, Milton B 606 

Houk, I^aul and Anna 781 

Houston, John M 606 

Howe. Philip M 709 

Hoyt, Charles 781 

Huffman, Simon 607 

Hughes, Burnet 914 

Hughes, James Lindsey 914 

Humbert, William K 782 

Hunt, Ambrose C 915 

Hunt, Col. S H 607 

Hunt, William S 915 

Hunter, James A 968 

Hunter, Thomas 782 

Hutter, Joseph 608 

Illig, Dr. Edward 783 

Illig, Dr. Gus. F 783 

Inman, Harkless K 984 

Irmer, Earnest R 709 

Jackson, Jacob 969 

Jaqueth, B. F 1014 

Jaros, Charles 609 

Johnson, Isaac. 868 

Johnson, Dr. J. D 948 

Johnson, Miles C 1051 

Jonas, Frank 609 

Jones, Dr Charles P 709 

Jump, Virgil 1014 

Jury, Henry C 916 

Jury, JohnR 710 

Juvinall, Jacob 609 

Kail, Andrew J 891 

Kail, Samuel P 892 

Kail, William D 610 

Karg, Jacob P 610 

Karr, Charles M 784 

Karr, Henry W 784 

Karr, Nathan 785 

Kauble, David 948 

Kear, Byron 1051 



PAGE. 

Kear, Doctor 1052 

Kear, Henry 984 

Kear, James 985 

Kear, Milton 985 

Kear, Moses 985 

Kear, Nathan 986 

Keller, Henry 611 

Keller, Jacob 711 

Keller, John 711 

Keller, Levi W 611 

Kelly, A. P 785 

Kelly, David R 612 

Kemmerly, John 786 

Kemp, Dr. G. W 868 

Kenan, Alvin 612 

Kenan, Franklin P 613 

Kenan, George 613 

Kenan, Samuel 613 

Kendall, Thomas 710 

Kennard. tieorge G 614 

Kennedy, B. F 869 

Kennedy, John W 869 

Kenttield, David L 786 

Kerr, James 614 

Kerr, Johnston 916 

Kerr, Robert 712 

Kerr, Robert E 614 

Kime, Henry 949 

Kimmel, Joseph 949 

King, Peter C 1052 

Kiniey, Frederick 824 

Kinley, William 1015 

Kirby, Gen. Isaac M 616 

Kirby, Col. Moses H 615 

Kitchen, William B 1015 

Klingler, John M 713 

Kneasal, Jacob 787 

Konkle, Jehiel T 1016 

Koontz, John A 986 

Kotterman, Michael 917 

Kotterman, Solomon 917 

Krabill, John W 969 

Kramer, George 917 

Kramer, G. G 617 

Krisher, Lemuel 870 

Kromer, Frederick 618 

Kuenzli, Henry 618 

Kuenzli, Samuel 618 

Kuenzli, Samuel E 621 

Kurtz, H. B 787 

Lambright, Michael 825 

Landon, L. E 846 

Laudenschlager, George 621 

Lautinslager, Jacob 846 

Lawrence, Hon. William 363 

Layman, Joseph H 713 

Lea, Henry G 714 

Lease, Jacob 1016 

Lee, Benjamin F 871 

Lee, Joanna 1016 

Lear, Chauncey M 870 

Leith, Hiram 714 

Leith, James S 715 

Leslie Harmon R 892 

Leslie, John 871 

Lewis, Miles S 918 

Lewis, Sumner E 918 

Lidle, finest 716 

Liles, Isaiah 949 

Lile^ J. A 846 

Lime, John 621 

Lindsey, Robert 872 

Lininger, Cxodfred 918 

Lohr, Conrad 716 

Long, Henry 1053 

Long, Maj. Hugh 873 

Long, James 986 

Long, John R 986 

Loubert, John 847 

Loudermilch, William J 623 

Lowery, Robert 783 

Lowmaster, Reuben 825 

Lowry, Josiah J 622 

Lupton, Lewis 1053 

Lyle, Col. Aaron 367 

Mackey, Abraham 825 

Maddux, Henry 367 



INDEX. 



PAGK. 

Maffett, Gibson A 623 

-Mann, George 623 

Maun, Isaac 62-t 

Mann, Job G 624 

Mann, John 987 

March, John II 847 

Margraf, William 025 

Martin, B. W yi8 

Maskey, Dr George 625 

Maskey, William M 716 

Mason, Hugh 893 

Matteson, Job 987 

Mawer, John 919 

Maxwell, Joseph A 625 

McBeth, John 717 

Mclieth, Thomas (' 717 

McHeth, William 718 

McClaiu, Abraham 626 

McClain, Archibald II 627 

McClaiu, Thomas 919 

McCleary, John 873 

McClelland, David 950 

McClelland, William 950 

McCleary, John W 893 

McClure, Russell 788 

McClure, T. W 788 

JlcConnell, Dr. David W 874 

McConnell, Dr. James 627 

MeConnell, Dr. R. N 629 

McCutchen, Hon. Joseph 1053 

McFarland, Nelson 630 

McKelly, Hon. Robert 630 

McKelly, Robert A 631 

McKelvy, Robert 631 

JlcKelvy, William J 632 

McLaughlin, James 826 

McPeek, Elias 848 

Miller, Dr. A. F 789 

Miller, Clay 91<i 

Miller, George W 826 

Miller, Capt. Henry. 632 

Miller, Isaac 718 

Miller, John R '.'.'"".'. 789 

Miller, Reuben ." 719 

Milligan, John W .".' 826 

Milligan, William A ......1017 

Milum, Joel 1055 

Mitchell, George A '„,[ G33 

Mitscb, John ..'".'. 634 

Mitten, Miles A , ."!!l055 

Mohr, Isaac [".'.. 951 

Moody, Lyman C 987 

Moody, T. Y ;;;". 6.36 

Mouser, David D 920 

Mouser, William 920 

Mo-noneue (Indian) 277 

Montee, William ".".' 720 

Montgomery, John F !.lol7 

Morris, Benjamin 827 

Mott, Hon. Chester R .....'.'.'.'. 636 

Musgrave, Joseph " 951 

Myers, Dr. A. II '. ...'.'.'."'. 790 

Myers, Benjamin B ..,,, 720 

Myers, John F 634 

Myers, Jr., John F 635 

Myers, Levi T \", 635 

Myers, M. Baker 921 

Myers, Michael ,„', 635 

Nagel, William 987 

Neally, James ; 723 

Nelson, James N 637 

New hard, Jay '.'.'.".'.'.'... 791 

Newhard, Jacob 790 

Newman, Joseph .......' 827 

Nichols, Daniel W 988 

Niel)el, Abraham A .'...".1056 

Niederhauser, Christian 921 

Niederhauser, John 921 

Nigh, Aaron ........'..'.".'. 791 

Nigh, George A 791 

Noll, Henry 792 

Nutter, Isaac .......'. 921 

Nye, David S 799 

Nye, H. H .■...".;:■.;;■.;■.■. 792 

Odenbaugh, Dr. J 957 

O'Donnell, Michael 638 

Pahl, Francis 793 



I'AGE. 

Pahl, Joseph 793 

Palmer, John E 723 

Parker, Henry 1057 

Parker, William 922 

Pease, James C 10I8 

Pease, Loren A 724 

Peifer, Peter 638 

PenniDgton, Levi 1U18 

Pennington, Levi M 10I8 

Pennington, I^eter 1019 

Peters, Henry.... 638 

Peters, Henry W 639 

Peterson, David S 640 

Pickett, Dr. Samuel 952 

Pierson, Mrs. Delilah 640 

Pittsford, John A 794 

Plants, Hon. Josiah S 363 

Phillips, Samuel 875 

Pool, James B §75 

Pool, James M 641 

Pool, Robert W S27 

Pool, William F 642 

Pontius, Andrew 1057 

Powell, Daniel 794 

Price, George B 828 

Quail, Asa 893 

Quail, Henry 876 

Quail, John 894 

Ragou, John 642 

Rauck, Jacob 724 

Ranger, Luther G 795 

Ratz, Nicholas 725 

Reisterer, Joseph 988 

Rex, Caroline 725 

Reynolds, A. S 952 

Reynolds, John G 795 

Rieser, George 894 

Rieser, John F 643 

Ritterspach, Henry 726 

Ritterspach, Jacob W 726 

Ritterspach, Simon 726 

Roberts, James G 643 

Rogers, Denton V 1019 

Rogers, Rev. L. D 953 

Rogers, Thomas 1019 

Ronk, Soloman 1058 

Rood, George 727 

Roppold, G. H 644 

Rosenbury, A. F 954 

Rowland, Marquis L S94 

Rowse, Walter R 922 

Royer, Dr. J. A 796 

Rummell, Riner V 954 

Russell, John 727 

Saltz, William 797 

Saltsman, William R 645 

Sampson, Dr. George W 377 

Sanfurd, Walter S48 

Sankey, James'E 828 

Savidge, Foster W 989 

Savidge, George W 797 

Schriver, Henry 849 

Schuetz, William 1058 

Schug, John T 922 

Scott, James B 989 

Sears, Col. Cyrus 923 

Sears, Hon. John D 645 

Seider, John 647 

Seiger, Joseph '. 728 

Seligman, Lewis A 877 

Seligman, William ^.. 876 

Senseny, Rev. .John yy/.. 647 

Shafler, Isaac X. 989 

Sheaffer, Peter K 1021 

Shatt'ner, Joseph W 1058 

Shealey, John 648 

Shellhouse, Albert J 955 

Shellhouse, Edward S 797 

Shellhouse, Perry M 989 

Shoemaker, Joseph 990 

Shoup, Samuel 970 

Shoup, SaxtonC 970 

Shuler, Jacob C 798 

Shultz, Henry 648 

Shuman, Frederick 799 

Shuman, Joseph 799 

Shuman, Sylvester 799 



INDEX. 



PAOE. 

Siddall, James R 8U0 

Simpson, Samuel 877 

Smalley. Allen 649 

Smalley, Dr. Jacob W 649 

Smalley, James 650 

Smallev, Jesse 650 

Smallev, M. A 800 

^mith, Clinton 800 

^mith, David (Pitt Township) 924 

_gniith, r>avid (Crawford Township) 801 

^mith, John H 925 

-Smith, John M 970 

-Smith, Joseph M Gol 

-ismith, Landline 652 

Smith, M. B 801 

Smith, Philip 1022 

-^Smith, William F 894 

-Smith, Zachariah T 924 

'*6nodgrass, James F 1022 

Snyder, Jesse 652 

Snyder, John W 925 

Spencer, Samuel 1022 

Spoon. Daniel 956 

Spoon; David F 9.56 

Spoon, Solomon 956 

Stafford, Andrew 1023 

Stalter, Hiram 925 

Starr, F. M 803 

Starr, Hiram J 802 

Starr, William B 1023 

Staum. Jacob 1020 

Stecher, George J 655 

Stetler, Amos .» 803 

Sterling, John 9.55 

Sterner. John D 6.55 

Sterner, Michael 6-55 

Stevens, William C 1024 

Stevenson, George B 656 

Stevenson, James M 657 

Stewart, James A 728 

Stewart, Dr. Robert M 729 

Stinchcomb, John W 1020 

Stiner, Michael 804 

Stockton, Dr. James A 657 

Siokely, Lewis M 1059 

Ptokley, Reverdy 1024 

Stoker, John L 658 

Stoll, Jacob F 805 

StoU, John J 658 

Stoll, Ludwig K05 

Stonfeburner, Noah 926 

Straser, John 659 

Straw, David 805 

Straw, D. H 807 

Straw, Lewis 926 

Straw, Orrin F 895 

Strebv, Wintield J 6,59 

Studebaker, John 877 

Stury, Christian 928 

Swank, Casper S 829 

Swann, James 659 

Swartz, Jacob 660 

Swerlein, John 10.59 

Swerline, Albert 1060 

Swihart, Jeremiah J 927 

Swihart, Peter M 927 

Swinehart, Jacob 927 

Swinehart, Joseph P 928 

Taft, Hiram 957 

Tallman, George H 399 

Tarhe (Indian) 272 

Taylor, George , 1025 

Tavlor, James 829 

Thiel, George.!'. 895 

Thomas, Enoch 878 

Thompson, William M 660 

Tilton, Charles O 661 

Tilton, John 662 

Tivens, Patrick 729 

Tobias, Elizabeth J 662 

Tracht, H. A 398 

Tracht, Philip 663 

Tracy, H. P 662 

Traxler, Daniel 730 

Traxler, Daniel C 730 

Traxler, Peter 829 

Tripp, Sr., Frank 663 



PAGE. 

Tripp, Frank T 398 

Trish, Henry 731 

Troup, Henry 928 

T.schauen, Christian 664 

Tschanen, (jeorge W 665 

Tschaneu, William T 665 

Turney, Dr. .loseph 731 

Ulrich, John H 9D0 

Uncapher, Andrew 878 

Uncapher, Philip 879 

Updegraff, Ann E 971 

Updegraff, John M.... 972 

Updegraff, Ner L 971 

Van Buren, Ezra II 957 

Van Buren, Martin 958 

Van Gundy, George 1025 

Van Gundy, William 1026 

Vanorsdall, Abraham H 849 

Vanorsdall, Jonathan 895 

Van Pool, George 1060 

Veith, Jr., Charles F 666 

Veith, Sr., Carl F 665 

Veith, Casper 666 

Vogel. Frank 667 

Von Stein, John H 666 

Von Stein, Dr, Leonard 667 

Wagner, John S 1060 

W^alborn, Jonathan Z 990 

Walborn, William A 807 

Walter, Dr L. P 668 

Walton, Lemar 830 

Walton, L. R 1061 

Walton, William 1062 

AVallermlre, M. H 850 

Ward, James P 9.58 

AVaters, Henry 668 

AVatson, David G 1026 

Wear, William K 367 

Webber, A. Royal 879 

Webber, William E 880 

Welch, Frank M 830 

Welch, James A 732 

W'elch, William 732 

Welsh, Henry M 732 

Welsh, Manington 733 

Wentz, ,Iohn... 959 

Whaley, W. W 896 

White, Daniel 991 

White, Dr. James W 669 

W'hittaker, James 928 

Wickiser, Albert 9.59 

Wickiser. J. D 959 

AViest, Christopher 929 

Wilcox, Joseph M 400 

Wilkin, David 880 

Williams, Benjamin 929 

Williams, D. B 960 

Williams, Saxton C 807 

Williams, D. H. S 669 

Williams, Edegar R 7.34 

Williams, Evan T 1027 

AVillson, Edwin S 1062 

Wilson, George C 1027 

Wilson, A. Z 1027 

Wilson, William T 467 

Wininger, Charles L 1062 

Wininger, George L 1063 

Wininger, Joel 1063 

Wininger, John 1064 

Winslow, Philip 881 

Wirick, Samuel J 670 

Wise, Jacob 960 

Wise, Jerome 961 

Witzel, William 069 

Witzel, W^illiam 699 

Wright, Catharine 991 

Woessner, John 7;J4 

Worthington, Joseph C 881 

Worth, Hon. S. M 071 

Wohlgamuth, Isaac 972 

Wohlgemuth, Jonas 972 

Wolf, David B 734 

Wood, John 930 

Wood, Jr., John 9.30 

Wood, Lester 1064 

Wood, Reuben 930 

Wood, Reuben S 931 



INDEX. 



PAfiE. 

Wonder, Andrew J 808 

Wonder, David H 808 

Wonder, Fred H 809 

Wonder, Mai bias 809 

Woolsey, William B 735 

Worallo, Francis J 810 

Worley, Jacob G 931 

Yambert, William 10G5 

Yark, Reuben 831 



PAGE. 

Young, George W 961 

Young, Hezekiah 850 

Young, John R 735 

Zellner, Tilghman 1028 

Zimmerman, Elizabeth 671 

Zimmerman, JohnF 810 

Zimmerman, Peter 851 

Zimmerman, Simon 851 

Zulauf, Samuel 736. 




PART I. 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 




>/ 



N 




N I a hi V H 



V'^ H 



The Northwest Territory. 



GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION. . 

When the Northwestern Territory was ceded to the United States 
by Virginia in 1784, it embraced only the territory lying between the 
Ohio and the Mississippi Rivers, and north to the northern limits of the 
United States. It coincided with the area now embraced in the States 
of Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, and that portion of 
Minnesota lying on the east side of the Mississippi River. The United 
States itself at that period extended no farther west than the Mississippi 
River ; but by the purchase of Louisiana in 1803, the western boundary 
of the United States was extended to the Rocky Mountains and the 
Northern Pacific Ocean. The new territory thus added to the National 
domain, and subsequently opened to settlement, has been called the 
''New Northwest," in contradistinction from the old "Northwestern 
Territory. " 

In comparison with the old Northwest this is a territory of vast 
magnitude. It includes an area of 1,887,850 square miles ; being greater 
in extent than the united areas of all the Middle and Southern States, 
including Texas. Out of this magnificent territory have been erected 
eleven sovereign States and eight Territories, with an aggregate popula- 
tion, at the present time, of 13,000,000 inhabitants, or nearly one third of 
the entire population of the United States. 

Its lakes are fresh-water seas, and the larger rivers of the continent 
flow for a thousand miles through its rich alluvial valleys and far- 
stretching prairies, more acres of which are arable and productive of the 
highest percentage of the cereals than of any other area of like extent 
on the globe. 

^or the last twenty years the increase of population in the North- 
west has been about as three to one in any other portion of the United 
States. 

(19) 



20 TELE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



EARLY EXPLORATIONS. 

In the year 1541, DeSoto first saw the Great West in the New 
World. He, however, penetrated no farther north than the 35th parallel 
of latitude. The expedition resulted in his death and that of more than 
half his army, the remainder of whom found their way to Cuba, thence 
to Spain, in a famished and demoralized condition. DeSoto founded no 
settlements, produced no results, and left no traces, unless it were that 
he awakened the hostility of the red man against the white man, and 
disheartened such as might desire to follow up the career of discovery 
for better purposes. The French nation were eager and ready to seize 
upon any news from this extensive domain, and were the first to profit by 
DeSoto's defeat. Yet it was more than a century before any adventurer 
took advantage of these discoveries. 

In 1616, four years before the pilgrims " moored their bark on the 
wild New England shore," Le Caron, a French Franciscan, had pene- 
trated through the Iroquois and Wyandots (Hurons) to the streams which 
run into Lake Huron ; and in 1634, two Jesuit missionaries founded the 
first mission among the lake tribes. It was just one hundred years from 
the discovery of the Mississippi by DeSoto (1541) until the Canadian 
envoys met the savage nations of the Northwest at the Falls of St. Mary, 
below the outlet of Lake Superior. This visit led to no permanent 
result ; yet it was not until 1659 that any of the adventurous fur traders 
attempted to spend a Winter in the frozen wilds about the great lakes, 
nor was it until 1660 that a station was established upon their borders by 
Mesnard, who perished in the woods a few months after. In 1665, Claude 
Allouez built the earliest lasting habitation of the white man among the 
Indians of the Northwest. In 1668, Claude Dablon and James Marquette 
founded the mission of Sault Ste. Marie at the Falls of St. Mary, and two 
years afterward, Nicholas Perrot, as agent for M. Talon, Governor Gen- 
eral of Canada, explored Lake Illinois (Michigan) as far south as the 
present City of Chicago, and invited the Indian nations to meet him at a 
grand council at Sault Ste. Marie the following Spring, where they were 
taken under the protection of the king, and formal possession was taken 
of the Northwest. This same year Marquette established a mission at 
Point St. Ignatius, where was founded the old town of Michillimackinac. 

During M. Talon's explorations and Marquette's residence at St. 
Ignatius, they learned of a great river away to the west, and fancied 
— as all others did then — that upon its fertile banks whole tribes of God's 
children resided, to whom the sound of the Gospel had never come. 
Filled with a wish to go and preach to them, and in compliance with a 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITOfiY. 21 

request of M. Talon, who earnestly desired to extend the domain of his 
king, and to ascertain whether the river flowed into the Gulf of Mexico 
or the Pacific Ocean, Marquette with Joliet, as commander of the expe- 
dition, prepared for the undertaking. 

On the 13th of May, 1673, the explorers, accompanied by five assist- 
ant French Canadians, set out from Mackinaw on their daring voyage of 
discovery. The Indians, who gathered to witness their departure, were 
astonished at the boldness of the undertaking, and endeavored to dissuade 
them from their purpose by representing the tribes on the Mississippi as 
exceedingly savage and cruel, and the river itself as full of all sorts of 
frightful monsters ready to swallow them and their canoes together. But, 
nothing daunted by these terrific descriptions, Marquette told them he 
was willing not only to encounter all the perils of the unknown region 
they were about to explore, but to lay down his life in a cause in which 
the salvation of souls was involved ; and having prayed together they 
separated. Coasting along the northern shore of Lake Michigan, the 
adventurers entered Green Bay, and passed thence up the Fox River and 
Lake Winnebago to a village of the Miamis and Kickapoos. Here Mar- 
quette was delighted to find a beautiful cross planted in the middle of the 
town ornamented with white skins, red girdles and bows and arrows, 
which these good people had offered to the Great Manitou, or God, to 
thank him for the pity he had bestowed on them during the Winter in 
giving them an abundant " chase." This was the farthest outpost to 
which Dablon and Allouez had extended their missionary labors the 
year previous. Here Marquette drank mineral waters and was instructed 
in the secret of a root which cures the bite of the venomous rattlesnake. 
He assembled the chiefs and old men of the village, and, pointing to 
Joliet, said: " My friend is an envoy of France, to discover new coun- 
tries, and I am an ambassador from God to enlighten them with the truths 
of the Gospel." Two Miami guides were here furnished to conduct 
them to the Wisconsin River, and they set out from the Indian village on 
the 10th of June, amidst a great crowd of natives who had assembled to 
witness their departure into a region where no white man had ever yet 
ventured. The guides, having conducted them across the portage, 
returned. The explorers launched their canoes upon the Wisconsin, 
which they descended to the Mississippi and proceeded down its unknown 
waters. What emotions must have swelled their breasts as they struck 
out into the broadening current and became conscious that they were 
now upon the bosom of th3 Father of Waters. The mystery was about 
to be lifted from the long-sought river. The scenery in that locality is 
beautiful, and on that delightful seventeenth of June must have been 
clad in all its primeval loveliness as it had been adorned by the hand of 



22 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



Nature. Drifting rapidly, it is said that the bold blufifs on either hand 
" reminded them of the castled shores of their own beautiful rivers of 
France." By-and-by, as they drifted along, great herds of buffalo appeared 
on the banks. On going to the heads of the valley they could see a 
country of the greatest beauty and fertility, apparently destitute of inhab- 
itants yet presenting the appearance of extensive manors, under the fas- 
tidious cultivation of lordly proprietors. 




SOURCE or THE MISSISSIPPI. 



On June 25, they went ashore and found some fresh traces of men upon 
the sand, and a path which led to the prairie. The men remained in the 
boat, and Marquette and Joliet followed the path till they discovered a 
village on the banks of a river, and two other villages on a hill, within a 
half league of the first, inhabited by Indians. They were received most 
hospitably by these natives, who had never before seen a white person. 
After remaining a few days they re-embarked and descended the river to 
about latitude 33°, where they found a village of the Arkansas, and being 
satisfied that the river flowed into the Gulf of Mexico, turned their course 



THE NORTHWKST TERRITORY. 23 

up the river, and ascending tlie stream to the mouth of the Illinois, 
rowed up that stream to its source, and procured guides from that point 
to the lakes. " Nowhere on this journey," says Marquette, •' did we see 
such grounds, meadows, woods, stags, buffaloes, deer, wildcats, bustards, 
swans, ducks, parroquets, and even beavers, as on the Illinois River." 
The party, without loss or injury, reached Green Bay in September, and 
reported their discovery — one of the most important of the age, but of 
which no record was preserved save Marquette's, Joliet losing his by 
the upsetting of his canoe on his way to Quebec. Afterward Marquette 
returned to the Illinois Indians by their request, and ministered to them 
until 1675. On the 18th of May, in that year, as he was passing the 
mouth of a stream — going with his boatmen up Lake Michigan — he asked 
to land at its mouth and celebrate Mass. Leaving his men with the canoe, 
he retired a short distance and began his devotions. As much time 
passed and he did not return, his men went in search of him, and found 
him upon his knees, dead. He had peacefully passed away while at 
prayer. He was buried at this spot. Charlevoix, who visited the place 
fifty years after, found the waters had retreated from the grave, leaving 
the beloved missionary to repose in peace. The river has since been 
called Marquette. 

While Marquette and his companions were pursuing their labors in 
the West, two men, diifering widely from him and each other, were pre- 
paring to follow in his footsteps and perfect the discoveries so well begun 
by him. These were Robert de La Salle and Louis Hennepin. 

After La Salle's return from the discovery of the Ohio River (see 
the narrative elsewhere), he established himself again among the French 
trading posts in Canada. Here he mused long upon the pet project of 
those ages — a short way to China and the East, and was busily planning an. 
expedition up the great lakes, and so across the continent to the Pacific, 
when Marquette returned from the Mississippi. At once the vigorous mind 
of LaSalle received from his and his companions' stories the idea that by fol- 
lowing the Great River northward, or by turning up some of the numerous 
western tributaries, the object could easily be gained. He applied to 
Frontenac, Governor General of Canada, and laid before him the plan, 
dim but gigantic. Frontenac entered warmly into his plans, and saw that 
LaSalle's idea to connect the great lakes by a chain of forts with the Gulf 
of Mexico would bind the country so wonderfully together, give un- 
measured power to France, and glory to himself, under whose adminis- 
tration he earnestly hoped all would be realized. 

LaSalle now repaired to France, laid his plans before the King, who 
warmly approved of them, and made hiin a Chevalier. He also received 
from all the noblemen the warmest wishes for his success. The Chev- 



24 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



alier returned to Canada, and busily entered upon his work. He at 
once rebuilt Fort Frontenac and constructed the first ship to sail on 
these fresh-water seas. On the 7th of August, 1679, having been joined 
by Hennepin, he began his voyage in the Griffin up Lake Erie. He 
passed over this lake, through the straits beyond, up Lake St. Clair and 
into Huron. In this lake they encountered heavy storms. They were 
some time at Michillimackinac, where LaSalle founded a fort, and passed 
on to Green Bay, the " Bale des Puans '' of the French, where he found 
a large quantity of furs collected for him. He loaded the Griffin with 
these, and placing her under the care of a pilot and fourteen sailors, 




LA SALLE LANDING ON THE SHORE OF GREEN BAY. 

started her on her return voyage. The vessel was never afterward heard 
of. He remained about these parts until early in the Winter, when, hear- 
ing nothing from the Griffin, he collected all the men — thirty working 
men and three monks — and started again upon his great undertaking. 

By a short portage they passed to the Illinois or Kankakee, called by 
the Indians, "-Thcakeke," ivoJf, because of the tribes of Indians called 
by that name, commonly known as the INIahingans, dwelling there. The 
French pronounced it Kiahiki, which became corrupted to Kankakee. 
"Falling down the said river by easy journeys, the better to observe the 
country," about the last of December they reached a village of the Illi- 
nois Indians, containing some five hundred cabins, but at that moment 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 25 

no inhabitants. The Seur de LaSalle being in want of some breadstufPs, 
took advantage of the absence of the Indians to help himself to a suffi- 
ciency of maize, large quantities of which he found concealed in holes 
under the wigwams. This village was situated near the present village 
of Utica in LaSalle County, Illinois. The corn being securely stored, 
the voyagers again betook themselves to the stream, and toward evening, 
on the 4th day of January, 1680, they came into a lake which must have 
been the lake of Peoria. This was called by the Indians Pim-i-te-wi, that 
is, a place where there are many fat beasts. Here the natives were met 
with in large numbers, but they were gentle and kind, and having spent 
some time with them, LaSalle determined to erect another fort in that 
place, for he had heard rumors that some of the adjoining tribes were 
trying to disturb the good feeling which existed, and some of his men 
were disposed to complain, owing to the hardships and perils of the travel. 
He called this fort " Crevecoeur'"' (broken-heart), a name expressive of the 
very natural sorrow and anxiety which the pretty certain loss of his ship, 
Griffin, and his consequent impoverishment, the danger of hostility on the 
part of the Indians, and of mutiny among his own men, might well cause 
him. His fears were not entirely groundless. At one time poison was 
placed in his food, but fortunately was discovered. 

While building this fort, the Winter wore away, the prairies began to 
look green, and LaSalle, despairing of any reinforcements, concluded to 
return to Canada, raise new means and new men, and embark anew in 
the enterprise. For this purpose he made Hennepin the leader of a party 
to explore the head waters of the Mississippi, and he set out on his jour- 
ney. This journey was accomplished with the aid of a few persons, and 
was successfully made, though over an almost unknown route, and in a 
bad season of the year. He safely reached Canada, and set out again for 
the object of his search. 

Hennepin and his party left Fort Crevecceur on the last of February, 
1680. When LaSalle reached this place on his return expedition, he 
found the fort entirely deserted, and he was obliged to return again to 
Canada. He embarked the third time, and succeeded. Seven days after 
leaving the fort, Hennepin reached the Mississippi, and paddling up th« 
icy stream as best he could, reached no higher than the Wisconsin River 
by the 11th of April. Here he and his followers were taken prisoners by a 
band of Northern Indians, who treated them with great kindness. Hen- 
nepin's comrades were Anthony Auguel and Michael Ako. On this voy- 
age they found several beautiful lakes, and " saw some charming prairies." 
Their captors were the Isaute or Sauteurs, Chippewas, a tribe of the Sioux 
nation, who took them up the river until about the first of May, when 
they reached some falls, which Hennepin christened Falls of St. Anthony 



26 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



in honor of his patron saint. Here they took the land, and traveling 
nearly two hundred miles to the northwest, brought them to their villages. 
Here they were kept about three months, were treated kindly by their 
captors, and at the end of that time, were met by a band of Frenchmen, 





BUFFALO HUNT. 



headed by one Seur de Luth, who, in pursuit of trade and game, had pene- 
trated thus far by the route of Lake Superior ; and with these fellow- 
countrymen Hennepin and his companions were allowed to return to the 
borders of civilized life in November, 1680, just after LaSalle had 
returned to the wilderness on his second trip. Hennepin soon after went 
to France, where he published an account of his adventures. 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 27 

The Mississippi was first discovered by De Soto in April, 1541, in his 
vain endeavor to find gold and precious gems. In the following Spring, 
De Soto, weary with hope long deferred, and worn out with his wander- 
ings, fell a victim to disease, and on the 21st of May died. His followers, 
reduced by fatigue and disease to less than three hundred men, wandered 
about the country nearly a year, in the vain endeavor to rescue them- 
selves by land, and finally constructed seven small vessels, called brig- 
antines, in which they embarked, and descending the river, supposing it 
would lead them to the sea, in July they came to the sea (Gulf of 
Mexico), and by September reached the Island of Cuba. 

They were the first to see the great outlet of the Mississippi ; but, 
being so weary and discouraged, made no attempt to claim the country, 
and hardly had an intelligent idea of what they had passed through. 

To La Salle, the intrepid explorer, belongs the honor of giving the 
first account of the mouths of the river. His great desire was to possess 
this entire country for his king, and in January, 1682, he and his band of 
explorers left the shores of Lake Michigan on their third attempt, crossed 
the Portage, passed down the Illinois River, and on the 6th of February 
reached the banks of the Mississippi. 

On the 13th they commenced their downward course, which they 
pursued with but one interruption, until upon the 6th of March they dis- 
covered the three great passages by which the river discharges its waters 
into the gulf. La Salle thus narrates the event : 

" We landed on the bank of the most western channel, about three 
leagues (nine miles) from its mouth. On the seventh, M. de La Salle 
went to reconnoiter the shores of the neighboring sea, and M. de Tonti 
meanwhile examined the great middle channel. They found the main 
outlets beautiful, large and deep. On the eighth we reascended the river, 
a little above its confluence with the sea, to find a dry place beyond the 
reach of inundations. The elevation of the North Pole was here about 
twenty-seven degrees. Here we prepared a column and a cross, and to 
the column were affixed the arms of France with this inscription : 

" Louis Le Grand, Roi de France et de Navarre, regne ; Le neuvieme April, 1682." 

The whole party, under arms, chanted the Te Deum^ and then, after 
a salute and cries of " Vive le Roi,'' the column was erected by M. de 
La Salle, who, standing near it, proclaimed in a loud voice the authority of 
the King of France. La Salle returned and laid the foundations of the Mis- 
sissippi settlements in Illinois ; thence he proceeded to France, where 
another expedition was fitted out, of which he was commander, and in two 
succeeding voyages failed to find the outlet of the river by sailing along 
the shore of the gulf. On the third voyage he was killed, through the 



28 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



treachery of his followers, and the object of his expeditions was not 
accomplished until 1699, when D'Iberville, under the authority of the 
crown, discovered, on the second of ]\Iarch, by way of the sea, the mouth 
of the " Hidden River." This majestic stream was called by the natives 
*''• Malhouchia,'" and by the Spaniards, " Za Palissade,'" from the great 










^f^^tk^^'-^'/./^ 



^^.^^^ 



TRAPPING. 



number of trees about its mouth. After traversing the several outlets, 
and satisfying himself as to its certainty, he erected a fort near its western 
outlet, and returned to France. 

An avenue of trade was now opened out which was fully improved. 
In 1718, New Orleans was laid out and settled by some European colo- 
nists. In 1762, the colony was made over to Spain, to be regained by 
France under the consulate of Napoleon. In 1803, it was purchased by 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORT. 29 

the United States for the sum of fifteen million dollars, and the territory 
of Louisiana and commerce of the Mississippi River came under the 
charge of the United States. Although LaSalle's labors ended in defeat 
and death, he had not worked and suffered in vain. He had thrown 
open to France and the world an immense and most valuable country ; 
had established several ports, and laid the foundations of more than one 
settlement there. " Peoria, Kaskaskia and Cahokia, are to this day monu- 
ments of LaSalle's labors ; for, though he had founded neither of them 
(unless Peoria, which was built nearly upon the site of Fort Crevecceur,) 
it was by those whom he led into the West that these places were 
peopled and civilized. He was, if not the discoverer, the first settler of 
the Mississippi Valley, and as such deserves to be known and honored." 
The French early improved the opening made for them. Before the 
year 1698, the Rev. Father Gravier began a mission among the Illinois, 
and founded Kaskaskia. For some time this was merely a missionary 
station, where none but natives resided, it being one of three such vil- 
lages, the other two being Cahokia and Peoria. What is known of 
these missions is learned from a letter written by Father Gabriel Marest, 
dated " Aux Cascaskias, autrement dit de I'lmmaculate Conception de 
la Sainte Vierge, le 9 Novembre, 1712." Soon after the founding of 
Kaskaskia, the missionary, Pinet, gathered a flock at Cahokia, while 
Peoria arose near the ruins of Fort Crevecceur. This must have been 
about the year 1700. The post at Vincennes on the Oubache river, 
(pronounced WS-ba, meaning summer cloud moving swiftly^ was estab- 
lished in 1702, according to the best authorities.* It is altogether prob- 
able that on LaSalle's last trip he established the stations at Kaskaskia 
and Cahokia. In July, 1701, the foundations of Fort Ponchartrain 
were laid by De la Motte Cadillac on the Detroit River. These sta- 
tions, with those established further north, were the earliest attempts to 
occupy the Northwest Territory. At the same time efforts were being 
made to occupy the Southwest, which finally culminated in the settle- 
ment and founding of the City of New Orleans by a colony from England 
in 1718. This was mainly accomplished through the efforts of the 
famous Mississippi Company, established by the notorious John Law, 
who so quickly arose into prominence in France, and who with his 
scheme so quickly and so ignominiously passed away. 

From the time of the founding of these stations for fifty years the 
French nation were engrossed with the settlement of the lower Missis- 
sippi, and the war with the Chicasaws, who had, in revenge for repeated 

* There Is considerable dispute about this date, some asserting it was founded as late as 1742. When 
the new court house at Vincennes was erected, all authorities on the subject were carefully examined, and 
1702 fixed upon as the correct date. It was accordingly engraved on the corner-stone of the court house. 



30 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

injuries, cut off the entire colony at Natchez. Although the company- 
did little for Louisiana, as the entire West was then called, yet it opened 
the trade through the Mississippi River, and started the raising of grains 
indigenous to that climate. Until the year 1750, but little is known of 
the settlements in the Northwest, as it was not until this time that the 
attention of the English was called to the occupation of this portion of the 
New World, which they then supposed they owned. Vivier, a missionary 
among the Illinois, writing from " Aux Illinois," six leagues from Fort 
Chartres, June 8, 1750, says: "We have here whites, negroes and 
Indians, to say nothing of cross-breeds. There are five French villages, 
and three villages of the natives, within a space of twenty-one leagues 
situated between the Mississippi and another river called the Karkadaid 
(Kaskaskias). In the five French villages are, perhaps, eleven hundred 
whites, three hundred blacks and some sixty red slaves or savages. The 
three Illinois towns do not contain more than eight hundred souls all 
Id. Most of the French till the soil; they raise wheat, cattle, pigs and 
horses, and live like princes. Three times as much is produced as can 
be consumed ; and great quantities of grain and flour are sent to New 
Orleans." This city was now the seaport town of the Northwest, and 
save in the extreme northern part, where only furs and copper ore were 
found, almost all the products of the country found their way to France 
by the mouth of the Father of Waters. In another letter, dated Novem- 
ber 7, 1750, this same priest says : " For fifteen leagues above the 
mouth of the Mississippi one sees no dwellings, the ground being too low 
to be habitable. Thence to New Orleans, the lands are only partially 
occupied. New Orleans contains black, white and red, not more, I 
think, than twelve hundred persons. To this point come all lumber, 
bricks, salt-beef, tallow, tar, skins and bear's grease ; and above all, pork 
and flour from the Illinois. These things create some commerce, as forty 
vessels and more have come hither this year. Above New Orleans, 
plantations are again met with ; the most considerable is a colony of 
Germans, some ten leagues up the river. At Point Coupee, thirty-five 
leagues above the German settlement, is a fort. Along here, within five 
or six leagues, are not less than sixty habitations. Fifty leagues farther 
up is the Natchez post, where we have a garrison, who are kept prisoners 
through fear of the Chickasaws. Here and at Point Coupee, they raise 
excellent tobacco. Another hundred leagues brings us to the Arkansas, 
where we have also a fort and a garrison for the benefit of the river 
traders. * * * From the Arkansas to the Illinois, nearly five hundred 
leagues, there is not a settlement. There should be, however, a fort at 
the Oubache (Ohio), the only path by which the English can reach the 
Mississippi. In the Illinois country are numberless mines, but no one to 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



31 



work them as they deserve." Father Marest, writing from the post at 
Vincennesin 1812, makes the same observation. Vivier also says : " Some 
individuals dig lead near the surface and supply the Indians and Canada. 
Two Spaniards now here, who claim to be adepts, say that our mines are 
like those of Mexico, and that if we would dig deeper, we should find 
silver under the lead ; and at any rate the lead is excellent. There is also 
in this country, beyond doubt, copper ore, as from time to time large 
pieces are found in the streams." 




MOUTH OP THE MISSISSIPPI. 



At the close of the year 1760, the French occupied, in addition to the 
lower Mississippi posts and those in Illinois, one at Du Quesne, one at 
the Maumee in the country of the Miamis, and one at Sandusky in what 
may be termed the Ohio Valley. In the northern part of the Northwest 
they had stations at St. Joseph's on the St. Joseph's of Lake Michigan, 
at Fort Ponchartrain (Detroit), at Michillimackanac or Massillimacanac, 
Fox River of Green Bay, and at Sault Ste. Marie. The fondest dreams of 
LaSalle were now fully realized. The French alone were possessors of 
this vast realm, basing their claim on discovery and settlement. Another 
nation, however, was now turning its attention to this extensive country, 



32 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

and hearing of its wealth, began to lay plans for occupying it and for 
securing the great profits arising therefrom. 

The French, however, had another claim to this country, namely, the 



DISCOVERY OF THE OHIO. 

This " Beautiful " river was discovered by Robert Cavalier de La- 
Salle in 1669, four years before the discovery of the Mississippi by Joliet 
and Marquette. 

While LaSalle was at his trading post on the St. Lawrence, he found 
leisure to study nine Indian dialects, the chief of which was the Iroquois. 
He not only desired to facilitate his intercourse in trade, but he longed 
to travel and explore the unknown regions of the West. An incident 
soon occurred which decided him to fit out an exploring expedition. 

While conversing with some Senecas, he learned of a river called the 
Ohio, which rose in their country and flowed to the sea, but at such a 
distance that it required eight months to reach its mouth. In this state- 
ment the Mississippi and its tributaries were considered as one stream. 
LaSalle believing, as most of the French at that period did, that the great 
rivers flowing west emptied into the Sea of California, was anxious to 
embark in the enterprise of discovering a route across the continent to 
the commerce of China and Japan. 

He repaired at once to Quebec to obtain the approval of the Gov- 
ernor. His eloquent appeal prevailed. The Governor and the Intendant, 
Talon, issued letters patent authorizing the enterprise, but made no pro- 
vision to defray the expenses. At this juncture the seminary of St. Sul- 
pice decided to send out missionaries in connection with the expedition, 
and LaSalle offering to sell his improvements at LaChine to raise money, 
the offer was accepted by the Superior, and two thousand eight hundred 
dollars were raised, with which LaSalle purchased four canoes and the 
necessary supplies for the outfit. 

On the 6th of July, 1669, the party, numbering twenty-four persons, 
embarked in seven canoes on the St. Lawrence ; two additional canoes 
carried the Indian guides. In three days they were gliding over the 
bosom of Lake Ontario. Their guides conducted them directly to the 
Seneca village on the bank of the Genesee, in the vicinity of the present 
City of Rochester, New York. Here they expected to procure guides to 
conduct them to the Ohio, but in this they were disappointed. 

The Indians seemed unfriendly to the enterprise. LaSalle suspected 
that the Jesuits had prejudiced their minds against his plans. After 
waiting a month in the hope of gaining their object, they met an Indian 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



33 



from the Iroquois colony at the head of Lake Ontario, who assured them 
that they could there find guides, and offered to conduct them thence. 

On their way they passed the mouth of the Niagara River, when they 
heard for the first time the distant thunder of the cataract. Arriving 



\ ^, 







HIGH BRIDGE, LAKE BLTjrF, LAKE COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 



among the Iroquois, they met with a friendly reception, and learned 
from a Shawanee prisoner that they could reach the Ohio in six weeks. 
Delighted with the unexpected good fortune, they made ready to resume 
their journey ; but just as they were about to start they heard of the 
arrival of two Frenchmen in a neighboring village. One of them proved 
to be Louis Joliet, afterwards famous as an explorer in the West. He 



34 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

had been sent by the Canadian Government to explore the copper mines 
on Lake Superior, but had failed, and was on his way back to Quebec. 
He gave the missionaries a map of the country he had explored in the 
lake region, together with an account of the condition of the Indians in 
that quarter. This induced the priests to determine on leaving the 
expedition and going to Lake Superior. LaSalle warned them that the 
Jesuits were probably occupying that field, and that they would meet 
with a cold reception. Nevertheless they persisted in their purpose, and 
after worship on the lake shore, parted from LaSalle. On arriving at 
Lake Superior, they found, as LaSalle had predicted, the Jesuit Fathers, 
Marquette and Dablon, occupying the field. 

These zealous disciples of Loyola informed them that they wanted 
no assistance from St. Sulpice, nor from those who made him their patron 
saint ; and thus repulsed, they returned to Montreal the following June 
without having made a single discovery or converted a single Indian. 

After parting with the priests, LaSalle went to the chief Iroquois 
village at Onondaga, where he obtained guides, and passing thence to a 
tributary of the Ohio south of Lake Erie, he descended the latter as far 
as the falls at Louisville. Thus was the Ohio discovered by LaSalle, the 
persevering and successful French explorer of the West, in 1669. 

The account of the latter part of his journey is found in an anony- 
mous paper, which purports to have been taken from the lips of LaSalle 
himself during a subsequent visit to Paris. In a letter written to Count 
Frontenac in 1667, shortly after the discovery, he himself says that he 
discovered the Ohio and descended it to the falls. This was regarded as 
an indisputable fact by the French authorities, who claimed the Ohio 
Valley upon another ground. When Washington was sent by the colony 
of Virginia in 1753, to demand of Gordeur de St. Pierre why the French 
had built a fort on the Monongahela, the haughty commandant at Quebec 
replied : " We claim the country on the Ohio by virtue of the discoveries 
of LaSalle, and will not give it up to the English. Our orders are to 
make prisoners of every Englishman found trading in the Ohio Valley." 



ENGLISH EXPLORATIONS AND SETTLEMENTS. 

When the new year of 1750 broke in upon the Father of Waters 
and the Great Northwest, all was still wild save at the French posts 
already described. In 1749, when the English first began to think seri- 
ously about sending men into the West, the greater portion of the States 
of Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota were yet 
under the dominion of the red men. The English knew, however, pretty 



THE NORTHWEST TEEKTTORY. 35 

conclusively of the nature of the wealth of these wilds. As early as 
1710, Governor Spotswood, of Virginia, had commenced movements to 
secure the country west of the Alleghenies to the English crown. In 
Pennsylvania, Governor Keitli and James Logan, secretary of the prov- 
ince, from 1719 to 1731, represented to the powers of England the neces- 
sity of securing the Western lands. Nothing was done, however, by that 
power save to take some diplomatic steps to secure the claims of Britain 
to this unexplored wilderness. 

England had from the outset claimed from the Atlantic to the Pacific, 
on the ground that the discovery of the seacoast and its possession was a 
discovery and possession of the country, and, as is well known, her grants 
to the colonies extended " from sea to sea." This, was not all her claim. 
She had purchased from the Indian tribes large tracts of land. This lat- 
ter was also a strong argument. As early as 1684, Lord H oward. Gov- 
ernor of Virginia, held a treaty with the six nations. These were the 
great Northern Confederacy, and comprised at first the Mohawks, Onei- 
das, Onondagas, Cayugas, and Senecas. Afterward the Tuscaroras were 
taken into the confederacy, and it became known as the Six Nations. 
They came under the protection of the mother country, and again in. 
1701, they repeated the agreement, and in September, 1726, a formal deed, 
was drawn up and signed by the chiefs. The validity of this claim has 
often been disputed, but never successfully. In 1744, a purchase was 
made at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, of certain lands within the " Colony of 
Virginia," for which the Indians received .£200 in gold and a like sum in 
goods, with a promise that, as settlements increased, more should be paid. 
The Commissioners from Virginia were Colonel Thomas Lee and Colonel 
William Beverly. As settlements extended, the promise of more pay was 
called to mind, and Mr. Conrad Weiser was sent across the mountains with, 
presents to appease the savages. Col. Lee, and some Virginians accompa- 
nied him with the intention of sounding the Indians upon their feelings 
regarding the English. They were not satisfied with their treatment, 
and plainly told the Commissioners why. The English did not desire the 
cultivation of the country, but the monopoly of the Indian trade. In 
1748, the Ohio Company was formed, and petitioned the king for a grant 
of land beyond the Alleghenies. This was granted, and the government 
of Virginia was ordered to grant to them a half million acres, two hun- 
dred thousand of which were to be located at once. Upon the 12th of 
June, 1749, 800,000 acres from the line of Canada north and west was 
made to the Loyal Company, and on the 29th of October, 1751, 100,000 
acres were given to the Greenbriar Company. All this time the French 
were not idle. They saw that, should the British gain a foothold in the 
West, especially upon the Ohio, they might not only prevent the French 



36 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

settling upon it, but in time would come to the lower posts and so gain 
possession of the whole country. Upon the 10th of May, 1774, Vaud- 
reuil, Governor of Canada and the French possessions, well knowing the 
consequences that must arise from allowing the English to build trading 
posts in the Northwest, seized some of their frontier posts, and to further 
secure the claim of the French to the West, he, in 1749, sent Louis Cel- 
eron with a party of soldiers to plant along the Ohio River, in the mounds 
and at the mouths of its principal tributaries, plates of lead, on which 
were inscribed the claims of France. These were heard of in 1752, and 
within the memory of residents now living along the " Oyo," as the 
beautiful river was called by the French. One of these plates was found 
with the inscription partly defaced. It bears date August 16, 1749, and 
a copy of the inscription with particular account of the discovery of the 
plate, was sent by DeWitt Clinton to the American Antiquarian Society, 
among whose journals it may now be found.* These measures did not, 
however, deter the English from going on with their explorations, and 
though neither party resorted to arms, yet the conflict was gathering, and 
it was only a question of time when the storm would burst upon the 
frontier settlements. In 1750, Christopher Gist was sent by the Ohio 
Company to examine its lands. He went to a village of the Twigtwees, 
on the Miami, about one hundred and fifty miles above its mouth. He 
afterward spoke of it as very populous. From there he went down 
the Ohio River nearly to the falls at the present City of Louisville, 
and in November he commenced a survey of the Company's lands. Dur- 
ing the Winter, General Andrew Lewis performed a similar work for the 
Greenbriar Company. Meanwhile the French were busy in preparing 
their forts for defense, and in opening roads, and also sent a small party 
of soldiers to keep the Ohio clear. This party, having heard of the Eng- 
lish post on the Miami River, early in 1652, assisted by the Ottawas and 
Chippewas, attacked it, and, after a severe battle, in which fourteen of 
the natives were killed and others wounded, captured the garrison. 
(They were probably garrisoned in a block house). The traders were 
carried away to Canada, and one account says several were burned. This 
fort or post was called by the English Pickawillany. A memorial of the 
king's ministers refers to it as " Pickawillanes, in the center of the terri- 
tory between the Ohio and the Wabash. The name is probably some 
variation of Pickaway or Picqua in 1773, written by Rev. David Jones 
Pickaweke." 

* The following is a translation of the inscription on the plate: "In the year 1749. reign of Louis 3tV., 
King of France, we. Celeron, coinmanclant of a detachment by Monsieur the Marquis of Gallisoniere, com- 
mander-in-chief of New France, to establish tranquility in certain Indian villages of these cantons, have 
buried this plate at the confluence of the Toradakoin, this twenty- ninth of July, near the river Ohio, otherwise 
Beautiful River, as a monument of renewal of possession which we have taken of the said river, and all its 
tributaries; inasmuch as the preceding Kings of France have enjoyed it, and maintained it by their arms and 
treaties; especially by those of Kyswick, Utrecht, and Aix La Chapelle." 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 37 

This was the first blood shed between the French and English, and 
occurred near the present City of Piqua, Ohio, or at least at a point about 
forty-seven miles north of Dayton. Each nation became now more inter- 
ested in the progress of events in the Northwest. The English deter- 
mined to purchase from the Indians a title to the lands they wished to 
occupy, and Messrs. Fry (afterward Commander-in-chief over Washing- 
ton at the commencement of the French War of 1775-1763), Lomax and 
Patton were sent in the Spring of 1752 to hold a conference with the 
natives at Logstown to learn what they objected to in the treaty of Lan- 
caster already noticed, and to settle all difficulties. On the 9th of June, 
these Commissioners met the red men at Logstown, a little village on the 
north bank of the Ohio, about seventeen miles below the site of Pitts- 
burgh. Here had been a trading point for many years, but it was aban- 
doned by the Indians in 1750. At first the Indians declined to recognize 
the treaty of Lancaster, but, the Commissioners taking aside Montour, 
the interpreter, who was a son of the famous Catharine Montour, and a 
chief among the six nations, induced him to use his influence in their 
favor. This he did, and upon the 13th of June they all united in signing 
a deed, confirming the Lancaster treaty in its full extent, consenting to a 
settlement of the southeast of the Ohio, and guaranteeing that it should 
not be disturbed by them. These were the means used to obtain the first 
treaty with the Indians in the Ohio Valley. 

Meanwhile the powers beyond the sea were trying to out-manceuvre 
each other, and were professing to be at peace. The English generally 
outwitted the Indians, and failed in many instances to fulfill their con- 
tracts. They thereby gained the ill-will of the red men, and further 
increased the feeling by failing to provide them with arms and ammuni- 
tion. Said an old chief, at Easton, in 1758 : " The Indians on the Ohio 
left you because of your own fault. When we heard the French were 
coming, we asked you for help and arms, but we did not get them. The 
French came, they treated us kindly, and gained our affections. The 
Governor of Virginia settled on our lands for his own benefit, and, when 
we wanted help, forsook us." 

At the beginning of 1653, the English thought they had secured by 
title the lands in the West, but the French had quietly gathered cannon 
and military stores to be in readiness for the expected blow. The Eng- 
lish made other attempts to ratify these existing treaties, but not until 
the Summer could the Indians be gathered together to discuss the plans 
of the French. They had sent messages to the French, warning them 
away ; but they replied that they intended to complete the chain of forts 
already begun, and would not abandon the field. 

Soon after this, no satisfaction being obtained from the Ohio regard- 



38 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

ing the positions and purposes of the French, Governor Dinwiddie of 
Virginia determined to send to them another messenger and learn from 
them, if possible, their intentions. For this purpose he selected a young 
man, a surveyor, who, at the early age of nineteen, had received the rank 
of major, and who was thoroughly posted regarding frontier life. This 
personage was no other than the illustrious George Washington, who then 
held considerable interest in Western lands. He was at this time just 
twenty-two years of age. Taking Gist as his guide, the two, accompanied 
by four servitors, set out on their perilous march. They left Will's 
Creek on the 10th of November, 1753, and on the 22d reached the Monon- 
gahela, about ten miles above the fork. From there they went to 
Logstown, where Washington had a long conference with the chiefs of 
the Six Nations. From them he learned the condition of the French, and 
also heard of their determination not to come down the river till the fol- 
lowing Spring. The Indians were non-committal, as they were afraid to 
turn either way, and, as far as they could, desired to remain neutral. 
Washington, finding nothing could be done with them, went on to 
Venango, an old Indian town at the mouth of French Creek. Here the 
French had a fort, called Fort Machault. Through the rum and flattery 
of the Frencli, he nearly lost all his Indian followers. Finding nothing 
of importance here, he pursued his way amid great privations, and on the 
11th of December reached the fort at the head of French Creek. Here 
he delivered Governor Dinwiddle's letter, received his answer, took his 
observations, and on the 16th set out upon his return journey with no one 
but Gist, his guide, and a few Indians who still remained true to him, 
notwithstanding the endeavors of the French to retain them. Their 
homeward journey was one of great peril and suffering from the cold, yet 
they reached home in safety on the 6th of January, 1754. 

From the letter of St. Pierre, commander of the French fort, sent by 
Washington to Governor Dinwiddie, it was learned that the French would 
not give up without a struggle. Active preparations were at once made 
in all the English colonies for the coming conflict, while the French 
finished the fort at Venango and strengthened their lines of fortifications, 
and gathered their forces to be in readiness. 

The Old Dominion was all alive. Virginia was the center of great 
activities ; volunteers were called for, and from all the neighboring 
colonies men rallied to the conflict, and everywhere along the Potomac 
men were enlisting under the Governor's proclamation — which promised 
two hundred thousand acres on the Ohio. Along this river they were 
gathering as far as Will's Creek, and far beyond this point, whither Trent 
had come for assistance for his little band of forty-one men, who were 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY, 39 

working away in hunger and want, to fortify that point at the fork of 
the Ohio, to which both parties were looking with deep interest. 

" The first birds of Spring filled the air with their song ; the swift 
river rolled by the Allegheny hillsides, swollen by the melting snows of 
Spring and the April showers. The leaves were appearing ; a few Indian 
scouts were seen, but no enemy seemed near at hand ; and all was so quiet, 
that Frazier, an old Indian scout and trader, who had been left by Trent 
in command, ventured to his home at the mouth of Turtle Creek, ten 
miles up the Moiiongahela. But, though all was so quiet in that wilder- 
ness, keen eyes had seen the low intrenchment rising at the fork, and 
swift feet had borne the news of it up the river ; and upon the morning 
of the 17th of April, Ensign Ward, who then had charge of it, saw 
upon the Allegheny a sight that made his heart sink — sixty batteaux and 
three hundred canoes filled with men, and laden deep with cannon and 
stores. * * * That evening he supped with his captor, Contrecoeur, 
and the next day he was bowed off by the Frenchman, and with his men 
and tools, marched up the Monongahela." 

The French and Indian war had begun. The treaty of Aix la 
Chapelle, in 1748, had left the boundaries between the French and 
English possessions unsettled, and the events already narrated show the 
French were determined to hold the country watered by the Mississippi 
and its tributaries ; while the English laid claims to the country by virtue 
of the discoveries of the Cabots, and claimed all the country from New- 
foundland to Florida, extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The 
first decisive blow had now been struck, and the first attempt of the 
English, through the Ohio Company, to occupy these lands, had resulted 
disastrously to them. The French and Indians immediately completed 
the fortifications begun at the Fork, which they had so easily captured, 
and when completed gave to the fort the name of DuQuesne. Washing- 
ton was at Will's Creek when the news of the capture of the fort arrived. 
He at once departed to recapture it. On his way he entrenched him- 
self at a place called the ^ Meadows," where he erected a fort called 
by him Fort Necessity. From there he surprised and captured a force of 
French and Indians marching against him, but was soon after attacked 
in his fort by a much superior force, and was obliged to yield on the 
morning of July 4th. He was allowed to return to Virginia. 

The English Government immediately planned four campaigns ; one 
against Fort DuQuesne ; one against Nova Scotia ; one against Fort 
Niagara, and one against Crown Point. These occurred during 1755-6, 
and were not successful in driving the French from their possessions. 
The expedition against Fort DuQuesne was led by the famous General 
Braddock, who, refusing to listen to the advice of Washington and those 



40 'i'HI^ NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

acquainted with Indian warfare, suffered such an inglorious defeat. This 
occurred on the morning of July 9th, and is generally known as the battle 
of Monongahela, or " Braddock's Defeat." The war continued with 
various vicissitudes through the years 1756-7 ; when, at the commence- 
ment of 1758, in accordance with the plans of William Pitt, then Secre- 
tary of State, afterwards Lord Chatham, active preparations were made to 
carry on the war. Three expeditions were planned for this year : one, 
under General Amherst, against Louisburg ; another, under Abercrombie, 
against Fort Ticonderoga ; and a third, under General Forbes, against 
Fort DuQuesne. On the 26th of July, Louisburg surrendered after a 
desperate resistance of more than forty days, and the eastern part of the 
Canadian possessions fell into the hands of the British. Abercrombie 
captured Fort Frontenac, and when the expedition against Fort DaQiiesne, 
of which Washington had the active command, arrived there, it Avas 
found in flames and deserted. The English at once took possession, 
rebuilt the fort, and in honor of their illustrious statesman, changed the 
name to Fort Pitt. 

The great object of the campaign of 1759, was the reduction of 
Canada. General Wolfe was to lay siege to Quebec ; Amherst was to 
reduce Ticonderoga and Crown Point, and General Prideaux was to 
capture Niagara. This latter place was taken in July, but the gallant 
Prideaux lost his life in the attempt. Amherst captured Ticonderoga 
and Crown Point without a blow ; and Wolfe, after making the memor- 
able ascent to the Plains of Abraham, on September 13th, defeated 
Montcalm, and on the 18th, the city capitulated. In this engagement 
Montcolm and Wolfe both lost their lives. De Levi, Montcalm's successor, 
marched to Sillery, three miles above the city, with the purpose of 
defeating the English, and there, on the 28th of the following April, was 
fought one of the bloodiest battles of the French and Indian War. It 
resulted in the defeat of the French, and the fall of the City of Montreal. 
The Governor signed a capitulation by which the whole of Canada was 
surrendered to the English. This practically concluded the war, but it 
was not until 1763 that the treaties of peace between France and England 
were signed. This was done on the 10th of February of that year, and 
under its provisions all the country east of the Mississippi and north of 
the Iberville River, in Louisiana, were ceded to England. At the same 
time Spain ceded Florida to Great Britain. 

On the 13th of September, 1760, Major Robert Rogers was sent 
from Montreal to take charge of Detroit, the only remaining French post 
in the territory. He arrived there on the 19th of November, and sum- 
moned the place to surrender. At first the commander of the post, 
Beletre, refused, but on the 29th, hearing of the continued defeat of the 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 41 

French arms, surrendered. Rogers remained there until December 23d 
under the personal protection of the celebrated chief, Pontiac, to whom, 
no doubt, he owed his safety. Pontiac had come here to inquire the 
purposes of the English in taking possession of the country. He was 
assured that they came simply to trade with the natives, and did not 
desire their country. This answer conciliated the savages, and did much 
to insure the safety of Rogers and his party during their stay, and while 
on their journey home. 

Rogers set out for Fort Pitt on December 23, and was just one 
month on the way. His route was from Detroit to Maumee, thence 
across the present State of Ohio directly to the fort. This was the com- 
mon trail of the Indians in their journeys from Sandusky to the fork of 
the Ohio. It went from Fort Sandusky, where Sandusky City now is, 
crossed the Huron river, then called Bald Eagle Creek, to " Mohickon 
John's Town " on Mohickon Creek, the northern branch of White 
Woman's River, and thence crossed to Beaver's Town, a Delaware town 
on what is now Sandy Creek. At Beaver's Town were probably one 
hundred and fifty warriors, and not less than three thousand acres of 
cleared land. From there the track went up Sandy Creek to and across 
Big Beaver, and up the Ohio to Logstown, thence on to the fork. 

The Northwest Territory was now entirely under the English rule. 
New settlements began to be rapidly made, and the promise of a large 
trade was speedily manifested. Had the British carried out their promises 
with the natives none of those savage butcheries would have been perpe- 
trated, and the country would have been spared their recital. 

The renowned chief, Pontiac, was one of the leading spirits in these 
atrocities. We will now pause in our narrative, and notice the leading 
events in his life. The earliest authentic information regarding this 
noted Indian chief is learned from an account of an Indian trader named 
Alexander Henry, who, in the Spring of 1761, penetrated his domains as 
far as Missillimacnacl Pontiac was then a great friend of the French, 
but a bitter foe of the English, whom he considered as encroaching on his 
hunting grounds. Henry was obliged to disguise himself as a Canadian 
to insure safety, but was discovered by Pontiac, who bitterly reproached 
him and the English for their attempted subjugation of the West. He 
declared that no treaty had been made with them ; no presents sent 
them, and that he would resent any possession of the West by that nation. 
He was at the time about fifty years of age, tall and dignified, and was 
civil and military ruler of the Ottawas, Ojibwas and Pottawatamies. 

The Indians, from Lake Michigan to the borders of North Carolina, 
were united in this feeling, and at the time of the treaty of Paris, ratified 
February 10, 1763, a general conspiracy was formed to fall suddenly 



42 



THE NOKTHWEST TEllKITOEy. 




PONTIAC, THE OTTAWA CHIEFTAIN. 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 43 

upon the frontier British posts, and with one blow strike every man dead. 
Poutiac was the marked leader in all this, and was the commander 
of the Chippewas, Ottawas, Wyandots, Miamis, Shawanese, Delawares 
and Mingoes, who had, for the time, laid aside their local quarrels to unit& 
in this enterprise. 

The blow came, as near as can now be ascertained, on May 7, 176^, 
Nine British posts fell, and the Indians drank, " scooped up in the hollow 
of joined hands," the blood of many a Briton. 

Pontiac's immediate field of action was the garrison at Detroit. 
Here, however, the plans were frustrated by an Indian woman disclosing 
the plot the evening previous to his arrival. Everything was carried out, 
however, according to Pontiac's plans until the moment of action, when 
Major Gladwyn, the commander of the post, stepping to one of the Indian 
chiefs, suddenly drew aside his blanket and disclosed the concealed 
musket. Pontiac, though a brave man, turned pale and trembled. He 
saw his plan was known, and that the garrison were prepared. He 
endeavored to exculpate himself from any such intentions ; but the guilt 
was evident, and he and his followers were dismissed with a severe 
reprimand, and warned never to again enter the walls of the post. 

Pontiac at once laid siege to the fort, and until the treaty of peace 
between the British and the Western Indians, concluded in August, 1764, 
continued to harass and besiege the fortress. He organized a regular 
commissariat department, issued bills of credit written out on bark, 
which, to his credit, it may be stated, were punctually redeemed. At 
the conclusion of the treaty, in which it seems he took no part, he went 
further south, living many yeass among the Illinois. 

He had given up all hope of saving his country and race. After a 
time he endeavored to unite the Illinois tribe and those about St. Louis 
in a war with the whites. His efforts were fruitless, and only ended in a 
quarrel between himself and some Kaskaskia Indians, one of whom soon 
afterwards killed him. His death was, however, avenged by the northern 
Indians, who nearly exterminated the Illinois in the wars which followed. 

Had it not been for the treachery of a few of his followers, his plan 
for the extermination of the whites, a masterly one, would undoubtedly 
have been carried out. 

It was in the Spring of the year following Rogers' visit that Alex- 
ander Henry went to Missillimacnac, and everywhere found the strongest 
feelings against the English, who had not carried out their promises, and 
were doing nothing to conciliate the natives. Here he met the chief, 
Pontiac, who, after conveying to him in a speech the idea that their 
French father would awake soon and utterly destroy his enemies, said : 
" Englishman, although you have conquered the French, you have not 



44 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

yet conquered us ! We are not your slaves! These lakes, these woods, 
these mountains, were left us by our ancestors. They are our inheritance, 
and we will part with them to none. Your nation supposes that we, like 
the white people, can not live without bread and pork and beef. But you 
ought to know that He, the Great Spirit and Master of Life, has provided 
food for us upon these broad lakes and in these mountains." 

He then spoke of the fact that no treaty had been made with them, 
no presents sent them, and that he and his people were yet for war. 
Such were the feelings of the Northwestern Indians immediately after 
the English took possession of their country. These feelings were no 
doubt encouraged by the Canadians and French, who hoped that yet the 
French arms might prevail. The treaty of Paris, however, gave to the 
English the right to this vast domain, and active preparations were going 
on to occupy it and enjoy its trade and emoluments. 

In 1762, France, by a secret treaty, ceded Louisiana to Spain, to pre- 
vent it falling into the hands of the English, who were becoming masters 
of the entire West. The next year the treaty of Paris, signed at Fon- 
tainbleau, gave to the English the domain of the country in question. 
Twenty years after, by the treaty of peace between the United States 
and England, that part of Canada lying south and west of the Great 
Lakes, comprehending a large territory which is the subject of these 
sketches, was acknowledged to be a portion of the United States ; and 
twenty years still later, in 1803, Louisiana was ceded by Spain back to 
France, and by France sold to the United States. 

In the half century, from the building of the Fort of Crevecoeur by 
LaSalle, in 1680, up to the erection of Fort Chartres, many French set- 
tlements had been made in that quarter. These have already been 
noticed, being those at St. Vincent (Vincennes), Kohokia or Cahokia, 
Kaskaskia and Prairie du Rocher, on the American Bottom, a large tract 
of rich alluvial soil in Illinois, on the Mississippi, opposite the site of St. 
Louis. 

By the treaty of Paris, the regions east of the Mississippi, including 
ail these and other towns of the Northwest, were given over to England ; 
but they do not appear to have been taken possession of until 1765, when 
Captain Stirling, in the name of the Majesty of England, established him- 
self at Fort Chartres bearing with him the proclamation of General Gage, 
dated December 30, 1764, which promised religious freedom to all Cath- 
olics who worshiped here, and a right to leave the country with their 
effects if they wished, or to remain with the privileges of Englishmen. 
It was shortly after the occupancy of the West by the British that the 
war with Pontiac opened. It is already noticed in the sketch of that 
chieftain. By it many a Briton lost his life, and many a frontier settle- 



THE NORT^^VEST TERRTTORY. 45 

ment in its infancy ceased to exist. This was not ended until the year 
1764, when, failing to capture Detroit, Niagara and Fort Pitt, his confed- 
eracy became disheartened, and, receiving no aid from the French, Pon- 
tiac abandoned the enterprise and departed to the Illinois, among whom 
he afterward lost his life. 

As soon as these difficulties were definitely settled, settlers began 
rapidly to survey the country and prepare for occupation. During the 
year 1770, a number of persons from Virginia and other British provinces 
explored and marked out nearly all the valuable lands on the Mononga- 
hela and along the banks of the Ohio as far as the Little Kanawha. This 
was followed by another exploring expedition, in which George Washing- 
ton was a party. The latter, accompanied by Dr. Craik, Capt. Crawford 
and others, on the 20th of October, 1770, descended the Ohio from Pitts- 
burgh to the mouth of the Kanawha ; ascended that stream about fourteen 
miles, marked out several large tracts of land, shot several buffalo, which 
were then abundant in the Ohio Valley, and returned to the fort. 

Pittsburgh was at this time a trading post, about which was clus- 
tered a village of some twenty houses, inhabited by Indian traders. This 
same year, Capt. Pittman visited Kaskaskia and its neighboring villages. 
He found there about sixty -five resident families, and at Cahokia only 
forty-five dwellings. At Fort Chartres was another small settlement, and 
at Detroit the garrison were quite prosperous and strong. For a year 
or two settlers continued to locate near some of these posts, generally 
Fort Pitt or Detroit, owing to the fears of the Indians, who still main- 
tained some feelings of hatred to the English. The trade from the posts 
was quite good, and from those in Illinois large quantities of pork and 
flour found their way to the New Orleans market. At this time the 
policy of the British Government was strongly opposed to the extension 
of the colonies west. In 1763, the King of England forbade, by royal 
proclamation, his colonial subjects from making a settlement beyond the 
sources of the rivers which fall into the Atlantic Ocean. At the instance 
of the Board of Trade, measures were taken to prevent the settlement 
without the limits prescribed, and to retain the commerce within easy 
reach of Great Britain. 

The commander-in-chief of the king's forces wrote in 1769 : " In the 
course of a few years necessity will compel the colonists, should they 
extend their settlements west, to provide manufactures of some kind for 
themselves, and when all connection upheld by commerce with the mother 
country ceases, an independency in their government will soon follow. ' 

In accordance with this policy. Gov. Gage issued a proclamation 
in 1772, commanding the inhabitants of Vincennes to abandon their set- 
tlements and join some of the Eastern English colonies. To this they 



46 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

strenuously objected, giving good reasons therefor, and were allowed to 
remain. The strong opposition to this policy of Great Britain led to its 
change, and to such a course as to gain the attachment of the French 
population. In December, 1773, influential citizens of Quebec petitioned 
the king for an extension of the boundary lines of that province, which 
was granted, and Parliament passed an act on June 2, 1774, extend- 
ing the boundary so as to include the territory lying within the present 
States of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Michigan. 

In consequence of the liberal policy pursued by the British Govern- 
ment toward the French settlers in the West, they were disposed to favor 
that nation in the war which soon followed with the colonies ; but the 
early alliance between France and America soon brought them to the side 
of the war for independence. 

In 1774, Gov. Dunmore, of Virginia, began to encourage emigration 
to the Western lands. He appointed magistrates at Fort Pitt under the 
pretense that the fort was under the government of that commonwealth. 
One of these justices, John Connelly, who possessed a tract of land in the 
Ohio Valley, gathered a force of men and garrisoned the fort, calling it 
Fort Dunmore. This and other parties were formed to select sites for 
settlements, and often came in conflict with the Indians, who yet claimed 
portions of the valley, and several battles followed. These ended in the 
famous battle of Kanawha in July, where the Indians were defeated and 
driven across the Ohio. 

During the years 1775 and 1776, by the operations of land companies 
and the perseveranceof individuals, several settlements were firmly estab- 
lished between the Alleghanies and the Ohio River, and western land 
speculators were busy in Illinois and on the Wabash. At a council held 
in Kaskaskia on July 5, 1773, an association of English traders, calling 
themselves the "Illinois Land Company," obtained from ten chiefs of the 
Kaskaskia, Cahokia and Peoria tribes two large tracts of land lying on 
the east side of the Mississippi River south of the Illinois. In 1775, a mer- 
chant from the Illinois Country, named Viviat, came to Post Vincennes 
as the agent of the association called the " Wabash Land Company." On 
the 8th of October he obtained from eleven Piankeshaw chiefs, a deed for 
37,497,600 acres of land. This deed was signed by the grantors, attested 
by a number of the inhabitants of Vincennes, and afterward recorded in 
the office of a notary public at Kaskaskia. This and other land com=- 
panies had extensive schemes for the colonization of the West ; but all 
were frustrated by the breaking out of the Revolution. On the 20th of 
April, 1780, the two companies named consolidated under the name of the 
" United Illinois and Wabash Land Company." They afterward madf 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 47 

strenuous efforts to have these grants sanctioned by Congress, but all 
signally failed. 

When the War of the Revolution commenced, Kentucky was an unor- 
ganized country, though there were several settlements within her borders. 

In Hutchins' Topography of Virginia, it is stated that at that time 
*' Kaskaskia contained 80 houses, and nearly 1,000 white and black in- 
habitants — the whites being a little the more numerous. Cahokia con- 
tains 50 houses and 300 white inhabitants, and 80 negroes. There were 
east of the Mississippi River, about the j^ear 1771 " — when these observa- 
tions were made — " 300 white men capable of bearing arms, and 230 
negroes." 

From 1775 until the expedition of Clark, nothing is recorded and 
nothing known of these settlements, save what is contained in a report 
made by a committee to Congress in June, 1778. From it the following 
extract is made : 

"Near the mouth of the River Kaskaskia, there is a village which 
appears to have contained nearly eighty families from the beginning of 
the late revolution. There are twelve families in a small village at la 
Prairie du Rochers, and near fifty families at the Kahokia Village. There 
are also four or five families at Fort Chartres and St. Philips, which is five 
miles further up the river." 

St. Louis had been settled in February, 1764, and at this time con- 
tained, including its neighboring towns, over six hundred whites and one 
hundred and fifty negroes. It must be remembered that all the country 
west of the Mississippi was now under French rule, and remained so until 
ceded again to Spain, its original owner, who afterwards sold it and the 
country including New Orleans to the United States. At Detroit there 
were, according to Capt. Carver, who was in the Northwest from 1766 to 
1768, more than one hundred houses, and the river was settled for more 
than twenty miles, although poorly cultivated — the people being engaged 
in the Indian trade. This old town has a history, which we will here 
relate. 

It is the oldest town in the Northwest, having been founded by 
Antoine de Lamotte Cadillac, in 1701. It was laid out in the form of an 
oblong square, of two acres in length, and an acre and a half in width. 
As described by A. D. Frazer, who first visited it and became a permanent 
resident of the place, in 1778, it. comprised within its limits that space 
between Mr. Palmer's store (Conant Block) and Capt. Perkins' house 
(near the Arsenal building), and extended back as far as the public barn, 
and was bordered in front by the Detroit Riv«r. It was surrounded by 
oak and cedar pickets, about fifteen feet long, set in the ground, and had 
four gates — east, west, north and south. Over the first three of these 



48 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

gates were block houses provided with four guns apiece, each a six- 
pounder. Two six-gun batteries were planted fronting the river and in a 
parallel direction with the block houses. There were four streets running 
east and west, the main street being twenty feet wide and the rest fifteen 
feet, while the four streets crossing these at right angles were from ten 
to fifteen feet in width. 

At the date spoken of by Mr. Frazer, there was no fort within the 
enclosure, but a citadel on the ground corresponding to the present 
northwest corner of Jefferson Avenue and Wayne Street. The citadel was 
inclosed by pickets, and within it were erected barracks of wood, two 
stories high, sufficient to contain ten officers, and also barracks sufficient 
to contain four hundred men, and a provision store built of brick. The 
citadel also contained a hospital and guard-house. The old town of 
Detroit, in 1778, contained about sixty houses, most of them one story, 
with a few a story and a half in height. They were all of logs, some 
hewn and some round. There was one building of splendid appearance, 
called the " King's Palace," two stories high, which stood near the east 
gate. It was built for Governor Hamilton, the first governor commissioned 
by the British, There were two guard-houses, one near the west gate and 
the other near the Government House. Each of the guards consisted of 
twenty-four men and a subaltern, who mounted regularly every morning 
between nine and ten o'clock. Each furnished four sentinels, who were 
relieved every two hours. There was also an officer of the day, who per- 
formed strict duty. Each of the gates was shut regularly at sunset, 
even wicket gates were shut at nine o'clock, and all the keys were 
delivered into the hands of the commanding officer. They were opened 
in the morning at sunrise. No Indian or squaw was permitted to enter 
town with any weapon, such as a tomahawk or a knife. It was a stand- 
ing order that the Indians should deliver their arms and instruments of 
every kind before they were permitted to pass the sentinel, and they were 
restored to them on their return. No more than twenty-five Indians were 
allowed to enter the town at any one time, and they were admitted only 
at the east and west gates. At sundown the drums beat, and all the 
Indians were required to leave town instantly. There was a council house 
near the water side for the purpose of holding council with the Indians. 
The population of the town was about sixty families, in all about two 
hundred males and one hundred females. This town was destroyed by 
fire, all except one dwelling, in 1805. After which the present " new " 
town was laid out. 

On the breaking out of the Revolution, the British held every post of 
importance in the West. Kentucky was formed as a component part of 
Virginia, and the sturdy pioneers of the West, alive to their interests, 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 4|> 

and recognizing the great benefits of obtaining the control of the trade in 
this part of the New World, held steadily to their purposes, and those 
within the commonwealth of Kentucky proceeded to exercise their 
civil privileges, by electing John Todd and Richard Gallaway^ 
burgesses to represent them in the Assembly of the parent state. 
Early in September of that year (1777) the first court was held 
in Harrodsburg, and Col. Bowman, afterwards major, who had arrived 
in August, was made the commander of a militia organization which 
had been commenced the March previous. Thus the tree of loyalty 
was growing. The chief spirit in this far-out colony, who had represented 
her the year previous east of the mountains, was now meditating a move 
unequaled in its boldness. He had been watching the movements of the 
British throughout the Northwest, and understood their whole plan. He, 
saw it was through their possession of the posts at Detroit, Vincennes, 
Kaskaskia, and other places, which would give them constant and easy 
access to the various Indian tribes in the Northwest, that the British 
intended to penetrate the country from the north and soutn, ana annihi- 
late the frontier fortresses. This moving, energetic man was Colonel, 
afterwards General, George Rogers Clark. He knew the Indians were not 
unanimously in accord with the English, and he was convinced that, could 
the British be defeated and expelled from the Northwest, the natives 
might be easily awed into neutrality ; and by spies sent for the purpose, 
he satisfied himself that the enterprise against the Illinois settlements 
might easily succeed. Having convinced himself of the certainty of the 
project, he repaired to the Capital of Virginia, which place he reached on 
November 5th. While he was on his way, fortunately, on October 17th, 
Burgoyne had been defeated, and the spirits of the colonists greatly 
encouraged thereby. Patrick Henry was Governor of Virginia, and at 
once entered heartily into Clark's plans. The same plan had before been 
agitated in the Colonial Assemblies, but there was no one until Clark 
came who was sufficiently acquainted with the condition of affairs at the 
scene of action to be able to guide them. 

Clark, having satisfied the Vii-ginia leaders of the feasibility of his 
plan, received, on the 2d of January, two sets of instructions — one secret, 
the other open — the latter authorized him to j)roceed to enlist seven 
companies to go to Kentucky, subject to his orders, and to serve three 
months from their arrival in the West. The secret order authorized him 
to arm these troops, to procure his powder and lead of General Hand 
at Pittsburgh, and to proceed at once to subjugate the country. 

With these instructions Clark repaired to Pittsburgh, choosing rather 
to raise his men west of the mountains, as he well knew all were needed 
in the colonies in the conflict there. He sent Col. W. B. Smith to Hoi- 



50 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

ston for the same purpose, but neither succeeded in raising the required 
number of men. Tlie settlers in these parts were afraid to leave their 
own firesides exposed to a vigilant foe, and but few could be induced to 
join the proposed expedition. With three companies and several private 
volunteers, Clark at length commenced his descent of the Ohio, which he 
navigated as far as the Falls, where he took possession of and fortified 
Corn Island, a small island between the present Cities of Louisville, 
Kentucky, and New Albany, Indiana. Remains of this fortification may 
yet be found. At this place he appointed Col. Bowman to meet him 
with such recruits as had reached Kentucky by the southern route, and 
as many as could be spared from the station. Here he announced to 
the men their real destination. Having completed his arrangements, 
and chosen his party, he left a small garrison upon the island, and on the 
24th of June, during a total eclipse of the sun, which to them augured 
no good, and which fixes beyond dispute the date of starting, he with 
his chosen band, fell down the river. His plan was to go by water as 
far as Fort Massac or Massacre, and thence march direct to Kaskaskia. 
Here he intended to surprise the garrison, and after its capture go to 
Cahokia, then to Vincennes, and lastly to Detroit. Should he fail, he 
intended to march directly to the Mississippi River and cross it into the 
Spanish country. Before his start he received two good items of infor- 
mation : one that the alliance had been formed between France and the 
United States ; and the other that the Indians throughout the Illinois 
country and the inhabitants, at the various frontier posts, had been led to 
believe by-the British that the " Long Knives" or Virginians, were the 
most fierce, bloodthirsty and cruel savages that ever scalped a foe. Witli 
this impression on their minds, Clark saw that proper management would 
cause them to submit at once from fear, if surprised, and then from grati- 
tude would become friendly if treated with unexpected leniency. 

The march to Kaskaskia was accomplished through a hot July sun, 
and the town reached on the evening of July 4. He captured the fort 
near the village, and soon after the village itself by surprise, and without 
the loss of a single man or bj^ killing any of the enemy. After sufficiently 
working upon the fears of the natives, Clark told them they were at per- 
fect liberty to worship as they pleased, and to take whichever side of the 
great conflict they would, also he would protect them from any barbarity 
from British or Indian foe. This had the desired effect, and the inhab- 
itants, so unexpectedly and so gratefully surprised by the unlooked 
for turn of affairs, at once swore allegiance to the American arms, and 
when Clark desired to go to Cahokia on the 6th of July, they accom- 
panied him, and through their influence the inhabitants of the place 
surrendered, and gladly placed themselves under his protection. Thus 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 51 

the two important posts in Illinois passed from the hands of the English 
into the possession of Virginia. 

In the person of the priest at Kaskaskia, M. Gibault, Clark found a 
powerful ally and generous friend. Clark saw that, to retain possession 
of the Northwest and treat successfully with the Indians within its boun- 
daries, he must establish a government for the eolonies he had taken. 
St. Vincent, the next important post to Detroit, remained yet to be taken 
before the Mississippi Valley was conquered. M. Gibault told him that 
he would alone, by persuasion, lead Vincennes to throw off its connection 
with England. Clark gladly accepted his offer, and on the 14th of July, 
in company with a fellow-townsman, M. Gibault started on his mission of 
peace, and on the 1st of August returned with the cheerful intelligence 
that the post on the " Oubache " had taken the oath of allegiance to 
the Old Dominion. During this interval, Clark established his courts, 
placed garrisons at Kaskaskia and Cahokia, successfully re-enlisted his 
men, sent word to have a fort, which proved the germ of Louisville, 
erected at the Falls of the Ohio, and dispatched Mr. Rocheblave, who 
had been commander at Kaskaskia, as a prisoner of war to Richmond. 
In October the County of Illinois was established by the Legislature 
of Virginia, John Todd appointed Lieutenant Colonel and Civil Governor, 
and in November General Clark and his men received the thanks of 
the Old Dominion through their Legislature. 

In a speech a few days afterward, Clark made known fully to the 
natives his plans, and at its close all came forward and swore alle- 
giance to the Long Knives. While he was doing this Governor Hamilton, 
having made his various arrangements, had left Detroit and moved down 
the Wabash to Vincennes intending to operate from that point in reducing 
the Illinois posts, and then proceed on down to Kentucky and drive the 
rebels from the West. Gen. Clark had, on the return of M. Gibault, 
dispatched Captain Helm, of Fauquier County, Virginia, with an attend- 
ant named Henry, across the Illinois prairies to command the fort. 
Hamilton knew nothing of the capitulation of the post, and was greatly 
surprised on his arrival to be confronted by Capt. Helm, who, standing at 
the entrance of the fort by a loaded cannon ready to fire upon his assail- 
ants, demanded upon what terms Hamilton demanded possession of the 
fort. Being granted the rights of a prisoner of war, he surrendered to 
the British General, who could scarcely believe his eyes when he saw the 
force in the garrison. 

Hamilton, not realizing the character of the men with whom he was 
contending, gave up his intended campaign for the Winter, sent his four 
hundred Indian warriors to prevent troops from coming down the Ohio, 



52 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

and to annoy the Americans in all ways, and sat quietly down to pass the 
Winter. Information of all these proceedings having reached Clark, he 
saw that immediate and decisive action was necessary, and that unless 
he captured Hamilton, Hamilton would capture him. Clark received the 
news on the 29th of January, 1779, and on February 4th, having suffi- 
ciently garrisoned Kaskaskia and Cahokia, he sent down the Mississippi 
a " battoe," as Major Bowman writes it, in order to ascend the Ohio and 
Wabash, and operate with the land forces gathering for the fray. 

On the next day, Clark, with his little force of one hundred and 
twenty men, set out for the post, and after incredible hard marching 
through much mud, the ground being thawed by the incessant spring 
rains, on the 22d reached the fort, and being joined by his " battoe," at 
once commenced the attack on the post. The aim of the American back- 
woodsman was unerring, and on the 24th the garrison surrendered to the 
intrepid boldness of Clark. The French were treated with great kind- 
ness, and gladly renewed their allegiance to Virginia. Hamilton was 
sent as a prisoner to Virginia, where he was kept in close confinement. 
During his command of the British frontier posts, he had offered prizes 
to the Indians for all the scalps of Americans they would bring to him, 
and had earned in consequence thereof the title " Hair-buyer General," 
by which he was ever afterward known. 

Detroit was now without doubt within easy reach of the enterprising 
Virginian, could he but raise the necessary force. Governor Henry being 
apprised of this, promised him the needed reinforcement, and Clark con- 
cluded to wait until he could capture and sufficiently garrison the posts. 
Had Clark failed in this bold undertaking, and Hamilton succeeded in 
uniting the western Indians for the next Spring's campaign, the West 
would indeed have been swept from the Mississippi to the Allegheny 
Mountains, and the great blow struck, which had been contemplated from 
the commencement, by the British. 

" But for this small army of dripping, but fearless Virginians, the 
union of all the tribes from Georgia to Maine against the colonies might 
have been effected, and the whole current of our history changed." 

At this time some fears were entertained by the Colonial Govern- 
ments that the Indians in the North and Northwest were inclining to the 
British, and under the instructions of Washington, now Commander-in- 
Chief of the Colonial army, and so bravely fighting for American inde- 
pendence, armed forces were sent against the Six Nations, and upon the 
Ohio frontier. Col. Bowman, acting under the same general's orders, 
marched against Indians within the present limits of that State. These 
expeditions were in the main successful, and the Indians were compelled 
to sue for peace. 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 53 

During this same year (1779) the famous " Land Laws" of Virginia 
were passed. The passage of these laws was of more consequence to the 
pioneers of Kentucky and the Northwest than the gaining of a few Indian, 
conflicts, Tliese laws confirmed in main all grants made, and guaranteed 
to all actual settlers their rights and privileges. After providing for the 
settlers, the laws provided for selling the balance of the public lands at 
forty cents per acre. To carry the Land Laws into effect, the Legislature 
sent four Virginians westward lo attend to the various claims, over many 
of which great confusion prevailed concerning their validity. These 
gentlemen opened their court on October 13, 1779, at St. Asaphs, and 
continued until April 26, 1780, when they adjourned, having decided 
three thousand claims. They were succeeded by the surveyor, who 
came in the person of Mr. George May, and assumed his duties on the 
10th day of the month whose name he bore. With the opening of the 
next year (1780) the troubles concerning the navigation of the Missis- 
sippi commenced. The Spanish Government exacted such measures in. 
relation to its trade as to cause the overtures made to the United States 
to be rejected. The American Government considered they had a right 
to navigate its channel. To enforce their claims, a fort was erected below 
the mouth of the Ohio on the Kentucky side of the river. The settle- 
ments in Kentucky were being rapidly filled by emigrants. It was dur- 
ing this year that the first seminary of learning was established in the 
West in this young and enterprising Commonwealth. 

The settlers here did not look upon the building of this fort in a 
friendly manner, as it aroused the hostility of the Indians. Spain had 
been friendly to the Colonies during their struggle for independence, 
and though for a while this friendship appeared in danger from the 
refusal of the free navigation of the river, yet it was finally settled to the 
satisfaction of both nations. 

The Winter of 1779-80 was one of the most unusually severe ones 
ever experienced in the West. The Indians always referred to it as the 
"Great Cold." Numbers of wild animals perished, and not a few 
pioneers lost their lives. The following Summer a party of Canadians 
and Indians attacked St. Louis, and attempted to take possession of it 
in consequence of the friendly disposition of Spain to the revolting 
colonies. They met with such a determined resistance on the part of the 
inhabitants, even the women taking part in the battle, that they were 
compelled to abandon the contest. They also made an attack on the 
settlements in Kentucky, but, becoming alarmed in some unaccountable 
manner, they fled the country in great haste. 

About this time arose the question in the Colonial Congress con- 
cerning the western lands claimed by Virginia, New York, Massachusetts 



54 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

and Connecticut. The agitation concerning this subject finally led New 
York, on the 19th of February, 1780, to pass a law giving to the dele- 
gates of that State in Congress the power to cede her western lands for 
the benefit of the United States. This law was laid before Congress 
during the next month, but no steps were taken concerning it until Sep- 
tember 6th, when a resolution passed that body calling upon the States 
claiming western lands to release their claims in favor of the whole body. 
This basis formed the union, and was the first after all of those legislative 
measures which resulted in the creation of the States of Ohio, Indiana, 
Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota. In December of the same 
year, the plan of conquering Detroit again arose. The conquest might 
have easily been effected by Clark had the necessary aid been furnished 
him. Nothing decisive was done, yet the heads of the Government knew 
that the safety of the Northwest from British invasion lay in the capture 
and retention of that important post., the only unconquered one in the 
territory. 

Before the close of the year, Kentucky was divided into the Coun- 
ties of Lincoln, Fayette and Jefferson, and the act establishing the Town 
of Louisville was passed. This same year is also noted in the annals of 
American history as the year in which occurred Arnold's treason to the 
United States. 

Virginia, in accordance with the resolution of Congress, on the 2d 
day of January, 1781, agreed to yield her western lands to the United 
States upon certain conditions, which Congress would not accede to, and 
the Act of Cession, on the part of the Old Dominion, failed, nor was 
anything farther done until 1783. During all that time the Colonies 
were busily engaged in the struggle with the mother country, and in 
consequence thereof but little heed was given to the western settlements. 
Upon the 4th of July, 1773, the first birth north of the Ohio River of 
American parentage occurred, being that of John L. Roth, son of John 
Roth, one of the Moravian missionaries, whose band of Christian Indians 
suffered in after- years a horrible massacre by the hands of the frontier 
settlers, who had been exasperated by the murder of several of their 
neighbors, and in their rage committed, without regard to humanity, a 
deed which forever afterward cast a shade of shame upon their lives. 
For this and kindred outrages on the part of the whites, the Indians 
committed many deeds of cruelty which darken the years of 1771 and 
1772 in the history of the Northwest. 

Durino- the year 1782 a number of battles among the Indians and 
frontiersmen occurred, and between the Moravia-n Indians and the Wyan- 
dots. In these, horrible acts of cruelty were practised on the captives, 
manv of such dark deeds transpiring under the leadership of the notorious 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



frontier outlaw, Simon Girty, whose name, as well as those of his brothers, 
was a terror to women and children. These occurred chiefly in the Ohio 
valleys. Cotemporary with them were several engagements in Kentucky, 
in which the famous Daniel Boone engaged, and who, often by his skill 
and knowledge of Indian warfare, saved the outposts from cruel destrue- 




INDIANS ATTACKING FKONTIEKSMEN. 

tion. By the close of the year victory had perched upon the Americaa 
banner, and on the 30th of November, provisional articles of peace had 
been arranged between the Commissioners of England and her uncon- 
querable colonies. Cornwallis had been defeated on the 19th of October 
preceding, and the liberty of America was assured. On the 19th of 
April following, the anniversary of the battle of Lexington, peace was 



56 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

proclaimed to the army of the United States, and on the 3d of the next 
September, the definite treaty which ended our revolutionary struggle 
was concluded. By the terms of that treaty, the boundaries of the West 
were as follows : On the north the line was to extend along the center of 
the Great Lakes ; from the western point of Lake Superior to Long Lake ; 
thence to the Lake of the Woods ; thence to the head of the Mississippi 
River ; down its center to the 31st parallel of latitude, then on that line 
east to the head of the Appalachicola River ; down its center to its junc- 
tion with the Flint ; thence straight to the head of St. Mary's River, and 
thence down along its center to the Atlantic Ocean. 

Following the cessation of hostilities with England, several posts 
were still occupied by the British in the North and West. Among these 
was Detroit, still in the hands of the enemy. Numerous engagements 
with the Indians throughout Ohio and Indiana occurred, upon whose 
lands adventurous whites would settle ere the title had been acquired by 
the proper treaty. 

To remedy this latter evil. Congress appointed commissioners to 
treat with the natives and purchase their lands, and prohibited the set- 
tlement of the territory until this could be done. Before the close of the 
year another attempt was made to capture Detroit, which was, however, 
not pushed, and Virginia, no longer feeling the interest in the Northwest 
she had formerly done, withdrew her troops, having on the 20th of 
December preceding authorized the whole of her possessions to be deeded 
to the United States. This was done on the 1st of March following, and 
the Northwest Territory passed from the control of the Old Dominion. 
To Gen. Clark and his soldiers, however, she gave a tract of one hundred 
and fifty thousand acres of land, to be situated any where north of the 
Ohio wherever they chose to locate them. They selected the region 
opposite the falls of the Ohio, where is now the dilapidated village of 
Clarksville, about midway between the Cities of New Albany and Jeffer- 
sonville, Indiana. 

While the frontier remained thus, and Gen. Haldimand at Detroit 
refused to evacuate alleging that he had no orders from his King to do 
so, settlers were rapidly gathering about the inland forts. In the Spring 
of 1784, Pittsburgh was regularly laid out, and from the journal of Arthur 
Lee, who passed through the town soon after on his way to the Indian 
council at Fort Mcintosh, we suppose it was not very prepossessing in 
appearance. He says : 

" Pittsburgh is inhabited almost entirely by Scots and Irish, who 
live in paltry log houses, and are as dirty as if in the north of Ireland or 
even Scotland. There is a great deal of trade carried on, the goods being 
l>ought at the vast expense of forty-five shillings per pound from Phila- 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 57 

delphia and Baltimore. They take in the shops flour, wheat, skins and 
money. There are in the town four attorneys, two doctors, and not a 
priest of any persuasion, nor church nor chapel." 

Kentucky at this time contained thirty thousand inhabitants, and 
was beginning to discuss measures for a separation from Virginia. A 
land office was opened at Louisville, and measures were adopted to take 
defensive precaution against the Indians who were yet, in some instances, 
incited to deeds of violence by the British. Before the close of this year, 
1784, the military claimants of land began to occupy them, although no 
entries were recorded until 1787. 

The Indian title to the Northwest was not yet extinguished. They 
held large tracts of lands, and in order to prevent bloodshed Congress 
adopted means for treaties with the original owners and provided for the 
surveys of the lands gained thereby, as well as for those north of the 
Ohio, now in its possession. On January 31, 1786, a treaty was made 
with the Wabash Indians. The treaty of Fort Stanwix had been made 
in 1784. That at Fort Mcintosh in 1785, and through these much land 
was gained. The Wabash Indians, however, afterward refused to comply 
with the provisions of the treaty made with them, and in order to compel 
their adherence to its provisions, force was used. During the year 1786, 
the free navigation of the Mississippi came up in Congress, and caused 
various discussions, which resulted in no definite action, only serving to 
excite speculation in regard to the western lands. Congress had promised 
bounties of land to the soldiers of the Revolution, but owing to the 
unsettled condition of affairs along the Mississippi respecting its naviga- 
tion, and the trade of the Northwest, that body had, in 1783, declared 
its inability to fulfill these promises until a treaty could be concluded 
between the two Governments. Before the close of the year 1786, how- 
ever, it was able, through the treaties with the Indians, to allow some 
grants and the settlement thereon, and on the 14th of September Con- 
necticut ceded to the General Government the tract of land known as 
the " Connecticut Reserve," and before the close of the following year a 
large tract of land north of the Ohio was sold to a company, who at once 
took measures to settle it. By the provisions of this grant, the company 
were to pay the United States one dollar per acre, subject to a deduction 
of one-third for bad lands and other contingencies. They received 
750,000 acres, bounded on the south by the Ohio, on the east by the 
seventh range of townships, on the west by the sixteenth range, and on 
the north by a line so drawn as to make the grant complete without 
the reservations. In addition to this. Congress afterward granted 100,000 
acres to actual settlers, and 214,285 acres as army bounties under the 
resolutions of 1789 and 1790. 



58 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



While Dr. Cutler, one of the agents of the company, was pressing 
its claims before C6ngress, that body was bringing into form an ordinance 
for the political and social organization of this Territory. When the 
cession was made by Virginia, in 1784, a plan was offered, but rejected. 
A motion had been made to strike from the proposed plan the prohibition 
of slavery, which prevailed. The plan was then discussed and altered, 
and finally passed unanimously, with the exception of South Carolina. 
' By this proposition, the Territory was to have been divided into states 




PEESEKT SITE OF LAKE STREET BKIDGE, CHICAGO, 1^" ISoO. 



by parallels and meridian lines. This, it was thought, would make ten 
states, which were to have been named as follows — beginning at the 
northwest corner and going southwardly : Sylvania, Michigania, Cher- 
sonesus, Assenisipia, Metropotamia, Illenoia, Saratoga, Washington, Poly- 
potamia and Pelisipia. 

There was a more serious objection to this plan than its category of 
names, — the boundaries. The root of the difficulty was in the resolu- 
tion of Congress passed in October, 1780, which fixed the boundaries 
of the ceded lands to be from one hundred to one hundred and fifty miles 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 59 

square. These resolutions being presented to the Legislatures of Vir- 
ginia and Massachusetts, they desired a change, and in July, 1786, the 
subject was taken up in Congress, and changed to favor a division into 
not more than five states, and not less than three. This was approved by 
the State Legislature of Virginia. The subject of the Government was 
again taken up by Congress in 1786, and discussed throughout that year 
and until July, 1787, when the famous "Compact of 1787" was passed, 
and the foundation of the government of the Northwest laid. This com- 
pact is fully discussed and explained in the history of Illinois in this book, 
and to it the reader is referred. 

The passage of this act and the grant to the New England Company 
was soon followed by an application to the Government by John Cleves 
Symmes, of New Jersey, for a grant of the land between the Miamis. 
This gentleman had visited these lands soon after the treaty of 1786, and, 
being greatly pleased with them, offered similar terms to those given to the 
New England Company. The petition was referred to the Treasury 
Board with power to act, and a contract was concluded the following- 
year. During the Autumn the directors of the New England Company 
were preparing to occupy their grant the following Spring, and upon the 
23d of November made arrangements for a party of forty-seven men, 
under the superintendency of Gen. Rufus Putnam, to set forward. Six 
boat-builders were to leave at once, and on the first of January the sur- 
veyors and their assistants, twenty-six in number, were to meet at Hart- 
ford and proceed on their journey westward ; the remainder to follow as 
soon as possible. Congress, in the meantime, upon the 3d of October, 
had ordered seven hundred troops for defense of the western settlers, and 
to prevent unauthorized intrusions ; and two days later appointed Arthur 
St. Clair Governor of the Territory of the Northwest. 

AMERICAN SETTLEMENTS. 

The civil organization of the Northwest Territory was now com- 
plete, and notwithstanding the uncertainty of Indian affairs, settlers from 
the East began to come into the country rapidly. The New England 
Company sent their men during the Winter of 1787-8 pressing on over 
the Alleghenies by the old Indian path which had been opened into 
Braddock's road, and which has since been made a national turnpike 
from Cumberland westward. Through the weary winter days they toiled 
on, and by April were all gathered on the Yohiogany, where boats had 
been built, and at once started for the Muskingum. Here they arrived 
on the 7th of that month, and unless the Moravian missionaries be regarded 
as the pioneers of Ohio, this little band can justly claim that honor. 



60 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



Gen. St. Clair, the appointed Governor of the Northwest, not having 
yet arrived, a set of laws were passed, written out, and published by 
being nailed to a tree in the embryo town, and Jonathan Meigs appointed 
to administer them. 

Washington in writing of this, the first American settlement in the 
Northwest, said : " No colony in America was ever settled under 
such favorable auspices as that which has just commenced at Muskingum. 
Information, property and strength will be its characteristics. I know 
many of its settlers personally, and there never were men better calcu- 
lated to promote the welfare of such a community." 




^s^^^^si? 



v^^ 



A PIONEER DWELLING. 



On the 2d of July a meeting of the directors and agents was held 
on the banks of the Muskingum, " for the purpose of naming the new- 
born city and its squares." As yet the settlement was known as the 
"Muskingum," but that was now changed to the name Marietta, in honor 
of Marie Antoinette. The square upon which the block -houses stood 
was called '•'' Oampus Martins ;'' square number 19, '•'• Capitolkim ;'''' square 
number 61, '■'•Cecilia ;"' and the great road through the covert way, "• Sacra 
Via." Two days after, an oration was delivered by James M. Varnum, 
who with S. H. Parsons and John Armstrong had been appointed to the 
judicial bench of the territory on the 16th of October, 1787. On July 9, 
Gov. St. Clair arrived, and the colony began to assume form. The act 
of 1787 provided two district grades of government for the Northwest, 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 61 

under the first of which the whole power was invested in the hands of a 
governor and three district judges. This was immediately formed upon 
the Governor's arrival, and the first laws of the colony passed on the 25th 
of July. These provided for the organization of the militia, and on the 
next day appeared the Governor's proclamation, erecting all that country 
that had been ceded by the Indians east of the Scioto River into the 
County of Washington. From that time forward, notwithstanding the 
doubts yet existing as to the Indians, all Marietta prospered, and on the 
2d of September the first court of the territory was held with imposing 
ceremonies. 

The emigration westward at this time was very great. The com- 
mander at Fort Harmer, at the mouth of the Muskingum, reported four 
thousand five hundred persons as having passed that post between Feb- 
ruary and June, 1788 — many of whom would have purchased of the 
"Associates," as the New England Company was called, had they been 
ready to receive them. 

On the 26th of November, 1787, Symmes issued a pamphlet stating 
the terms of his contract and the plan of sale he intended to adopt. In 
January, 1788, Matthias Denman, of New Jersey, took an active interest 
in Symmes' purchase, and located among other tracts the sections upon 
which Cincinnati has been built. Retaining one-third of this locality, he 
sold the other two-thirds to Robert Patterson and John Filson, and the 
three, about August, commenced to lay out a town on the spot, which 
was designated as being opposite Licking River, to the mouth of which 
they proposed to have a road cut from Lexington. The naming of the 
town is thus narrated in the "Western Annals " : — " Mr. Filson, who had 
been a schoolmaster, was appointed to name the town, and, in respect to 
its situation, and as if with a prophetic perception of the mixed race that 
were to inhabit it in after days, he named it Losantiville, which, being 
interpreted, means : ville, the town ; anti, against or opposite to ; os, the 
mouth ; L. of Licking." 

Meanwhile, in July, Symmes got thirty persons and eight four-horse 
teams under way for the West. These reached Limestone (now Mays- 
ville) in September, where were several persons from Redstone. Here 
Mr. Symmes tried to found a settlement, but the great freshet of 1789 
caused the " Point," as it was and is yet called, to be fifteen feet under 
water, and the settlement to be abandoned. The little band of settlers 
removed to the mouth of the Miami. Before Symmes and his colony left 
the " Point," two settlements had been made on his purchase. The first 
was by Mr. Stiltes, the original projector of the whole plan, who, with a 
colony of Redstone people, had located at the mouth of the Miami, 
whither Symmes went with his Maysville colony. Here a clearing had 



62 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



been made by the Indians owing to the great fertility of the soil. Mr. 
Stiltes with his colony came to this place on the 18th of November, 1788, 
with twenty-six persons, and, building a block-house, prepared to remain 
through the Winter. They named the settlement Columbia. Here they 
were kindly treated by the Indians, but suffered greatly from the flood 
of 1789. 

On the 4th of March, 1789, the Constitution of the United States 
went into operation, and on April 30, George Washington was inaug- 
urated President of the American people, and during the next Summer, 
an Indian war was commenced by the tribes north of the Ohio. The 
President at first used pacific means ; but these failing, he sent General 
Harmer against the hostile tribes. He destroyed several villages, but 




LAICE BLUFF 
The frontage of Lake Bluff Grounds on Lake Michigan, with one hundred and seventy feet of gradual ascent. 



was defeated in two battles, near the present City of Fort Wayne» 
Indiana. From this time till the close of 1795, the principal events were 
the wars with the various Indian tribes. In 1796, General St. Clair 
was appointed in command, and marched against the Indians ; but while 
he was encamped on a stream, the St. Mary, a branch of the Maumee, 
he was attacked and defeated with the loss of six hundred men. 

General Wayne was now sent against the savages. In August, 1794, 
he met them near the rapids of the Maumee, and gained a complete 
victory. This success, followed by vigorous measures, compelled the 
Indians to sue for peace, and on the 30th of July, the following year, the 
treaty of Greenville was signed by the principal chiefs, by which a large 
tract of country was ceded to the United States. 

Before proceeding in our narrative, we will pause to notice Fort 
Washington, erected in the early part of this war on the site of Cincinnati. 
Nearly all of the great cities of the Northwest, and indeed of the 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 63 

whole country, have had their nuclei in those rude pioneer structures, 
known as forts or stockades. Thus Forts Dearborn, Washington, Pon- 
chartrain, mark the original sites of the now proud Cities of Chicago, 
Cincinnati and Detroit. So of most of the flourishing cities east and west 
of the Mississippi. Fort Washington, erected by Doughty in 1790, was a 
rude but highly interesting structure. It was composed of a number of 
strongly-built hewed log cabins. Those designed for soldiers' barracks 
were a story and a half high, while those composing the officers quarters 
were more imposing and more conveniently arranged and furnished. 
The whole were so placed as to form a hollow square, enclosing about an 
acre of ground, with a block house at each of the four angles. 

The logs for the construction of this fort were cut from the ground 
upon which it was erected. It stood between Third and Fourth Streets 
of the present city (Cincinnati) extending east of Eastern Row, now 
Broadway, which was then a narrow alley, and the eastern boundar}^ of 
of the town as it was originally laid out. On the bank of the river, 
immediately in front of the fort, was an appendage of the fort, called the 
Artificer's Yard. It contained about two acres of ground, enclosed by 
small contiguous buildings, occupied by workshops and quarters of 
laborers. Within this enclosure there was a large two-story frame house, 
familiarly called the " Yellow House," built for the accommodation of 
the Quartermaster General. For many years this was the best finished 
and most commodious edifice in the Queen City. Fort Washington was 
for some time the headquarters of both the civil and military governments 
of the Northwestern Territory, 

Following the consummation of the treaty various gigantic land spec- 
ulations were entered into by different persons, who hoped to obtain 
from the Indians in Michigan and northern Indiana, large tracts of lands. 
These were generally discovered in time to prevent the outrageous 
schemes from being carried out, and from involving the settlers in war. 
On October 27, 1795, the treaty between the United States and Spain 
was signed, whereby the free navigation of the Mississippi was secured. 

No sooner had the treaty of 1795 been ratified than settlements began 
to pour rapidly into the West. The great event of the year 1796 was the 
occupation of that part of the Northwest including Michigan, which was 
this year, under the provisions of the treaty, evacuated by the British 
forces. The United States, owing to certain conditions, did not feel 
justified in addressing the authorities in Canada in relation to Detroit 
and other frontier posts. When at last the British authorities were 
called to give them up, they at once complied, and General Wayne, who 
had done so much to preserve the frontier settlements, and who, before 
the year's close, sickened and died near Erie, transferred his head- 



54 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

quarters to the neighborhood of the lakes, where a county named after 
him was formed, which included the northwest of Ohio, all of Michigan, 
and the northeast of Indiana. During this same year settlements were 
formed at the present City of Chillicothe, along the Miami from Middle- 
town to Piqua, while in the more distant West, settlers and speculators 
began to appear in great numbers. In September, the City of Cleveland 
was laid out, and during the Summer and Autumn, Samuel Jackson and 
Jonathan Sharpless erected the first manufactory of paper — the " Red- 
stone Paper Mill" — in the West. St. Louis contained some seventy 
houses, and Detroit over three hundred, and along the river, contiguous 
to it, were more than three thousand inhabitants, mostly French Canadians, 
Indians and half-breeds, scarcely any Americans venturing yet into that 
part of the Northwest. 

The election of representatives for the territory had taken place, 
and on the 4th of February, 1799, they convened at Losantiville — now 
known as Cincinnati, having been named so by Gov. St. Clair, and 
considered the capital of the Territory — to nominate persons from whom 
the members of the Legislature were to be chosen in accordance with 
a previous ordinance. This nomination being made, the Assembly 
adjourned until the 16th of the following September. From those named 
the President selected as members of the council, Henry Vandenburg, 
of Vincennes, Robert Oliver, of Marietta, James Findlay and Jacob 
Burnett, of Cincinnati, and David Vance, of Vanceville. On the 16th 
of September the Territorial Legislature met, and on the 24th the two 
houses were duly organized, Henry Vandenburg being elected President 
of the Council. 

The message of Gov. St. Clair was addressed to the Legislature 
September 20th, and on October 13th that body elected as a delegate to 
Congress Gen. Wm. Henry Harrison, who received eleven of the votes 
cast, being a majority of one over his opponent, Arthur St. Clair, son of 
Gen. St. Clair. 

The whole number of acts passed at this session, and approved by 
the Governor, were thirty-seven — eleven others were passed, but received 
his veto. The most important of those passed related to the militia, to 
the administration, and to taxation. On the 19th of December this pro- 
tracted session of the first Legislature in the West was closed, and on the 
30th of December the President nominated Charles Willing Bryd to the 
office of Secretary of the Territory vice Wm. Henry Harrison, elected to 
Congress. The Senate confirmed his nomination the next day. 



THE NOKTHWEST TERRITORY. 65 



DIVISION OF THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

The increased emigration to the Northwest, the extent of the domain, 
and the inconvenient modes of travel, made it very difficult to conduct 
the ordinary operations of government, and rendered the efficient action 
of courts almost impossible. To remedy this, it was deemed advisable to 
divide the territory for civil purposes. Congress, in 1800, appointed a 
committee to examine the question and report some means for its solution. 
This committee, on the 3d of March, reported that : 

" In the three western countries there has been but one court having 
cognizance of crimes, in five years, and the immunity which offenders 
experience attracts, as to an asylum, the most vile and abandoned crim- 
inals, and at the same time deters useful citizens from making settlements 
in. such society. The extreme necessity of judiciary attention and assist- 
ance is experienced in civil as well as in criminal cases. * * * * Xo 
minister a remedy to these and other evils, it occurs to this committee 
that it is expedient that a division of said territory into two distinct and 
separate governments should be made ; and that such division be made 
by a line beginning at the mouth of the Great Miami River, running 
directly north until it intersects the boundary between the United States 
and Canada." 

The report was accepted by Congress, and, in accordance with its 
suggestions, that body passed an Act extinguishing the Northwest Terri- 
tory, which Act was approved May 7. Among its provisions were these : 

" That from and after July 4 next, all that part of the Territory of 
the United States northwest of the Ohio River, which lies to the westward 
of a line beginning at a point on the Ohio, opposite to the mouth of the 
Kentucky River, and running thence to Fort Recovery, and thence north 
until it shall intersect the territorial line between the United States and 
Canada, shall, for the purpose of temporary government, constitute a 
separate territory, and be called the Indiana Territor3^" 

After providing for the exercise of the civil and criminal powers of 
the territories, and other provisions, the Act further provides : 

" That until it shall otherwise be ordered by the Legislatures of the 
said Territories, respectively, Chillicothe on the Scioto River shall be the 
seat of government of the Territory of the United States northwest of the 
Ohio River ; and that St. Vincennes on the Wabash River shall be the 
seat of government for the Indiana Territory." 

Gen. Wm. Henry Harrison was appointed Governor of the Indiana 
Territory, and entered upon his duties about a year later. Connecticut 
also about this time released her claims to the reserve, and in March a law 



60 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

was passed accepting this cession. Settlements had been made upon 
thirty-five of the townships in the reserve, mills had been built, and seven 
hundred miles of road cut in various directions. On the 3d of November 
the General Assembly met at Chillicothe. Near the close of the year, 
the first missionary of the Connecticut Reserve came, who found no 
township containing more than eleven families. It was upon the first of 
October that the secret treaty had been made between Napoleon and the 
King of Spain, whereby the latter agreed to cede to France the province 
of Louisiana. 

In January, 1802, the Assembly of the Northwestern Territory char- 
tered the college at Athens. From the earliest dawn of the western 
colonies, education was promptly provided for, and as early as 1787, 
newspapers were issued from Pittsburgh and Kentucky, and largely read 
throughout the frontier settlements. Before the close of this year, the 
Congress of the United States granted to the citizens of the Northwestern 
territory the formation of a State government. One of the provisions of 
the " compact of 1787" provided that whenever the number of inhabit- 
ants within prescribed limits exceeded 45,000, they should be entitled to 
a separate government. The prescribed limits of Ohio contained, from a 
census taken to ascertain the legality of the act, more than that number, 
and on the 30th of April, 1802, Congress passed the act defining its limits, 
and on the 29th of November the Constitution of the new State of Ohio, 
so named from the beautiful river forming its southern boundary, came 
into existence. The exact limits of Lake Michigan were not then known, 
but the territory now included within the State of Michigan was wholly 
within the territory of Indiana. 

Gen. Harrison, while residing at Vincennes, made several treaties 
with the Indians, thereby gaining large tracts of lands. The next year is 
memorable in the history of the West for the purchase of Louisiana from 
France by the United States for $15,000,000. Thus by a peaceful mode, 
the domain of the United States was extended over a large tract of 
country west of the Mississippi, and was for a time under the jurisdiction 
of the Northwest government, and, as has been mentioned in the early 
part of this narrative, was called the "New Northwest." .The limits 
of this history will not allow a description of its territory. The same year 
large grants of land were obtained from the Indians, and the House of 
Representatives of the new State of Ohio signed a bill respecting the 
College Township in the district of Cincinnati. 

Before the close of the year. Gen. Harrison obtained additional 
grants of lands from the various Indian nations in Indiana and the present 
limits of Illinois, and on the 18th of August, 1801, completed a treaty at 
St. Louis, whereby over 51,000,000 acres of lands were obtained from the 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. GV 

aborigines. Measures were also taken to learn the condition of affairs in 
and about Detroit. 

C. Jouett, the Indian agent in Michigan, still a part of Indiana Terri- 
tory, reported as follows upon the condition of matters at that post : 

" The Town of Detroit. — The charter, which is for fifteen miles 
square, was granted in the time of Louis XIV. of France, and is now, 
from the best information I have been able to get, at Quebec. Of those 
two hundred and twenty-five acres, only four are occupied by the town 
and Fort Lenault. The remainder is a common, except twenty-four 
acres, which were added twenty years ago to a farm belonging to Wm. 
Macomb. * * * A stockade incloses the town, fort and citadel. The 
pickets, as well as the public houses, are in a state of gradual decay. The 
streets are narrow, straight and regular, and intersect each other at right 
angles. The houses are, for the most part, low and inelegant." 

During this year. Congress granted a township of land for the sup- 
port of a college, and began to offer inducements for settlers in these 
wilds, and the country now comprising the State of Michigan began to 
fill rapidly with settlers along its southern borders. This same year, also, 
a law was passed organizing the Southwest Territory, dividing it into two 
portions, the Territory of New Orleans, which city was made the seat of 
government, and the District of Louisiana, which was annexed to the 
domain of Gen. Harrison. 

On the 11th of January, 1805, the Territory of Michigan was formed, 
Wm. Hull was appointed governor, with headquarters at Detroit, the 
change to take effect on June 30. On the 11th of that month, a fire 
occurred at Detroit, which destroyed almost every building in the place. 
When the officers of the new territory reached the post, they found it in 
ruins, and the inhabitants scattered throughout the country. Rebuild- 
ing, however, soon commenced, and ere long the town contained more 
houses than before the fire, and many of them much better built. 

While this was being done, Indiana had passed to the second grade 
of government, and through her General Assembly had obtained large 
tracts of land from the Indian tribes. To all this the celebrated Indian, 
Tecumthe or Tecumseh, vigorously protested, and it was the main cause 
of his attempts to unite the various Indian tribes in a conflict with the 
settlers. To obtain a full account of these attempts, the workings of the 
British, and the signal failure, culminating in the death of Tecumseh at 
the battle of the Thames, and the close of the war of 1812 in the Northwest, 
we will step aside in our story, and relate the principal events of his life, 
and his connection with this conflict. 



6? 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 




TECUMSEH, THE SHAWANOE CHIEFTAIN. 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 69 



TECUMSEH, AND THE WAR OF 1812. 

This famous Indian chief was born about the year 1768, not far from 
the site of the present city of Springfield, Ohio. His father, Puckeshinwa, 
was a member of the Kisopok tribe of the Swanoese nation, and his 
mother, Methontaske, was a member of the Turtle tribe of the same 
people. They removed from Florida about the middle of the last century 
to the birthplace of Tecumseh. In 1774, his father, who had risen to be 
chief, was slain at the battle of Point Pleasant, and not long after Tecum- 
seh, by his bravery, became the leader of his tribe. In 1795 he was 
declared chief, and then lived at Deer Creek, near the site of the 
present City of Urbana. He remained here about one year, when he 
returned to Piqua, and in 1798, he went to White River, Indiana. In 
1805, he and his brother, Laulewasikan (Open Door), who had announced 
himself as a prophet, went to a tract of land on the Wabash River, given 
them by the Pottawatomies and Kickapoos. From this date the chief 
comes into prominence. He was now about thirty-seven years of age, 
was five feet and ten inches in height, was stoutly built, and possessed of 
enormous powers of endurance. His countenance was naturally pleas- 
ing, and he was, in general, devoid of those savage attributes possessed 
by most Indians. It is stated he could read and write, and had a confi- 
dential secretary and adviser, named Billy Caldwell, a half-breed, who 
afterward became chief of the Pottawatomies. He occupied the first 
house built on the site of Chicago. At this time, Tecumseh entered 
upon the great work of his life. He had long objected to the grants of 
land made by the Indians to the whites, and determined to unite all the 
Indian tribes into a league, in order that no treaties or grants of land 
could be made save by the consent of this confederation. 

He traveled constantly, going from north to south ; from the south 
to the north, everywhere urging the Indians to this step. He was a 
matchless orator, and his burning words had their effect. 

Gen. Harrison, then Governor of Indiana, by watching the move- 
ments of the Indians, became convinced that a grand conspiracy was 
forming, and made preparations to defend the settlements. Tecumseh's 
plan was similar to Pontiac's, elsewhere described, and to the cunning 
artifice of that chieftain was added his own sagacity. 

During the year 1809, Tecumseh and the prophet were actively pre- 
paring for the work. In that year. Gen. Harrison entered into a treaty 
with the Delawares, Kickapoos, Pottawatomies, Miamis, Eel River Indians 
and Weas, in which these tribes ceded to the whites certain lands upon 
the Wabash, to all -of which Tecumseh entered a bitter protest, averring 



70 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

as one principal reason that he did not want the Indians to give up any 
lands north and west of the Ohio River. 

Tecumseh, in August, 1810, visited the General at Vincennes and 
held a council relating to the grievances of the Indians. Becoming unduly- 
angry at this conference he was dismissed from the village, and soon after 
departed to incite the southern Indian tribes to the conflict. 

Gen. Harrison determined to move upon the chiefs headquarters at 
Tippecanoe, and for this purpose went about sixty-five miles up the 
Wabash, where he built Fort Harrison. From this place he went to the 
prophet's town, where he informed the Indians he had no hostile inten- 
tions, provided they were true to the existing treaties. He encamped 
near the village early in October, and on the morning of November 7, he 
was attacked by a large force of the Indians, and the famous battle of 
Tippecanoe occurred. The Indians were routed and their town broken 
up. Tecumseh returning not long after, was greatly exasperated at his 
brother, the prophet, even threatening to kill him for rashly precipitating 
the war, and foiling his (Tecumseh's) plans. 

Tecumseh sent word to Gen. Harrison that he was now returned 
from the South, and was ready to visit the President as had at one time 
previously been proposed. Gen. Harrison informed him he could not go 
as a chief, which method Tecumseh desired, and the visit was never 
made. 

In June of the following year, he visited the Indian agent at 
Fort Wayne. Here he disavowed any intention to make a war against 
the United States, and reproached Gen. Harrison for marching against his 
people. The agent replied to this ; Tecumseh listened with a cold indif- 
ference, and after making a few general remarks, with a haughty air drew 
his blanket about him, left the council house, and departed for Fort Mai- 
den, in Upper Canada, where he joined the British standard. 

He remained under this Government, doing effective work for the 
Crown while engaged in the war of 1812 which now opened. He was, 
however, always humane in his treatment of the prisoners, never allow- 
ing his warriors to ruthlessly mutilate the bodies of those slain, or wan- 
tonly murder the captive. 

In the Summer of 1813, Perry's victory on Lake Erie occurred, and 
shortly after active preparations were made to capture Maiden. On the 
27th of September, the American army, under Gen. Harrison, set sail for 
the shores of Canada, and in a few hours stood around the ruins of Mai- 
den, from which the British army, under Proctor, had retreated to Sand- 
wich, intending to make its way to the heart of Canada by the Valley of 
the Thames. On the 29th Gen. Harrison was at Sandwich, and Gen= 
Mc Arthur took possession of Detroit and the territory of Michigan. 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



71 



On the 2d of October, the Americans began their pursuit of Proctor, 
whom they overtook on the 5th, and the battle of the Thames followed. 
Early in the engagement, Tecumseh who was at the head of the column 
of Indians was slain, and they, no longer hearing the voice of their chief- 
tain, fled. The victory was decisive, and practically closed the war in 
the Northwest. 




^iStU.l 



INDIANS ATTACKING A STOCKADE. 



Just who killed the great chief has been a matter of much dispute ; 
but the weight of opinion awards the act to Col. Richard M. Johnson, 
who fired at him with a pistol, the shot proving fatal. 

In 1805 occurred Burr's Insurrection. He took possession of a 
beautiful island in the Ohio, after the killing of Hamilton, and is charged 
by many with attempting to set up an independent government. His 
plans were frustrated by the general government, his property confiscated 
and he was compelled to flee the country for safety. 



72 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

In January, 1807, Governor Hull, of Michigan Territory, made a 
treaty with the Indians, whereby all that peninsula was ceded to the 
United States. Before the close of the year, a stockade was built about 
Detroit. It was also during this year that Indiana and Illinois endeavored 
to obtain the repeal of that section of the compact of 1787, whereby 
slavery was excluded from the Northwest Territory. These attempts, 
however, all signally failed. 

In 1809 it was deemed advisable to divide the Indiana Territory. 
This was done, and the Territory of Illinois was formed from the western 
part, the seat of government being fixed at Kaskaskia. The next year, 
the intentions of Tecumseh manifested themselves in open hostilities, and 
then began the events already narrated. 

While this war was in progress, emigration to the "West went on with 
surprising rapidity. In 1811, under Mr. Roosevelt of New York, the 
first steamboat trip was made on the Ohio, much to the astonishment of 
the natives, many of whom fled in terror at the appearance of the 
" monster." It arrived at Louisville on the 10th day of October. At the 
close of the first week of January, 1812, it arrived at Natchez, after being 
nearly overwhelmed in the great earthquake which occurred while on its 
downward trip. 

The battle of the Thames was fought on October 6, 1813. It 
effectually closed hostilities in the Northwest, although peace was not 
fully restored until July 22, 1814, when a treaty was formed at Green- 
ville, under the direction of General Harrison, between the United States 
and the Indian tribes, in which it was stipulated that the Indians should 
cease hostilities against the Americans if the war were continued. Such, 
happily, was not the case, and on the 24th of December the treaty 
of Ghent was signed by the representatives of England and the United 
States. This treaty was followed the next year by treaties with various 
Indian tribes throughout the West and Northwest, and quiet was again 
restored in this part of the new world. 

On the 18th of March, 1816, Pittsburgh was incorporated as a city. 
It then had a population of 8,000 people, and was already noted for its 
manufacturing interests. On April 19, Indiana Territory was allowed 
to form a state government. At that time there were thirteen counties 
organized, containing about sixty-three thousand inhabitants. The first 
election of state officers was held in August, when Jonathan Jennings 
was chosen Governor. The officers were sworn in on November 7, and 
on December 11, the State was formally admitted into the Union. For 
some time the seat of government was at Cory don, but a more central 
location being desirable, the present capital, Indianapolis (City of Indiana), 
was laid out January 1, 1825. 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 73 

On the 28th of December the Bank of Illinois, at Shawneetown, was 
chartered, with a capital of $300,000. At this period all banks were 
under the control of the States, and were allowed to establish branches 
at different convenient points. 

Until this time Chillicothe and Cincinnati had in turn enjoyed the 
privileges of being the capital of Ohio. But the rapid settlement of the 
northern and eastern portions of the State demanded, as in Indiana, a 
more central location, and before the close of the year, the site of Col- 
umbus was selected and surveyed as the future capital of the State. 
Banking had begun in Ohio as early as 1808, when the first bank was 
chartered at Marietta, but here as elsewhere it did not bring to the state 
the hoped-for assistance. It and other banks were subsequently unable 
to redeem their currency, and were obliged to suspend. 

In 1818, Illinois was made a state, and all the territory north of her 
northern limits was erected into a separate territory and joined to Mich- 
igan for judicial purposes. By the following year, navigation of the lakes 
was increasing with great rapidity and affording an immense source of 
revenue to the dwellers in the Northwest, but it was not until 1826 that 
the trade was extended to Lake Michigan, or that steamships began to 
navigate the bosom of that inland sea. 

Until the year 1832, the commencement of the Black Hawk War, 
but few hostilities were experienced with the Indians. Roads were 
opened, canals were dug, cities were built, common schools were estab- 
lished, universities were founded, many of which, especially the Michigan 
University, have achieved a world wide-reputation. The people were 
becoming wealthy. The domains of the United States had been extended, 
and had the sons of the forest been treated with honesty and justice, the 
record of many years would have been that of peace and continuous pros- 
perity. 

BLACK HAWK AND THE BLACK HAWK WAR. 

This conflict, though confined to Illinois, is an important epoch in. 
the Northwestern history, being the last war with the Indians in this part 
of the United States. 

Ma-ka-tai-me-she-kia-kiah, or Black Hawk, was born in the principal 
Sac village, about three miles from the junction of Rock River with the 
Mississippi, in the year 1767. His father's name was Py-e-sa or Pahaes ; 
his grandfather's, Na-na-ma-kee, or the Thunderer. Black Hawk early 
distinguished himself as a warrior, and at the age of fifteen was permitted 
to paint and was ranked among the braves. About the year 1783, he 
went on an expedition against the enemies of his nation, the Osages, one 



74 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 




BLACK HAWK, THE SAC CHIEFTAIN. 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 75 

of whom he killed and scalped, and for this deed of Indian bravery he was 
permitted to join in the scalp dance. Three or four years after he, at the 
head of two hundred braves, went on another expedition against the 
Osages, to avenge the murder of some women and children belonging to 
his own tribe. Meeting an equal number of Osage warriors, a fierce 
battle ensued, in which the latter tribe lost one-half their number. The 
Sacs lost only about nineteen warriors. He next attacked the Cherokees 
for a similar cause. In a severe battle with them, near the present City 
of St. Louis, his father was slain, and Black Hawk, taking possession of 
the " Medicine Bag," at once announced himself chief of the Sac nation. 
He had now conquered the Cherokees, and about the year 1800, at the 
head of five hundred Sacs and Foxes, and a hundred lowas, he waged 
war against the Osage nation and subdued it. For two years he battled 
successfully with other Indian tribes, all of whom he conquered. 

Black Hawk does not at any time seem to have been friendly to 
the Americans. . When on a visit to St. Louis to see his " Spanish 
Father," he declined to see any of the Americans, alleging, as a reason, 
he did not want two fathers. 

The treaty at St. Louis was consummated in 1804. The next year the 
United States Government erected a fort near the head of the Des Moines 
Rapids, called Fort Edwards. This seemed to enrage Black Hawk, who 
at once determined to capture Fort Madison, standing on the west side of 
the Mississippi above the mouth of the Des Moines River. The fort was 
garrisoned by about fifty men. Here he was defeated. The difficulties 
with the British Government arose about this time, and the War of 1812 
followed. That government, extending aid to the Western Indians, by 
giving them arms and ammunition, induced them to remain hostile to the 
Americans. In August, 1812, Black Hawk, at the head of about five 
hundred braves, started to join the British forces at Detroit, passing on 
his way the site of Chicago, where the famous Fort Dearborn Massacre 
had a few days before occurred. Of his connection with the British 
Government but little is known. In 1813 he with his little band descended 
the Mississippi, and attacking some United States troops at Fort Howard 
was defeated. 

In the early part of 1815, the Indian tribes west of the Mississippi 
were notified that peace had been declared between the United States 
and England, and nearly all hostilities had ceased. Black Hawk did not 
sign any treat3% however, until May of the following year. He then recog- 
nized the validity of the treaty at St. Louis in 1804. From the time of 
signing this treaty in 1816, until the breaking out of the war in 1832, he 
and his band passed their time in the common pursuits of Indian life. 

Ten years before the commencement of this war, the Sac and Fox 



76 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

Indians were urged to join the lowas on the west bank of the Father of 
Waters. All were agreed, save the band known as the British Band, of 
which Black Hawk was leader. He strenuously objected to the removal, 
and was induced to comply only after being threatened with the power of 
the Government. This and various actions on the part of the white set- 
tlers provoked Black Hawk and his band to attempt the capture of his 
native village now occupied by the whites. The war followed. He and 
his actions were undoubtedly misunderstood, and had his wishes been 
acquiesced in at the beginning of the struggle, much bloodshed would 
have been prevented. 

Black Hawk was chief now of the Sac and Fox nations, and a noted 
warrior. He and his tribe inhabited a village on Rock River, nearly three 
miles above its confluence with the Mississippi, where the tribe had lived 
many generations. When that portion of Illinois was reserved to them, 
they remained in peaceable possession of their reservation, spending their 
time in the enjoyment of Indian life. The fine situation of their village 
and the quality of their lands incited the more lawless white settlers, who 
from time to time began to encroach upon the red men's domain. From 
one pretext to another, and from one step to another, the crafty white 
men gained a foothold, until through whisky and artifice they obtained 
deeds from many of the Indians for their possessions. The Indians were 
finally induced to cross over the Father of Waters and locate among the 
lowas. • Black Hawk was strenuously opposed to all this, but as the 
authorities of Illinois and the United States thought this the best move, he 
was forced to comply. Moreover other tribes joined the whites and urged 
the removal. Black Hawk would not agree to the terms of the treaty 
made with his nation for their lands, and as soon as the military, called to 
enforce his removal, had retired, he returned to the Illinois side of the 
river. A large force was at once raised and marched against him. On 
the evening of May 14, 1832, the first engagement occurred between a 
band from this army and Black Hawk's band, in which the former were 
defeated. 

This attack and its result aroused the whites. A large force of men 
was raised, and Gen. Scott hastened from the seaboard, by way of the 
lakes, with United States troops and artillery to aid in the subjugation of 
the Indians. On the 24th of June, Black Hawk, with 200 warriors, was 
repulsed by Major Demont between Rock River and Galena. The Ameri- 
can army continued to move up Rock Rivei- toward the main body of 
the Indians, and on the 21st of July came upon Black Hawk and his band, 
and defeated them near the Blue Mounds. 

Before this action. Gen. Henry, in command, sent word to the main 
army by whom he was immediately rejoined, and the whole crossed the 



THE NOKTHWEST TERRITORY. 77 

Wisconsin in pursuit of Black Hawk and his band who were fleeing to the 
Mississippi. They were overtaken on the 2d of August, and in the battle 
which followed the power of the Indian chief was completely broken. He 
fled, but was seized by the Winnebagoes and delivered to the whites. 

On the 21st of September, 1832, Gen. Scott and Gov. Reynolds con- 
cluded a treaty with the Winnebagoes, Sacs and Foxes by which they 
ceded to the United States a vast tract of country, and agreed to remain 
peaceable with the whites. For the faithful performance of the provi- 
sions of this treaty on the part of the Indians, it was stipulated that 
Black Hawk, his two sons, the prophet Wabokieshiek, and six other chiefs 
of the hostile bands should be retained as hostages during the pleasure 
of the President. They were confined at Fort Barracks and put in irons. 

The next Spring, by order of the Secretary of War, they were taken 
to Washington. From there they were removed to Fortress Monroe, 
"there to remain until the conduct of their nation was such as to justify 
their being set at liberty." They were retained here until the 4th of 
June, when the authorities directed them to be taken to the principal 
cities so that they might see the folly of contending against the white 
people. Everj'-where they were observed by thousands, the name of the 
old chief being extensively known. By the middle of August they 
reached Fort Armstrong on Rock Island, where Black Hawk was soon 
after released to go to his countrymen. As he passed the site of his birth- 
place, now the home of the white man, he was deeply moved. His village 
where he was born, where he had so happily lived, and where he had 
hoped to die, was now another's dwelling place, and he was a wanderer. 

On the next day after his release, he went at once to his tribe and 
his lodge. His wife was yet living, and with her he passed the remainder 
of his days. To his credit it may be said that Black Hawk always re- 
mained true to his wife, and served her with a devotion uncommon among 
the Indians, living with her upward of forty years. 

Black Hawk now passed his time hunting and fishing. A deep mel- 
ancholy had settled over him from which he could not be freed. At all 
times when he visited the whites he was received with marked atten- 
tion. He was an honored guest at the old settlers' reunion in Lee County, 
Illinois, at some of their meetings, and received many tokens of esteem. 
In September, 1838, while on his way to Rock Island to receive his 
annuity from the Government, he contracted a severe cold which resulted 
in a fatal attack of bilious fever which terminated his life on October 3. 
His faithful wife, who was devotedly attached to him, mourned deeply 
during his sickness. After his death he was dressed in the uniform pre- 
sented to him by the President while in Washington. He was buried in 
a grave six feet in depth, situated upon a beautiful eminence. " The 



78 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

body was placed in the middle of the grave, in a sitting posture, upon a 
seat constructed for the purpose. On his left side, the cane, given liim 
by Henry Clay, was placed upright, with his right liand resting upon it. 
Many of the old warrior's trophies were placed in the grave, and some 
Indian garments, together with his favorite weapons." 

No sooner was the Black Hawk war concluded than settlers began 
rapidly to pour into the northern parts of Illinois, and into Wisconsin, 
now free from Indian depredations. Chicago, from a trading post, had 
grown to a commercial center, and was rapidly coming into prominence. 
In 1835, the formation of a State Government in Michigan was discussed, 
but did not take active form until two years later, when the State became 
a part of the Federal Union. 

The main attraction to that portion of the Northwest lying west of 
Lake Michigan, now included in the State of Wisconsin, was its alluvial 
wealth. Copper ore was found about Lake Superior. For some time this 
region was attached to Michigan for judiciary purposes, but in 183() was 
made a territory, then including Minnesota and Iowa. The latter State 
was detached two years later. In 1848, Wisconsin was admitted as a 
State, Madison being made the capital. We have now traced the various 
divisions of the Northwest Territory (save a little in Minnesota) from 
the time it was a unit comprising this vast territory, until circumstances 
compelled its present division. 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES 79 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 
AND ITS AMENDMENTS. 

We, the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union^ 
establish justice, insure domestic tranquillity, provide for the common 
defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty 
to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution 
for the United States of America. 

Article I. 

Section 1. All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in 
a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and 
House of Representatives. 

Sec. 2. The House of Representatives shall be composed of mem- 
bers chosen every second year by the people of the several states, and the 
electors in each state shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of 
the most numerous branch of the State Legislature. 

No person shall be a representative who shall not have attained to the 
age of twenty-five years, and been seven years a citizen of the United 
States, and who shall not, when elected, be an inhabitant of that state in 
which he shall be chosen. 

Representatives and direct taxes shall be apportioned among the sev- 
eral states which may be included within this Union, according to their 
respective numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole 
number of free persons, including those bound to service for a term of 
years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three-fifths of all other persons. 
The actual enumeration shall be made within three years after the first 
meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subse- 
quent term of ten years, in such manner as they shall by law direct. The 
number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty thousand, 
but each state shall have at least one Representative ; and until such 
enumeration shall be made the State of New Hampshire shall be entitled 
to choose three, Massachusetts eight, Rhode Island and Providence Plan- 
tations one, Connecticut five. New York six. New Jersey four, Pennsylva- 
nia eight, Delaware one, Maryland six, Virginia ten. North Carolina five, 
and Georgia three. 

When vacancies happen in the representation from any state, the 
Executive authority thereof shall issue writs of election to fill such 
vacancies. 

The House of Representatives shall choose their Speaker and other 
officers, and shall have the sole power of impeachment. 

Sec. 3. The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two 
Senators from each state, chosen by the Legislature thereof for six years ; 
and each Senator shall have one vote. 

Immediately after they shall be assembled in consequence of the first 
election, they shall be divided as equally as may be into three classes. 
The seats of the Senators of the first class shall be vacated at the expira- 



80 AND ITS AMENDMENTS. 

tion of the second year, of the second class at the expiration of the fourth 
year, and of the third class at the expiration of the sixth year, so that 
one-third may be chosen every second year; and if vacancies happen by 
resignation or otherwise, during the recess of the Legislature of any state, 
the Executive thereof may make temporary appointments until the next 
meeting of the Legislature, which shall then fill such vacancies. 

No person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the age 
of thirty years and been nine years a citizen of the United States, and 
who shall not, when elected, be an inhabitant of that state for which he 
shall be chosen. 

The Vice-President of the United States shall be President of the 
Senate, but shall have no vote unless they be equally divided. 

The Senate shall choose their other officers, and also a President fro 
tempore^ in the absence of the Vice-President, or when he shall exercise 
the office of President of the Unite<l States. 

The Senate shall have the sole power to try all impeachments. When 
sitting for that purpose they shall be on oath or affirmation. When the 
President of the United States is tried the Chief Justice shall preside. 
And no person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two-thirds 
of the members present. 

Judgment, in cases of impeachment, shall not extend further than to 
removal from office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of 
honor, trust, or profit under the United States; but the party convicted 
shall nevertheless be liable and subject to indictment, trial, judgment, 
and punishment according to law. 

Sec. 4. The times, places and manner of holding elections for Sen- 
ators and Representatives shall be prescribed in each state by the Legis- 
lature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by law make or alter 
such regulations, except as to the places of choosing Senators. 

The Congress shall assemble at least once in every year, and such 
meeting shall be on the first Monday in December, unless they shall by 
law appoint a different day. 

Sec. 5. Each house shall be the judge of the election, returns, and 
qualifications of its own members, and a majority of each shall constitute 
a quorum to do business ; but a smaller number may adjourn from day to 
day, and may be authorized to compel the attendance of absent members 
in such manner and under such penalties as each house may provide. 

Each house may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish ita 
members for disorderly behavior, and, with the concurrence of two-thirds, 
expel a member. 

Each house shall keep a journal of its proceedings, and from time to 
time publish the same, excepting such parts as may, in their judgment, 
require secrecy ; and the yeas and nays of the members of either house 
on any question shall, at the desire of one-fifth of those present, be entered 
on the journal. 

Neither house, during the session of Congress, shall, without the 
consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other 
place than that in which the two houses shall be sitting. 

Sec. 6. The Senators and Representatives shall receive a compen- 
sation for their services, to be ascertained by law, and paid out of the 
treasury of the United States They shall in all cases, except treason, 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES 



81 



felony, and breach of the peace, be privileged from arrest during their 
attendance at the session of their respective houses, and in going to and 
returning from the same ; and for any speech or debate in either house 
they shall not be questioned in any other place. 

No Senator or Representative shall, during the time for which he was 
elected, be appointed to any civil office under the authority of the United 
States, which shall have been created, or the emoluments whereof shall 
have been increased during such time ; and no person holding any office 
under the United States, shall be a member of either house during his 
continuance in office. 

Sec. 7. All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House of 
Representatives ; but the Senate may propose or concur with amendments 
as on other bills. 

Every bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and 
the Senate, shall, before it becomes a law, be presented to the President 
of the United States ; if he approve he shall sign it ; but if not he shall 
return it, with his objections, to that house in which it shall have origi- 
nated, who shall enter the objections at large on their journal, and 
proceed to reconsider it. If, after such reconsideration two-thirds of that 
house shall agree to pass the bill, it shall be sent, together with the objec- 
tions, to the other house, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if 
approved by two-thirds of that house, it shall become a law. But in all 
such cases the votes of both houses shall be determined by yeas and nays, 
and the names of the persons voting for and against the bill shall be entered 
on the journal of each house respectively. If any bill shall not be returned 
by the President within ten days (Sundays excepted), after it shall have 
been presented to him, the same shall be a law, in like manner as if he 
had signed it, unless the Congress, by their adjournment, prevent its 
return, in which case it shall not be a law. 

Every order, resolution, or vote to which the concurrence of the 
Senate and House of Representatives may be necessary (except on a 
question of adjournment), shall be presented to the President of the 
tjnited States, and before the same shall take effect shall be approved by 
him, or, being disapproved by him, shall be re-passed by two-thirds of 
the Senate and House of Representatives, according to the rules and lim- 
itations prescribed in the case of a bill. 

Sec. 8. The Congress shall have power — 

To lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts, 
and provide for the comniGii aefense and general welfare of the United 
States ; but all duties, imposts, and excises shall be uniform throughout 
the United States ; 

To borrow money on the credit of the United States ; 

To regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several 
States, and with the Indian tribes ; 

To establish a uniform rule of naturalization, and uniform laws on 
the subject of bankruptcies throughout the United States ; 

To coin money, regulate the value thereof, and of foreign coin, and 
fix the standard of weights and measures ; 

To provide for the punishment of counterfeiting the securities and 
current coin of the United States ; 

To establish post offices and post roads ; 



g2 AND ITS AMENDMENTS. 

To promote the progress of sciences and useful arts, by securing, 
for Umited times, to authors and inventors, the exclusive right to their 
respective writings and discoveries ; 

To constitute tribunals inferior to the Supreme Court ; 

To define and punish piracies and felonies committed on the high 
seas, and offenses against the law of nations ; 

To declare war, grant letters of marque and reprisal, and make rules 
concerning captures on land and water ; 

To raise and support armies, but no appropriation of money to that 
use shall be for a longer term than two years ; 

To provide and maintain a navy ; 

To make rules for the government and regulation of the land and 
naval forces ; 

To provide for calling forth the militia to execute the laws of the 
Union, suppress insurrections, and repel invasions ; 

To provide for organizing, arming and disciplining the militia, and 
for governing such part of them as may be employed in the service of the 
United States, reserving to the states respectively the appointment of the 
officers, and the authority of training the militia according to the disci- 
pline prescribed by Congress ; 

To exercise legislation in all cases whatsoever over such district (not 
exceeding ten miles square) as may, by cession of particular states, and the 
acceptance of Congress, become the seat of the government of the United 
States, and to exercise like authority over all places purchased by the 
consent of the Legislature of the state in which the same shall be, for 
the erection of forts, magazines, arsenals, dock yards, and other needful 
buildings ; and 

To make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying 
into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this 
Constitution in the government of the United States, or in any depart- 
ment or officer thereof. 

Sec. 9. The migration or importation of such persons as any of the 
states now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited 
by the Congress prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and eight, 
but a tax or duty may be imposed on such importation, not exceeding ten 
dollars for each person. 

The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, 
unless when in cases of rebellion or invasion the public safety may 
require it. 

No bill of attainder or ex post facto law shall be passed. 

No capitation or other direct tax shall be laid, unless in proportion 
to the census or enumeration hereinbefore directed to be taken. 

No tax or duty shall be laid on articles exported from any state. 

No preference shall be given by any regulation of commerce or rev- 
enue to the ports of one state over those of another; nor shall vessels 
bound to or from one state be obliged to enter, clear, or pay duties in 
another. 

No money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in consequence of 
appropriations made by law ; and a regular statement and account of 
the receipts and expeditures of all public money shall be published from 
time to time. 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES 83 

No title of nobility shall be granted by the United States : and no 
person holding any office of profit or trust under them, shall, without the 
consent of the Congress, accept of any present, emolument, office, or title 
of any kind whatever, from any king, prince, or foreign state. 

Sec. 10. No state shall enter into any treaty, alliance, or confeder- 
ation ; grant letters of marque and reprisal ; coin money ; emit bills of 
credit ; make anytliing but gold and silver coin a tender in payment of 
debts ; pass any bill of attainder, ex post facto law, or law impairing the 
obligation of contracts, or grant any title of nobility. 

No state shall, without the consent of the Congress, lay any imposts 
or duties on imports or exports, except what may be absolutely necessary 
for executing its inspection laws, and the net produce of all duties and 
imposts laid by any state on imports or exports, shall be for the use of the 
Treasury of the United States ; and all such laws shall be subject to the 
revision and control of the Congress. 

No state shall, without the consent of Congress, lay any duty on 
tonnage, keep troops or ships of war in time of peace, enter into any 
agreement or compact with another state, or with a foreign power, or 
engage in war, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent danger as will 
not admit of delay. 

Article II. 

Section 1. The Executive power shall be vested in a President of 
the United States of America. He shall hold his office during the term 
of four years, and, together with the Vice-President chosen for the same 
term, be elected as follows : 

Each state shall appoint, in such manner as the Legislature thereof 
may direct, a number of Electors, equal to the whole number of Senators 
and Representatives to which the state may be entitled in the Congress ; 
but no Senator or Representative, or person holding an office of trust or 
profit under the United States, shall be appointed an Elector. 

[ * The Electors shall meet in their respective states, and vote by 
ballot for two persons, of whom one at least shall not be an inhabitant of 
the same state with themselves. And they shall make a list of all the 
persons voted for, and of the number of votes for each ; which list they 
shall sign and certify, and transmit, sealed, to the seat of the government 
of the United States, directed to the President of the Senate. The Pres- 
ident of the Senate shall, in the presence of the Senate and House of Rep- 
resentatives, open all the certificates, and the votes shall then be counted. 
The person having the greatest number of votes shall be the President, 
if such number be a majority of the whole number of Electors appointed ; 
and if there be more than one who have such majority, and have an equal 
number of votes, then the House of Representatives shall immediately 
choose by ballot one of them for President ; and if no person have a ma- 
jority, then from the five highest on the list the said House shall in like 
manner choose the President. But in choosing the President, the vote 
shall be taken by states, the representation from each state having one 
vote ; a quorum for this purpose shall consist of a member or members 
from two-thirds of the states, and a majority of all the states shall be 
necessary to a choice. In every case, after the choice of the President, 

•This clause between, brackets has been superseded and annulled by the Twelfth amendment. 



84 AND ITS AMENDMENTS. 

the person having the greatest number of votes of the Electors shall be 
the Vice-President. But if there should remain two or more who have 
equal votes, the Senate shall choose from them by ballot the Vice-Presi- 
dent.] 

The Congress may determine the time of choosing the Electors, and 
the day on which they shall give their votes ; which day shall be the same 
throughout the United States. 

No person except a natural born citizen, or a citizen of the United 
States at the time of the adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible 
to the office of President ; neither shall any person be eligible to that 
office who shall not have attained the age of thirty-five years, and been 
fourteen years a resident within the United States. 

In case of the removal of the President from office, or of his death, 
resignation, or inability to discharge the powers and duties of the said 
office, the same shall devolve on the Vice-Puesident, and the Congress 
may by law provide for the case of removal, death, resignation, or inabil- 
ity, both of the President and Vice-President, declaring what officer shall 
then act as President, and such officer shall act accordingly, until the dis- 
ability be removed, or a President shall be elected. 

The President shall, at stated times, receive for his services a com- 
pensation which shall neither be increased nor diminished during the 
period for which he shall have been elected, and he shall not receive 
within that period any other emolument from the United States or any of 
them. 

Before he enters on the execution of his office, he shall take the fol- 
lowing oath or affirmation : 

" I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the 
office of President of the United States, and will, to the best of my ability, 
preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States." 

Sec. 2. The President shall be commander in chief of the army and 
navy of the United States, and of the militia of the several states, when 
called into the actual service of the United States ; he may require the 
opinion, in writing, of the principal officer in each of the executive 
departments, upon any subject relating to the duties of their respective 
offices, and he shall have power to grant reprieves and pardon for offenses 
against the United States, exoept in cases of impeachment. 

He shall have power, by and with the advice and consent of the 
Senate, to make treaties, provided two-thirds of the Senators present con- 
cur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the advice of the Senate, 
shall appoint ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, judges of 
the Supreme Court, and all other officers of the United States whose 
appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be 
established by law ; but the Congress may by law vest the appointment 
of such inferior officers as they think proper in the President alone, in 
the courts of law, or in the heads of departments. 

The President shall have power to fill up all vacancies that may 
happen during the recess of the Senate, by granting commissions which 
shall expire at the end of their next session. 

Sec. 3. He shall from time to time give to the Congress information 
of the state of the Union, and recommend to their consideration such mea- 
sures as he shall judge necessary and expedient ; he may on extraordinary 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES 85 

occasions convene both houses, or either of them, and in case of disagree- 
ment between them, with respect to the time of adjournment, he may 
adjourn them to such time as he shall think proper ; he shall receive 
ambassadors and other public ministers ; he shall take care that the laws be 
faithfully executed, and shall commission all the ofiScers of the United 
States. 

Sec. 4. The President, Vice-President, and all civil officers of the 
United States, shall be removed from office on impeachment for, and con- 
viction of, treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors. 

Article III. 

Section I. The judicial power of the United States shall be vested 
in one Supreme Court, and such inferior courts as the Congress may from 
time to time ordain and establish. The Judges, both of the Supreme and 
inferior courts, shall hold their offices during good behavior, and shall, at 
stated times, receive for their services a compensation, which shall not be 
diminished during their continuance in office. 

Sec. 2. The judicial power shall extend to all cases, in law and 
equity, arising under this Constitution, the laws of the United States, and 
treaties made, or wdiich shall be made, under their authority; to all cases 
affecting ambassadors, other public ministers, and consuls ; to all cases of 
admiralty and maritime jurisdiction ; to controversies to which the United 
States shall be a party ; to controversies between two or more states ; 
between a state and citizens of another state ; between citizens of differ- 
ent states ; between citizens of the same state claiming lands under grants 
of different states, and between a state or the citizens thereof, and foreign 
states, citizens, or subjects. 

In all cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers, and consuls, 
and those in which a state shall be a party, the Supreme Court shall have 
original jurisdiction. 

In all the other cases before mentioned, the Supreme Court shall 
have appellate jurisdiction, both as to law and fact, with such exceptions 
and under such regulations as the Congress shall make. 

The trial of all crimes, except in cases of impeachment, shall be by 
jury ; and such trial shall be held in the state where the said crimes shall 
have been committed ; but when not committed within any state, the 
trial shall be at such place or places as the Congress may by law have 
directed. 

Sec. 3. Treason against the United States shall consist only in levy- 
iug war against them, or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid 
and comfort. No person shall be convicted of treason unless on the tes- 
timony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or on confession in open 
court. 

The Congress shall have power to declare the punishment of treason, 
but no attainder of treason shall work corruption of blood, or forfeiture, 
except during the life of the person attainted. 

Article IV. 

Section 1. Full faith and credit shall be given in each state to the 
public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state. And 



86 AND ITS AMENDMENTS. 

the Congress may, by general laws, prescribe the manner in which sach 
acts, records, and proceedings shall be proved, and the effect thereof. 

Sec. 2. The citizens of each state shall be entitled to all privileges 
and immunities of citizens in the several states. 

A person charged in any state with treason, felony, or other crime, 
who shall flee from justice and be found in another state, shall, on demand 
of the executive authority of the state from which he fled, be delivered 
up, to be removed to the state having jurisdicl'.on of the crime. 

No person held to service or labor in one state, under the laws thereof 
escaping into another, shall, in consequence of any law or regulation 
therein, be discharged from such service or labor, but shall be delivered 
up on the claim of the party to whom such service or labor may be due. 

Sec. 3. New states may be admitted by the Congress into this Union ; 
but no new state shall be formed or erected within the jurisdiction of any 
other state ; nor any state be formed by the junction of two or more states, 
or parts of states, without the consent of the Legislatures of the states 
concerned, as well as of the Congress. 

The Congress shall have power to dispose of and make all needful 
rules and regulations respecting the territory or other property belonging 
to the United States ; and nothing in this Constitution shall be so construed 
as to prejudice any claims of the United States or of any particular state. 

Sec. 4. The United States shall guarantee to every state in this 
Union a republican form of government, and shall protect each of them 
against invasion, and on application of the Legislature, or of the Execu- 
tive (when the Legislature can not be convened), against domestic vio- 
lence. 

Article V. 

The Congress, whenever two-thirds of both houses shall deem it 
necessary, shall propose amendments to this Constitution, or, on the ap- 
plication of the Legislatures of two-thirds of the several states, shall call 
a convention for proposing amendments, which, in either case, shall be 
valid to all intents and purposes as part of this Constitution, when rati- 
fied by the Legislatures of three fourths of the several states, or by con- 
ventions in three-fourths thereof, as the one or the other mode of ratifi- 
cation may be proposed by the Congress. Provided that no amendment 
which may be made prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and 
eight shall in any manner affect the first and fourth clauses in the ninth 
section of the first article ; and that no state, without its consent, shall 
be deprived of its equal suffrage in the Senate. 

Article VI. 

All debts contracted and engagements entered into before the adop- 
tion of this Constitution shall be as valid against the United States under 
this Constitution as under the Confederation. 

This Constitution, and the laws of the United States which shall be 
made in pursuance thereof, and all treaties made, or which shall be made, 
under the authority of the United States, shall be the supreme law of the 
land ; and the Judges in every state shall be bound thereby, anything in 
the Constitution or laws of any state to the contrary notwithstanding. 

The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the mem- 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES 



87 



bers of the several state Legislatures, and all executive and judicial offi- 
cers, both of the United States and of the several states, shall be bound 
by oath or affirmation to support this Constitution ; but no religious test 
shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under 
the United States. 

Article VII. 

The ratification of the Conventions of nine states shall be sufficient 
for the establishment of this Constitution between the states so ratifying 
the same. 

Done in convention by the unanimous consent of the states present, the 
seventeenth day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand 
seven hundred and eighty-seven, and of the independence of the 
United States of America the twelfth. In witness whereof we have 
hereunto subscribed our names. 

GEO. WASHINGTON, 
President and Deputy from Virginia. 



New Hampshire. 
John Langdon, 
Nicholas Gilman. 

Massachusetts. 
Nathaniel Gorham, 
RuFus King. 

Connecticut. 
Wm. Sam'l Johnson, 
Roger Sherman. 



Delaware. 
Geo. Read, 
John Dickinson, 
Jaco. BroOxVI, 
Gunning Bedford, Jr., 
Richard Bassett. 

Maryland. 
James M' Henry, 
Danl. Carroll, 
Dan. of St. Thos. Jenifer. 



Neio York. 
Alexander Hamilton. 

New Jersey. 
WiL. Livingston, 
Wm. Paterson, 
David Brearley, 
JoNA. Dayton. 



Virginia. 
John Blair, 
James Madison, Jr. 

North Carolina. 
Wm. Blount, 
Hu. Williamson, 
Rich'd Dobbs Spaight. 



Pennsylvania. 
B. Franklin, 
RoBT. Morris, 
Thos. Fitzsimons, 
James Wilson, 
Thos. Mifflin, 
Geo. Clymer, 
Jared Ingersoll, 
Gouv. Morris. 



South Carolina. 
j. rutledge, 
Charles Pinckney, 
Chas. Cotesworth Pinckney, 
Pierce Butler. 

Georgia. 
William Few, 
Abr. Baldwin. 

WILLIAM JACKSON, Secretary. 



ANI> ITS AJVIENDMENTS. 



Articles in Addition to and Aimendatory of the Constitution^ 
OF THE United States of America. 

Proposed hy Congress and ratified hy the Legislatures of the several states, 
pursuant to the fifth article of the original Constitution. 

Article I. 

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment cf religion, 
or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of 
speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, 
and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. 

Article II. 

A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free 
state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. 

Article III. 

No soldier shall, in time of peace, be quartered in any house without 
the consent of the owner, nor in time of war but in a manner to be pre- 
scribed by law. 

Article IV. 

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, 
and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be vio- 
lated ; and no warrants shall issue but upon probable cause, supported by 
oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be isearched 
and the persons or things to be seized. 

Article V. 

No person shall be held to answer for a capital or otherwise infamous 
crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in 
cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia when in actual 
service in time of war or public danger ; nor shall any person be sul)ject 
for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb ; nor shall 
be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be 
deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law ; nor 
chall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation. 

Article VI. 

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a 
speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district 
wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have 
been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and 
cause of the accusation ; to be confronted with the witnesses against him ; 
to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor; and to 
have the assistance of counsel for his defense. 

Article VII. 

In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed 
twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES 89 

tried by a jury shall be otherwise re-examined in any court of the United 
States than according to the rules of the common law. 

Article VIII. 

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, 
nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. 

Article IX. 

The enumeration, in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be 
construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. 

Article X. 

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, 
nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, 
or to the people. 

Article XI. 

The judicial power of the United States shall not be construed to 
extend to any suit in law or equity commenced or prosecuted against one 
of the United States by citizens of another state, or by citizens or sub- 
jects of any foreign state. 

Article XII. 

The Electors shall meet in their respective states and vote by ballot 
for President and Vice-President, one of whom, at least, shall not be an 
inhabitant of the same state with themselves ; they shall name in their 
ballots the person to be voted for as president, and in distinct ballots the 
person voted for as Vice-President, and they shall make distinct lists of 
all persons voted for as President, and of all persons voted for as Vice- 
President, and of the number of votes for each, which list they shall sign 
and certify, and transmit sealed to the seat of the government of the United 
States, directed to the President of the Senate. The President of the 
Senate shall, in presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, 
open all the certificates, and the votes shall then be counted. The person 
having the greatest number of votes for President shall be the President, 
if such number be a majority of the whole number of Electors appointed ; 
and if no person have such majority, then from the persons having the 
highest number not exceeding three on the list of those voted for as 
President, the House of Representatives shall choose immediately, by 
ballot, the President. But in choosing the President, the votes shall be 
taken by States, the representation from each state having one vote; a 
quorum for this purpose shall consist of a member or members from two- 
thirds of the states, and a majority of all the states shall be necessary to 
a choice. And if the House of Representatives shall not choose a Presi- 
dent whenever the right of choice shall devolve upon them, before the 
fourth day of March next following, then the Vice-President shall act as 
President, as in the case of the death or other constitutional disability of 
the President. The person having the greatest number of votes as Vice- 
President, shall be the Vice-President, if such number be the majority 
of the whole number of electors appointed, and if no person have a major- 



90 AND ITS AMENDMENTS. 

itj; then from the two highest numbers on the list, the Senate shall choose 
tha Vice-President ; a quorum for the purpose shall consist of two-thirds 
of the whole number of Senators, and a majority of the whole number 
shall be necessary to a choice. But no person constitutionally ineligible 
to the office of President shall be eligible to that of Vice-President of the 
United States. 

Article XIII. 

Section 1. Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a 
punishment for crime, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, 
shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their juris- 
diction. 

Sec. 2. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appro- 
priate legislation. 

Article XIV. 

Section 1. All persons born or naturalized in the United States and 
subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States, and 
of the state wherein they reside. No state shall make or enforce any law 
which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United 
States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, 
without due process of law, nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction 
the equal protection of the laws. 

Sec. 2. Representatives shall be appointed among the several states 
according to their respective numbers, counting the whole number of per- 
sons in each state, excluding Indians not taxed ; but when the right to 
vote at any election for the choice of Electors for President and Vice- 
President of the United States, Representatives in Congress, the execu- 
tive and judicial officers of a state, or the members of the Legislature 
thereof, is denied to any of the male inhabitants of such state, being 
twenty-one years of age and citizens of the United States, or in any way 
abridged except for participation in rebellion or other crimes, the basis of 
representation therein shall be reduced in the proportion which the num- 
ber of such male citizens shall bear to the whole number of male citizens 
twenty-one years of age in such state. 

Sec. 3. No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, 
or Elector of President and Vice-President, or hold any office, civil or 
military, under the United States, or under any state, who, having previ- 
ously taken an oath as a Member of Congress, or as an officer of the 
United States, or as a member of any state Legislature, or as an execu- 
tive or judicial officer of any state to support the Constitution of the 
United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the 
same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may, 
by a vote of two-thirds of each house, remove such disability. 

Sec. 4. The validity of the public debt of the United States author- 
ized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and boun- 
ties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, shall not be ques- 
tioned. But neither the United States nor any state shall pay any debt 
or obligation incurred in the aid of insurrection or rebellion against the 
United States, or any loss or emancipation of any slave, but such debts, 
obligations, and claims shall be held illegal and void. 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Article XV. 



Section 1. The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not 
be denied or abridged by the United States, or by any State, on account of race, 
color, or previous condion of servitude. 




PERRY'S MONUMENT. CLEVELAND. OHIO. 

On Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railway. 



PART II. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHI 



HISTOEY OF OHIO. 



IT is not our province in a volume of this descrij^tion, to delineate the chronol- 
ogy of prehistoric epochs, or to dwell at length upon those topics pertaining 
to the scientific causes which tended to the formation of a continent, undiscov- 
ered for centuries, by the wisdom and energy of those making a history of the 
Old "World, by the advancement of enlightenment in tae Eastern Hemisphere. 

Naturally, the geological formation of the State of Ohio cannot be entirely 
separated from facts relative to the strata, which, in remote ages accumulated 
one layer above the other, and finally constituted a "built-up" America, from 
a vast sea. The action of this huge body of water washed sediment and what- 
ever came in its way upon primitive rocks, which were subjected to frequent 
and repeated submersions, emerging as the water subsided, thus leaving a 
stratum or layer to solidify and mark its number in the series — a system of 
growth repeated in trees of the forest — in those descernible rings that count so 
many years. The southeastern part of North America emerging a second 
time from the Silurian Sea, which extended west to the Rocky Mountains and 
north to the primitive hills of British America, a succession of rock-bound, 
salt-water lakes remained. These covered a large portion of the continent, and 
their water evaporating, organic and mineral matter remained to solidifyo This 
thick stratum has been designated by geologists as the water-lime layer. This 
constitutes the upper layer of rock in the larger portion of the Avest half of 
Ohio. In other sections it forms the bed rock. 

Following the lime-iock deposit, must have been more frequent sweeps of 
the great sea, since the layers are comparatively thin, proving a more speedy 
change. During this scientific rising and falling of the sea, other actions were 
taking place, such as volcanic and other influences which displaced the regular- 
ity of the strata, and occasionally came out in an upheaval or a regular perpen- 
dicular dip. A disturbance of this character formed the low mountain range 
extending from the highlands of Canada to the southern boundary of Tennes- 
see. This "bulge" is supposed to be the consequence of the cooling of the 
earth and the pressure of the oceans on either side of the continent. Geolo- 
gists designate this as the Cincinnati arch. This forms a separation between 
the coal fields of the Alleghanies and those of Illinois. 

Passing over several periods, we reach the glacial, during which the topog- 
raphy of the continent was considerably modified, and which is among the 
latest epochs of geology, though exceedingly remote as compared with human 



94 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

history. Previously, a torrid heat prevailed the entire Northern hemisphere. 
Now the temperature of the frigid zone crept southward until it reached Cincin- 
nati. A vast field of ice, perhaps hundreds of feet thick, extended from the 
north pole to this point. As this glacial rigor came southward, the flow of 
the St. Lawrence River was stopped, and the surplus water of the great lake 
basin was turned into the Ohio and Mississippi. This glacial sea was by no 
means stationary even after its southern limit had been reached. It possessed 
the properties of a solid and a fluid. Its action was slow but powerful, grind- 
ing mountains to powder and forming great valleys and basins. Separating 
into two glacial portions, one moved toward the watershed north of the Ohio 
River ; and, continuing westerly, it hollowed out the basin of Lake Erie and 
crushed the apex of the Cincinnati arch. From this point, it turned south- 
ward and swept with a regular course through the Maumee and Miami Valleys 
to the Ohio River. The southern border constantly melting, and flowing toward 
the Gulf of Mexico, the great field was pressed forward by the accumulations 
of ice in the northern latitudes. Thus for ages, this powerful force was fitting 
the earth for the habitation of man. The surface was leveled, huge rocks 
broken and reduced to pebbles, sand, clay, etc., other soil and surface-material — 
while the debris was embedded at the bottom. In some sections, as the ice 
melted and freed the bowlders and rocks, the lighter material was swept away. 
The glacier moving forward, and the forces proving an " equilibrium," the 
edge of this ice-field Avas held in a solid stronghold, and the material thus de- 
posited forms a ridge, called by geologists "terminal moraine," first exemplified 
in Ohio by the "Black Swamp," in the Maumee Valley. 

The most extreme rigor of this period beginning to wane, the ice of the 
Maumee and Miami Valleys began to move slowly forward, toward the north, 
reaching the points now termed Hudson, Mich.; Fort Wayne, Ind., and Kenton, 
Ohio — reachino; somewhat further south than Lima and Van Wert. The edge of 
the glacier was defined in outline by the present western border of Lake Erie, and 
parallel with it. Climatic influences "acting and counteracting," the glacial 
force was concentrated, the Maumee Valley being subjected to a grinding proc- 
ess, and a deposit of material going on, which now forms the boundary of the 
"Black Swamp." As our readers are aware, the waters of the St. Joseph and 
St. Mary's meet at Fort Wayne, and their united waters form the Maumee ; 
thence the turn is northwest, and, wearing an outlet through the ridge, it 
reaches the head of Lake Erie. 

The torrid zone yet gaining the ascendency, the ice-fields continuing their 
reverse motion, and retreating toward the north, the basin of the great lakes 
was formed ; and the blocks of ice melting therein, a vast sea of fresh water was 
formed, which gradually overflowed a portion of Canada and Michigan^ But 
the St. Lawrence, that important outlet, was under the restraint of an ice 
blockade, and the surplus water of the fresh sea was turned into the Ohio and 
and Mississippi. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 96 

Later, mountains of ice-float were drifted from the north by winds and cur- 
rents, into temperate latitudes, and melting, deposited rocks, stones and general 
debris. Following the iceberg-drift, came the permanent elevation above the ocean- 
level. The St. Lawrence outlet was formed. The inland sea was assuming its 
division into lakes. The united waters of Erie and Huron flowed through the 
Wabash Valley and into the Ohio, until, through some agency, that section was 
dry, and the lakes drained in another direction. The action of the glacial 
period in the Erie basin vicinity created what is known as the " Niagara lime- 
stone," by grinding upper strata and drifting the debris elsewhere. This seems 
to have occurred at intervals, exposures being made in Seneca, Sandusky and 
Wood Counties, and beneath the axis of the Cincinnati arch. Oriskany lime- 
stone is also available in another stratum, which has been brought to the surface. 
Again, there is a carboniferous stratum of limestone, and along the Maumee is 
a thin exposure of the Hamilton limestone and shale. 

A glacier having both fluid and solid properties, it will readily be compre- 
hended that obdurate projections of rock resisted its action, and created currents 
in other directions, for its forces. When this specified epoch had ceased to be, 
Ohio was a rough, irregular and crude mixture of ridges and knobs and pinnacles, 
which were " leveled up " and finished by iceberg-drift and inland-sea deposits. 
This settled and accumulated, and the work of hundreds of years produced a 
beautiful surface, its inequalities overcome, the water having receded and "terra 
firma " remaining. A deep bed of clay, sufficiently compact to hold the germs 
of organic matter, and sufficiently porous to absorb moisture, was especially 
adapted to encourage the growth of vegetation. These seeds had been brouo-ht 
by the winds and waves and natural agencies, and now began to produce jilants 
and shrubs, which withered to enrich the soil, after scattering broadcast seeds 
that would again perpetuate verdure. Worms, land crabs and burrowing ani- 
mals assisted in the creation of soil, while the buffalo, deer and bear followed, 
as soon as forestry appeared. Decomposed foliage and fallen timber aided in 
the great work of preparing the present State of Ohio for the habitation of man. 
Prairie, marsh, forest, rivers and lakes were formed, which, in turn, were modi- 
fied and prepared for a grand destiny by other influences. 

In glancing over the compiled histories of Ohio, those containing details of 
her early struggles, afilictions and triumphs, we are especially impressed with 
its near and sympathetic relation with the great Northwest, and the republic of 
the United States of America. From the early years when white men built 
their rude cabins in the then tangled wilderness, to the opulent and magnificent 
present of this united nation, Ohio has been stanch, loyal and earnest, both 
in action and principle. 

We shall endeavor to trace the history of the State concisely and accurately, 
according to the data given by the most reliable historians. We are obliged to 
glean the prominent events only, our space being limited, compared with the 
multitudinous interests connected with this important part of the United States. 



96 . HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

FRENCH HISTORY. 

All through early French history, is the fact especially prominent, that in 
their explorations and expeditions, they united piety and business. They were 
zealous in sending out their missionaries, but they were always attended by 
traders and those who were as skilled in the world's profit and loss, as their 
companions were in propagating Christianity. 

Prior to the landing of the Pilgrim Fathers upon Plymouth Rock, the 
Upper Lakes were visited by the French, and records prove that during the first 
half of the seventeenth century, a vagabondish set, working in the interests of 
the fur company of New France, understood the geographical position of the 
lakes and their tributary streams. M. Perrot, an intelligent explorer, made 
overtures of peace to the Indian tribes around these bodies of water, and 
effected a treaty, which, it is claimed, established the right for the French, in 
the name of their king, to hold the place near St. Mary's Falls. They further 
assert that the Mississippi was discovered by the French from Lake Superior, 
but this is not authenticated, and Father Marcpiette and M. Joliet are accepted 
as the first who found this large stream, in 1763. The good missionary won 
his way with his patient and sympathetic nature. 

Ohio was, like the other portions of the West, originally in the possession 
of aborigines or Indians. Of their origin, many suppositions are advanced, 
but no certainties sustained. From practical evidences, the Mound-Builders 
were active in Ohio, and here as elsewhere, their work marked retrogression 
rather than advancement. The territory of Ohio was claimed by the French, 
and included in that wide tract between the Alleghanies and the Rockies, held 
by them under the name of Louisiana. Before the year 1750, a French trad- 
ing-post was established at the mouth of the Wabash, and communication was 
established between that point and the Maumee, and Canada. Between the 
years 1678 and 1682, the intrepid La Salle and Father Hennepin, assisted by 
Fondi, an Italian, with a small band of followers, inaugurated a series of 
explorations about the great lakes and the Mississippi, building forts on their 
way and planting the French priority. In 1680, La Salle erected a stockade at 
the foot of the rapids of the Maumee, which was a general rendezvous for mission- 
aries, traders and explorers, besides constituting a primitive "stock exchange." 

The English colonies were at this time feast of the Alleghanies, wdiile the 
French were establishing themselves west of this range, gaining an entrance 
north and south, the two portions separated by hostile and barbarous foes. 
La Salle's spirit of adventure led him into new fields, but Father Hennepin 
was detailed to investigate that part of the world now known as the State of 
Ohio. The records assert that he published a volume containing an account of 
his observations "in the country between New Mexico and the frozen ocean," 
in 1684, together with maps of Lakes Erie, Huron and Michigan, and a plat 
of the laro-er streams in Ohio. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 97 

Apparently, the French more speedily comprehended the value of their 
advantages in the New World than the English, and vigorously inaugurated and 
sustained commercial and religious projects. They were essentially benefited 
by the mediation of the Catholic priests between settlers and Indians, this 
really earnest class everywhere ingratiating themselves with the savages. The 
Order of Jesuits were very vigorous, and representatives were stationed at every 
trading-post, village and settlement. The English colonists engaged mostly in 
agriculture, while the French took a lively interest in the fur trade with the 
natives, probably from their former settlement in Quebec and thereabouts, where 
the climate is advantageous for this business. This added to the influence of 
the priests, and the natural assimilation of French and the Indians, through 
the tact and amiability of the former, the French possessions gained more 
rapidly than the English or Spanish. They courted their daughters and 
married them. They engaged in feasts and trades, and took advantage of 
those unimpeded times to extend their dominion with surprising celerity. A 
chain of trading, missionary and military posts extended from New Orleans to 
Quebec, by way of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, thence via Mackinaw and 
Detroit to Lakes Erie and Ontario. This route was shortened thereafter by 
following the Ohio River to the Wabash, following the latter upward, and 
down the Maumee to Lake Erie. 

About the same time, and to check the advancement of the French, the 
Ohio Company was formed by the English. This was an outgrowth of the 
contest between these two nations for the ascendency, whether empire, settle- 
ment or individual. After thirty years' peace between these two nations, 
"King George's War" opened the campaign in 1744, but terminated in 1748, 
the treaty at Aix-la-Chapelle unfortunately omitting a settlement of any division 
of claims in America. The English, French and Spanish were the first to 
enter America, and the right of possession by each monarch or empire was 
held by right of a first discovery. The only right that England could advance 
regarding Ohio was that the portion of the Six Nations found in the Ohio 
Valley had placed some of their lands under British jurisdiction, and that other 
portions had been purchased at Lancaster, Penn., by means of a treaty with 
the same nations. All this was strenuously denied and ignored by the French. 
Thus several conflicting influences swept carnage over fair Ohio. The Indians were 
allied to one side and the other, and were against each other. The Indians and 
French would advance against the English, and they, in retaliation, would 
make a raid into the Indian territory and overcome a French settlement. 
Whenever they could as well, Indians would take the cause in their own keep- 
ing and fight each other. The wide, verdant fields of Ohio were drenohed 
ghastly rod under a glowing sun, and the great forests echoed moans from the 
dying and distressed. The English colonists had partially overcome their 
deprivation, caused by a struggle for subsistence, and means to guard against 
the savages — this distress augmented by campaigns against Canada — by their 



98 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

increased numbers and wealth, but were now alarmed by the French rule in 
America, which gained so rapidly, unmolested as it was by Indian raids and 
other devastating circumstances. A constant conflict was going on between 
Lake Erie and the Upper Ohio. Atrocities and massacres were committed 
indiscriminately, which opened the Avay for a desperate class of marauders and 
villains from the colonies and European States. These people enlisted with 
the Indians on either side for the purpose of leadership and plunder. Every 
fortification, trading-post and settlement was garrisoned or deserted, and the 
ground between the Alle2;hanies and the Maumee became a conflict field, rife 
with thrilling deeds, sacrifice and adventures, the half never having been 
chronicled, and many heroes falling uncrowned by even a lasting memory, since 
during these times the people kept few annals, and cared less for historical 
memories than anything on earth. They were living, and dying, and struggling, 
and that was more than they could carry through safely. The French formed 
a road from the Ohio River to Detroit, via the foot of the Lower Rapids of the 
Maumee, and the foot of the Lower Rapids of the Sandusky. 

The Ohio Company obtained a charter under English views, from the 
British Government, with a grant of 6,000 acres of land on the Ohio. The 
English now reverted to the times of the Cabots, and protested that by right 
they held the entire country between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, bounded 
by those parallels of latitude defining their Atlantic coast settlements. France 
claimed the region drained by the Mississippi and tributaries, the great lakes 
and their tributaries, the area being west of the Alleghanies. Ohio was thus 
included in the disputed tract. 

The Ohio Company was formed in 1748, by a number of Virginians and 
Londoners, two brothers of George Washington taking conspicuous parts in the 
movement ; Thomas Lee Avas especially active. When the surveys were begun, 
the Governor of Canada entered vigorous protests, and indicated his displeasure 
by a prompt line of posts from Erie to Pittsburgh, named respectively, Presque 
Isle, Le Boeuf, Vedango, Kittaning and Du Quesne. The latter was begun 
by the English, captured by the French, and by them completed. 

The first English settlement of which we can find traces was a block-house 
at Piqua, about the year 1752. It was attacked, and a bitter struggle ensued, 
resulting in the death of fourteen of the assailants. Those within the garrison 
sufiered severely, many being burned, and the remainder captured and dis- 
patched to Canada. 

In 1753, the French and Indian war actively began. It did not extend 
beyond the American continent until 1756, when the home governments took 
an interest in its progress beyond encouraging their respective colonists to pur- 
sue the war-path to a direful finale for their adversaries. For four years, the 
French captured and conquered, spreading terror wherever they went, and 
they followed every Englishman that set his foot on Ohio soil to the death. 
We may state that these people had not retained their civilized habits, and 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 99 

constant association with savages had embued them with barbarous methods of 
warfare which were sickening and revolting to the English, and to which they 
could not resort. It is highly probable that French success was vastly brought 
about by these means, together with the assistance of their Indian allies. In 
1758, when the English hope was almost exterminated, the elder Pitt being 
placed at the head of the administration, a new and energetic system was 
inaugurated, wise measures instituted, and military science triumphed over 
savase cunning and French intrigue. The first brilliant English achievement 
was the conquest of Canada. When the home governments interfered, the 
war assumed the character of a French and English conflict, regardless of 
Indian right, yet the tribes continued to participate in the carnage. 

A certain Christian, Frederick Post, a Moravian missionary, located upon 
the Muskingum, near Beavertown. Heckewelder consented to become his 
associate. The Indians receiving them kindly, under conditions that Post 
should serve as tutor, this missionary began clearing a field for the purpose of 
planting corn for sustenance. This did not accord with Indian logic. They 
had stipulated that he teach and he was planting corn, which to them was a 
signal of the coming of other whites, the building of a fort and encroachments 
upon the Indians. They referred to the French priests, who were in good 
physical condition, did not till land, but were in charge of the Great Spirit 
who provided for them, a conclusive proof to them that when divine work was 
acceptable to the Great Spirit, priests were somehow sustained by other than 
the plans which disturbed their great hunting-grounds. However, they 
allowed him a small space, and he remained with them, preaching and teaching 
during the summer of 1762, when, accompanied by one of the principal chiefs, 
he returned to Lancaster, Penn., where a treaty was concluded. On his return 
to his post, he was met by Heckewelder, who imparted the tidings that friendly 
Indians had warned him that the war was about to sweep over their section, 
and destruction awaited them if they remained. The mission was accordingly 
abandoned. This failure was not so bitter as the English effort to sustain their 
trading-post in 1749, on the Great Miami, afterward called Laramie's store. 
It pursued a feeble existence until 1752, when a French raid upon the Twig- 
twees and English colonists proved fatal. 

A European treaty now excluded the French from any rights to make 
treaties with the Indians, and the English, in their flush of victory after Pitt's 
succession, assumed the authority over Indians and lands. The savages did 
not accept the situation with anything resembling the gentle spirit of resigna- 
tion, and the Ottawa chief, Pontiac, led the several tribes into a general war 
against the intruders. It was no longer French and English, but Indian and 
English, the former being instigated and assisted many times by the French, 
now desperate and unscrupulous in a mad spirit for revenge. 

The intention of the Indians was to drive the whites east of the mountains, 

destroying their numerous strongholds in Pennsylvania and Virginia, if they 
LofC. 



100 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

failed in their hope of utterly exterminating them. Pontiac had effected a 
consolidation of the tribes ranging from Mackinaw to North Carolina, thus 
being enabled to swoop down upon all the settlements simultaneously. A 
deadly beginning was made in the Ohio Valley, and only two or three English 
traders escaped out of the one hundred and twenty located in that vicinity. 
The forts at Presque Isle, St. Joseph and Mackinaw, were captured amid scenes 
of slaughter too terrible to perpetuate in description. The years 1763 and 
1764 were literally drenched in human carnage and anguish. Ohio was a 
great field of crime, murder, pain and horror. The expeditions of Bradstreet 
and Boucjuet crushed the war in 1764, and Pontiac with his Ottawas removed 
to the Maumee and settled. English settlement now progressed with great 
rapidity, but this was destined to be disturbed in 1774, by the action of Lord 
Dunmore, who led an expedition against the tribes of the Ohio country, termi- 
nated by his treaty on the Scioto plains. At this period, the colonists were not 
in strict harmony with England, and the spirit of revolution was spreading 
every day. 

When Lord Dunmore made his treaty, the affirmation was made and gained 
ground that he, being a thorough loyalist, had compromised under such terms 
as held the Indians British allies against the settlers. Directly following this 
treaty, was the deliberate murder of a number of Indians, near Wheeling, 
including the family of the great chief, Logan — Avhich inaugurated retaliating 
atrocities. 

In the year 1773, July 4, the first white child was born within the 
present limits of Ohio, and was christened John L. Roth, son of a Mora- 
vian missionary. All the settlers of these Moravian towns on the Muskingum 
were made prisoners in September of the same year. Heckwelder was trans- 
ported to Detroit, but English tyranny foiled to find any evidence against him 
or his colaborers, and they were reluctantly released, and returned to their fam- 
ilies in Sandusky. Poverty added to their sufferings, and in the forlorn 
hope of finding a remnant of their property at the old settlements, which might 
assist in mitigating their necessities, they wearily went thitherward. They 
began gathering their grain, but the Wyandots attacked them, and many lives 
were lost. Frontiersmen had also grown jealous of them, and a body of about 
ninety marched out together, for the fiendish purpose of pillaging, slaughtering 
and laying waste all Moravian towns and posts. With the wily insidiousness of 
savages, they went about their diabolical plan. The Moravians were cordial and 
bade this band welcome, when they reached their towns in the guise of friend- 
ship. AVilliamson, the leader, and the gleaners, were called from the fields, 
when, to the dismay of these trusting and frank people, they were all bound, 
and only fifteen out of the marauding band of ninety were in favor of even 
sparing the lives of these hapless men, women and children. Forty men, 
twenty-two women and thirty-four children were then cruelly and heartlessly 
murdered, their sufferings laughed to scorn, and the last sound that fell on their 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 101 

ears was exultant derision. Succeeding this tragic event was the expedition 
against the Indian towns upon the Sandusky. The hostile Indians had been 
making frequent incursions upon the settlements of Western Pennsylvania and 
Virginia, destroying both life and property. There seemed to be no bounds 
to their bloody work, and it became necessary, for the peace and safety of the 
settlers, to take some measures to prevent their outrages. Accordingly, in 
May, 1782, Gen. William Irvine, who was then commander of the Western 
Military Department, with headquarters at Fort Pitt, called a council of the 
officers of his department to meet at Fort Pitt. At this meeting it was de- 
cided to form and equip a body of men, and make an expedition into the 
Indian country. Upper Sandusky, then the rendezvous of the hostile Wyan- 
dots, Delawares, Shawanese and Mingoes, was to be the point of attack. 

Col. William Crawford led the expedition, which counted 480 men. Warn- 
ing had in some manner reached the towns, and the troops found them de- 
serted. But the Indians were incensed, and their wrath had not driven them 
to hiding-places, but to a preparation to meet their foes. They fought desper- 
ately, and Crawford's troops were defeated and scattered, many being capt- 
ured, and among them Col. Crawford himself. It is hardly probable that 
Crawford could justly expect much mercy at the hands of his captors. Ac- 
counts state that Crawford implored the aid of Girty, and at last secured a 
promise to use his power to obtain the Colonel's pardon. However, this was of 
no avail, and it is doubtful whether Girty was disposed to intercede. The 
prisoners were tortured and put to death, and Crawford's agonies were pro- 
tracted as long as possible. Dr. Knight managed to disable the Indian who 
had him in charge, and made his escape to the settlements, where he related 
the result of the expedition and the tortures of the captured. 

On October 27, 1784, a treaty was concluded at Fort Stanwix, with the 
sachems and warriors of the Mohawks, Onondagas, Senecas, Cayugas, Onei- 
das and Tuscaroras, and the Six Nations then ceded to the Colonial Govern- 
ment all claims to the country west of a line defined by the western boundary 
to the Ohio — thus rendering the Indian claim to a large portion of Ohio lands 
practically extinct. 

Although the French and Indian war was a series of heart-rending events, 
it was a serious and remarkable school of discipline for the untrained troops 
which soon engaged in the Revolutionary struggle. On the fields of Ohio, many 
valuable officers, who earned distinction in the war of independence, learned 
their first lessons in intrepid valor. 

During the Revolution, the colonial troops were engaged east of the mount- 
ains, and western settlements and frontier people were left alone to defend 
themselves and their property against encroachments and attacks. 

The Indian tribes again became belligerent, and united with the English 
against the " Americans." The latter held a line of posts along the Upper 
Ohio, while the British were stationed in the old French strongholds on the 
lakes and the Mississippi. The unscrupulous whites and Indians ranged at ran- 
dom between this boundary and the Cuyahoga, thence southerly to the Ohio, 



102 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

thus including the Scioto and Miami Valleys. Southeastern Ohio constituted 
"the neutral ground." 

Gen. Clarke's expedition, although chiefly confined to Indiana and Illinois, 
greatly influenced the settlement of Ohio. His exploits and the resolution of 
his troops were chiefly instrumental in holding the country west of the Alle- 
ghanies, and insuring its possession by the United States during the Revolution. 
The British had been emphatic, in the Paris treaty, at the time of the settlement 
of the French and English difiiculties, in demanding the Ohio River as the 
northern boundary of the United States. The American Commissioners relied 
upon Gen. Clarke's valor and energy in holding the country west of the Alle- 
ghanies, Avhich he had conquered, and the British Commissioners were compelled 
to give their consent, under civil and military measures. In 1783, by the 
treaty of Paris, at the close of the Revolutionary war, the English relinquished 
all rights to the fertile territory between the Alleghanies and the Mississippi, 
and the United States held undisputed possession. 

January 10, 1786, Gens. Rufus Putnam and Benjamin Tupper circulated a 
pamphlet, proposing the formation of a company for the purpose of settling the 
Ohio lands, and soliciting the attention and consideration of all those desiring a 
future home and prosperity. A meeting was also called, to assemble during the 
following February, and select delegates to represent each county in Massachu- 
setts. These dignitaries should convene during the month of March, at the 
" Bunch of Grapes " tavern, in Boston, for the purpose of definitely forming the 
association, and adopting such measures as would benefit all directly interested. 
The meeting and " convention " followed, and the subscription books were opened. 
One million dollars, chiefly represented by Continental certificates, was the 
price of the land. The shares were valued at |1,000 each, and there was a 
division of a thousand shares. The first payment was to be $10 per share, this 
money to be set aside for such expenses as might accrue. A year's interest was 
to be devoted to the establishment of the settlement, and those families who 
were unable to incur the expense of moving were to be assisted. Those who 
purchased shares to the number of twenty were entitled to a representation by 
an agent, who was permitted to vote for Directors. This plan matured and was 
acted upon during the following year. It may be that the action of Connecti- 
cut, in ceding her territorial claims to the General Government, Avith few excep- 
tions, greatly encouraged this new undertaking. That tract was, until recently, 
designated the " Western Reserve " — an extent 170 miles from the western 
boundary of Pennsylvania, and parallel thereto, being reserved. 

On October 27, 1787, a contract was made between the Board of the Treas- 
ury, for the United States, and Manasseh Cutler and Winthrop Sargent, agents 
for the Directors of the New England Ohio Company, for the purchase of a tract 
of land, bounded by the Ohio, and from the mouth of the Scioto to the inter- 
section of the western boundary of the seventh townships, then surveying ; 
thence by said boundary to the northern boundary of the tenth township from 



HISTORY OF THJ] STATE OF OHIO. 103 

the Ohio ; thence, by a due west line, to the Scioto ; thence, by the Scioto, to 
the beginning. 

However fertile and attractive Ohio was known to have been, settlement did 
not gain rapidly after the close of the war with England, although the United 
States has gained her freedom. It was more than six years after Cornwallis 
laid down his sword, before a white settlement was formed on the Ohio side of the 
river. The French and Indian war had incited the English to be jealous of her 
colonial conquests, and mistrusting their loyalty, they had, so soon as the French 
claims were annulled, taken measures to crush all colonial claims also, and a 
royal proclamation rescinded all colonial land grants and charters, holding all 
the country west of the sources of the Atlantic rivers under the protection and 
sovereignty of t!ie king of Great Britain, for the use of the Indians. All white 
persons were forbidden to remain or settle within the prescribed limits. Parlia- 
ment then attached this tract to Quebec, and the English Government felt assured 
that the thirteen colonies were restricted and held secure east of the Alleghanies. 

The result of the war between the colonies and England did not constitute 
an Indian treaty. Although England signed over her title and right, the sava- 
ges held the land and ignored all white agreements, one way or the other. 
Whenever an attempt at settlement was undertaken, Indian depredations proved 
disastrous. The tribes were encouraged by the English fur traders, and the 
English commandant at Detroit incited them to destroy all Americans who 
attempted to usurp the rights of red men. 

Added to this serious difficulty was the unsettled debate regarding State 
claims, which rendered a title precarious. A treaty, signed at Fort Mcintosh, 
previous to the war, and authenticated, shows that during the conflict the Dela- 
wares and Wyandots occupied the Indian and British frontier, on the southern 
shore of Lake Erie, from the Cuyahoga to the Maumee, and from the lake to 
the sources of its tributaries. Later, these two tribes ceded to the United 
States "the neutral ground," by warranty deed, and by quit-claim, the terri- 
tory south and west of the described tract, set apart for their use. 

By special measures, the grant of Congress in the matter of the Ohio Com- 
pany extended to nearly 5,000,000 acres, valued at $3,500,000. The original 
Ohio Company obtained 1,500,000 acres, the remaining being reserved by indi- 
viduals, for private speculation. 

The same year, Congress appointed Arthur St. Clair, Governor, and Win- 
throp Sargent, Secretary, of the Territory. 

Fort Harmar had previously been built, at the mouth of the Muskingum, 
and in 1788, a New England colony attempted the "Muskingum settlement," 
on the opposite side, which was afterward named Marietta. In July, 1788, the 
Territorial officers were received in this village, and there established the first 
form of civil government, as set forth in the Ordinance of 1787. Three United 
States Judges were appointed, and Courts of Common Pleas, Probate and 
Justice were established. 



104 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

If the stormy times were supposed to be of the past, that composure was 
rudely broken by the utter disregard of the Shawnee and other Indian tribes, 
who soon induced the Delawares and Wyandots to repudiate their consent in the 
matter of settlement. The miseries of frontier horrors were repeated. The 
British commandant at Detroit instigated many of these hostilities, yet the 
American Government took honorable action in assuring the English represent- 
ative that American military preparations in the West was not an expedition 
against Detroit, or other British possessions, although the possession of Detroit 
by that nation was in direct opposition to the treaty of 1783. Gov. St. Clair, 
to avert the direful consequences of a border war, dispatched a Frenchman, 
Gameline, to the principal Indian towns of the Wabash and Maumee countries, 
to request them to meet the United States agents, and make a compromise for 
the benefit of both parties, at the same time reiterating the desire of the General 
Government to adhere to the Fort Ilarmar treaty. The Miamis, Shawnees, 
Ottawas, Kickapoos and Delawares received this representative kindly, but 
declined the wampum sent by the Governor, and deferred giving an answer 
until they had considered the subject with the " father at Detroit." 

Blue Jacket, chief of the Shawnees, informed the Frenchman that the Indi- 
ans doubted the sincerity of the Americans. The new settlement on the Ohio 
was a proof that the whites intended to crowd further and further, until the 
Indians were again and again robbed of their just right. He then emphatically 
asserted that unless the north side of the river was kept free from these inroads 
there could be no terms of peace with the Shawnees, and many other tribes. 

Blue Jacket was unusually intelligent and sagacious, and expressed himself 
eloquently. He was persistent in his determination to engage in the war of 
extermination, should the white settlements continue north of the Ohio. 

These overtures were continued, but they foiled in producing any arrange- 
ment that permitted the whites to locate north of the Ohio. 

Congress called upon Kentucky and Pennsylvania to lend the aid of theii' 
militia. Gen. Harmar was instructed to destroy the Miami villages at the 
head of the Maumee. Late in the fall of 1790, he executed this order. 

The Indians had stored a large quantity of provisions, in expectation of a 
campaign, and this dependence was devastated. Without authority, and with 
undue carelessness, he divided his army and attempted to achieve other victo- 
ries. He more than lost Avhat he had gained. Two raids upon the Wabash In- 
dians, thereafter, proved successful, but the campaign under Gov. St. Clair was 
not calculated to establish peace or obtain power, and was deemed but little less 
than a failure. 

The year 1792 was a series of skirmishes, so far as a settlement was con- 
cerned, but 1793 succeeded well enough to convene a meeting of United States 
Commissioners and representatives of the hostile tribes, at the rapids of the 
Maumee. It is highly probable that a satisfactory treaty might have been 
arranged, liad it not been for the intervention and malicious influence of the 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 105 

British Superintendent of Indian Affairs, Col. McKee, his assistant Capt. 
Elliott, and the notorious Capt. Simon Girty, who instigated the savages to 
deeds more horrible than their own barbarisms. 

It was evident that a severe struggle must ensue, and Capt. Wayne, in 
1792, appointed to the command of the Western army, was called upon to con- 
duct the campaign. He exhibited his wisdom in the beginning, by preparing 
his men in military discipline and fully equipping them before marching to meet 
a savage foe in a wilderness. Various causes detained the army, and it was not 
until the fall of 1793, that the force marched from Fort Washington (Cincin- 
nati) to begin the battle. 

It was already late in the season, and, before any progress had been made, 
the army went into winter quarters at Greenville, on a branch of the Big 
Miami. 

In the mean time, the Ohio Company had not matured its practical " settle- 
ment plan," although a generous grant had been obtained. In 1792, they 
received a clear title to 750,000 acres of land, for which the full price had pre- 
viously been paid, in Continental currency. Congress set aside 214,285 acres 
as army bounties, and 100,000 acres to actual settlers. The two latter appro- 
priations joined that of the Ohio Company. 

There had been numerous conventions, discussions and other fruitless 
attempts to somehow form a plan for the government of the Northwest Terri- 
tory, but it was not until July 13, 1787, that an ordinance was passed, and that 
was the result of Dr. Cutler's efforts. Every State sustained its measures. 

This ordinance was the foundation of the constitution of the future State of 
Ohio, and indeed, permeates the entire Northwestern creed. 

ORDINANCE, OF 1787.— No. 32. 
An Ordinance for the Government of the Territory of the United States, Northwest of 
THE Ohio River. 

Be it ordained by the United States in Congress assevibled, That the said Territory, for the pur- 
pose of government, be one district; subject, however, to be divided into two districts, as future cir- 
cumstances may, in the opinion of Congress, make it expedient. 

Be it ordained by the authority aforesaid. That the estates of both resident and non-resident 
proprietors in the said Territoi-y, dying intestate, shall descend to and be distributed among their 
children and the descendants of a deceased child, in equal parts; the descendants of a deceased 
child or grandchild to take the share of their deceased parent in equal parts among them. And 
when there shall be no children or descendants, then in equal parts to the next of kin in equal . 
degree ; and among collaterals, the children of a deceased brother or sister of the intestate shall 
have, in equal parts among them, their deceased parent's share; and there shall in no case be a 
distribution between kindred of the whole and half blood, saving in all cases to the widow of 
intestate, her third part of the real estate, for life, and one-third part of the personal estate ; and 
this law relative to descents and dower, shall remain in full force until altered by the Legis- 
lature of the district. And until the Governor and Judges shall adopt laws as hereinafter 
mentioned, estates in said Territory may be devised or bequeathed by wills in writing, signed 
and sealed by him or her in whom the estate may be (being of full age), and attested by three 
witnesses ; and real estate may be conveyed by lease and release, or bargain and sale, signed and 
sealed, and delivered by the person (being in full age) in whom the estate may be, and attested 



106 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

by two witnesses, provided such wills be duly proved, and such conveyances be acknowledged, or 
the execution thereof duly proved and be recorded within one year after proper magistrates, 
courts and registers shall be appointed for that purpose. And personal property may be trans- 
ferred by delivery, saving, however, to the French and Canadian inhabitants and other settlers of 
the Kaskaskias, St. Vincent's and the neighboring villages, who have heretofore professed them- 
selves citizens of Virginia, their laws and customs now in force among them, relative to the 
descent and conveyance of property. 

Be it ordained by the authority aforesaid. That there shall be appointed from time to time, by 
Congress, a Governor whose commission shall continue in force for a term of three years, unless 
sooner revoked by Congress. He shall reside in the district and have a freehold estate therein, 
of a thousand acres of land while in the exercise of his office. 

There shall be appointed from time to time by Congress, a Secretary whose commission shall 
continue in force for two years, unless sooner revoked. He shall reside in the district, and shall 
have a freehold estate therein in 500 acres of land, while in the exercise of his office. It shall be 
his duty to keep and preserve the acts and laws passed by the Legislature, and the public records 
of the district, and the proceedings of the Governor in his executive department, and transmit 
authentic copies of such acts and proceedings every six months, to the Secretary of Congress. 
There shall also be appointed a court to consist of three Judges, any two of whom to form a 
court, who shall have a common law jurisdiction and shall reside in the district and have each 
therein a freehold estate in 500 acres of land, while in the exercise of their office, and their 
commissions shall continue in force during good behavior. 

The Governor and Judges, or a majority of them, shall adopt and publish in the district 
such laws of the original States, criminal and civil, as may be necessary and best suited to the 
circumstances of the district, and report them to Congress from time to time, which laws shall be 
in force in the district until the organization of the General Assembly therein, unless disapproved 
by Congress. But afterward, the Legislature shall have authority to alter them, as they shall 
think fit. 

The Governor, for the time being, shall be commander-in-chief of the militia, appoint and 
commission all officers in the same, below the rank of general officers. All general officers shall 
be appointed and commissioned by Congress. 

Previous to the organization of the General Assembly, the Governor shall appoint such mag- 
istrates and other civil officers in each county or township, as he shall find necessary for the 
preservation of the peace and good order in the same. After the General Assembly shall be 
organized, the powers and duties of magistrates and other civil officers shall be regulated and 
defined by the said Assembly, but all magistrates and other civil officers not herein otherwise 
directed, shall, during the continuance of this temporary government, be appointed by the 
Governor. 

For the prevention of crimes and injuries, the laws to be adopted or made shall have force 
in all parts of the district, and for the execution of process, criminal or civil, the Governor shall 
make proper divisions thereof, and he shall proceed from time to time as circumstances may 
require, to lay out the parts of the district in which the Indian titles shall have been extin- 
guished, into counties and townships, subject, however, to such alterations as may thereafter be 
made by the Legislature. So soon as there shall be 5,000 free male inhabitants of full age in the 
district, upon giving proof thereof to the Governor, tlmy shall receive authority with time and 
place, to elect representatives from their counties or townships, to represent them in the General 
Assembly. Provided, That for every 500 free male inhabitants, there shall be one representative, 
and so on progressively with the number of free male inhabitants, shall the right of representa- 
tion increase, until the number of representatives shall amount to twenty-five. After which, the 
number shall be regulated by the Legislature. Provided, That no person be eligible or qualified 
to act as a representative unless he shall have been a citizen of one of the United States three 
years, and be a resident in the district, or unless he shall have resided in the district three 
years, and in either case, shall likewise hold in his own right in fee simple 200 acres of land 
within the same. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 107 

Provided, Also, that a freehold in 50 aci'cs of land in the district, having been a citizen of 
one of the States, and being a resident in the district, or the like freehold and two years' resi- 
dence in the district, shall be necessary to qualify a man as an elector of a representative. 

The representatives thus elected, shall serve for the term of two years. And in case of the 
death of a representative or removal from office, the Goveunor shall issue a writ to the county or 
township for which he was a member, to elect another in his stead, to serve for the residue of the 
term. 

The General Assembly or Legislature shall consist of the Governor, Legislative Council, and 
a House of Representatives. The Legislative Council shall consist of five members, to continue 
in office five years, unless sooner removed by Congress ; any three of whom to be a quorum. 
And the members of the Council shall be nominated and appointed in the following manner, to wit : 

As soon as representatives shall be elected, the Governor shall appoint a time and place for 
them to meet together, and when met, they shall nominate ten persons, residents in the district, 
and each person in a freehold in 500 acres of land, and return their names to Congress, five of 
whom Congress shall appoint and commission as aforesaid. And whenever a vacancy shall hap- 
pen in the Council by death or removal from office, the House of Representatives shall nominate 
two persons, qualified as aforesaid, for each vacancy, and return their names to Congress, one of 
whom Congress shall appoint and commission for the residue of the term. And every five years, 
four months at least before the expiration of the time of service of the members of the Council, 
the said House shall nominate ten persons qualified as aforesaid, and return their names to 
Congress, five of whom Congress shall appoint and commission to serve as members of the 
Council five years, unless sooner removed. And the Governor, Legislative Council and House 
of Representatives shall have authority to make laws in all cases, for the good government 
of the district, not repugnant to the principles and articles in this Ordinance, established and 
declared. 

And all bills having passed by a majority in the House, and by a majority in the Council, 
shall be referred to the Governor for his assent. But no bill or legislative act whatever, shall be 
of any force without his assent. The Governor shall have power to convene, prorogue and dis- 
solve the General Assembly, when in his opinion it shall be expedient. 

The Governor, Judges, Legislative Council, Secretary, and such other officers as Congress 
shall appoint in the district, shall take an oath or affirmation of fidelity and of office. The Gov- 
ernor before the President of Congress, and all other officei's before the Governor. 

As soon as a Legislature shall be formed in the district, the Council and House assembled 
in one room, shall have authority by joint ballot to elect a delegate to Congress, who shall 
have a seat in Congress, with a right of debating, but not of voting, during this temporary gov- 
ernment. 

And for extending the fundamental principles of civil and religious liberty, which forms 
the basis whereon these republics, their laws and constitutions, are created ; to fix and establish 
those principles as the basis of all laws, constitutions and governments, Avhicli forever hereafter 
shall be formed in said Territory. To provide for the establishment of States, and permanent 
governments therein, and for their admission to a share in the Federal Council on an equal footing 
with the original States, at as early periods as may be consistent with the general interest. 

It is hereby ordained and declared by the authority aforesaid, That the following articles shall 
be considered as articles of compact between the original States and the people, and States in 
said Territory, and forever remain unaltered unless by common consent, to wit: 

Article II. The inhabitants of said Territory shall always be entitled to the benefits of the 
writ of habeas corpus, and of the trial by jury; of a proportionate representation of the people 
in the Legislature, and of judicial procedure according to the course of common law. All per- 
sons shall be bailable, except for capital otfenses, where the proof shall be evident or the pre- 
sumption great. All fines shall be moderate, and no cruel or unreasonable punishment shall be 
inflicted. No man shall be deprived of his liberty or property, but by the judgment of his peers 
or the law of the land. And should the public exigencies make it necessary for the common 
preservation, to take any person's property, or to demand his particular services, full compensation 



108 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

shall be made for the same. And in the just preservation of rights and property, it is under- 
stood and declared that no law aught ever to be made or have force in the said Ten'itory, 
that shall in any manner whatever interfere with or effect private contracts or engagements bona 
fide and without fraud, previously formed. 

Art. III. Religion, morality and knowledge being necessary to good government and the 
happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged. The 
utmost good faith shall always be observed toward the Indians; their lands and property shall 
never be taken from them without their consent ; and in their property, rights and liberty they 
shall never be invaded or disturbed, unless in just and lawful wars authorized by Congress. But 
laws founded in justice and humanity, shall from time to time be made for preventing wrongs 
being done to them, and for preserving peace and friendship with them. 

Art. IV. The said Territory and the States which may be formed therein, shall ever remain 
a part of the confederacy of the United States of America, subject to the articles of confedera- 
tion, and to such alterations therein as shall be constitutionally made, and to all the acts and 
ordinances of the United States in Congress assembled conformable thereto. The inhabitants and 
settlers in said Territory shall be subject to pay a part of the federal debts contracted or to be 
contracted, and a proportional part of the expenses of the Government, to be apportioned on 
them ])y Congress, according to the same common rule and measure by which apportionments 
thereof shall be made on the other States, and the taxes for paying their proportion shall be laid 
and levied by the authority and directions of the Legislature of the district or districts or new 
States, within the time agreed upon by the United States in Congress assembled. The Legisla- 
tures of those districts or new States, shall never interfere with the primary disposal of the soil 
by the United States in Congress assembled, nor with any regulations Congress may find neces- 
sary for securing the title in such soil to the bona-fide purchasers. No tax shall be imposed on 
lands the property of the United States, and in no case, shall non-residents be taxed higher than 
residents. The navigable waters leading into the Mississippi and St Lawrence, and the carry- 
ing places between the same, shall be common highways, and forever free as well to the inhabi- 
tants of the said Territory as to the citizens of the United States and those of any other States 
that may V)e admitted into the confederacy, without any tax, impost or duty therefor. 

Art. V. There shall be formed in said Territory not less than three, nor more than five, 
States, and the boundaries of the States, as soon as Virginia shall alter her act of cession and 
consent to the same, shall become fixed and established as follows, to Avit : The western State in 
the said Territory shall be bounded by the Mississippi, the Ohio, the Wabash Rivers ; a direct 
line drawn from the Wabash and Post St. Vincent, due north to the Territorial line between the 
United States and Canada; and by the said Territorial line to the Lake of the Woods and Missis- 
sippi. The middle State shall be bounded by the said direct line, the Wabash from Post St. Vin- 
cent to the Ohio, by the Ohio, by a direct line drawn due north from the mouth of the Great 
Miami to the said Territorial line. The eastern State shall be bounded by the last-mentioned 
direct line, the Ohio, Pennsylvania and said territorial line. Provided, however, and it is further 
understood and declared, that the boundaries of those three States shall be subject so far to be 
altered, that, if Congress shall hereafter find it expedient, they shall have authority to form one 
or two States in that part of the said Territory which lies north of an east and west line drawn 
through the southerly bend or extreme of Lake Michigan. And wlienever any of the said States 
shall have 60,000 free inhabitants therein, such State shall be admitted by its delegates into the 
Congress of the United States on an equal footing with the original States in all respects what- 
ever, and shall be at liberty to form a permanent constitution and State government. Provided, 
The constitution and government so to be formed, shall be represented, and in conformity to the 
principles contained in these articles ; and so far as it can be cojisistent with the general iiiterest 
of the confederacy, such admission shall be allowed at an earlier period, and when there may be 
a less number of free inhabitants than 60,000. 

Art. VI. There shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude in the said Territory, 
otherwise than in the punishment of crimes whereof the party shall have been duly convicted. 
Provided ahvai/s, That any person escaping into the same from whom labor or service is lawfully 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 109 

claimed in one of the original States, each fugitive may be lawfully claimed and conveyed to the 
person claiming his or her labor or services as aforesaid. 

Be it ordained by the authority aforesaid. That the resolutions of the 2.3d of April, 1784, 
relative to the subject of this ordinance, be and the same are hereby repealed and declared null 
and void. 

The passage of this ordinance, since known as the " Ordinance of 1787," 
was immediately followed by an application to the Government, by John Cleves 
Symmes, of New Jersey, in behalf of the country, between the Miamis, and a 
contract was concluded the following year. The Ohio Company were exceed- 
ingly energetic in inaugurating settlements. Gen. Putman, with a party of 
forty-seven men, set out on an exploring expedition, accompanied by six boat 
builders. On the 1st of January, 1788, twenty-six surveyors followed, from 
Hartford, Conn. They arrived in Ohio on the 7th of Aj^ril, 1788, and their 
active energy founded the permanent beginning of this great Western State- 
When we review the dangerous experiments that have been made, in this land 
west of the Alleghanies, the horrors which had overwhelmed every attempt, we 
can faintly realize the stalwart courage that sent these men on their way, and 
sustained them in their pioneer hardships. With characteristic vigor, they 
began their little town. Enthusiastic and happy, they did not rest from their 
toilsome march over the old Indian roads, but kept busily at work to estab- 
lish an oasis in this wide expanse of wilderness, before they should take nec- 
essary ease to recuperate their strength. 

The wise men met on the 2d of May, and the little town was named 
Marietta. Situated as it was, in the midst of danger, they had used precaution 
to build and equip a fortified square, which was designated Campus Martius ; 
Square No. 19 was Capitolium, and Square No. 61 was Cecelia, and the main 
street was Sacra Via. 

Marietta was especially fortunate in her actual "first families." Ten of the 
forty-eight men had received a thorough college education ; the remaining were 
individuals of sterling merit, honorable, and several had already attained reputations 
for superior excellence of abilities. Patriotic and brave, the settlement certainly 
possessed a foundation that promised well for the future. The following 4th of 
July was an auspicious event, and the Hon. James M. Varnum was the eloquent 
orator of the occason. 

The opening of the court, on the 2d of September, was a solemn ceremonial, 
the High Sheriff leading with drawn sword, followed by citizens, with an escort 
of officers from Fort Harmar, the members of the bar, the Governor and Clergy- 
men, the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas — Gen. Rufus Putman and 
Benjamin Tupper — all these constituted an imposing spectacle, as they pro- 
gressed over a path which had been cut through the forest to Campus Martius 
Hall, the edifice of law and order. 

The Judges took their seats, a prayer was ofiered by the Rev. Dr. Cutler, 
and immediately the Sheriff, Col. Ebenezer Sprout, proclaimed the response, 
and the court of impartial justice was convened. 



110 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

This ceremonial was, perhaps, made all the more impressive by the presence 
of several powerful Indian chiefs, who had journeyed to Marietta for the pur- 
pose of making a treaty. 

The settlement now increased rapidly, new cabins were erected constantly. 
On the 17th of December, a society event occurred, in the form of a grand ball, 
fifteen ladies being present. 

John Cleves Symmes had contracted for 2,000,000 acres of land, and suc- 
ceeded in obtaining his grant, but circumstances prevented him from meeting 
his part of the obligations, and the specification was reduced to 1,000,000. 
After vain attempt to make his payments, a settlement was finally efiected for 
248,540 acres, and Symmes was prepared to dispose of clear titles to new-com- 
ers. In 1788, a town was established within the boundaries of his grant, at the 
mouth of the little Miami, known as Columbia, and in the early part of 1787 
another was formed opposite the mouth of the Licking River, by name Losanti- 
ville, analyzed by a frontier scholar — ville, the town ; anti, opposite to ; os, the 
mouth of; i, Licking. 

Judge Symmes had projected building his main town at North Bend. This 
plan was frustrated by reason of Ensign Luce — who had been commissioned by 
Gen. Harmar to erect a fort — deciding that North Bend Avas not suitable for the 
purpose. He selected Losantiville for the purpose, and Fort Washington was 
the result. In 1790, Gov. St. Clair was called to inspect the settlement, and 
proceeded to organize Hamilton County, at the same time calling the town 
Cincinnati. 

It will be remembered that Connecticut ceded most of her western lands to 
General Government, retaining, however, a minor portion. As the settlements 
began to increase on the "Virginia Reserve" and between the Scioto and Miami 
Rivers, all those holding claims were not disposed to part with them, while 
others were anxious to secure grants for the purpose of speculation, rather than 
the advancement of civilization. The Scioto Company was a questionable ad- 
herent of the Ohio Company, and began operations, which resulted Avell, what- 
ever their purpose may have been. 

Gen. Putnam cleared the land and directed the building of 100 dwellings and 
six block-houses. During 1791, the colony arrived, consisting of 500 persons. 
Only ten of these were tillers of the soil. Viscount Malartie ventured into the 
wilderness, but instead of settling, joined Gen. St. Clair's army, and was ulti- 
mately his aid-de-camp. Indian conquests were not to his taste, and he soon 
returned to France. This new colony was essentially French, and its location 
was Gallia County. The name " Gallipolis " was selected. 

These settlers, being unaccustomed to severe toil, and disinclined to learn 
its hard lesson, soon became demoralized, through deprivation and absolute 
want. Congress came to their aid Avith a land grant of 24,000 acres, but few 
of them cared to enter claims, and soon all traces of the old toAvn were lost, and 
its inhabitants scattered. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 11] 

Gen, St. Clair having become unpopular, through repeated fiiilures in Indian 
campaigns, and Gen. Anthony Wayne having wintered at Fort Washington, 
the spring of 1793 was opened by a march of the army, well disciplined and 
led by " Mad Anthony," on a campaign that must crush the rapidly increasing 
depredations of the Indians, notwithstanding which these new settlements had 
been made. All winter. Gen. Wayne had dispatched scouts, spies and hardy 
frontiersmen on errands of discovery, and his plans were, therefore, practically 
matured. His army cut its way through the forests, gathering horses, provis- 
ions, etc., as they marched, and finally came nearly up to the enemy before dis- 
covery. They again returned to Fort Washington, as the Commander-in-Chief, 
under the order of the Executive, had proclaimed inaction until the Northern 
or British Commissioners and Indians should convene and discuss the situation 
and prospects. Gen. Wayne, meantime, drilled his men at " Hobson's Choice," 
a place near Fort Washington. 

The Commissioners came from Detroit, and assembled at Capt. Matthew 
Elliot's house, at the mouth of the Detroit River. 

A meeting was called at Sandusky, and twenty Indian representatives were 
present, to argue the grounds of a treaty. Simon Girty acted as interpreter, 
and has been vehemently accused of unfaithfulness in this trust, since he did 
not advocate the adjustment of matters on any grounds. The Indians reiterated 
their rights and wrongs, and offered to receive the half of the purchase money, 
provided the actual settlers would accept it as the price of the land, move away, 
and leave the original owners the proud possessors of their lands. The Govern- 
ment would then expend less money than they would have done in a full Indian 
purchase, or a long and cruel war. This being out of the question and rejected, 
a decided specification was made that the Ohio boundary was to be obliterated, 
and a new one adopted, that encompassed a mere fraction of territory. This 
was also rejected. The Indians indignantly bade the Americans to go back to 
their father, and they would return to their tribes. 

The council was terminated in confusion. It is highly probable that some 
settlement might have been made, had it not been for English influence which 
instigated the savages, in the hope of ultimately making conquests for them- 
selves. The commander at Detroit evinced great uneasiness whenever there 
was a shadow of an opportunity for a peaceful understanding. 

On Christmas Day, 1793, a detachment of the army encamped on the 
identical ground made memorable by St. Clair's horrible defeat. A reward was 
offered for every human skull that was found, and 600 were gathered. The 
bones of the victims were removed from the spot where they built Fort Recovery. 
This point was left in charge of Alexander Gibson. 

Early in the year 1794, Lord Dorchester addressed the Commissioners in 
behalf of the English. Even at this time, Gen. Wayne, to avoid the terrors of 
a great war, again made overtures of peace, dispatching Freeman, Trueman and 
Hardin, all initiated in savage tactics, on errands of mercy — and the three men 



112 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

^iret'e inhumanly murdered. The English went so far as to order Gov. Simcoe 
to erect a fort, in April, 1794, on the Rapids of the Maumee, thus rousing the 
Indians by a bold proof that they had espoused their cause. In May, the 
Spanish, who were ever jealous of colonial encroachments, were willing to aid 
in a general raid ao;ainst the Americans. 

In June, a scouting party from Fort Recovery, fell into an Indian ambush 
and suffered severely, their foes following them to the very entrance. The siege 
cor.tinued for two days. It was plainly evident that white men augmented the 
Indian force ; ounce balls and buck-shot surely came from their rifles. Again, 
the Indians immediately began a search beneath the logs where pieces of artillery 
were hidden during the great battle of St. Clair, but fortunately, Fort Recovery 
had the use of them and they accomplished much. 

On July 26, Scott joined Wayne at Greenville, with 1,600 mounted 
Kentuckians, and on the 28th, the legion took up its line of deadly march. 
Halting at Girty's Town, they built Fort Mary's, later on Fort Adams. Throw- 
ing the enemy off their guard by feints and counter-marching, the troops surprised 
the Indians, and without the slightest resistance took possession of their villages 
at the confluence of the Auglaize and Maumee. They found provision in 
abundance, and tarried a week building Fort Defiance. 

Again Gen. Wayne would have made terms of peace, on the principle of the 
Government to arrest bloodshed, but the Indians were rendered cruelly intent 
on war by an addition of a body of British militia from Detroit, and by regulars 
stationed at a fort they had built on the left bank of the river, below the rapids, 
called Fort Miami. The "Fallen Timber" ground was selected as the field 
for a battle by the savages, in the expectation that the trees cast down by a 
tornado and there remaining, would seriously impede American progress. 

August 15th, Wayne marched down the river, and at Roche de Boeuf, erected 
a fortification for their stores and luggage, naming it " Fort Deposit." On the 
20th, the American army began the attack. Maj. Price and Maj. Gen. Scott 
were heroic in their assistance, and after a sharp, deadly conflict, the enemy 
was routed, fleeing in confusion, and leaving their dead and wounded strewn 
thickly over the field. The savages were pressed to the front always, and when 
the carnage was painful, tlie British troops not engaged looked on coolly from the 
fort and offered no assistance, aiding their own, however, when possible. Gen. 
Wayne being an ardent soldier, was apt to forget his position, and impetuously 
place himself constantly in danger. Lieut. Harrison is reported to have 
requested the General not to forget to give him field orders, in his own partici- 
pation in the battle, and to have received the reply that the standing order was 
alivays to charge bayonets. 

Notwithstanding the treaty of 1783, and the fact that the British were tres- 
passing, they encroached upon the Ohio soil, and essayed to vindicate their 
action by discarding American claims and recognizing the Indian rights, whereby 
they might seek their own colonization and make treaties. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 11^ 

Maj. Campbell was in command at Fort Miami, and when he saw the sava- 
ges being cut down almost mercilessly, he not only refrained from offering aid, 
but when, in their desperate retreat, they attempted to enter the fort for pro- 
tection, he ordered the doors closed in their faces. 

On the following day, Campbell sent a message to Wayne, demanding a 
reason for hostile action, adding that Great Britain was not now at war with the 
United States. He received a characteristic reply. 

During the Revolution, Detroit was an important British point, and the 
Maumee was its outlet. Therefore, the English clung tenaciously to this posr 
session, giving, as it did, the advantage of the great fur trade. The English 
Government evidently regretted ceding so much of her territory in the West, 
and were searching for an excuse to quarrel and attempt to regain at least a part 
of what they had lost. Their policy was to sustain the bitter hatred between 
the Indians and the Americans. 

The settlement of the Maumee Valley had been rapid, but the very name 
was an agony of remembrance of frightful massacres and atrocities. Col. 
McKee, the British Indian agent, and his assistant, Capt. Elliott, were from 
Pennsylvania, but being Tories, they had assimilated with the Indians. They 
joined the Shawnee tribe and married Indian wives, and made their fortunes 
thereby, through British appointments to secure the savage interests. The 
Indians were directly served by McKee and Elliott, Avith ammunition and sup- 
plies, during the Wayne conflict. 

Several skirmishes ensued, but severe Aveather approaching, the troops 
moved for quarters, and on the 14th day of September, they attacked the Miami 
villages, captured them with provisions and stores, and erected a fort, leaving 
it in charge of Lieut. Col. Hamtramck. With cheers and rifle-shooting, this post 
was named Fort Wayne. The main army marched into Greenville and Avent into 
winter quarters. 

Wayne had achieved a brilliant victory, but his success did not overcome his 
practical reasoning, and he was unAvilling to subject his men to a severe Avinter's 
campaign unless necessity was peremptory. 

Gov. Simcoe, Col. McKee and a few of the most savage Indian chiefs 
attempted to rally the Indians for a ncAv attack. Gov. Simcoe, of Detroit, was 
aAvare that the mounted volunteers under Wayne had been allowed to return 
home, and that the term of service of a portion of the " Legion " was about to 
expire. 

The British and Indians held a conference, but the latter were weary with 
fighting for the glory of the Great Father at Detroit, and did not enter into the 
plan. The Avinter proved most poverty stricken to them, the English failing to 
supply them, and their crops and sustenance having been destroyed by Wayne. 
They Avere then fully prepared to listen to the faintest signal from Wayne ta 
conciliate affairs, and the Wyandots and DelaAvares Avere the first to confer Avith 
him on the subject. Their position was exposed and they had suffered severely. 



114 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

They soon influenced other tribes to consider the question. As a mass, they 
were convinced of their inability to overcome the Americans, and had become 
impatient and disgusted with the duplicity of their British friends, who had not 
hesitated to sacrifice them in every instance, and who deserted them in their 
hour of distress. United, they sued for peace. Terms were made, and about 
the 1st of August, the famous Greenville treaty was ratified and established, 
and the old Indian war in Ohio terminated. 

The Wyandots, Delawares, Shawnees, Chippewas, Ottawas, Pottawatomies, 
Miamis, Eel Rivers, Weas, Kickapoos, Piankeshaws and Kaskaskias were thus 
conciliated. The old Indian boundary line, settled upon at the Fort Mcintosh 
treaty, was retained, and the southwestern line was prolonged from old Fort 
Recovery, southwest of the Ohio River. 

" The general boundary lines between the lands of the United States and 
the lands of the said Indian tribes shall begin at the mouth of the Cuyahoga 
River, and thence run up the same to the portage between that and the Tus- 
carawas Branch of the Muskingum ; thence down that branch to the crossing- 
place above Fort Laurens ; thence westerly to a fork of that branch of the 
Great Miami River (running into the Ohio), at or near which fork stood Lar- 
amie's store — Mary's River, which is a branch of the Miami that runs into Lake 
Erie ; thence a westerly course to Fort Recovery, which stands on a branch of 
the Wabash ; thence southwesterly on a direct line to the Ohio, so as to inter- 
sect that river opposite the mouth of the Kentucky or Cuttawa River." 

This boundary line has, ever since this memorable treaty, been a prominent 
landmark, and may now be traced as the southern boundary line of Stark, Ash- 
land, Richland and Marion Counties, and the northern line, in part, of Tuscar- 
awas and Knox. Old Fort Recovery was located in Mercer, near the Indiana 
line. Laramie's store was in Shelby. 

Within the Indian Reservation, the United States held sixteen distinct sec- 
tions of land, for the purpose of military posts, so arranged that the Govern- 
ment had full right of way north and west. 

The "Joy treaty " between England and the United States was ratified early 
in 1796, and the British were obliged to vacate Detroit and Fort Miami, and recall 
the fact that they had no claim or right to either points. Gen. Wayne received 
them, and accompanied by Gov. St. Clair, proceeded to Detroit. Here the lat- 
ter laid out a county, calling it Wayne, and designated Detroit as its seat of 
justice. This was the fifth county in the Northwest Territory, north of the 
Ohio River. Washington County, with Marietta as a seat of justice, was first 
established ; next Hamilton, with Cincinnati as a county seat. Wayne County 
was organized in 1796, and included about twenty-six of the present counties, 
in the northwest part of the State, covering about a quarter of its area, besides 
parts of Indiana and Michigan. 

In other parts of the State, the population was rapidly increasing. In May, 
1795, the Legislature authorized a committee to institute measures for the 



lUSTOUV OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 117 

disposal of their Western lands. The Virginia and Connecticut Reservations 
required some action on the part of Government, inasmuch as ceding a portion 
and re-selling had in a measure disturbed free titles. Fifty-six persons negoti- 
ated and purchased lands, receiving quit-claim titles and entire rights. They 
re-sold to John Morgan and John Caldwell and Jonathan Bruce, in trust. Thus 
3,000,000 acres were prepared for settlement. Upon the quit-claim deeds of 
these representatives, the full title of lands included within the old Western 
Reserve rests. 

Judge Symmes began his active operations in 1796, and by the close of 
1797 all lands east of the Cuyahoga were laid out in townships, five miles square. 
The agent of the Connecticut Land Company was Gen. Moses Cleveland, and in 
his honor the leading city in the Reserve was named. Some townships were 
retained for private sale, and others were disposed of by lottery, in 1798. 

Wayne's treaty led to the formation of Dayton, and the peopling of that 
section. A difficulty arose regarding the original Symmes grant and its modifi- 
cation. Symmes had sold land titles, in good faith, beyond his vested power, 
and Congress was now called upon to adjust these claims and titles. Seventeen 
days after the Wayne or Greenville treaty, St. Clair, Wilkinson, Dayton and 
Ludlow contracted with Symmes for seven and eight ranges, between the Mad 
and Little Miami Rivers. November 4, 1795, Mr. Ludlow laid out Dayton. 

During the years 1790 and 1795, the Governor and Supreme Judges of the 
Northwest Territory had published sixty-four statutes. Thirty-four of these 
were ratified at Cincinnati, for the purpose of forming a complete statutory. It 
was termed the " Maxwell Code." 

Mr. Nathaniel Massie founded a town on the Scioto, which was called 
Chillicothe. The Iroquois treaty had previously invited settlement, and embryo 
towns had begun as early as 1769, under the protection of the Connecticut 
Company. A land company was organized in Hartford, Conn., in 1795, sending 
out forty-three surveyors to divide the townships of that part of the Western 
Reserve, east of the Cuyahoga, five miles square. The first resident of the town 
of Cleveland was Mr. Job Stiles and family, and Mrs, Stiles was the mother of 
the first white child born on the Reserve. Some other parts of the territory 
progressed more rapidly in population. 

Along the Muskingum, Scioto and Miami, towns began to spring up, which 
might perhaps better be termed farming settlements. 

Cincinnati was increasing, and in 1796, had reached 100 cabins, 15 frame 
houses and 600 persons, with prospects for a firm future. 

The Virginia Military Land District was between the Little Miami and 
Scioto, and was rapidly increasing in population. 

Mr. Massie was unceasing in his efforts to advance the West, and laid out 
Manchester, offering inducements that could not fail to attract settlers. 

Ebenezer Zane procured a grant in consideration of opening a bridle path 
from the Ohio River at Wheeling, over the country via Chillicothe, to Limestone, 



118 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

in Kentucky. The year following, the United States mail was taken over 
this route. 

The comparatively tranquil condition of the country and the inducements it 
had to offer encouraged a rapid settlement of the Territory. A prominent 
feature of the early growth of Ohio was the general prevalence of reliable, 
stanch principle. The people were of the good colonial stock. 

In 1800, Chillicothe was denominated the seat of the Territorial govern- 
ment, and the first stone edifice in the State was begun in this town, soon after 
this appointment. About this time, a serious difficulty suddenly occurred to 
those individuals who had taken lands on the Western Reserve of Connecticut. 
That Eastern power had, it is true, ceded a part of her claim to the General 
Government, and had stipulated for the sale of certain other tracts. At the 
same time, the State had not signed away her jurisdiction over some sections of 
her claim, and those unfortunate people in and about Dayton found themselves 
without any government upon which they might depend in a case of emergency. 
The matter was, accordingly, presented to the Territorial government, which 
interceded with the Eastern State, and, sanctioned by the Assembly at Congress, 
Connecticut relinquished her jurisdiction in 1800. 

Cleveland was an important point, and was growing in the mean time. How- 
ever, it had suffered exceedingly from the ravages of fever and ague. For a 
period of two months, there was not an individual, but a boy thirteen years 
of age, able to procure food for the others. Flour was out of all rational con- 
sideration, and the meal upon which they lived was pounded by hand. In 
1799, Williams and Myatt erected a grist-mill at the falls, near Newbury. 

A startling agitation occurred in 1801, which in these days would cause but a 
ripple in the political sea, but happening during a time when legislative dignity 
and state authority were regarded with reverential awe, it created the most 
intense feeling. Great indignation was openly expressed. 

The Governor and several legislators felt that they had been insulted in 
the performance of their respective duties, at Chillicothe, while the Assembly 
was in session in 1801. No measures being taken by the authorities at the 
capital to protect the Executive, a law was passed removing the seat of govern- 
ment to Cincinnati. 

This circumstance led to a general consideration of the advantages of a 
State government, and a popular desire was expressed for a change in this 
respect. Gov. St. Clair had fallen into disfavor through his failure as a military 
leader and his failures in the Indian campaigns, and from his assuming powers 
which were not vested in him, especially the subdivision of counties. He was 
also identified with the Federal party, which was not popular in Ohio. The 
opposition was strong in the Assembly, but was in the minority in the House of 
Representatives. The boundary question was agitated at the same time. The 
intention was to thus effect the limits of Ohio that a, State government would 
. necessarily have to be postponed. Against this measure, Tiffin, Worthington, 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 119 

Langham, Darlington, Massie, Dunlavy and Morrow strenuously objected. After 
considerable discussion, Thomas Worthington obtained leave of absence from 
the session, and journeyed to Washington in behalf of a State government. It 
was obvious that the Territory, under the ordinance, was not entitled to a 
change. Massie suggested the feasibility of appointing a committee to address 
Congress on the subject. This the House refused to pass. 

An effort was then made to take a census, but any action on this subject 
was postponed until the next session. 

During all this ineffectual struggle, Worthington was doing his best in Wash- 
ington, and succeeded so well that on March "l, a report was made to the House 
in favor of the State government. This report was made on a basis that the 
census, in 1800, summed up over 45,000 for Ohio. 

April 30, C(5ngress passed a law carrying into effect the views expressed on 
this subject. A convention met on November 1. Its members were generally 
Jeffersonian in their views. Gov. St. Clair proposed to address them as their 
chief executive magistrate. Several members resolutely opposed this action, 
insisting upon a vote, which, through courtesy and not a sense of right, resulted 
in permitting him to address them. He advised the postponement of the State 
government until the original eastern portion of the State was sufficiently pop- 
ulated to demand this right. Only one, out of thirty-three, voted to sustain 
the Governor in these views. 

The convention agreed to the views of Congress. November 29, the agree- 
ment was ratified and signed, as was the constitution of the State of Ohio. 
The General Assembly was ordered to convene the first Tuesday of March, 1803. 

This was carried into effect. A constitution was framed for the new State, 
adhering to the Ordinance of 1787. The rights and duties of citizens were 
plainly set forth, and general business was transacted. The new State consti- 
tution was signed by : 

Edward Tiffin, President and Representative from Ross County. 

Adams County — Joseph Darlington, Israel Donalson, Thomas Vinker. 

Belmont County — James Caldwell and Elijah Woods. 

Clermont County — Philip Gatch and James Sargent. 

Fairfield County — Henry Abrams and Emanuel Carpenter. 

Hamilton County — John W. Brown, Charles Willing Byrd, Francis Dun- 
lavy, William Goforth, John Gitchel, Jeremiah Morrow, John Paul, John Riley, 
John Smith and John Wilson. 

Jefferson County — Rudolph Blair, George Humphry, John Milligan, Nathan 
Updegraff and Bezaleel Wells. 

Ross County — Michael Baldwin, James Grubb, Nathaniel Massie and F. 
Worthington. 

Washington County — Ephraim Cutler, Benjamin Ives Gilman, John Mc- 
Intyre and Rufus Putnam. 

Thomas Scott, Secretary. 



120 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

The first Legislature of the State, under the new constitution, created eight 
new counties, viz., Gallia, Scioto, Franklin, Columbiana, Butler, Warren, 
Greene and Montgomery. 

The first State officers were : Michael Baldwin, Speaker of the House ; Na- 
thaniel Massie, President of the Senate ; William Creighton, Secretary of 
State ; Col. Thomas Gibson, Auditor ; William McFarland, Treasurer ; Return 
J. Meigs, Jr., Samuel Huntington and William Sprigg, Judges of the Supreme 
Court ; Francis Dunlavy, Willis Silliman and Calvin Pease, Judges of the Dist- 
rict Court. 

The General Assembly held a second session in December, at which time 
the militia law was revised, also giving aliens equal proprietary rights with native 
citizens. The revenue system was modified and improved. Acts authorizing 
the incorporation of townships were passed, and for the establishment of coun- 
ties. Furthermore, Jacob White, Jeremiah Morrow and William Ludlow were 
authorized to locate a township for collegiate purposes, according to previous 
specified terms of Congress. The Symmes grant and the college specification 
collided materially, but the irregularity of the former was not to create any 
inconvenience for the latter. Mr. Symmes had in good faith marked off this 
township, but circumstances preventing the perfection of his plans, that lapsed 
with the others, and the original township was now entered by settlers. 

Accordingly, thirty-six sections, west of the Great Miami, were selected, 
and are now held by the Miami University. 

Gov. St. Clair, notwithstanding his unpopularity, was re-appointed. 

Ohio was under a system of government which guaranteed the best improve- 
ments ; her Legislature being composed of her best statesmen, and the laws 
passed having the general interest of the people embodied in them. 

A bill was passed, appropriating the net proceeds of the land lying within 
said State, sold by Congress after the 20th day of June, 1(S02, after deducting 
all expenses incident to the same, to be applied to the laying-out of roads, 
leading from the navigable waters emptying into the Atlantic to the Ohio, to 
the said State, and through the same ; such roads to be laid out under the 
authority of Congress, with the consent of the several States through which the 
road shall pass. In conformity with these provisions, steps were taken, in 1805, 
which resulted in the making of the Cumberland or National road. 

Burr, at this time, began an organization for the ostensible purpose of 
making a settlement on the Wachita, but his party being armed and his plans 
not being frankly disclosed, an investigation proved that his real design was a 
mutinous revolt against Governmental powers, and to gratify his ambition by 
founding his own kingdom in Mexico, and defeating the Spanish. If success 
crowned his efforts, his ultimate victory Avas to rupture the Union by forcing the 
Western States to withdraw from their allegiance. By gaining an influence 
over the noble but misguided Blennerhasset, he established his headquarters on 
his island in the Ohio. The history of Burr's expedition is already well known. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 121 

The final capture by Gov. Tiffin, of ten boats loaded with stores, on the Mus- 
kinofum, and four near Marietta, decided the fate of this scheme, and Burr was 
finally arrested and put on trial May 22, 1807. 

The advancement of the settlement of the State was in no manner impeded, 
and towns sprang up, farms were laid out, and all other improvements inaugu- 
rated which tended to a permanent prosperity. 

In 1808, Tecumseh left Greenville to join the Prophet on the banks of the 
Tippecanoe, a tributary of the Upper Wabash, on a tract of land granted herein 
by the Pottawatomies. 

The Indians were virtually by treaty allowed but a small proportion of land 
within the boundaries of the State, and were maintaining peaceful attitudes 
toward the whites, with exceptional border depredations, which were settled by 
mutual understanding. 

Although the United States had gained independence, and was treating with 
England as with other foreign powers, the British persisted in violating the 
national rights of the United States, impressing American seamen into the 
British service, seizing American vessels engaged with France in trade, and 
otherwise violating the rights of an independent nation, at peace with the Brit- 
ish power. 

The mission upon Avhich Henry was sent by the British, to create disturb- 
ance between the States, and thus broken, to weaken the strength of the Gen- 
eral Government, added fuel to the fire, and united indignation cried for war. 

British agents again bargained with the Indians of the Wabash and Maumee 
Valleys, desiring them to inaugurate another war upon the western sections and 
to make a desperate attack upon the settlements south of the lakes. The Brit- 
ish agent at Maiden negotiated in rifles, powder, ball, merchandise, .lead, blank- 
ets and shirts. The Indians were inspired again with the hope that the whites 
would be driven back, and that all the country north of the Ohio would again 
revert to them. 

The Canadians in league with the English, gave the savages unlimited 
quantities of whisky, which naturally aroused their fierce natures to acts of 
violence and blood. It is highly probable that the use of liquor was the main 
cause of the deterioration of the best traits of the Indian character, after the 
Revolution. Again, many unscrupulous men upon the frontier did not hesi- 
tate to commit the most merciless crimes against the Indians, such was the 
prejudice against them, and the courts invariably failed to indict them for these 
atrocities. This error on the part of the Americans served to influence the 
savages against them. 

At this time, the seats of justice were distant over a hundred miles each 
from the other, uninhabited tracts frequently extending between them Avhich were 
absolute wildernesses. The routes were in many cases difficult and circuitous. 

As early as 1808, there was a mail communication for the people on the 
Lower Maumee, many days elapsing between tlie arrivals and departures of 



122 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

the same, however. Horace Gunn was the carrier. Benoni Adams brought 
the news from Cleveland to the same point, his trip requiring a fortnight. It 
must be remembered that this journey was mostly made on foot. The Black 
Swamp could not be traversed in any other manner. 

THE AVAR OF 1812. 

The war of 1812 can be called a continuation of the Revolution, with all 
justice. Although rumors had reached Ohio, that active preparations were 
being made for general action, no official tidings had been sent to Hull, com- 
mander-in-chief of the Western forces. 

The Secretary of War, instead of sending a special messenger directly to 
Hull, communicated with the post adjacent, depending upon a continuation of 
the news from that point. At the same time, advices were sent the British 
post at Maiden and Detroit. Hull sent out a packet with official papers, stores, 
etc., the day previous to that on which the official intelligence arrived that an 
open rupture existed between the two powers, and this was of course captured. 

The Western forces marched to Detroit and crossed over to Sandwich, pre- 
paratory to attacking Maiden, a post most favorable for the transportation of 
stores, troops, etc. which Avas therefore considered valuable. 

Peter Minard first gave the news to the settlers of the Maumee. He had 
heard from a Delaware chief, who assured him a general massacre was to take 
place in the valley. Maj. Spalford paid no heed to this "idle fear," until a 
few days thereafter a messenger came to his quarters, reporting a band of fifty 
Pottawatomies on the march to join the hostile tribes near Maiden. They had 
plundered and burned Monclova, and had nearly reached the rapids. 

The Major, with his family and settlers, immediately launched a barge on 
the river and were able to reach old Fort INIiami just as the savages reached 
Maumee City. They could plainly witness the flames that devoured their old 
homes. They kept on their way in their miserable craft, until they reached 
Milan, where they learned that the entire country Avas in danger. 

Although the Indians were defeated in the battle of Tippecanoe in the fall 
of 1811, they plotted vigorously with the English for the iuA'asion of Ohio. 

Gen. William Hull marched from the southwestern part of the State 
directly north, crossing the counties of Champaign, Logan, Hardin, Hancock 
and Wood, establishing military posts along the route and cutting a way 
through the Avilderness of the unsettled portions. He crossed the Maumee on 
the 1st of July, and marched to Detroit. 

Hull was evidently actuated in his succeeding disgraceful failures by tAvo 
fears — lack of confidence in the ability of his troops, and the belief that they 
might desert him in action. He proclaimed freedom, and a necessity of sub- 
mitting to the Canadians under existing circumstances. He held out induce- 
ments to the British regulars to desert their cause and essayed to pacify the 
savages, but he accomplished nothing beyond jeopardizing the American cause 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 123 

and disgracing his army. His men became restless. Col. Miller and Col. 
Cass were delighted when detailed on scouting expeditions, and did not hesi- 
tate to attack advancing squads of the enemy. At last, an attack was made on 
the Niagara frontier, and Hull speedily abandoned his project and collected his 
forces at Detroit. 

Meantime, Col. Proctor had reached Maiden, and quickly perceiving the 
advantage of a post at that point, whereby he could cut off supplies and starve 
Hull into subjection, he massed his forces about this section, captured Van 
Horn and his two hundred men, and withstood the attack of Miller, although 
he gained nothing by so doing. Again Hull displayed his weakness by recall- 
ing his forces from further molestations. 

Gen. Brock, however, reached Maiden on the 13th of August, 1812, and 
began war preparations. 

Gen. Dearborn placed a force on the Niagara frontier, but an armistice was 
made with the British. Hull dispatched a third party under McArthur, to 
open communications to the Raisin River. 

Gen. Brock appeared at Sandwich and began to erect batteries, which Hull 
would not allow to be molested. The result was, that on the 26th of August 
Detroit was surrendered to the enemy, and not a blow had been struck in its 
defense. 

By this dastardly act, 1,400 brave men who had not been permitted to 
make a single effort to sustain the American cause, were surrendered to 300 
English regulars, 400 Canadians and their Indian allies. Gen. Hull was, in 
consequence of this series of "mistakes," accused of treason and cowardice, 
and convicted of the latter. By the middle of August, the British had gained 
the control over most of the Northwestern Territory. 

The appointment of William Henry Harrison to the position of com- 
mander in chief of the Western forces, was most opportune. He speedily 
raised a vigorous army, and advanced by three routes to the foot of the rapids. 

Gen. Harrison commanded the right wing, and marched by the way of Upper 
Sandusky, where he located his depot of supplies. Gen. Tupper commanded 
the center, Fort McArthur, in Hardin County, being his base, while Gen. Win- 
chester marched from Fort Defiance down the Maumee to the foot of the rapids. 

A large force of British and Indians moved up the left bank of the Mau- 
mee toward Fort Wayne, and Gen. Harrison, to intercept them, marched to 
the confluence of the Auorlaize with the Maumee. 

Harrison was aware that the enemy would be also hemmed in by Win- 
chester. The weather was rainy, and the prospects were that a most unfortun- 
ate season was to follow the expected engagements. Harrison heard that 
Winchester had reached Fort Defiance, and that the Indians and British were 
retreating down the Maumee. He followed, and marched to Winchester's 
camp, where he arrived in season to quell a mutiny under command of Col. 
Allen, of the Kentucky troops. 



224 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

In January, 1813, Winchester had reached the rapids, where he received 
tidings that Frenchtown was menaced and exposed. Without orders, he sent a 
party to the rescue, which defeated the enemy. The weather was intensely 
cold, and the company lay within eighteen miles of Maiden, where the enemy 
was collected in full force, consequently re-enforcements must be dispatched 
immediately or the town again left to its fate. 

Winchester then marched with a force of 259 men, and upon arriving at 
nightfall, insisted upon remaining on open ground, although warned repeatedly 
that this would be a most dangerous experiment. 

In the morning, he was surprised by the enemy, massed directly before 
him, with a battery within three hundred yards of his camp, and a shower of 
bombs, balls and grape-shot falling among his exposed troops, and the yells of 
Indians reminding him of his fatal error. Lewis, who led the party out in the 
beginning and had apprehended the danger, bravely defended himself behind 
garden pickets. Winchester was defeated on the 22d of January, 1813, and 
the Indians were permitted to massacre the prisoners and the settlers. 

Harrison fell back to the foot of the rapids. On the 1st of February, he 
began the construction of Fort Meigs. On the 27th of April, Proctor and 
Tecumseh attacked this fort, and laid siege with the full expectation of success. 
The stipulation was that Gen. Harrison was to be delivered to Tecumseh. 
While the balls and bombs were making havoc with the fort, the Indians were 
climbing trees and pouring a galling fire down upon the troops. Gen. Proctor 
invited Harrison to surrender, which was politely declined, with the assurance 
that the British General would have the opportunity to distinguish himself as a 
soldier before such a proceeding was enacted, 

Gen. Clay was descending the Maumee with 1,200 Kentuckians in flat 
boats. Orders went from Harrison that 800 men should land on the left bank, 
take and spike the British cannon, and then to enter the fort, from which 
soldiers were to issue to assist the re-enforcements. 

Capt. Hamilton was to pilot Gen. Clay to the fort, cutting their way 
through. All succeeded, Col. Dudley taking the batteries and spiking the 
cannon. But his men, too much elated by their success, against orders, and 
against the repeated expostulations of Col. Dudley, insisted on pursuing the 
Indians. Col. Dudley would not desert them. This act proved their ruin. 
By a decoy, they were led into a defile which proved an ambush, and the men 
found themselves surrounded by savages, without means of escape. 

A most frightful massacre began, and every man Avould have fallen had not 
Tecumseh sternly forbidden the cowardly carnage. One of his principal chiefs 
ignored this order, and the next instant the great warrior buried his hatchet in 
his head. The brave Col. Dudley was, however, tomahawked and scalped. 

There were no immediate signs that the fort would be surrendered, and the 
siege was raised on the 9th of May. It was renewed on the 20th of July, and 
abandoned a few days later. The enemy decided this stronghold was invulnerable. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 125 

On the 1st of August, the enemy proceeded to Fort Stevenson, at Lower 
Sandusky, garrisoned by 150 men under Maj. Croghan. The fort had the 
use of but one piece of cannon. The enemy with Tecumseh's Indians num- 
bered 3,300 strong, with six pieces of cannon. 

Gen. Proctor again tendered the offer to surrender, adding that a refusal 
would only bring about a useless resistance, and a massacre by the Indians. 
The reply was, that before the fort went over to the British, not an American 
would be left to be massacred, as they should hold out to the last man. Proc- 
tor opened fire. The first movement was an assault upon the northwest angle 
of the fort, as if to make a breach and thus carry the works. The command- 
ant strengthened that point by bags of sand, and during the night stealthily 
placing his one cannon in a concealed position, he filled it with slugs. 

The following day, the fire again swept the northwest corner, and, evening 
approaching, a column of 850 men swept up within twenty yards of the walls. 
They were met by the musketry, Avhich had little effect, and the ditch was soon 
filled with men. The next instant the hidden cannon, so placed as to sweep 
the ditch, suddenly began action, and the surprised assailants quickly recoiled, 
and the fort was saved, with the loss of only one man. 

The next morning, the enemy had disappeared, evidently in haste, as guns, 
clothing and stores were left behind. They had lost over one hundred and 
fifty men by this useless attempt. Croghan had previously received orders to 
evacuate the fort from Gen. Harrison, and his determination to hold the position 
merited Harrison's reprimand and remand of commission. Such was the sev- 
erity of military law. However, the rank of Colonel was immediately conferred 
upon him by the President, for his gallantry. The ladies of Chillicothe pre- 
sented him with an elegant testimonial in the shape of a sword. 

It was decided to make a naval warfare effectual in the recovery of the 
Northwestern Territory, and accordingly vessel-building began under Commo- 
dore Perry's supervision. 

The British looked upon this proceeding with derision, fully intending to 
use these boats for their own purpose. They publicly proclaimed their intention. 

By the 1st of August, 1813, Commodore Perry set sail a flotilla, the Law- 
rence and the Niagara, of twenty guns each, with smaller vessels following. 
Some difiiculty was encountered in launching the larger vessels, on account of 
the shallowness of the water. 

Perry's first destination was Put-in-Bay, thirty miles from Maiden, Avhere 
the British fleet lay under the guns of the fort. On the 10th of September, 
the British fleet — exceeding the American by ten guns — under Commodore 
Barclay, appeared off Put-in-Bay, distant about ten miles. Perry immediately 
set sail. The wind shifting, the Americans had the advantage. 

Perry hoisted the Union Jack. A general preparation was made for the 
conflict. An ominous silence settled over all as the fleets approached. A 
bugle sounded on the enemy's ship Detroit, and a furious fire was opened upon 



126 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

the Lawrence. The frightful and desperate battle that ensued is so familiar 
that it is not necessary for us to repeat its details. It forever remains in his- 
tory as a prominent, desperate struggle that turned the tide most decisively in 
favor of the Americans. Hand to hand, for three hours, this furious struggle 
surged, resulting in a pronounced victory for the Americans. 

Commodore Perry immediately requested parole for his severely wounded 
antagonist. Commodore Barclay. Capt. Elliott was at this engagement highly 
commended by Perry for his bravery. 

Gen. Harrison now made preparations to follow Proctor, and reached Mai- 
den on the 27th of September. 

Proctor had retreated to Sandwich, and thence Harrison followed him, 
overtaking the enemy on the 9th of October, on the bank of the Thames. An 
engagement ensued, which was not particularly marked in its events, but which 
practically terminated the war in the Northwest. 

Tecumseh fell during this battle, and his death disheartened the savages to 
such an extent that they were willing to make terms of peace. Accordingly 
a treaty was concluded on the 22d of July, 1814, with the Wyandots, Dela- 
wares, Shawnees, Senecas and Miamis, the tribes engaged in hostilities. 

Again Ohio was able to turn her attention to the improvements within her 
own boundaries. Weary and disabled though she was, her ambition and 
energy were unimpaired. The struggle had been severe, but a grand reward 
had been won, and peace and independence belonged to these sturdy, earnest, 
pioneers. 

In 1815, a town was founded near Fort Meigs, and, in 1816, Gen. John 
E. Hunt and Judge Robert A. Forsythe located at Maumee. 

BANKING. 

Up to the year 1817, Ohio had no banking system, and on the 28th of 
January of that year, the United States Bank opened a branch at Cincinnati, 
and yet another during the following October at Chillicothe. These branches 
found a large amount of business to transact, and while being of assistance in 
various ways to the State, also received a fine revenue themselves. The State 
therefore resolved upon a tax levy, and, in 1819, the branches were to pay 
$50,000 each, and the State Auditor was authorized to issue his warrant for 
the collection of the same. 

The bank branches demurred, but the State was decided, and the banks 
accordingly filed a bill in chancery, in the United States Circuit Court, setting 
forth reasons whereby their prayer that Ralph Osborn, State Auditor, should 
be restrained from making such collection, should be seriously considered. 

Osborn being counseled not to appear on the day designated in the writ, an 
injunction was obtained, with the security given in the shape of bonds from the 
bank, to the amount of $100,000. On the 14th of September, the bank sent a 
commissioner to Columbus, who served upon the Auditor a copy of the petition 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 127 

for the injunction, and a subpoena to make an appearance before the court 
on the first Monday in the following January. Osborn submitted both the 
petition and the injunction to the Secretary of State, with his warrant for col- 
lecting the tax. Legally, the matter was somewhat complicated. 

The Auditor desired the Secretary of State to take legal advice, and if the 
papers did not actually amount to an injunction, to give orders for the execu- 
tion of the warrant. 

The decision was that the papers did not equal a valid injunction. The State 
writ for collection was therefore given over to John L, Harper, with directions 
to enter the banking-house and demand the payment of the tax. In case of a 
refusal, the vault was to be entered and a levy made upon the amount required. 
No violence was to be used, and if force was used to deter the act, the 
same was to be reported to a proper magistrate and an affidavit made to that 
fact. 

On September 17, Mr. Harper went about his errand, taking with him T. 
Orr and J. MacCollister. After securing access to the vault, a demand was 
made for the payment of the tax. This was promptly refused, and a notice 
given of the granting of the injunction. This was disregarded, and the officer 
seized $98,000 in gold, silver and notes. This was placed in charge of the 
State Treasurer, Mr. H. M. Curry. 

The officers were arrested and imprisoned by the United States Circuit 
Court, and the money returned to the bank. The case was reviewed by 
the Supreme Court, and the measures of the Circuit Court were sustained. The 
State, therefore, submitted. In the mean time, the Legislature had prepared 
and passed a resolution, as follows : 

Resolved, by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, That in respect to the powers of the 
Governments of the several States that compose the American Union, and the powers of the Fed- 
eral Government, this General Assembly do recognize and approve the doctrines asserted by the 
Legislatures of Kentucky and Virginia in their resolutions of November and December, 1798, 
and .January, 1800, and do consider their principles have been recognized and adopted by a 
majority of the American people. 

Resolved further, That this General Assembly do assert and will maintain by all legal and 
constitutional means, the rights of States to tax the business and property of any private corpo- 
ration of trade, incorporated by the Congress of the United States, and located to transact its 
corporate business within any State. 

Resolved further. That the bank of the United States is a private corporation of trade, the 
capital and business of which may be legally taxed in any State where they may be found. 

Resolved further. That the General Assembly do protest against the doctrines that the politi- 
cal rights of the separate States that compose the American Union and their powers as sovereign 
States, may be settled and determined in the Supreme Court of the United States, so as to con- 
clude and bind them in cases contrived between individuals, and where they are, no one of them, 
parties direct. 

The bank was thus debarred from the aid of State laws in the collection of 
its dues and in the protection of its rights. An attempt was made to effect a 
change in the Federal constitution, which would take the case out of the 
United States Qourts. This, however, proved ineffectual. 



128 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

The banking system in Ohio has, by reason of State surveillance, not been 
subjected to those whirlwind speculations and questionable failures which have 
marked many Western States, in the establishment of a firm basis upon which 
a banking law could be sustained, with mutual benefit to the institution and the 
people. 

THE CANAL SYSTEM. 

In the first part of 1817, the Legislature considered a resolution relating 
to a canal between Lake Erie and the Ohio River. No action was taken and 
the subject was not again agitated until 1819. Gov. Brown appointed three 
commissioners in 1820, for the purpose of employing an efiicient engineer and 
such assistants as he deemed necessary, for the purpose of surveying a practical 
route for this canal. The commissioners were restricted in their actions until 
Congress should accept a proposition in behalf of the State, for a donation and 
sale of the public lands lying upon and near the route of the proposed canal. 
A delay Avas thus occasioned for two years. 

In 1822, the matter was referred to a committee of the House of Repre- 
sentatives. This committee approved and recommended the employment of the 
engineer. They furthermore added illustrations to prove the feasibility of the 
project. 

James Geddes, a skillful engineer of New York, was in due time appointed 
to the position and instructed to make the necessary examinations and sur- 
veys. 

The surveys were made, and estimates given of the expenses, which docu- 
ments were laid before the Legislature at several sessions. 

In 1825, an act was passed providing for the internal improvement of the 
State by navigable canals. Directly thereafter, the State set vigorously about 
the work of constructing two canals, one leading from the Ohio to Lake Erie, 
by way of the valleys of the Scioto and Muskingum, the other from Cincinnati 
to Dayton. 

The first canal-boat from Cincinnati to Dayton, reached her destination in 
1829, on the 25th of January. This outlet of communication was extended 
to Lake Erie, and was completed in 1845. The largest artificial lake now 
known is on the elevation between the Ohio and the lake, in Mercer County, 
and supplies the St. Mary's feeder of the Miami Canal, about three miles dis- 
tant, eastwardly. This reservoir is about nine miles long, and from two to 
four broad. 

Two walls of earth, from ten to twenty feet high, were formed, on the east 
and west, which united with the elevations north and south, surrounded this 
basin. When the water was admitted, whole farms were submerged, and the 
"neighbors" complained lest this overflow should tempt miasma. So great 
was the excitement, that over one hundred and fifty residents of the county 
united, and with shovels and spades, made a breach in the embankment. 
Many holding prominent positions in the county were engaged in this work, 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 129 

and all laid themselves liable to the State laws, which made the despoiling of 
public works a penitentiary offense. 

The matter was taken up by the courts, but a grand jury could not be 
found in Mercer County to find a bill of indictment. 

The officers who had charge of the work, ignored the law requiring the cut- 
ing and saving of the timber on lands appropriated, for canal reservoirs. The 
trees were ruthlessly girdled, and thousands of acres of valuable timber that 
might have been highly desirable in the building of bridges, etc., were 
destroyed. However, an adjustment was finally effected, and the work was 
prosecuted with the entire approbation of the people, who were convinced that 
convenient transportation was to be desired. 

OHIO LAND TRACTS. 

A fter the Indians relinquished all claims against the lands of those States 
west of the Alleghanies, as they had been obtained by conquest, the United 
States, as a government, owned the soil. When Ohio vfas admitted into the 
Union, a stipulation was made that the fee simple to all the lands within its 
boundaries, with the exception of those previously sold or granted, should vest 
in the General Government. At the present writing, but few tracts remain 
that can be called " public lands." In this, as in other States, tracts are des- 
ignated by their pioneer signification or the purpose to which they were origi- 
nally devoted. In Ohio, these tracts are known as : 



1. 


Congress Lands. 


8. 


Symmes' Purchase. 


15. 


Maumee Road. 


2 


United States Military. 


9. 


Refugee Tract, 


16. 


School Lands. 


3 


Virginia Military. 


10. 


French Grant. 


17. 


College Lands. 


4. 


Western Reserve. 


11. 


Dohrman's Grant. 


18. 


Ministerial Lands. 


5. 


Fire Lands. 


12. 


Zane's Grant. 


19. 


Moravian Lands. 


6. 


Ohio Company's Purchase. 


13. 


Canal Lands. 


20. 


Salt Sections. 


7. 


Donation Tract. 


14. 


Turnpike Lands. 







The lands sold by the direct officers of the Government, under the direc- 
tion of Congress, according to the laws, are known as Congress lands. They 
are properly surveyed, and laid out in townships six miles square, under the 
direction of the Government, and the expense incurred settled by Congress. 
These townships are subdivided into sections, containing 640 acres. One sec- 
tion is reserved, in every township, for educational purposes, to b^ utilized in 
any manner approved by the State as being the best to aid the cause for which 
they arc assigned. 

The Western Reserve will be remembered as the tract originally belonging to 
Connecticut. It lies in the northeast quarter of the State. A half-million acres 
were donated by the old Eastern State, when her claim was in force, to sufferers 
from fire during the Revolutionary war, which created the name, " fire lands." 
Many settled here whose homes were destroyed by the British during the war. 

It will be remembered, that on account of discoveries by subjects of empires, 
in the New World, the " Old World " kings laid claim to different portions 



130 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

of the young continent. At that period, European knowledge of American 
geographical positions and limits was exceedingly meager, which occasioned 
several wars and more discussions. These Old-World sovereigns also assumed 
the authority to sell or present tracts of land to their subjects, in those terri- 
tories they deemed their own. 

King Charles II of England granted to his loyal subjects the colony of 
Connecticut, in 1662, placing with them a charter of right to all lands within 
certain prescribed boundaries. But these " boundaries " frequently conflicted 
with those of others, and sometimes extended to the Pacific Ocean, or " South 
Sea," as it was then termed. Connecticut, by her original charter rights, held 
all lands between the forty-first and forty-second parallels of north latitude, and 
from Providence Plantation on the east, to Pacific Ocean on the west, except- 
ing the New York and Pennsylvania colonies. As late as the establishment of 
the United States as an independent government, those colliding claims fre- 
quently engendered confusion and warm discussion between the nation and 
Connecticut, regarding the original colony claim. This was compromised by 
the national claims being relinquished in regard to the territorial claim in Ohio, 
and Connecticut holding the 3,800,000 acres described as the " Western Reser- 
vation." The Government held the right of jurisdiction. 

In 1796, Congress set aside a certain division of land, to satisfy the claims 
of officers and soldiers of the Revolutionary war. It includes the 2,500,000 
acres between the Greenville treaty line and the Congress and refugee lands, 
and "VII ranges of townships," on the east, and the Scioto River, west. This 
constitutes the " Military Tract." The " Virginia Military Tract " lies between 
the Scioto and Little Miami Rivers, and extends south to the Ohio. 

James I, in his authorized charter to the Virginia colony, in the year 
1609, made rather visionary boundary lines, sw^eeping over the continent, west 
of the Ohio River, " of the north and south breadth of Virginia." Virginia 
reconciled the matter by relinquishing all her claims northwest of the Ohio 
River, with the exception of a tract for the purpose of donating the same to her 
troops of the Revolution — their claims demanding such a return in some section. 
Unfortunately, this tract was not regularly surveyed, and conflicting " lines " 
have given rise to litigation ever since that stipulation was made. 

The Ohio Company's Purchase has already been described — as has the 
Symmes Purchase. 

The Refugee Tract covers an area of 100,000 acres, extending eastwardly 
from the Scioto River forty-eight miles, in a strip of country four and one-half 
miles broad, north to south. Columbus, the capital of the State, is situated in 
the western portion. This land was donated by Congress to those individuals 
who left the British dominions and rule, during the Revolution, and espoused 
the American cause. 

The French Tract borders on the Ohio River, in the southeastern quarter 
of Scioto County. It includes 24,000 acres, and was ceded to those French 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 131 

families tliat lost their claims at Gallipolis, through invalid titles ; 1,200 acres 
were added, after the above grant of 1795. 

Dohrman's Grant includes a section, six miles square, in the southeastern 
portion of Tuscarawas County. It was granted to Arnold Henry Dohrman, a 
Portuguese merchant, as a token of appreciation of the aid and shelter he ren- 
dered American cruisers and vessels of war, during the Revolution, 

The Moravian Lands were originally grants by the old Continental Con- 
gress, in 1787, and confirmed by the act of the Government Congress, in 1796, 
to the Moravian Brethren, of Bethlehem, Penn., in sacred trust, and for the 
use of those Indians who embraced Christianity and civilization, desiring to live 
and settle thereon. These three tracts include 4,000 acres each, and are situ- 
ated in Tuscarawas County. In 18"23, the Indians relinquished their rights to 
the 12,000 acres in this county, for 24,000 acres, in a territory designated by 
the United States, together with an annuity of |400. 

Zane's Tracts included a portion of land on the Muskingum, whereon Zanes- 
ville was built ; another at the crossing of the Hocking, on which Lancaster is 
located ; and yet another on the left bank of the Scioto River, opposite Chilli- 
cothe. These grants were made to Ebenezer Zane, by Congress, in 1796, 'as a 
reward for opening a road from Wheeling, Va., to Maysville, Ky. In 1802, 
Mr. Zane received three additional tracts, one square mile each, in considera- 
tion of being captured and held a prisoner, during the Revolutionary war, 
when a boy, by the Indians. He lived with these people most of his life, secur- 
ing many benefits for the Americans. These tracts are located in Champaign 
County. 

The Maumee Road Lands extend the length of the road, from the Maumee 
River, at Perrysburg, to the western limits of the Western Reserve, a distance 
of forty-six miles — in a strip two miles wide. This includes about 60,000 
acres. These lands were ceded by the Indians, at the treaty of Brownstown, in 
1808. The original intention of Congress was to mark a highway through this 
strip, but no definite action was taken until 1823, when the land was ceded to 
the State of Ohio, under an obligation that the State make and sustain the pro- 
jected road, within four years after the transfer. 

The Turnpike Lands extended over 31,360 acres along the western side of 
the Columbus & Sandusky Turnpike, in the eastern parts of Seneca, Craw- 
ford and Marion Counties. They were designed for the transportation of mail 
stages, troops and other United States property, free from toll. The grant was 
made in 1827. 

" The Ohio Canal Lands " comprise about 1,000,000 acres, set aside for the 
purpose of canal construction. 

When Ohio was admitted to the LTnion, a guarantee was given that the State 
should not tax Government lands until they should have been sold for five years. 
That the thirty-sixth part of all territory^ within the State limits should be de- 
voted to educational purposes, for the general benefit of the population. In 



132 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

order to secure tracts which wouki prove available, and thus insure returns, 
they were selected in small lots. No. 16 was designated as the sectional portion, 
in each township of Congress lands, the Ohio Company's and Symmes Pur- 
chases, the United States Military Lands, the Connecticut Reserve, and a num- 
ber of quarter townships. These school lands were selected by the Secretary 
of the Treasury. 

The college townshij^s are thirty-six miles square. A section, thirty-six 
miles square, in the center of Jackson County, in the vicinity and containing 
the Scioto Salt Licks, was also reserved by Congress, together with a quarter- 
mile township in Delaware County. This swept over 27,040 acres. In 1824, 
Congress authorized the State to sell these lands. The proceeds were to be 
devoted to literary requirements, such as might be specified by Congress. 

IMPROVEMENTS. 

We have heretofore briefly alluded to the canal system of Ohio, which in 
the beginning caused considerable anxiety to settlers directly in the course of 
its survey. The Legislature passed the " Internal Improvement by Navigable 
Canals " act, in 1825, and the work was immediately inaugurated and hastened. 
The " Ohio Canal '" extends from the lake to the Ohio, and the " Miami " con- 
nects Cincinnati Avith Dayton. The latter was completed to Toledo in 1844, a 
length of 493 miles. Its total cost, including reservoir cutting and feeders^ was 
17,500,000. The Ohio Canal was finished in 1833. 

During the construction of these canals, the curiosities which have attracted 
antiquarians and scientists, in the State of Ohio, were found in various places. 
Relics were discovered that must have belonged to a giant race. Nearly 3,000 
graves were found, of the " mound type." 

A third canal was begun in 1836, reaching from Walhonding, in Coshocton 
County, to Roscoe, its length being twenty-five miles, involving an expense of 
1610,000. This Avas completed in 1842. The Hocking Canal, between Car- 
roll, in Fairfield County, and Athens, in Athens County, a distance of fifty- 
six miles, was also cut, about the same time, at a cost of nearly SI, 000, 000. 

The Muskingum improvements were also being carried forward. Locks and 
dams were requisite for the perfection of navigation in this water-course, from 
Dresden to Marietta, a distance of ninety-one miles. This added an expense 
of $1,630,000 to the call for improvement appropriations. To the Miami Canal 
Avas added a feeder, known as the Warren County Canal — extending from 
Franklin to Lebanon, which was not completed, although over $250,000 were 
expended in its construction as far as it Avent. 

Raihvay transportation Avas a subject Avhich engrossed the attention of those in- 
terested in State perpetuity and general prosperity. About the year 1831, the Leg- 
islature received applications for railway charters. The first one granted was the 
" Cincinnati, Sandusky & Cle\'eland Railroad," on June 5, 1832. The " Sandusky, 
Mansfield & Newark Railroad " obtained a charter in 1836, March 11, followed, 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 135 

three days thereafter, by the "■ Cleveland, Columbus k Cincinnati Railroad." 
The " Little Miami " was begun in 1837. NotAvithstanding these chartered 
rights, but 129 miles were completed in 1847, and in operation. In 1878, 
the mileage had increased to 6,264. The valuation of the operating roads 
was estimated the same year, at $76,113,500. Their taxation summed up 
$1,128,116. 

No State in the Union has been more zealous in her educational interests than 
Ohio. Public lands were generously granted by Congress, and the State added 
her affirmation. However, no practical and effectual system was adopted until 
1825. 

An act was then passed to tax all real property one-half mill per dollar for 
the establishment of schools in each township, and the support of the same. 
An act of 1829, increased the tax to three-fourths of a mill. Trustees of 
townships were instructed to make divisions and locate convenient school dis- 
tricts. Householders were to elect three school directors, a clerk and treasui-er 
annually. Privileges and restrictions were enjoined in all cases. The house- 
holders were allowed their discretion, governed accordingly, in imposing taxes 
for the erection of school buildings. The Courts of the Common Pleas 
appointed a committee to examine the qualifications of those individuals mak- 
ing application for the position of teachers. The school extended equal privi- 
leges to all white children. Those of colored parentage were excluded, and no 
tax was levied for school purposes upon colored parents. An amendment has 
admitted the children of colored parents. The system has continued the same, 
with a few amendments. A State Commissioner of Common Schools is elected 
every third year, who has general charge of the interests of public schools. A 
State Board of Examiners, composed of three persons, appointed by the State 
Commissioner, for two years' term, is authorized to issue life certificates of high* 
qualifications, to such teachers as it may find to possess the requisite scholarship, 
character, experience and ability. These certificates, signed by the Commis- 
sioner, are valid throughout the State. A County Board of Examiners, of 
three members, is formed in each county. Boards of education, for cities, are 
made up of one or two members from each ward. City Boards of Examiners 
are also appointed. Section 4 of the law of 1873, was amended in 1877, which 
made the territory annexed to an incorporated village, at the option of the 
voters of the village and tributary section, whether it be included with the vil- 
lage as one school district, or left as two school districts. Section 56 of the law was 
amended, in its bearing upon cities of 30,000 to 75,000 inhabitants, by limiting 
to five mills on the dollar of taxable property, the levies in such cities for con- 
tinuing schools, for purchasing sites for schoolhouses, for leasing, purchasing, 
erecting and furnishing school houses, and for all school expenses. The public 
funds are subject to the discretion of voters, and boards are authorized, under 
instructions, to make the best use of such funds. Taxation is subject to the 
discretion of the State, certain limits being prescribed. 



136 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

In 1878, the number of youth of the school age numbered 1,041,963. 
On the rolls, 740,194 names were recorded. In the year 1878, 23,391 teach- 
ers were employed, receiving $4,956,514.46 for their services. 

Ohio not only sustains her public schools on a broad, liberal basis, but she 
encourages educational pursuits in superior universities and colleges throughout 
the State. These institutions are not aided by State funds, but are sustained by 
society influence, added to their self-supporting resources. Ohio also possesses 
a large number of normal schools, academies, seminaries and business colleges. 
These are not entitled to the privileges of the school fund. Scientific, profes- 
sional, theological, legal and medical instructions are in no manner limited in 
their facilities. Industrial and reformatory schools are especially thorough. 
Institutions for the instruction of the deaf and dumb, and blind, and feeble- 
minded, are under the best discipline. 

We may add, many female seminaries have been established which are entirely 
sustained by other than State aid. Ohio has, from its inception, been solid and 
vigorous in whatever tended toward improvement and enlightenment. 

We have also referred to the banking system of this State, as being first 
established on a basis through a contest between the State and the General 
Government. Authorities diifer regarding the exact date and location of the 
very first house established in the State for the purpose of transacting banking 
business. It is highly probable that Marietta is more directly associated Avith 
that event than any other town. There are at present over one hundred and 
sixty-seven national banks, with an aggregate capital of |27, 794,468. It also 
has eighteen banks of deposit, incorporated under the State banking laws of 
1845, representing an aggregate capital of $539,904. Twenty-three savings 
banks, incorporated under the State act of 1875, with an aggregate capital of 
$1,277,500. Of private banks it has 192, with an aggregate capital of 
$5,663,898. The State represents in her banking capital over $36,275,770. 
The First National of Cincinnati has a capital stock of over $1,000,000. 
The others fall below that sum, their capital diminishing from 10,000 sliares of 
$100 each. The valuation for taxation is $850,000 — Merchant's National of 
Cincinnati — to the valuation of a tax of $5,000 on the First National of 
Beverly. 

BOUNDARY LINES. 

We must not omit the subject of the State boundaries. Ohio was especially 
the field for most animated discussions, relative not only to State limits but 
county lines and township rights. In 1817, a severe controversy arose, which 
was settled only after violent demonstrations and Government interference. 

In primitive times, the geographical position, extent and surface diversities 
were but meagerly comprehended. In truth, it may be asserted they could not 
have been more at variance Avitli actual facts had they been laid out " hap- 
hazard." The ordinance of 1787 represented Lake Michigan far north of its 
real position, and even as late as 1812, its size and location bid not been 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 137 

definitely ascertained. During that year, Amos Spafibrd addressed a clear, com- 
prehensive letter to the Governor of Ohio, on this subject, relative to the 
boundary lines of Ohio. Several lines of survey were laid out as the first 
course, but either Michigan or Ohio expressed disapproval in every case. This 
culminated in 1835, when the party beginning a "permanent" survey began 
at the northwest corner of the State, and was attacked by a force of Michigan 
settlers who sent them away badly routed and beaten. No effort was made to 
return to the work until the State and various parties had weighed the subject, 
and finally the interposition of the Government became necessary. 

A settlement resulted in Ohio being bounded on the north by Lake Erie 
and the State of Michigan, on the east by Pennsylvania and West Virginia, on 
the south by the Ohio River, and on the west by Indiana. 

It is situated between the 38° 25' and 42° north latitude, and 84° 50' 
west longitude from Greenwich, or 3° 30' and 7° 50' west from Washington. 
From north to south, it extends over 210 miles, and from east to west 220 
miles — comprising 39,964 square miles. 

The State is generally higher than the Ohio River. In the southern 
counties, the surface is greatly diversified by the inequalities produced by the 
excavating power of the Ohio River and its tributaries. The greater portion 
of the State was originally covered with timber, although in the central and 
northwestern sections some prairies were found. The crest or watershed 
between the waters of Lake Erie and those of the Ohio is less elevated than 
in New York or Pennsylvania. Sailing upon the Ohio the country appears 
to be mountainous, bluffs rising to the height of two hundred and fifty to six 
hundred feet above the valleys. Ascending the tributaries of the Ohio, these 
precipitous hills gradually lessen until they are resolved into gentle undulations, 
and toward the sources of the river the land is low and marshy. 

Although Ohio has no inland lakes of importance, she possesses a favorable 
river system, which, aided by her canals, gives her prestige of a convenient 
Avater transportation. The lake on her northern boundary, and the Ohio 
River on her southern limit, afford most convenient outlets by water to impor- 
tant points. Her means of communication and transportation are superior in 
every respect, and are constantly being increased. 

ORGANIZATION OF COUNTIES AND EARLY EVENTS. 

Adams County was named in honor of John Adams, second President of 
the L^nited States. Gov. St. Clair proclaimed it a county on July 10, 1797. 
The Virginia Military Tract included this section, and the first settlement made 
within its boundaries was in this county in 1790-91, between the Scioto and Little 
Miami, at Manchester, by Gen. Nathaniel Massie. In this town Avas held the 
first court of the county. 

West Union, the present county seat, was laid out by the Hon. Thomas 
Kirker. It occupies the summit of a high ridge. The surface of this county is 



138 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

hilly and broken, and the eastern part is not fertile. It produces corn, wheat, oats 
and pork. Beds of iron are found in the eastern part. Its hills are composed of 
aluminous shale. The barren hills afford a range for cattle and hogs. A sort 
of vagrant class derive a support by collecting stones, hoop-poles and tanners" 
barks from these hills. 

Ashland County is one of the finest agricultural sections. It was formed 
February 26, 1846. Wheat comprises its principal crop, although large quan- 
tities of oats, corn, potatoes, grass and fruit are raised. Ashland is its county 
seat, and was laid out by William Montgomery in 1816. It was called Union- 
town for several years. Daniel Carter raised the first cabin within the county 
limits in 1811. 

Auglaize County was formed in February, 1848, from Allen and Mercer 
Counties. Wapakoneta is its county seat. 

Allen County was formed from the Indian Territory April 1, 1820. Lima 
is its county seat. 

Ashtabula County was formed June 7, 1807, and was organized January 
22, 1811. The surface is level near the lake, while the remainder is undulat- 
ing. The soil is mostly clay. Very little wheat is raised, but considerable 
corn and oats. Butter and cheese are the main marketable productions. This 
was the first county settled on the Western Reserve, and also the earliest in 
Northern Ohio. On the 4th of July, 1706, the first surveying party arrived 
at the mouth of Conneaut Creek. Judge James Kingsbury was the first who 
wintered there with his family. He was the first man to use a sickle in the 
first wheat-field in the Western Reserve. Their child was the first born on the 
Western Reserve, and was starved to death. The first regular settlement was 
at Harpersfield, in 1798. 

Jefferson is the county seat. Ashtabula is pleasantly situated on the river, 
with a fine harbor two and a half miles from the village. 

The first church on the Western Reserve was founded at Austinburg in 
1801. 

Athens County was formed from Washington INIarch 1, 1805. It produces 
wheat, corn, oats and tobacco. The surface is hilly and broken, with rich bot- 
tom lands between. Coal, iron ore and salt add materially to its commercial 
value. It has the advantage of the canal, as well as other transportation. 
Athens, its county seat, is situated on the Hocking River. The Ohio Uni- 
versity, the first college founded in the State, is located here. We have 
mentioned the ancient mounds found in this county, heretofore. Yellow pine is 
abundant in the lower part of the Hocking Valley. 

Brown County was formed March 1, 1818, from Adams and Clermont. It 
produces wheat, corn, rye, oats and pork. The southern part is prolific in 
grain, while the northern is adapted to grazing purposes. The surface is undu- 
lating, with the exception of the Ohio River hills. Over this county Tecumseb 
once held sway 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 139 

Georgetown is the county seat, and was laid out in 1819. Ripley is the larg- 
est business town in the county. 

Belmont County was announced by Gov. St. Clair September 7, 1801. It 
produces large crops of wheat, oats, corn and tobacco, an annual crop of over 
2,000,000 pounds of the latter being the average. It also trades largely in 
wool and coal. It is a picturesque tract of country, and was one of the 
pioneers in the early settled portions. 

In 1790, Fort Dillie was erected on the west side of the Ohio. Baker's 
Fort was a mile below the mouth of the Captina. Many desperate Indian bat- 
tles were fought within the limits of this county, and the famous Indian scout, 
Lewis Wetzel, roamed over the region. 

St. Clairsville is the county seat, situated on the elevation of land, in a fer- 
tile district. Capt. Kirkwood and Elizabeth Zane, of historic fame, were early 
pioneers here. 

Butler County was formed in 1803, from Hamilton. It is within the blue 
limestone formation, and one of the most fertile sections of Ohio. It produces 
more corn than any other county in the State, besides fine crops of wheat, 
oats and large quantities of pork. Hamilton, the county seat, is situated on the 
Great Miami. Its hydraulic works furnish superior water-power. Rossville, 
on the opposite side of the Miami, is a large mercantile town. 

St. Clair passed through this county on his Indian campaigns in 1791, 
building Fort Hamilton on the Miami. 

Champaign County was formed March 1, 1805, from Greene and Franklin. 
It is drained by Mad River and its tributaries, which furnishes extensive mill 
privileges. Nearly a half is undulating, a quarter rolling, a fifth hilly, and 
5 per cent wet prairie. The soil is fertile, and produces wheat, corn, oats, 
barley, hay, while beef and wool add to the general wealth. Urbana, the 
county seat, was laid out in 1805, by Col. William Ward. He was chief owner 
of the land and donated many lots to the county, under condition that their 
proceeds be devoted to public improvements. Joseph Vance and George 
Fithian were the first settlers. The Methodists built the first church in 1807. 
The main army of Hull concentrated at this point before setting out for Detroit. 
Many Indian councils were called here, and Tecumseh was located for a time 
near Deer Creek. 

Carroll County was formed from Columbiana in 1832—33. It produces 
wheat, oats and corn, and valuable coal and iron. The surface is hilly. Car- 
rollton is its county seat. At Harlem is a celebrated chalybeate spring. 

Clark County was formed March 1, 1817, from Champaign, Madison and 
Greene. Its second settlement was at Kreb's Station, in 1796. It is highly culti- 
vated, well watered and very fertile. The Mad River, Buck and Beaver Creeks 
furnish abundant water-power. It produces principally wheat, corn and oats. 

Tecumseh, the old Indian warrior, was born at the ancient Indian vil- 
lage of Piqua, on the Mad River, on the site of New Boston. Piqua was 



140 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

destroyed by Gen. George Rogers Clarke. Skeletons, beads, gun barrels, 
tomahawks, kettles, etc., have been found in the vicinity. 

Springfield, the county seat, is situated on the National road. It has con- 
venient transportation facilities, is handsomely laid out, and is noted for its 
cultured citizens. It is near Mad River, and Buck Creek runs through it. 

Clinton County was formed in 1810. It produces chiefly wheat, oats, 
wool and pork. Its surface is undulating, in some parts hilly, and the soil fer- 
tile. Its streams furnish desirable water-power. The county was settled in 
1798-99. Wilmington is the county seat, and was laid out in 1810. The first 
log house was built by William Hobsin. 

Clermont County was the eighth formed in the Northwest Territory, by 
proclamation of Gov. St. Clair, December 9, 1800. The soil is exceedingly 
rich, and the surface is broken and, near the Ohio, hilly. Wheat, corn, oats, 
hay, potatoes, tobacco, barley, buckwheat and rye form the main crops, while 
beef, pork, flour, hay and whisky constitute its main exports. Its streams 
furnish good water-power. Batavia, its county seat, is situated on the Little 
Miami River, and was laid out in 1820, by George Ely. 

Columbiana County was formed March 25, 1803, from Jefferson and Wash- 
ington. Its soil is very fertile, producing wheat, corn, oats and potatoes. It 
is wealthy in mineral deposits, coal, iron ore, lime and freestone being abun- 
dant. Its Avater-lime stone is of superior (juality. Salt water is found on Yel- 
loAv and Beaver Creeks. This is also the great wool-producing county of 
the State. It was settled in 1797. New Lisbon, its county seat, is well 
built. 

The first paper-mill in Ohio was erected in this county, on Little Beaver 
Creek, by John Coulter and John Bever. 

Coshocton County was organized April 1, 1811. Its principal products are 
wheat, corn, oats and wool. Hills and valleys alternate along the Muskingum 
River. Abrupt changes are strongly marked — a rich alluvum being overhung 
by a red bush hill, while directly beside it may be seen the poplar and sugar 
tree. Coal and iron ore add to its general importance, while salt wells have 
proven remunerative. 

Coshocton, the county seat, is built on four wide, natural terraces, at the 
junction of the Tuscarawas with the Walhonding. 

Cuyahoga County w^as formed June 7, 1807, from Geauga. Near the lake, 
the soil is sandy, while a clayey loam may be found elsewhere. The valleys 
near the streams produce wheat, barley and hay. Fruit is successfully grown. 
and cheese, butter, beef and wool are largely exported. Bog iron is found in 
the western part, and fine grindstone quarries are in operation. The sandstone 
from these quarries is now an important article of commerce. As early as 
1775, there was a French settlement within the boundaries of Cuyahoga. In 
1786, a Moravian missionary came to the present site of Cleveland, and set- 
tled in an abandoned village of the Ottawas. Circumstances prevented a 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 141 

permanent settlement, and the British tacitly took possession, even remaining 
upon the lake shores after the Revolution. 

The first permanent settlement was made at Cleveland in 1796. Mr. Job 
V. Stiles and flimily and Edward Paine passed the first winter there, their log 
cabin standing where the Commercial Bank is now located. Rodolphus 
Edwards and Nathaniel Doane settled here. The town was, in 1813, a depot 
of supplies and a rendezvous for troops engaged in the war. 

Cleveland, the county seat, is situated at the northern termination of the 
Ohio Canal, on the lake shore. In 1814, it was incorporated as a village, and 
in 1836, as city. Its elevation is about a hundred feet above the lake. It 
is a lovely city, and has one of the best harbors on Lake Erie. 

Ohio City is another important town, nearly opposite Cleveland, on the 
Cuyahoga. It was incorporated in 1836. 

Crawford County was formed April 1, 1820, from the old Indian territory. 
The entire county is adapted to grazing. The soil is generally composed of 
rich vegetable loam, and in some parts the subsoil is clay mixed with lime. 
Rich beds of shell marl have been discovered. It produces wheat, corn, oats, 
clover, timothy seed, wool and cattle. Fine limestone quarries are worked with 
success. 

Bucyrus is the county seat, and was laid out February 11, 1822, by Samuel 
Norton and James Kilbourn, original owners of the land. The first settler in 
the town proper was Samuel Norton. A gas well has been dug in Bucyrus, 
on the land of R. W. Musgrove, which burns in a brilliant light when con- 
ducted to the surface by means of pipes. Crawford's Sulphur Springs are 
located nine miles from Bucyrus. The water is impregnated with sulphuretted 
hydrogen. It deposits a reddish-purple sediment. In its nature the water is a 
cathartic, and is diuretic and diaphoretic in its effects. A few rods away is a 
burning spring. The Annapolis Sulphur Spring is clear and has gained consid- 
erable fame by its curative qualities. Opposite Bucyrus is a chalybeate spring 
of tonic qualities. 

There are some beds of peat in the county, the most extensive one being a 
wet prairie called Cranberry Marsh, containing nearly 2,000 acres. 

Darke County was organized in March, 1817, from Miami County. It is 
abundantly timbered with poplar, walnut, blue ash, hickory, beech and sugar 
maple. It yields superior wheat, and is well adapted to grazing. In this 
county occurred the lamentable defeat of St. Clair, and the treaty of Greenville. 

Greenville is the county seat, and was laid out August 10, 1808, by Robert 
Gray and John Dover In December, 1793, Wayne built Fort Greenville on 
this spot, which covered about the same extent as the present town. . 

Delaware County was formed February 10, 1808, from Franklin. It pro- 
duces mainly wheat, corn, oats, pork and wool. 

Delaware is the county seat, and was laid out in the spring of 1808, by 
Moses Byxbe. The Delaware Spring in the village is of the white sulphur or 



142 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

cold hydro-sulphurous nature, valuable for medicinal qualities in cases of bilious 
derangements, dyspepsia, scrofulous affections, etc. 

Defiance County was inaugurated March 4, 1845, from Williams, Henry 
and Paulding. The Maumee, Tiffin and Auglaize flow through it. The Black 
Swamp covers much of its area. 

Defiance, the county seat, is situated on the Maumee. It was laid out in 
1822, by B. Level and H. Phillips. A large Indian settlement occupied its 
gite in very early times. Wayne arrived here August 8, 1794, captured the 
place, finding about one thousand acres of corn, peach and apple orchards, and 
vegetables of all varieties. Here he built Fort Defiance. 

Erie County w^as formed in 1838, from Huron and Sandusky. The soil is 
alluvial, and yields large crops of wheat, corn, oats and potatoes. It possesses 
inexhaustable quarries of limestone and freestone. Immense quantities of bog 
iron are also found. The Erie tribe is said to have once occupied the land, and 
were extirpated by the Iroquois. As early as 1754, the French had built set- 
tlements. In 1764, the county was besieged. Pontiac came here with warlike 
demonstrations, but made peace with the whites. Erie was included in the 
"fire lands" of the Western Reserve. 

Sandusky City is the county seat, and was laid out in 1817, then termed 
Portland. At that time it contained two log huts. The town is finely situated,, 
and is based upon an inexhaustible quarry of the finest limestone. In the 
"patriot war" with the Canadians, this city was the rendezvous for the 
"patriots." 

Franklin County was formed April 30, 1803, from Ross. It contains 
much low wet land, and is better adapted to grazing than agricultural purposes. 
It was in early times occupied by the Wyandot Indians. Its first white set- 
tlement was made in 1797, by Robert Armstrong and others. Franklinton 
was laid out in 1797, by Lucas Sullivan. Worthington was settled by the 
Scioto Company in 1801. Col. Kilbourn, who was interested in the work, 
constructed the first map of Ohio during his explorations, by uniting sectional 
diagrams. 

Columbus, the capital of the State of Ohio, is also the county seat of 
Franklin County. After the organization of a State government, the capital 
was "portable" until 1816. In 1810, the sessions were held at Chillicothe, 
in 1811 and 1812 at Zanesville, removing again to Chillicothe, and, in 1816, 
being located at Columbus. The town was laid out during the spring of 1812. 
A penitentiary was erected in 1813, and the State House was built in 1814. 
It was incorporated as "the borough of Columbus," February 10, 1816. The 
city charter was granted March 3, 1834. 

It is beautifully located on the east bank of the Scioto. The Columbus 
Institute is a classical institution. A female and a theological seminary also 
add to its educational advantages. The Ohio Lunatic Asylum is also located 
here — also the Ohio Institution for the Education of the Blind. East of the 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 143 

State House is the Ohio Institution for the Education of the Deaf and 
Dumb. 

Fairfield County was formed by proclamation of Gov. St. Clair, December 
9, 1800. 

The soil is varied, being in some parts exceedingly rich, and in others very 
sterile. It produces principally wheat, corn, rye, oats, buckwheat, barley, 
potatoes and tobacco. 

Lancaster is the county seat, laid out by Ebenezer Zane in 1800. In 1797, 
he opened the road known as "Zane's Trace," from Wheeling to Limestone — 
now Maysville. It passed through Lancaster, at a fording about three hundred 
yards below the present turnpike bridge. Near the turn stands an imposing 
eminance called " Standing Stone." Parties of pleasure frequently visit this spot. 

Fayette County was formed from Ross and Highland in 1810. Wheat, 
corn, cattle, hogs, sheep and wool comprise its main productions. " The bar- 
rens" are situated in the northeastern part. This tract is covered by a growth 
of grass. 

Washington is its county seat, laid out in 1810. 

Col. Stewart was active in the interests of this section, and his memory is 
sacredly revered. Jesse Milliken was prominent in public affairs. 

Fulton County, bordering on Michigan, was organized in 1850. It is 
drained by Bean Creek and other small affluents of the Maumee River. The 
surface is nearly level, and a large part of it is covered with forests of ash, 
beech, elm, hickory, white oak, black walnut, etc., furnishing excellent timber. 
The soil is fertile. Wheat, corn, oats and hay are the staple products. Wau- 
seon is the county seat. 

Guernsey County was organized in March, 1810. Wool is a staple prod- 
uct, together with beef, horses and swine. It produces wheat, corn and oats. 

Cambridge is the county seat and was laid out in June, 1806. Mr. 
Graham was the first settler on the site of the town, and his was the only 
dwelling between Lancaster and Wheeling. 

The first cannel coal found in the county was discovered near Mill's Creek. 

Greene County was formed May 1, 1803, from Hamilton and Ross. It 
produces wheat, corn, rye, grass-seed, oats, barley, sheep and swine. The 
streams furnish good water-power. There are five limestone quarries, and a 
marble quarry of variegated colors. The Shawnee town was on the Little 
Miami, and was visited by Capt. Thomas Bullit in 1773. When Daniel Boone 
was captured in 1778, he was brought to this town, and escaped the following 
year. Gen. Clarke invaded this county and the Indians reduced the town to ashes. 

Xenia, the county seat, was laid off in the forest in 1803, by Joseph C. 
Vance. The first cabin was erected in April, 1804, by John Marshall. The 
.Rev. James Fowler built the first hewed-log cabin. David A. Sanders built 
the first frame house. Nine miles north of the town, on the Little Miami 
River, are the Yellow Springs, which are impregnated with sulphur. 



144 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

Geauga County was formed in 1805 from Trumbull. It exports sheep, 
cattle, butter and cheese. It is situated at the liead of Chargrine, Cuyahoga and 
a part of Grand Rivers, on high ground, and is subjected to snowstorms more 
frequently than any other part of the Reserve. Its first settlement was made 
in 1798, at Burton. Chardon is fourteen miles from Lake Erie, and is GOO 
feet above it. It was laid out as the county seat in 1808. 

Gallia County was formed April 30, 1803, from Washington. Its princi- 
pal crops are wheat, corn, oats and beans. The surface is generally broken. 
Its first settlement was made in 1791, by a French colony, at Gallipolis. This 
colony was sent out under the auspices of the Scioto Company. This town is 
now the county seat. 

Hamilton County was the second established in the Northwestern Territory 
by proclamation of Gov. St. Clair, January 2, 1790. Its surface is gen- 
erally rolling. It produces the ordinary farm products, and a great variety 
of fruits and vegetables for the Cincinnati market. Vineyards thrive well 
within its limits, and the manufacture of wine is carried on to a considerable 
extent. 

This county was the second settled in Ohio, and the first within the Symmes 
purchase. Settlers arrived at the spot now occupied by Cincinnati, and three 
or four log cabins were erected. Gen. Arthur St. Clair arrived here in Janu- 
ary, 1790. The army of Wayne encamped here later, at Fort Washington. 
Mr. Maxwell established in 1793 the Sentinel of the Northwestern Territory, 
the first newspaper printed north of the Ohio River. In 1796, Edward Free- 
man became its proprietor, and changed the name to Freeman's Journal. 
January 11, 1794, two keel-boats sailed from Cincinnati to Pittsburgh, making 
regular trips every four weeks. In 1801, the first sea vessel built at Mari- 
etta came down the Ohio. 

Cincinnati, the county seat, was incorporated January 2, 1802. It was char- 
tered as a city in 1819. The city is beautifully laid out and delightfully situ- 
ated. Its public buildings are elegant and substantial, including the court 
house and many literary and charitable institutions. 

The Cincinnati College was founded in 1819. It stands in the center of 
the city. It is built in Grecian-Doric style, with pilaster fronts and facade of 
Dayton marble. Woodward College is also popular. 

The Catholics have founded the St. Xavier's College. Lane Seminary, a 
theological institution, is at Walnut Hills, two miles from the center of the city. 
It has over 10,000 volumes in its libraries. No charge is made for tuition. 
Rooms are provided and furnished at $5 per year, and board ranges from 62J 
cents to 90 cents a week. The Cincinnati Law School is connected with Cin- 
cinnati College. The Mechanics' Institute was chartered in 1828, and is in all 
respects well supplied with apparatus. A college for teachers was established in 
1831, its object being to perfect those contemplating entering that profession in 
their studies and system. 



I 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 145 

The Cincinnati Orphan As^^lum is an elegant building, and has a library 
and well-organized school attached. The Catholics of the city have one male 
and female orphan asylum. The Commercial Hospital and Lunatic Asylum of 
Ohio was incorporated in 1821. 

Cincinnati is a large manufacturing city, and possesses fine water-power 
facilities. It communicates with the world by means of its canal, river, turnpikes, 
and railways. North Bend is another prominent town in this county, havin^ 
been the residence of Gen. William H. Harrison, and the site of his burial 
place. The town was of considerable importance in the early settlement of the 
State. About thirty yards from Harrison's tomb is the grave of Judge 
Symmes. 

Hancock County was formed April 1, 1820. It produces wheat, oats, corn, 
pork and maple sugar. The surface is level and its soil is fertile. Blanchard's 
Fork waters the central and southern part of tiie county. Findlay, the county 
seat, was laid out by ex-Gov. Joseph Vance and Elnathan Corry, in 1821. It 
was relaid in 1829. William Vance settled there in the fall of 1821. At the 
south end of the town, are tAVo gas wells. In the eastern part, is a mineral 
spring, and west of the bridge, is a chalybeate spring. 

Hardin County was formed April 1, 1820, from the old Indian Territory. 
It produces, principally, wheat, corn and swine. A portion of the surface is 
level, and the remainder undulating. Fort McArthur was built on the Scioto 
River, but proved a weak stockade. Kenton is the county seat, situated on the 
Scioto River. 

Harrison County was formed from Jefferson and Tuscarawas January 1, 
1814. The surface is hilly, abounding in coal and limestone. Its soil is clayey. 
It is one of the important wool-growing counties in Ohio. It produces large 
quantities of wheat, corn, oats and hay, besides a considerable number of horses, 
cattle and swine. 

In April, 1799, Alexander Henderson and family settled in this county, and 
at the same time, Daniel Peterson and his family resided at the forks of Short 
Creek. The early settlers were much annoyed by Indians and wild beasts. 
Cadiz is the county seat, and was laid out in 1803 and 1804, by Messrs. Briggs 
and Beatty. 

Henry County was formed from the old Indian Territory, April 1, 1820. 
Indian corn, oats, potatoes, and maple sugar constitute the main products. 
The county is well supplied with running streams, and the soil is unusually rich. 

The greater portion of this county is covered by the " Black Swamp." 
Throughout this swamp are ridges of limestone, covered with black walnut, red 
elm, butternut and maple. The soil is superior for grain. Fruit thrives and 
all varieties of vegetables are produced in large quantities. Simon Girty, noto- 
rious for his wicked career, resided in this county. Girty led the attack on 
Fort Henry, in September, 1777. He demanded the surrender of the fort, 
and menaced its inmates with an Indian massacre, in case of refusal. The 



146 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

action began, but the fort gained the victory. He led a ferocious band of Indi- 
ans, and committed the most fiendish atrocities. 

Napoleon, the county seat, is situated on the Maumee River. 

Highland County was formed in May, 1805, from Ross, Adams and Cler- 
mont. It is a wealthy, productive county. Its wheat commands a high mar- 
ket price. The crops consist of wheat, corn, oats, maple sugar, wool, swine 
and cattle. Its first settlement began in 1801, at New Market, by Oliver Ross, 
Robert Keeston, George W. Barrere, Bernard Weyer and others. Simon Ken- 
ton made a trace through this county in early times. Hillsboro is the 
county seat, and was laid out in 1807, by David Hays, on the land of Benja- 
min EUicott. It is situated on the dividing ridge, between the Miami and Sci- 
oto. The Hillsboro Academy was founded in 1827. 

Hocking County was formed March 1, 1818, from Ross, Athens and Fair- 
field. Its principal products are corn, wheat, tobacco and maple sugar. Its 
surface is broken and hilly, but is level and fertile beside the streams. 

The Wyandots once occupied this tract, and built a large town herein. In 
1798, a few white families ventured to settle. Logan is its county seat, and is 
situated on the Hocking River. 

Holmes County was formed from Coshocton, Tuscarawas and Wayne, Janu- 
ary 20, 1824. It produces wheat, corn, oats, potatoes, maple sugar, swine, 
sheep and cattle. The southwestern portion is broken. Thomas Butler was 
the first settler, in 1810. Millersburg is the county seat, and Avas laid out in 
1830. 

Huron County was organized in 1815. It produces hay, wheat, corn, oats, 
barley, buckwheat, flaxseed, potatoes, butter, cheese, wool and swine. Nor- 
walk is the county seat. 

Jackson County was organized March, 1816. The country is rich in min- 
erals and abounds in coal and iron ore. The exports are cattle, wool, swine, 
horses, lumber, millstones, tobacco and iron. Jackson, the county seat, was 
laid out in 1817. The old Scioto salt-works were among the first worked in 
Ohio by the whites. Prior to this period, the Indians came some distance to 
this section to make salt. When Daniel Boone was a prisoner, he spent some 
time at these works. 

Jefferson County was proclaimed by Gov. St. Clair July 29, 1797, and 
was the fifth county established in Ohio. It is one of the most important 
manufacturing counties in the State. Its resources in coal are also extended. 
The surface is hilly and the soil fertile, producing wheat, corn and oats. The 
old "Mingo" town was on the present farms of Jeremiah Hallock and Mr. 
Daniel Potter. The troops of Col. Williamson rendezvoused at this point, 
when they set out in their cruel Moravian campaign, and also the troops of 
Col. Crawford, when they started on the campaign against the Sandusky 
Indians. Here Logan, the powerful and manly chief of the Mingo nation, 
once resided. He took no active part in the old French war, Avhicli closed in 



I 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 147 

1760, except that of a peacemaker. He was a stanch friend of the whites 
until the abominable and unprovoked murder of his father, brother and sister, 
which occurred in 1774, near the Yellow Creek. He then raised the battle 
cry and sought revenge. 

However, Logan was remarkably magnanimous toward prisoners who fell 
into his hands. The year 1793 was the last spent in Indian warfare in Jeffer- 
son County. 

Fort Steuben was erected on the present site of Steubenville, the county seat, 
in 1789. It was constructed of block-houses, with palisade fences, and Avas dis- 
mantled during Wayne's campaign. Bezaleel Wells and Hon. James Ross laid 
the town out in 1798. It was incorporated February 14, 1805. It is situated 
upon an elevated plain. In 1814, Messrs. Wells and Dickerson built a woolen 
manufactory, and introduced merino sheep to the county. 

Knox County was formed March 1, 1808, from Fairfield. It is drained by 
the Vernon River. It produces wheat, corn, oats, tobacco, maple sugar, pota- 
toes and wool. Mount Vernon was laid out in 1805. The early settlers found 
two wells on the Vernon River, built of hammered stone, neatly laid, and near 
by was a salt-lick. Their direct origin remains a mystery. Oilman Bryant, 
in 1807, opened the first store in Mount Vernon. The court house was built 
in 1810. The Indians came to Mount Vernon in large numbers for the pur- 
pose of trading in furs and cranberries. Each Saturday, the settlers Avorked 
on the streets, extracting stumps and improving the highway. The first settler 
north of the place was N. M. Young, who built his cabin in 1803. Mount 
Vernon is now the county seat, beautifully situated on Vernon River. Kenyon 
College is located at Gambler. It is richly endowed with 8,000 acres, and is 
valued at $100,000. This institution was established under the auspices of 
Bishop Chase, in July, 1826, in the center of a 4,000-acre tract belonging to 
Kenyon College. It was chartered as a theological seminary. 

Lucas County is of comparatively recent origin. A large portion is covered 
by the "Black Swamp." It produces corn, wheat, potatoes and oats. This 
county is situated in the Maumee Valley, which was the great arena of histori- 
cal events. The frightful battle of Wayne's campaign, where the Indians found 
the British to be traitors, was fought near Fort Miami, in this county. Maumee 
City, the county seat, was laid out in 1817, as Maumee, by Maj. William Oliver 
and others. It is situated on the Maumee, at the head of navigation. The 
surface is 100 feet above the water level. This town, with Perrysburg, its neighbor, 
is exceedingly picturesque, and was in early times frequented by the Indians. 
The French had a trading station at this point, in 1680, and in 1794, the Brit- 
ish Fort — Miami — was built. Toledo is on the left bank of the Maumee, and 
covers the site of a stockade fort, known as Fort Industry, erected in 1800. 
An Indian treaty was held here July 4, 1805, by which the Indians relinquished 
all rights to the " fire lands." In 1832, Capt. Samuel Allen gave an impetus 
to the place, and Maj. Stickney also became interested in its advancement. 



148 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

Speculation in lots began in 1834. The Wabash & Erie Canal interest arose in 
1836. Mr. jNIason and Edward Bissel added their energies to assist the growth 
of the town. It was incorporated as a city in 1836. It was the center of the 
military operations in the " Ohio and Michigan war," known as the "boundary 
conflict." 

The Ordinance of 1787 provided for the division of the Northwestern Terri- 
tory into three or five States. The three southern were to be divided from the 
two northern by a line drawn east and west through the southern point of Lake 
Michioian, cxtendino; eastward to the Territorial line in Lake Erie. The consti- 
tution of Ohio adds a provision that if the line should not go so far north as the 
north cape of ^Nlaumee Bay, then the northern boundary of Ohio should be a 
line drawn from the southerly part of Lake Michigan to the north cape of the 
Maumee Bay. 

The line of the ordinance was impossible, according to its instructions and 
the geography of the country. 

When Michigan became a Territory, the people living between the " Fulton " 
and '• Harris " lines found it more to their wishes to be attached to Michigan. 
They occupied disputed ground, and were thus beyond the limits of absolute 
law. In 1835, the subject was greatly agitated, and J. Q. Adams made a warm 
speech before Congress against the Ohio claim. The Legislature of Ohio dis- 
cussed the matter, and an act was passed to attach the disputed section to Ohio, 
according to the constitutional decree. An active campaign opened between 
Mieliigan and Oliio. Gov. Lucas came out with the Ohio troops, in the spring 
of 1835, and Gov. Mason, of Michigan, followed the example. He marched 
into Toledo, robbed melon-patches and chicken-houses, crushed in the front 
door of Maj. Stickney's house, and carried him away prisoner of war. Embas- 
sadors were sent from Washington to negotiate matters — Richard Rush, of Penn- 
sylvania and Col. Howard, of Maryland. At the next session of Congress, the 
matter was settled. Samuel Vinton argued for Ohio, in the House, and Thomas 
Ewing in the Senate. Michigan received an equivalent of the large peninsula 
between Lakes Huron, Michigan and Superior. Ohio received the disputed 
strip, averaging eight miles in width. ^Manhattan, Waterville and Providence 
are all flourishing towns. 

Lorain County was formed from Huron, Cuyahoga and Medina, on Decem.- 
ber 26, 1822. The soil is generally fertile, and the surface level. Wheat, 
grass, oats, corn, rye and potatoes constitute the principal crops. Bog-iron ore 
is found in large quantities. A curious relic has been found in this county, bear- 
ing the date of 1533. Elyria is the county seat, and was laid out in 1817. 
The first settler was Mr. Heman Ely. Oberlin is situated about eight miles 
southwest of Elyria. The Oberlin Collegiate Institute has attained a wide 
celebrity. 

Logan County was formed March 1, 1817. The surface is broken and hilly 
near the Mad River, but is generally level. The soil is fertile, producing 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO 149 

wheat, corn, rye, oats, clover, flax and timothy seed. The Shawnee Indians 
were located here, and built several villages on the Mad River. These towns 
were destroyed in 1786, by a body of Kentuckians, under Gen. Benjamin 
Logan. The whites surprised the towns. However, they returned after the 
work of destruction had been completed, and for many years frequented the 
section. On the site of Zanes field was a Wyandot village. By the treaty of 
September 29, 1817, the Scnecas and Shawnees held a reservation around 
Lewistown. April 6, 1832, they vacated this right and removed west. Isaac 
Zane was born about the year 1753, and was, while a boy, captured and after- 
ward adopted by the Wyandots. Attaining the age of manliood, he had no 
desire to return to his people. He married a Wyandot woman, who was half 
French. After the treaty of Greenville, he bought 1,800 acres on the site of 
Zanesville, where he lived until the year 1816, when he died, lamented by all 
his" friends. 

Logan County was settled about the year 1806. During the war of 1812, 
it was a rendezvous for friendly Indians. Bellefontaine, the county seat, was 
laid out March 18, 1820, on land owned by John Tulles and William Powell. 
Joseph Gordon built a cabin, and Anthony Ballard erected the first frame 
dwelling. ' 

Gen. Simon Kenton is buried at the head of Mad River, five miles from 
Bellefontaine. He died April 29, 1836, aged eighty-one years and twenty-six 
days. This remarkable man came West, to Kentucky, in 1771. He probably 
encountered more thrilling escapes than any other man of his time. In 1778, 
he was captured and suffered extreme cruelties, and was ransomed by the British. 
He soon recovered his robust health, and escaped from Detroit the following 
spring. He settled in Urbana in 1802. He was elected Brigadier General of 
the militia, and in the war of 1812, joined Gen. Harrison's army. In the year 
1820, he removed to Mad River. Gen. Vance and Judge Burnet secured him 
a pension, of $20 per month 

Licking County was formed from Fairfield March 1, 1808. The surface is 
generally level, diversified by slight hills in the eastern portion. The soil is 
fertile, producing wheat, corn, oats and grass. Coal and iron ore of good 
quality add to the wealth of the county. Wool and dairy productions are also 
staples. Newark is the county seat, and is situated at the confluence of the 
three principal branches of the Licking. It was laid out by Gen. William C. 
Schenk, George W. Burnet and John M. Cummings, who owned this military 
section of 4,000 acres, in 1801. In 1802, Samuel Elliott and Samuel Parr 
built hewed-log houses. The picturesque "Narrows of the Licking " are in 
the eastern part of the county, which have elicited general praise from scenic 
hunters. 

Lawrence County was organized March 1, 1816. There are many high 
and abrupt hills in this section, which abound in sand or freestone. It is rich 
in minerals, and the most important section of Ohio for iron manufacture. 



150 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

Coal is abundant, and white clay exists in the western part suitable for pot- 
tery purposes. Agricultural productions are not extensive. 

The county was settled in 1797 by the Dutch and Irish. The iron region 
extends through the west part of this county. Lawrence County produces a 
superior quality of iron, highly esteemed for castings, and is equal to Scotch 
pig for furnace purposes. Burlington is the county seat. 

Lake County was formed from Geauga and Cuyahoga March 6, 1840, The 
soil is good and the surface rolling. It produces wheat, corn, oats, buckwheat, 
barley, hay and potatoes. Dairy products, cattle and avooI are also staples. 
Its fruits — apples, peaches, pears, plums and grapes are highly prized. As 
early as 1799, a settlement was formed at Mentor. Painesville, the county 
seat, is situated on Grand River, in a beautiful valley. The Painesville Acad- 
emy is a classical institution for the education of both sexes. Near the town 
is the Geauga furnace. Painesville was laid out by Henry Champion in 1805. 
At Fairport, the first warehouse in this section, and probably the first on the 
lake, was built by Abraham Skinner in 1803. This town has a fine harbor, 
and has a light-house and beacon. Kirtland, southwest from Painesville, was. 
in 1834, the headquarters of the Mormons. At that time, they numbered 
about three thousand. The old Mormon temple is of rough stone, plastered 
over, colored blue, and marked to imitate regular courses of masonry. As is 
well known, the Mormons derive their name from the book of Mormon, said to 
have been translated from gold plates found in a hill in Palmyra, N. Y. 

Madison County was organized in March, 1810. The surface is generally 
level. It produces grass, corn, oats and cattle — the latter forming a cliief 
staple, while wool and pork add to the general wealth. 

Jonathan Alder was much interested in the settlement of the county. He, 
like some other whites, had lived with the Indians many years, and had formed 
a lasting aflection for them, and had married a squaw, Avith whom he became 
dissatisfied, Avhich caused him to desire finding his own family. He suc- 
ceeded in this through the assistance of John Moore. He left his wife and 
joined his people. 

This county was first settled in 1795. Benjamin Springer made a clearing 
and built a cabin. He settled near Alder, and taught him the English lan- 
guage. Mr. Joshua Ewing brought four sheep to this place, and the Indians 
exhibited great astonishment over these strange animals. When the hostilities 
of 1 812 began, the British oflfered inducements to the Indians to join them, and 
they consulted Alder regarding the best policy to adopt. He advised them to 
preserve neutrality until a later period, which they did, and eventually became 
firm friends of the Americans. 

London is the county seat, and was laid out in 1810-11, by Patrick McLene. 

Marion County was organized March 1, 1824. The soil is fertile, and pro- 
duces extensive farm crops. The Delaware Indians once held a reservation 
here, and conceded their claims in 1829, August 3, and removed west of the 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 153 

Mississippi. ^ Marion, the county seat, was laid out in 1821, by Eber Baker 
and Alexander Holmes. Gen. Harrison marched through this section durinsr 
his campaign. 

Mahoning County was formed in 1846, from Trumbull and Columbiana. 
The surface is rolling and the soil generally fertile. The finer qualities of wood 
are produced here. Bituminous coal and iron are found in large quantities. 
Col. James Hillman came to the Western Reserve in 1786. The settlement 
of the county went forward. Canfield is the county seat. 

Medina County was formed from the Western Reserve February 12, 1812. 
The surface is rolling and the soil is fertile, producing fine agricultural prod- 
ucts. The first trail made through the county was made by George Poe, 
Joseph H. Larwell and Roswell M. Mason. The first settlement was made 
by Joseph Harris in 1811. He was soon joined by the Burr brothers. Me- 
dina is the county seat. 

Meigs County was formed from Gallia and Athens April 1, 1819. The 
general character of the soil is clayey, producing large quantities of wheat, oats, 
corn, hay and potatoes. Vast quantities of salt are made and exported. Pom- 
eroy, the county seat, is situated under a lofty hill, surrounded by picturesque 
scenery. Mr. Nathaniel Clark was the first settler of the county. He arrived in 
1816. The first coal mine opened in Pomeroy was in 1819, by David Bradshaw. 

Mercer County was formed from the Indian Territory in 1820. The sur- 
face is generally flat, and while covered with forests, inclined to be wet ; but, 
being cleared, it is very fertile, and adapted to producing farm crops. St. 
Clair's Battle was fought on the boundary line between this and Darke County. 
The Hon. Lewis Cass and Duncan McArthur made a treaty at St. Mary's with 
the Wyandots, Shawnees and Ottawas, in 1818. The odious Simon Girty lived 
at one time at St. Mary's. Wayne built St. Mary's Fort, on the west bank of 
the river. John Whistler was the last commander of the fort. The largest 
artificial lake in the world, so it is asserted, is formed by the reservoir sup- 
plying the St. Mary's feeder of the Miami Extension Canal. It is about nine 
miles long, and from two to four broad. Celina is the county seat. 

Miami County was formed January 16, 1807, from Montgomery. It abounds 
in excellent limestone, and possesses remarkable water-power facilities. Its agri- 
cultural products rank highly in quality and quantity. John Knoop came into this 
section about the year 1797, and its first settlement began about this time. Troy, 
the county seat, is situated upon the Great Miami. Piqua is another lovely 
town. The Miami River aifords delightful scenery at this point. 

Monroe County was formed January 29, 1813, from Belmont, Washington, 
and Guernsey. A portion of its surface is abrupt and hilly. Large quantities 
of tobacco are raised, and much pork is exported. Wheat and corn grow well 
in the western portion. Iron ore and coal abound. The valleys of the streams 
are very narrow, bounded by rough hills. In some places are natural rock 
grottoes. The first settlement was made in 1799, near the mouth of the Sunfish. 



154 HISTOllY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

At this time, wolves were numerous, and caused much ahirm. Yolney entered 
this county, but was not prepossessed in its favor. One township is settled by 
the Swiss, who are educated and refined. Woodsfield is the county seat. 

Montgomery County was formed from Ross and Hamilton May 1, 1803. 
The soil is fertile, and its agricultural products are most excellent. Quarries of 
grayish-white limestone are found east of the Miami. 

Dayton is the county seat, situated on the Great Miami, at the mouth of Mad 
Iliver. A company was formed in 1788, but Indian wars prevented settlement. 
After Wayne's treaty, in 1795, a new company was formed. It advanced 
rapidly between the years 1812 and 1820. The beginning of the Miami Canal 
renewed its prosperity, in 1827. The first canal-boat from Cincinnati arrived 
at Dayton on the 25th of January, 1829. The first one arrived from Lake 
Erie in June, 1845. Col. Robert Patterson came to Dayton in 1804. At one 
time, he owned Lexington, Ky., and about one third of Cincinnati. 

Morgan County was organized in 1818, March 1. The surface is hilly and 
the soil strong and fertile, producing wheat, corn, oats and tobacco. Pork is a 
prolific product, and considerable salt is made. The first settlement was made 
in 1790, on the Muskingum. McConnelsville is the county seat. Mr. Ayres 
made the first attempt to produce salt, in 1817. This has developed into a 
large industry. 

Morrow County was organized in 1848. It is drained by the Vernon 
River, which rises in it, by the East Branch of the Olontangy or Whetstone 
River, and by Walnut Creek. The surface is undulating, the soil fertile. 
The staple products are corn, wheat, oats, hay, wool and butter. The sugar 
maple abounds in the forests, and sandstone or freestone in the quarries. 
Blount Gilead, the county seat, is situated on the East Branch of the Olen- 
tangy River. 

Muskingum County was formed from Washington and Fairfield. The sur- 
face is rolling or hilly. It produces wheat, corn, oats, potatoes, tobacco, wool 
and pork. Large quantities of bituminous coal are found. Pipe clay, buhr- 
stone or cellular quartz are also in some portions of the State. Salt is made in 
large quantities — the fine being obtained from a stratum of whitish sandstone. 
The Wyandots, Delawares, Senecas and Shawanoese Indians once inhabited this 
section. An Indian town occupied the site of Duncan's Falls. A large Shawan- 
oese town was located near Dresden. 

Zanesville is the county seat, situated opposite the mouth of the Licking. 
It was laid out in 1799, by Mr. Zane and Mr. Mclntire. This is one of the 
principal towns in the State, and is surrounded by charming scenery. 

Noble County, organized in 1851, is drained by Seneca, Duck and Wills 
Creeks. The surface is undulating, and a large part of it is covered with for- 
ests. The soil is fertile. Its staples are corn, tobacco, wheat, hay. oats and 
wool. Among its mineral resources are limestone, coal and petroleum. Near 
Caldwell, the county seat, are found iron ore, coal and salt. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 155 

Ottawa County was formed from Erie, Sandusky and Lucas, March 6, 1840, 
It is mostly within the Black Swamp, and considerable of its land is prairie and 
marsh. It was very thinly settled befere 1830. Extensive plaster beds exist 
on the peninsula, which extends into Lake Erie. It has also large limestone 
quarries, which are extensively worked. The very first trial at arms upon the 
soil of Ohio, during the war of 1812, occurred upon this peninsula. Port Clin- 
ton, the county seat, was laid out in 1827. 

Perry County was formed from Washington, Fairfield and Muskingum, 
March 1, 1817. Fine tobacco is raised in large quantities. Wheat, corn, oats, 
hay, cattle, pork and wool add to the general wealth. This county was first set- 
tled in 1801. First settler was Christian Binckley, who built the first cabin in 
the county, about five miles west of Somerset, near the present county line. 
New Lexington is now the county seat. 

Paulding County was formed from old Indian territory August 1, 1820, 
It produces corn, Avheat and oats. Paulding is the county seat. 

Pickaway County Avas formed from Fairfield, Ross and Franklin, January 
12, 1810, The county has woodland, barren, plain and prairie. The barrens 
were covered by shrub oaks, and when cleared are adapted to the raising of corn 
and oats. The Pickaway plains are three and a half miles west of Circlcville, 
and this tract is said to contain the richest land in Ohio. Here, in the olden 
times, burned the great council fires of the red man. Here the allied tribes met 
Gen. Lewis, who fought the battle of Point Pleasant. Dunmore's campaign 
was terminated on these plains. It was at the Chillicothe towns, after Dun- 
more's treaty, that Logan delivered his famous speech. Circleville, the county 
seat, is situated on the Scioto River and the Ohio Canal. It was laid out in 
1810, by Daniel Dresbach. It is situated on the site of ancient fortifications. 

Portage County was formed June 7, 1807, from Trumbull. It is a wealthy, 
thriving section. Over a thousand tons of cheese are annually produced. It 
also produces wheat, corn, oats, barley, buckAvheat, rye, butter and avooI. 
Ravenna is the county seat, and was originally settled by the Hon. Benjamin 
Tappen in June, 1799. In 1806, an unpleasant difiiculty arose between the 
settlers and a camp of Indians in Deerfield, caused by a horse trade betAveen a 
white man and an Indian. David Daniels settled on the site of Palmyra in 1799. 

Pike County was organized in 1815. The surface is generally hilly, which 
abound with freestone, which is exported in large quantities for building pur- 
poses. Rich bottom lands extend along the Scioto and its tributaries. John 
Noland and the three Chenoweth brothers settled on the Pee Pee prairie about 
1796. Piketown, the former county seat, Avas laid out about 1814. Waverly, 
the present county seat, is situated on the Scioto River. 

Preble County Avas formed March 1, 1808, from Montgomery and Butler. 
The soil is varied. Excellent water-power facilities are furnished. 

Eaton, the county seat, Avas laid out in 1806, by William Bruce, who owned 
the land. An overfloAving Avell of strong sulphur Avater is near the tOAvn, Avhile 
directly beside it is a limestone quarry. Holderman's quarry is about two 



156 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

miles distant, from -which is obtained a beautifully clouded gray stone. Fort St. 
Clair was built near Eaton, in the winter of 1791-92, Gen. Harrison was an En- 
sio-n at the time, and commanded a guard every other night for three weeks, during 
the building. The severe battle of November 6, 1792, was fought under its very 
guns. Little Turtle, a distinguished chief of the Miamis, roamed over this county 
for a time. He was witty, brave and earnest, and, although engaged in several 
severe contests with the whites, he was inclined toward peace. But when his 
warriors cried for war he led them bravely. 

Putnam County was formed April 1, 1820, from old Indian territory. The 
soil is fertile, its principal productions being wheat, corn, potatoes and oats. 
Laro-e quantities of pork are exported. Kalida, once the county seat, was laid 
out in 1834. Ottawa is the county seat. 

Ross County was formed August 20, 1798, by the proclamation of Gov. St. 
Clair, and was the sixth county formed in the Northwestern Territory. The 
Scioto River and Paint Creek run through it, bordered with fertile lands. 
Much water-power is obtained from the many streams w-^atering it. The main 
crops are wheat, corn and oats. It exports cattle and hogs. 

The Rev. Robert W. Finley, in 1794, addressed a letter of inquiry to Col. 
Nathaniel Massie, as many of his associates had designed settling in the new 
State. This resulted in packing their several effects and setting out. A triv- 
ial Indian encounter was the only interruption they n. " with on their way. 
After Wayne's treaty. Col. Massie and many of these early explorers met 
aa-ain and formed a settlement — in 1796 — at the mouth of Paint Creek. In 
August of this year, Chillicothe was laid out by Col. Massie, in a dense forest. 
He donated lots to the early settlers. A ferry was established over the Scioto, 
and the opening of Zane's trace assisted the progress of settlement. 

Chillicothe, the county seat, is situated on the Scioto. Its site is thirty 
feet above the river. In 1800, it was the seat of the Northwestern Territorial 
Government. It was incorporated as a city in January, 1802. During the war 
of 1812, the city was a rendezvous for the United States troops. A large num- 
ber of British were at one time guarded here. Adena is a beautiful place, and 
the seat of Gov. Worthington's mansion, which was built in 1806. Near this 
is Fruit Hill, the residence of the late Gen. McArthur, and latterly the home 
of his son-in-law, the Hon. William Allen. Eleven miles from Chillicothe, on 
the road to Portsmouth, is the home of the hermit of the Scioto. 

Richland was organized March 1, 1813. It produces wheat, corn, oats, hay, 
potatoes, rye, hemp and barley. It was settled about 1809, on branches of the 
Mohican. Two block-houses were built in 1812. Mansfield, the county seat, 
is charmingly situated, and was laid out in 1808, by Jacob Newman, James 
Hedges and Joseph H. Larwell. The county was at that period a vast wilder- 
ness, destitute of roads. From this year, the settlement progressed rapidly. 

Sandusky County was formed April 1, 1820, from the old Indian Territory. 
The soil is fertile, and country generally level. It mainly produces corn, wheat, 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 157 

oats, potatoes and pork. The Indians were especially delighted with this tract. 
Near Lower Sandusky lived a band of Wyandots, called the Neutral Nation. 
These two cities never failed to render refuge to any who sought their protec- 
tion. They preserved their peacemaking attributes through the Iroquois 
conflicts. Fremont, formerly called Lower Sandusky, the county seat, is 
situated at the head of navigation, on the Sandusky, on the site of the old 
reservation grant to the Indians, at the Greenville treaty council. Fort 
Stephenson was erected in August, 1813, and was gallantly defended by Col. 
Croffhan. 

Summit County was formed March 3, 1840, from Medina, Portage and 
Stark. The soil is fertile and produces excellent fruit, besides large crops of 
corn, wheat, hay, oats and potatoes. Cheese and butter may be added as 
products. 

The first settlement made in the county was at Hudson, in 1800, The old 
Indian portage-path, extending through this county, between the Cuyahoga, and 
Tuscarawas Branch of the Muskingum. This was a part of the ancient boundary 
between the Six Nations and the Western Indians. Akron, the county seat, is 
situated on the portage summit. It was laid out in 1825. In 1811, Paul 
Williams and Amos and Minor Spicer settled in this vicinity. Middlebury was 
laid out in 1818, by Norton & Hart. 

Stark County was formed February 13, 1808. It is a rich agricultural 
county. It has large quantities of mineral coal, iron ore, flocks of the finest 
sheep and great water power. Limestone and extensive beds of lime-marl exist. 
The manufacture of silk has been extensively carried on. Frederick Post, the 
first Moravian missionary in Ohio, settled here in 1761. 

Canton is the county seat, situated in the forks of the Nimishillen, a tribu- 
tary of the Muskingum. It was laid out in 1806, by Bezaleel Wells, who 
owned the land. Massillon was laid out in March, 1826, by John Duncan. 

Shelby County was formed in 1819, from Miami. The southern portion is 
undulating, arising in some places to hills. Through the north, it is a flat table- 
land. It produces wheat, corn, oats and grass. The first point of English set- 
tlement in Ohio was at the mouth of Laramie's Creek, in this county, as early 
as 1752. Fort Laramie was built in 1794, by Wayne. The first white family 
that settled in this county was that of James Thatcher, in 1804. Sidney, the 
county seat, was laid out in 1819, on the farm of Charles Starrett. 

Seneca County was formed April 1, 1820, from the old Indian territory. 
Its principal products are corn, wheat, grass, oats, potatoes and pork. 

Fort Seneca was built during the war of 1812. The Senecas owned 
40,000 acres of land on the Sandusky River, mostly in Seneca County. 
Thirty thousand acres of this land was granted to them in 1817, at the treaty 
held at the foot of the Maumee Rapids. The remaining 10,000 was granted 
the following year. These Indians ceded this ti-act, however, to the Govern- 
ment in 1831. It was asserted by an old chief, that this band was the remnant 



158 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

of Logan's tribe. Tiffin, the county seat, was laid out by Josiah Hedges in 
the year 1821. 

Scioto County was formed May 1, 1803. It is a good .agricultural section, 
besides producing iron ore, coal and freestone. It is said that a French fort 
stood at the mouth of the old Scioto, as early as 1740. In 1785, four families 
settled where Portsmouth now stands. Thomas McDonald built the first cabin in 
the county. The "French grant" was located in this section — a tract com- 
prising 24,000 acres. The grant was made in March, 1795. Portsmouth, the 
county seat, is located upon the Ohio. 

Trumbull County was formed in 1800. The original Connecticut Western 
Reserve was within its limits. The county is well cultivated and very wealthy. 
Coal is found in its northern portion. We have, in our previous outline, given 
a history of this section, and it is not, therefore, necessary to repeat its details. 
Warren, the county seat, is situated on the Mahoning River. It was laid out 
by Ephraim Quinby in 1801. Mr. Quinby owned the soil. His cabin was built 
here in 1799. In August, 1800, while Mr. McMahon was away from home, 
a party of drunken Indians called at the house, abused the family, struck a 
child a severe blow with a tomahawk and threatened to kill the fimily. Mrs. 
McMahon could not send tidings .which could reach her husband before noon 
the following day. The following Sunday morning, fourteen men and two 
boys armed themselves and went to the Indian camp to settle the difficulty. 
Quinby advanced alone, leaving the remainder in concealment, as he was better 
acquainted Avith these people, to make inquiries and ascertain their intentions. 
He did not return at once, and the party set out, marched into camp, and found 
Quinby arguing with Capt. George, the chief. Capt. George snatched his 
tomahawk and declared war, rushing forward to kill McMahon. But a bullet 
from the frontierman's gun killed him instantly, while Storey shot " Spotted 
John" at the same time. The Indians then fled. They joined the council at 
Sandusky. Quinby garrisoned his house. Fourteen days thereafter, the 
Indians returned with overtures of peace, which were, that McMahon and 
Storey be taken to Sandusky, tried by Indian laws, and if found guilty, pun- 
ished by them. This could not be done. McMahon was tried by Gen. St. 
Clair, and the matter was settled. The first missionary on the Reserve was the 
Rev. Joseph Badger. 

Tuscarawas County was formed February 15, 1808, from Muskingum. It 
is well cultivated with abundant supplies of coal and iron. 

The first white settlers were Moravian missionaries, their first visits dating 
back to 1761. The first permanent settlement was made in 1798. Miss Mary 
Heck ew elder, the daughter of a missionary, was born in this county April 16, 
1781. Fort Laurens w^as built during the Revolution. It was the scene of a 
fearful carnage. It was established in the fall of 1778, and placed under the 
command of Gen. Mcintosh. New Philadelphia is the county seat, situated on 
the Tuscarawas. It was laid out in 1804 by John Knisely. A German 



I 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 159 

colony settled in this county in 1817, driven from their native land by religious 
dictation they could not espouse. They called themselves Separatists. They 
are a simple-minded people, strictly moral and honest. 

Union County was formed from Franklin, Delaware, Logan and Madison in 
1820. It produces corn, grass, wheat, oats, potatoes, butter and cheese. 
Extensive limestone quarries are also valuable. The Ewing brothers made the 
first white settlement in 1798. Col. James Curry, a member of the State Leg- 
islature, was the chief instigator in the progress of this section. He located 
within its limits and remained until his death, which occurred in 1834. Marys- 
ville is the county seat. 

Van Wert County was formed from the old Indian territory April 1, 1820. 
A great deal of timber is within the limits of this county, but the soil is so 
tenacious that water will not sink through it, and crops are poor during wet 
seasons. The main product is corn. Van Wert, the county seat, was founded 
by James W. Riley in 1837. An Indian town had formerly occupied its site. 
Capt. Riley was the first white man who settled in the county, arriving in 1821. 
He founded Willshire in 1822. 

Vinton County was organized in ] 850. It is drained by Raccoon and Salt 
Creeks. The surface is undulating or hilly, and is extensively covered with 
forests in which the oak, buckeye and sugar maple are found. Corn, hay, but- 
ter and wool are staple products. Bituminous coal and iron ore are found. 
McArthur is the county seat. 

Washington County was formed by proclamation of Gov. St. Clair July 27, 
1788, and was the first county founded within the limits of Ohio. The surface 
is broken with extensive tracts of level, fertile land. It was the first county 
settled in the State under the auspices of the Ohio Company. A detachment 
of United States troops, under command of Maj. John Doughty, built Fort 
Harmar in 1785, and it was the first military post established in Ohio by 
Americans, with the exception of Fort Laurens, which was erected in 1778. 
It was occupied by United States troops until 1790, when they were ordered 
to Connecticut. A company under Capt. Haskell remained. In 1785, the 
Directors of the Ohio Company began practical operations, and settlement 
went forward rapidly. Campus Martins, a stockade fort, was completed in 
1791. This formed a sturdy stronghold during the war. During the Indian 
war there was much sufiering in the county. Many settlers were killed and 
captured. 

Marietta is the county seat, and the oldest town in Ohio. Marietta College 
was chartered in 1835. Herman Blannerhassett, whose unfortunate association 
with Aaron Burr proved fatal to himself, was a resident of Marietta in 1796. 
About the year 1798, he began to beautify and improve his island. 

Warren County was formed May 1, 1803, from Hamilton. The soil is 
very fertile, and considerable water-power is furnished by its streams. Mr. 
Bedell made the first settlement in 1795. Lebanon is the county seat. Henry 



160 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

Taylor settled in this vicinity in 1796. Union Village is a settlement of 
Shakers. They came here about 1805. 

Wayne County was proclaimed by Gov. St. Clair August 15, 1796, and 
was the third county in the Northwest Territory. The settlement of this sec- 
tion has already been briefly delineated. Wooster is the county seat. It was 
laid out during the fall of 1808, by John Beaver, William Henry and Joseph 
H. Larwell, owners of the land. Its site is 337 feet above Lake Erie. The 
fii'st mill was built by Joseph Stibbs, in 1809, on Apple Creek. In 1812, a 
block house was erected in Wooster. 

Wood County was formed from the old Indian territory in 1820. The soil 
is rich, and large crops are produced. The county is situated within the Mau- 
mee Valley. It was the arena of brilliant military exploits diiring early times. 
Bowling Green is the county seat. 

Williams County was formed April 1, 1820, from the old Indian territory. 
Bryan is the county seat. It was laid out in 1840. 

Wyandot County was formed February 3, 1845, from Marion, Hardin, Han- 
cock and Crawford. The surface is level, and the soil exceedingly fertile. 
The Wyandot Indians occupied this section, especially the reservation, from 
time immemorial until 1843. The treaty of 1817, by Hon. Lewis Cass and 
Hon. Duncan McArthur, United States Commissioners, granted to the Indians 
a reservation twelve miles sqiiare, the central point being Fort Ferree, now 
within the corporate limits of Upper Sandusky. The Delaware Reserve was 
ceded to the United States in 1829. The Wyandots ceded theirs March 17, 
1842. Col. John Johnston, the United States Commissioner, conducted the 
negotiations, and thus made the Indian treaty in Ohio. It was the scene of 
Col. Crawford's defeat and tragic death, June 11, 1782. The Wyandots were 
exceedingly brave, and several of their chiefs were distinguished orators and 
men of exalted moral principles. 

Upper Sandusky is the county seat, and was laid out in 1843. Gen. Har- 
rison had built Fort Ferree on this spot during the war of 1812. Gov. Meigs, 
in 1813, encamped on this river with several thousand of the Ohio militia. 

The Indian village of Crane Town was originally called Upper Sandusky. 
The Indians, after the death of Tarhe, or " the Crane," transferred their town 
to Upper Sandusky. 

GOVERNORS OF OHIO. 

The Territorial Governors we have already mentioned in the course of our 
brief review of the prominent events of the State of Ohio. After the Terri- 
tory was admitted as a State, in 1802, Edward Tiffin was elected to that posi- 
tion, and again received the same honor in 1804 and 1806. In 1807, circum- 
stances led him to resign, and Thomas Kirker, Speaker of the House, acted as 
Governor until the close of the term. 

Edward Tiffin was born in Carlisle, England, coming to this country in 
1784, at the age of eighteen. He entered the University of Pennsylvania, and 
applied himself to the study of medicine, graduating and beginning his practice 
at the age of twenty, in the State of Virginia. In 1789, he married Mary, 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 161 

daughter of Col. Worthington, and sister of Thomas Worthington, who subse- 
quently became Governor of Ohio. In his profession, Gov. Tiffin was highly 
esteemed, and his public labors were carried forward with a zealous earnestness 
which marked his career as one of usefulness. He settled in Chillicothe, Ohio, 
in 1796, where he died, in 1829. 

Samuel Huntington, the recipient of the honor of second Governor, was 
inaugurated in 1808. He was an American by birth, Norwich, Conn.^ 
being his native place. He was a diligent student in Yale College, graduating 
in 1785. He removed to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1801. He attained a reputation 
for integrity, ability and rare discretion. As a scholar, he was eminently supe- 
rior. He resided in Cleveland at the time of his death, in 1817. 

Return Jonathan IVfeigs followed Gov. Huntington. He was born in Mid- 
dletown, Conn., in 1765. He was also a student in Yale College, graduating 
in 1785, with the highest honors. He immediately entered the study of law, 
and was admitted to practice in his twenty-third year. He married Miss Sophia 
Wright, and settled in Marietta, Ohio, in 1788. He took his seat as Gover- 
nor in 1810, and was re-elected in 1812. In 1813, President Madison appointed 
him to the position of Postmaster General, which occasioned his resignation as 
Governor. Othniel Looker, Speaker of the House, acted as Governor during 
the remainder of the term. Mr. Meigs died in 1825, leaving as a memento of 
his usefulness, a revered memory. 

Thomas Worthington, the fourth Governor, was born in Jefferson County, 
Va., in 1769. He gained an education in William and Mary's College. 
In 1788, he located at Chillicothe, and was the first Senator from the new 
State. He was also the first man to erect the first saw-mill in Ohio. He 
served two terms as Senator, from 1803 to 1815, resigning in 1814, to take his 
position as Governor. In 1816, he was re-elected. He was exceedingly active 
in paving the way for the future prosperity of Ohio. His measures were famous 
for practical worth and- honesty. Chief Justice Chase designated him as "a 
gentleman of distinguished ability and great influence." He died in 1827. 

Ethan Allen Brown followed Mr. Worthington. His birthplace was on the 
shore of Long Island Sound, in Fairfield County, Conn., July 4, 1766. His 
education was derived under the most judicious instruction of a private tutor. 
In classics, he became proficient. Directly he had reached the required stand- 
ard in general education, he began the study of law, at home. After becoming 
conversant with preliminary requirements, he entered the law ofiice of Alex- 
ander Hamilton, who at that time was a national pride, as a scholar, lawyer and 
statesman. Opportunities coming in his way, Avhich promised a fortune, he 
abandoned the law, and achieved success and a fortune. He then decided to 
return to his study, and was admitted to practice in 1802. Thereafter, he was 
seized with an exploring enthusiasm, and with his cousin as a companion, set 
out upon a horseback tour, following the Indian trails from east to west, through 
Pennsylvania, until they reached Brownsville, on the Monongahela River. Here 



162 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

they purchased two flatboats, and fully stocking them with provisions and 
obtaining efficient crews, started for New Orleans. Reaching that city, they 
found they could not dispose of their cargoes to any advantage, and shipped the 
flour to Liverpool, England, taking passage in the same vessel. They succeeded 
in obtaining good prices for their stock, and set sail for America, arriving in Bal- 
timore nine months after first leaving " home," on this adventure. Mr. Brown's 
father decided to secure a large and valuable tract of Western land, as a per- 
manent home, and authorized his son to select and purchase the same for him. 
He found what he desired, near Rising Sun, Ind. After this, he settled in 
Cincinnati, and engaged in the practice of law, speedily achieving prominency 
and distinction. Financially, he was most fortunate. In 1810, he was elected 
Judge of the Supreme Court, which position he filled with honor, until he was 
chosen Governor, in 1818. He Avas re-elected in 1820. In 1821, he received 
the honor of Senator, and served one term, with the highest distinction, gain- 
ing emolument for himself and the State he represented. In 1880, he was 
appointed Minister to Brazil. He remained there four years, and returning, 
was appointed Commissioner of Public Lands, by President Jackson, holding 
this position two years. At this time, he decided to retire from public life. 
Since he never married, he was much with his relatives, at Rising Sun, Ind., 
during the latter part of his life. His death was sudden and unexpected, occur- 
ring in February, 1852, while attending a Democratic Convention, at Indianap- 
olis, Ind. He was interred near his father, at Rising Sun. 

Jeremiah Morrow, the sixth Governor of Ohio, was born at Gettysburg, 
Penn., in October, 1771. His people were of the " Scotch-Irish " class, and his 
early life was one of manual labor upon his father's farm. During the winter, 
he had the privilege of a private school. With a view of establishing himself 
and securing a competency, he bade the old home farewell, in 1795, and set out 
for the " Far West." A flatboat carried him to a little cluster of cabins, known 
by the name of Columbia, six miles from Fort Washington — Cincinnati. He 
devoted himself to whatever came in his way, that seemed best and most worthy 
— teaching school, surveying and working on farms between times. Having 
accumulated a small capital, he ascended the Little Miami, as fir as Warren 
County, and there purchased an extensive farm, and erected an excellent log 
house. In the spring of 1799, he married Miss Mary Packtrell, of Columbia. 
The young couple set out upon pioneer farming. Gaining popularity as well as 
a desirable property, he was deputized to the Territorial Legislature, which met 
at Chillicothe, at which time measures were inaugurated to call a Constitutional 
Convention, during the following year, to organize the State of Ohio. Mr. 
Morrow was one of the Delegates to this convention, and steadfastly worked in the 
interests of those who sent him, until its close in 1802. The following year, 
he was elected to the Senate of Ohio, and in June of the same year, he was 
appointed the first Representative to the United States Congress from the new 
State. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 163 

Ohio was then entitled to but one Representative in Congress, and could not 
add to that number for ten years thereafter. During these years, Mr. Morrow 
represented the State. In 1813, he was sent to the United States Senate, and 
in 1822, was elected Governor of Ohio, almost unanimously, being re-elected in 
1824. It was during his administration that work was begun on the Ohio 
Canal. Mr. Morrow received the national guest. La Fayette, with an earnest 
and touching emotion, which aifected the emotions of the generous Frenchman 
more profoundly than any of the elaborate receptions which paved his way 
through America. On the 4th of July, 1839, Gov. Morrow was appointed to 
lay the corner stone of the new State capitol, at Columbus, and to deliver the 
address on this occasion. Again, in 1840, he was in the House of Representa- 
tives, filling the vacancy caused by the resignation of Hon. Thomas Corwin. 
He was elected for the following term also. He died at his own homestead, in 
Warren County, March 22, 1853. 

Allen Trimble was a native of Augusta County, Va. The date of his birth 
was November 24, 1783. His ancestors were of Scotch-Irish origin, and were 
among the early settlers of Virginia. His father moved to Ohio in 1804, pur- 
chasing a tract of land in Highland County. His cabin was remarkably spa- 
cious, and elicited the admiration of his neighbors. He cleared six acres of 
land for an orchard, and brought the trees on horseback, from Kentucky. Be- 
fore this new home was completed, Allen, then a young man of twenty, took 
possession. This was in the year 1805. Four years thereafter, he occupied 
the position of Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas and Recorder of High- 
land County. He was serving in the latter capacity at the breaking out of the 
war of 1812. Naturally enthusiastic and patriotic, he engaged a competent 
person to perform his civil duties, while he went into active service as Colonel 
of a regiment he had summoned and enlisted. He was always eager to be in 
the front, and led his men with such valor that they were termed soldiers who 
did not know the art of flinching. His commanding General lavished praises 
upon him. In 1816, he was in the State Senate, representing Highland 
County. He occupied the same position for four terms, two years each. In 
1818, he was Speaker of the Senate, over Gen. Robert Lucas. He remained 
in this office until elected to the United States Senate, to fill the vacancy caused 
by the death of his brother. Col. William A. Trimble. In October, 1826, he 
was elected the seventh Governor of Ohio, by an astonishing majority. The 
united vote of his three competitors was but one-sixth of the vote polled. Gov. 
Trimble was an earnest Henry Clay Whig. In 1828, he was re-elected, 
although Jackson carried the State the following November. Gov. Trimble 
was married in 1806, to Miss Margaret McDowell. Tliree years thereafter, 
she died, leaving two children. He was united in marriage to Miss Rachel 
Woodrow, and they lived together sixty years, when he died, at home, in Hills- 
boro. Highland County, February 3, 1870. His wife survived him but a few 
months. 



164 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

Duncan Mc Arthur, the eighth Governor of Ohio, was born in Dutchess 
County, N. Y., in 1772. While yet a chikl, his parents removed to the west- 
ern part of Pennsylvania, where they entered upon the hard life of pioneers. 
While there, young Duncan had the meager advantages of a backwoods school. 
His life was a general routine until his eighteenth year, when he enlisted under 
Gen. Harmer for the Indian campaign. His conduct and bravery won worthy 
laurels, and upon the death of the commander of his company, he was elected 
to that position, although the youngest man in the company. When his days 
of service had expired, he found employment at salt-making in Maysville, Ky., 
until he was engaged as chain-bearer in Gen. Massie's survey of the Scioto 
Valley. At this time, Indian atrocities alarmed the settlers occasionally, and 
his reputation for bravery caused him to be appointed one of the three patrols 
of the Kentucky side of the Ohio, to give the alarm to scattered cabins in case 
of danger. This was during the summer of 1793. Gen. Massie again secured 
his services, this time as assistant surveyor. He was thus engaged for several 
years, during which time ho assisted in platting Chillicothe. He purchased a 
large tract of land just north of town, and under his vigorous and practical 
management, it became one of the finest estates of Ohio, which reputation it 
sustains at the present time. He amassed wealth rapidly, his investments 
always being judicious. In 1805, he was elected to the State Legislature. 
He was a Colonel of an Ohio regiment, and accompanied Gen. Hull to Detroit 
in 1813. At Hull's surrender he was a prisoner, btit released on parole, 
returned to Ohio in a state of indignation over his commander's stupidity. 
Soon thereafter he was sent to Congress on the Democratic ticket. Soon there- 
after he was released from parole by exchange, and, greatly rejoiced, he 
resigned his seat, entered the army as a Brigadier General under Gen. Harri- 
son, and the following year succeeded him as commander of the Northwestern 
forces. At the termination of the war, he was immediately returned to the 
State Legislature. He occupied State offices until 1822, when he was again 
sent to Congress. Serving one term, he declined re-election. In 1830, he 
was elected Governor of Ohio. When his term expired, he decided to enjoy 
life as a citizen on his farm, " Fruit Hill," and lived there in contentment until 
1840, when he died. 

Robert Lucas was another Virginian, having been born in 1781, in Jeifer- 
son County of that State. While a boy, his father liberated his slaves, moving 
to Chillicothe as one of the early settlers. He procured a proficient tutor for 
his children. Robert became an expert in mathematics and surveying. Before 
he reached his majority, he was employed as surveyor, earning liberal compen- 
sation. At the age of twenty-three, he was appointed Surveyor of Scioto 
County. At twenty-five, he was Justice of the Peace for L^nion Township, 
Scioto County. He married Miss Elizabeth Brown in 1810, who died two 
years thereafter, leaving a young daughter. In 1816, he married Miss Sum- 
ner. The same year he was elected a member of the Ohio Legislature- Tor 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 165 

nineteen consecutive years he served in the House or Senate. In 1820 and 
1828, he was chosen one of the Presidential electors of Ohio. In 1832, 
he Avas Chairman of the National Convention at Baltimore, which nom- 
inated Gen. Jackson as President of the United States. In 1832, he 
became Governor of Ohio, and was re-elected in 1834. He declined a third 
nomination, and was appointed by President Van Buren Territorial Governor 
of Iowa and Superintendent of Indian Affairs. On the 16th of August, 
1838, he reached Burlington, the seat of government. He remained in Iowa 
until his death, in 1853. 

Joseph Vance, the tenth Governor of Ohio, was born in Washington 
County, Penn., March 21, 1781. He was of Scotch-Irish descent, and his 
father emigrated to the new Territory when Joseph was two years of age. He 
located on the southern bank of the Ohio, building a solid block house. This 
formed a stronghold for his neighbors in case of danger. In 1801, this pioneer 
decided to remove north of the Ohio River, and eventually settled in Urbana. 
Joseph had the primitive advantages of the common schools, and became pro- 
ficient in handling those useful implements — the plow, ax and rifle. The first 
money he earned he invested in a yoke of oxen. He obtained several barrels 
of salt, and set out on a speculative tour through the settlements. He traveled 
through a wilderness, over swamps, and surmounted serious difficulties. At 
night he built a huge fire to terrify the wolves and panthers, and laid down to 
sleep beside his oxen, frequently being obliged to stand guard to protect 
them from these ferocious creatures. Occasionally he found a stream so swol- 
len that necessarily he waited hours and even days in the tangled forest, before 
he could cross. He often suffered from hunger, yet he sturdily persevered and 
sold his salt, though a lad of only fifteen years. When he attained his major- 
ity, he married Miss Mary Lemen, of Urbana. At twenty-three, he was 
elected Captain of a rifle company, and frequently led his men to the front to 
fight the Indians prior to the war of 1812. During that year, he and his 
brother piloted Hull's army through the dense forests to Fort Meigs. In 1817, 
with Samuel McCullough and Henry Van Meter, he made a contract to supply 
the Northwestern army with provisions. They drove their cattle and hogs 
many miles, dead weight being transported on sleds and in wagons. He 
engaged in mercantile business at Urbana and Fort Meigs — now Perrysburg. 

While thus employed, he was elected to the Legislature, and there remained 
four years. He then purchased a large tract of land on Blanchard's Fork, 
and laid out the town of Findlay. He was sent to Congress in 1821, and was 
a member of that body for fifteen years. In 1836, he was chosen Governor of 
Ohio. Again he was sent to Congress in 1842. While attending the Consti- 
tutional Convention in 1850, he was stricken with paralysis, and suffered 
extremely until 1852, when he died at his home in Urbana. 

Wilson Shannon was a native of Belmont County, Ohio. He was born 
during 1803. iVt the age of fifteen, he was sent to the university at Athens, 



166 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

where he remained a year, and then changed to the Transylvania University, 
at Lexington, Ky. He continued his studies two years, then returning home 
and entering upon reading law. He completed his course at St. Clairsville, 
Belmont County, and was admitted to practice. He was engaged in the courts 
of the county for eight years. In 1832, the Democrats nominated him to Con- 
gress, but he was not elected. He received the position of Prosecuting Attor- 
ney in 1834, in which position his abilities were so marked and brilliant that 
he was elected Governor by a majority of 3,600. He was re- nominated in 
1 840, but Tom Corwin won the ticket. Two years thereafter, he was again 
nominated and elected. In 1843, he was appointed Minister to Mexico, by 
President Tyler, and resigned the office of Governor. When Texas was 
admitted as a State, Mexico renounced all diplomatic relations with the United 
States. ]Mr. Shannon returned home, and resumed the practice of law. He 
was sent to Congress in 1852. President Pierce conferred upon him the posi- 
tion of Territorial Governor of Kansas, which duty 'he did not perform satis- 
factorily, and was superseded after fourteen months of service. He settled in 
Lecompton, Kan., and there practiced law until his death, which occurred in 
1877. 

Thomas Corwin, the twelfth Governor of Ohio, was born in Bourbon 
County, Ky., July 29, 1794. His father settled at Lebanon in 1798. The 
country was crude, and advantages meager. When Thomas was seventeen 
years of age, the war of 1812 was inaugurated, and this young man was 
engaged to drive a Avagon through the wilderness, loaded with provisions, to 
Gen. Harrison's headquarters. In 1816, he began the study of law, and 
achieved knowledge so rapidly that in 1S17 he passed examination and was 
admitted to practice. He Avas elected Prosecuting Attorney of his county, in 
1818, which position he held until 1830. He was elected to the Legislature of 
Ohio in 1822. Again, in 1829, he was a member of the same body. He was 
sent to Congress in 1830, and continued to be re-elected for the space of ten 
years. He became Governor of Ohio in 1840. In 1845, he Avas elected to 
the United States Senate, Avhere he remained until called to the cabinet of Mr. 
Fillmore, as Secretary of the Treasury. He was again sent to Congress in 
1858, and re-elected in 1860. He was appointed Minister to Mexico, by Pres- 
ident Lincoln. After his return, he practiced law in Washington, D. , 
where he died in 1866. 

Mordecai Bartley was born in 1783, in Fayette County, Penn. There he 
remained, on his father's farm, until he Avas tAventy-one years of age. He mar- 
ried Miss Wells in 1804, and removed to Jefferson County, Ohio, where he 
purchased a farm, near Cross Creek. At the opening of the war of 1812, he 
enlisted in a company, and Avas elected its Captain. He entered the field under 
Harrison. At the close of the war, he removed to Richland County, and opened 
a clearing and set up a cabin, a short distance from INIansfield. He remained 
on his farm twenty years, then removing to Mansfield, enter<ed the mercantile 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 16T 

business. In 1817, he was elected to the State Senate. He was sent to Con- 
gress in 1823, and served four terms. In 1844, he became Governor of Ohio, 
on the Whig ticket. He declined a re-nomination, preferring to retire to his 
i home in Mansfield, where he died in 1870. 

William Bebb, the fourteenth Governor, was from Hamilton County, Ohio. 
He was born in 1804. His early instructions were limited, but thorough. He 
opened a school himself, when he was twenty years of age, at North Bend, 
residing in the house of Gen. Harrison. He remained thus employed a year, 
during which time he married Shuck. He very soon began the study of law, 
continuing his school. He was successful in his undertakings, and many pupils 
were sent him from the best families in Cincinnati. In 1831, he was admitted 
to practice, and opened an office in Hamilton, Butler County, remaining thus 
engaged for fourteen years. In 1845, he was elected Governor of Ohio. In 
1847, he purchased 5,000 acres of land in the Rock River country. 111., and 
removed there three years later. On the inauguration of President Lincoln, he 
was appointed Pension Examiner, at Washington, and remained in that position 
until 1866, when he returned to his Illinois farm. He died at Rockford, 111., 
in 1873. 

Seabury Ford, the fifteenth Governor of Ohio, was born in the year 1802, 
at Cheshire, Conn. His parents settled in Burton Township. He attended 
the common schools, prepared for college at an academy in Burton, and entered 
Yale College, in 1821, graduating in 1825. He then began the study of laAV, 
in the law office of Samuel W. Phelps, of Painesville, completing his course 
with Judge Hitchcock. He began practice in 1827, in Burton. He married 
Miss Harriet E. Cook, of Burton, in 1828. He was elected by the Whigs to 
the Legislature, in 1835, and served six sessions, during one of which he was. 
Speaker of the House. He entered the State Senate in 1841, and there 
remained until 1844, when he was again elected Representative. In 1846, he 
was appointed to the Senate, and in 1848, he became Governor of Ohio. On 
the first Sunday after his retirement, he was stricken with paralysis, from which 
he never recovered. He died at his home in Burton in 1855. 

Reuben Wood, the sixteenth Governor, was a Yermonter. Born in 1792, 
m Middleton, Rutland County, he Avas a sturdy son of the Green Mountain 
State. He was a thorough scholar, and obtained a classical education in Upjjcr 
Canada. In 1812. he was drafted by the Canadian authorities to serve against 
the Americans, but being determined not to oppose his own land, he escaped 
one stormy night, accompanied by Bill Johnson, who was afterward an Ameri- 
can spy. In a birchbark canoe they attempted to cross Lake Ontario. A 
heavy storm of wind and rain set in. The night was intensely dark, and Ihey 
were in great danger. They fortunately found refuge on a small island, where 
they were storm-bound three days, suffering from hunger and exposure. They 
reached Sacket's Harbor at last, in a deplorable condition. Here they were 
arrested as spies by the patrol boats of the American fleet. They were prisoners 



168 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

four days, when an uncle of Mr. Wood's, residing not far distant, came to 
their rescue, vouched for their loyalty, and they Avere released. Mr. \\ ood 
then went to Woodville, N. Y., where he raised a company, of which he was 
elected Captain. They marched to the northern frontier. The battles of 
riattsburg and Lake Champlain were fought, the enemy defeated, and the com- 
pany returned to Woodville and was disbanded. 

Young Wood then entered the laAV office of Gen. Jonas Clark, at Middle- 
bury, Vt. He Avas married in 1816, and two years later, settled in Cleveland, 
Ohio. When he first established himself in the village, he possessed his Avife, 
infant daughter and a silver quarter of a dollar. He was elected to the State 
Senate in 1825, and filled the office three consecutive terms. He was appointed 
Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. He was promoted to the Bench of the 
Supreme Court, serving there fourteen years, the latter portion of the term as 
Chief Justice. He was termed the "Cayuga Chief," from his tall form and 
courtly bearing. He was elected Governor in 1850, by a majority of 11,000. 
The new constitution, Avliich went into effect in March, 1851, vacated the office 
of Governor, and he Avas re-elected by a majority of 26,000. The Democrats 
holding a national convention in Baltimore in 1852, party division caused fifty 
unavailing votes. The Virginia delegation offered the entire vote to Gov. 
Wood, if Ohio would bring him forward. The opposition of one man pre- 
vented this. The offer was accepted by New Hampshire, and Frank Pierce 
became President. Mr. Wood Avas appointed Consul to Valparaiso, South 
America, and resigned his office of Governor. He resigned his consulship and 
returned to his fine farm near Cleveland, called "Evergreen Place." He 
expected to address a Union meeting on the 5th of October, 1864, but on the 
1st he died, mourned by all Avho knew him. 

William Medill, the seventeenth Governor, was born in Ncav Castle County, 
Del., in 1801. He Avas a graduate of Delaware College in 1825. He began 
the study of law under Judge Black, of Ncav Castle, and was admitted to the 
bar in 1832. He removed to Lancaster, Ohio, in 1830. He Avas elected Rep- 
resentative from Fairfield County in 1835. He was elected to Congress in 
1838, and Avas re-elected in 1840. He was appointed Assistant Postmaster 
General by President Polk. During the same year, he Avas appointed Com- 
missioner of Indian Affairs. In 1851, he was elected Lieutenant GoA^ernor, and, 
in 1853, he became Governor. He occupied the position of First Comptroller 
of the United States Treasury in 1857, under President Buchanan, retaining the 
office until 1861, Avhen he retired from public life. His death occurred in 
1865. 

Salmon P. Chase was a native of Cornish, N. H. He was born in 1803. 
He entered Dartmouth College in 1822, graduating in 1826. He was there- 
after successful in establishing a classical school in Washington, but finan- 
cially it did not succeed. He continued to teach the sons of Henry Clay, 
William Wirt and S. L. Southard, at the same time reading laAV when not busy 



IlISTOllV OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 171 

as tutor. He was admitted to practice in 1829, and opened a law office in Cin- 
cinnati. He succeeded but moderately, and during his leisure hours prepared 
a new edition of the "Statutes of Ohio." He added annotations and a well- 
written sketch of the early history of the State. This was a thorough success, 
and gave the earnest worker popularity and a stepping-stone for the future. 
He was solicitor for the banks of the United States in 1834, and soon there- 
after, for the city banks. He achieved considerable distinction in 1837, in the 
case of a colored woman brought into the State by her master, and escaping 
his possession. He was thus brought out as an Abolitionist, which was further 
sustained by his defense of James G. Birney, who had suffered indictment for 
harboring a fugitive slave. In 1846, associated with William H. Seward, he 
defended Van Zandt before the Supreme Court of -the United States. His 
thrilling denunciations and startling conjectures alarmed the slaveholding 
States, and subsequently led to the enactment of the fugitive-slave law of 1850. 
Mr. Chase was a member of the United States Senate in 1849, through the 
coalition of the Democrats and Free-Soilers. In 1855, he was elected Gover- 
nor of Ohio by the opponents of Pierce's administration. He was re-elected 
in 1859. President Lincoln, in 1861, tendered him the position of Secretary 
of the Treasury. To his ability and official management we are indebted for 
the present national bank system. In 1864, he was appointed Chief Justice of 
the United States. He died in the city of New York in 1873, after a useful 
career. 

William Dennison was born in Cincinnati in 1815. He gained an educa- 
tion at Miami University, graduating in 1835. He began the study of law in 
the office of the father of George H. Pendleton, and was qualified and admitted 
to the bar in 1840. The same year, he married a daughter of William Neil, 
of Columbus. The Whigs of the Franklin and Delaware District sent him to 
the State Senate, in 1848. He was President of the Exchange Bank in Cin- 
cinnati, in 1852, and was also President of Columbus & Xenia Railway. He was 
elected the nineteenth Governor of Ohio in 1859. By his promptness and 
activity at the beginning of the rebellion, Ohio was placed in the front rank of 
loyalty. At the beginning of Lincoln's second term, he was appointed Post- 
master General, retiring upon the accession of Johnson. He then made his 
home at Columbus. 

David Tod, the twentieth Governor of Ohio, was born at Youngstown, Ohio, 
in 1805. His education was principally obtained through his own exertions. 
He set about the study of law most vigorously, and was admitted to practice in 
1827. He soon acquired popularity through his ability, and consequently was 
financially successful. He purchased the Briar Hill homestead. LTnder Jack- 
son's administration, he was Postmaster at AVarren, and held the position until 
1838, when he was elected State Senator by the Whigs of Trumbull District, by 
the Democrats. In 1844, he retired to Briar Hill, and opened the Briar Hill 
Coal Mines. He was a pioneer in the coal business of Ohio. In the Cleveland 



172 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

& Mahoning Railroad, he was largely interested, and was its President, after the 
death of Mr. Perkins. He was nominated, in 1844, for Governor, by the Dem- 
ocrats, but was defeated. In 1847, he went to Brazil as Minister, where he 
resided for four and a half years. The Emperor presented him with a special 
commendation to the President, as a testimonial of his esteem. He was also the 
recipient of an elegant silver tray, as a memorial from the resident citizens of 
Rio Janeiro. He was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, which 
met at Charleston in 1860. He was Vice President of this Convention. He 
was an earnest advocate for Stephen A. Douglas. When the Southern members 
withdrew, the President, Caleb Cnshing, going with them, the convention 
adjourned to Baltimore, when INIr. Tod assumed the chair and Douglas was nom- 
;nated. He was an earnest worker in the cause, but not disheartened by its 
defeat. Wlien Fort Sumter was fired upon, he was one of the most vigorous 
prosecutors of the war, fiot relaxing his active earnestness until its close. He 
donated full uniforms to Company B, of the Nineteenth Regiment, and contrib- 
uted largely to the war fund of his township. Fifty-five thousand majority 
elected him Governor in 1861. His term was burdened with war duties, 
and he carried them so bravely as Governor that the President said of him : 
" Governor Tod of Ohio aids me more and troubles me less than any other Gov- 
ernor." His death occurred at Briar Hill during the year 1868. 

John Brough was a native of Marietta, Ohio. He was born in 1811. The death 
of his father left him in precarious circumstances, which may have been a discipline 
for future usefulness. He entered a printing office, at the age of fourteen, in 
Marietta, and after serving a few months, began his studies in the Ohio Uni- 
versity, setting type mornings and evenings, to earn sufficient for support. He 
occupied the leading position in classes, and at the same time excelled as a 
type-setter. He was also admired for his athletic feats in field amusements. 
He completed his studies and began reading law, which pursuit was interrupted 
by an opportunity to edit a paper in Petersburg, Va. He returned to Marietta 
in 1831, and became editor and proprietor of a leading Democratic newspaper 
— the Washington County Republican. He achieved distinction rapidly, 
and in 1833, sold his interest, for the purpose of entering a more extended field 
of journalism. He purchased the Ohio Eagle, at Lancaster, and as its editor, 
held a deep influence over local and State politics. He occupied the position 
of Clerk of the Ohio Senate, between the years 1835 and 1838, and relinquished his 
paper. He then represented the counties of Fairfield and Hocking in the Leg- 
islature. He was then appointed Auditor of State by the General Assembly, 
in Avhich position he served six years. He then purchased the Phoenix news- 
paper in Cincinnati, changed its name to the Enquirer, placing it in the care 
of his brother, Charles, while he opened a law office in the city. His editorials 
in the Enquirer, and his activity in political affiiirs, were brilliant and strong. 
He retired from politics in 1848, sold a half-interest in the Enquirer and carried 
on a prosperous business, but was brought forward again by leaders of both 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 173 

political parties in 1863, through the Vallandigham contest, and was elected 
Governor the same year, by a majority of 101,099 votes in a total of 471,643. 
He was three times married. His death occurred in 1865 — Charles Anderson 
serving out his term. 

Jacob Dolson Cox, the twenty-second Governor, Avas born in 1828, in Mon- 
treal, Canada, where his parents were temporarily. He became a student of 
Oberlin College, Ohio, in 1846, graduating in 1851, and beginning the practice 
of law in Warren in 1852. He was a member of the State Senate in 1859, 
from the Trumbull and Mahoning Districts. He was termed a radical. He 
was a commissioned Brigadier General of Ohio in 1861, and, in 1862, was pro- 
moted to ]\Iajor General for gallantry in battle. While in the service he was 
nominated for Governor, and took that position in 1865. He was a member of 
Grant's Cabinet as Secretary of the Interior, but resigned. He went to Con- 
gress in 1875, from the Toledo District. His home is in Cincinnati. 

Rutherford B. Hayes, was the nineteenth President of the United States, 
the twenty-third Governor of Ohio, was born at Delaware, Ohio, in 1822. He 
was a graduate of Kenyon College in 1842. He began the study of law, and, 
in 1843, pursued that course in the Cambridge University, graduating in 1845. 
He began his practice at Fremont. He was married to iNIiss Lucy Webb in 
1852, in Cincinnati. He was Major of the Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer 
Infantry in 1861, and in 1862, was promoted to Colonel on account of bravery 
in the field, and eventually became Major General. In 1864, he was elected to 
Congress, and retired from the service. He remained in Congress two terms, 
and was Governor of Ohio in 1867, being re-elected in 1869. He filled this 
office a third term, being re-elected in 1875. 

Edward F. Noyes was born in Haverhill, Mass., in 1832. While a lad of 
fourteen, he entered the office of the Morning Star, published at Dover, N. H., 
in order to learn the business of printing. At the age of eighteen, he entered 
the academy at Kingston, N. H. He prepared for college, and entered 
Dartmouth in 1853, graduating with high honors in 1857. He had beiTun the 
study of law, and continued the course in the Cincinnati Law School, and be<Tan 
to practice in 1858. He was an enthusiast at the opening of the rebellion and 
was interested in raising the Twentieth Regiment, of Avhich he was made Major. 
He was promoted to Colonel in 186i5. At the conflict at Ruff's Mills, in 
Georgia, in 1864, he was so unfortunate as to lose a leg. At the time, amputa- 
tion was necessary, but was unskillfully performed. He was brought to Cincin- 
nati, and the operation was repeated, which nearly cost him his life. He reported 
three months later, to Gen. Hooker for duty, on crutches. He was assigned to 
command of Camp Dennison. He was promoted to the full rank of Brigadier 
General, and while in discharge of his duty at that place, he was elected City 
Solicitor of Cincinnati. He occupied the position until 1871, when he was 
elected Governor, by a majority of 20,000. He went to France in 1877, as 
Minister, appointed by President Hayes. 



174 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

William Allen, the twenty-fifth Governor of Ohio, was born in 1807, in 
Chowan County, N. C. While an infant, he was left an orphan, and his sister 
superintended his education. He was placed in a private school in Lynchburg, 
Va., at the age of fourteen. Two years later, he joined his sister and family, 
in Chillicothe, and attended the academy a year, when he entered the law office 
of Edward King, and began a course of study. In his seventeenth year, he 
began practice, and through his talent speedily acquired fame and popu- 
larity. Before he was twenty-five, he was sent to Congress by a strong Whig 
district. He was elected United States Senator in 1837, there remaining; 
until 1849. In 1845, he married Effie McArthur, who died soon after the 
birth of their daughter. In 1873, he was elected Governor. His adminis- 
tration gave general satisfaction. He died, at his home at " Fruit Hill," in 
1879. 

R. M. Bishop, the twenty-sixth Governor of Ohio, was born Novem- 
ber 4, 1812, in Fleming County, Ky. He began the vocation of mer- 
chant, and for several years devoted himself to that business in his native 
State. In 1848, he engaged in the wholesale grocery business, in Cincinnati. 
His three sons became partners, under the firm name of R. M. Bishop & Sons. 
The sales of this house frequently exceeded $5,000,000 per annum. Mr. 
Bishop was a member of the Council of Cincinnati, and in 1859 was its Mayor, 
holding that office until 1861. In 1860, the Legislatures of Indiana and Ten- 
nessee visited Ohio, to counsel each other to stand by the Constitution and the 
flag. At the reception given at Pike's Opera House, Mayor Bishop delivered 
an eloquent address, which elicited admiration and praises. During the same 
year, as Mayor, he received the Prince of Wales in the most cordial manner, a 
national credit as a mark of I'espect to a distinguished foreign guest. In 1877, 
he was elected Governor of Ohio, by a large majority. 

Charles Foster, the present and twenty-seventh Governor of Ohio, was born 
in Seneca County, Ohio, April 12, 1828. He was educated at the common 
schools and the academy at Norwalk, Ohio. Engaged in mercantile and bank- 
ing business, and never held any public office until he was elected to the Forty- 
second Congress ; was re-elected to the Forty-third Congress, and again to the 
Forty-fourth Congress, as a Republican-. In 1879, he was nominated by the 
Republicans and elected Governor of the State; was re-elected in 1881. 

In reviewinof these slio-ht sketches of the Governors of this grand Western 
State, one is impressed with the active relationship they have all sustained, with 
credit, with national measures. Their services have been efficient, earnest and 
patriotic, like the State they have represented and led. 

ANCIENT -WORKS. 

Ohio has furnished a prolific field for antiquarians and those interested in 
scientific explorations, either for their own amusement and knowledge, or for 
the records of " facts and formations.*' 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 175 

It is well known tliat the " ]\Iound Buildei'S " had a wide sweep through this 
continent, but absolute facts regarding their era have been most difficult to 
obtain. Numerous theories and suppositions have been advanced, yet tliej are 
emphatic evidences that they have traced the origin and time of this primeval race. 

However, they have left their works behind them, and no exercise of faith 
is necessary to have confidence in tliat part of the story. That these works are 
of human origin is self-evident. Temples and military works have been found 
which required a considerable degree of scientific skill on the part of those early 
architects and builders. 

Evidently the Indians had no knowledge of these works of predecessors, 
which differed in all respects from those of the red men. An ancient cemetery 
has been found, covering an area of four acres, which had evidently been laid 
out into lots, from north to south. Nearly 3,000 graves have been discovered, 
containing bones which at some time must have constituted the framework of 
veritable giants, while others are of no unusual size. In 1815, a jaw-bone was 
exhumed, containing an artificial tooth of silver. 

jNIounds and fortifications are plentiful in Athens County, some of them 
being of solid stone. One, differing in the quality of stone from tlie others, is 
supposed to be a dam across the Hocking. Over a thousand pieces of stone 
were used in its construction. Copper rings, bracelets and ornaments are 
niynerous. It is also evident that these people possessed the knowledge of 
hardening copper and giving it an edge equal to our steel of to-day. 

In the branch formed by a branch of tlie Licking River and Raccoon Creek, 
in Licking County, ancient works extend over an area of several miles. Again, 
three miles northwest of this locality, near the road between Newark and Gran- 
ville, another field of these relics may be found. On the summit of a high hill 
is a fortification, formed to represent an alligator. The head and neck includes 
32 feet ; the length of the body is 73 feet ; the tail was 105 feet ; from the termini of 
the fore feet, over the shoulders, the width is 100 feet ; from the termini of 
the hind feet, over the hips, is 92 feet ; its highest point is 7 feet. It is composed 
of clay, which must have been conveyed hither, as it is not similar to the clay 
found in the vicinity. 

Near Miamisburg, Montgomery County, are other specimens. Near the 
village is a mound, equaled in size by very few of these antiquities. It meas- 
ures 800 feet around the base, and rises to a height of sixty-seven feet. Others 
are found in Miami County, while at Circleville, Pickaway County, no traces 
remain. 

Two forts have been discovered, one forming an exact square, and the other 
describing a circle. The square is flanked by two walls, on all sides, these 
being divided by a deep ditch. The circle has one wall and no ditch. This is 
sixty-nine rods in diameter, its walls being twenty feet high. The square fort 
measures fifty-five rods across, with Avails twelve feet high. Twelve gateways 
lead into the square fort, while the circle has but one, which led to the other, at 



116 lllSTO'uY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

the point "where the walls of the two came together. Before each of these 
entrances were mounds of earth, from four to five feet high and nearly forty 
feet in diameter. Evidently these wxre designed for defenses for the openings, 
in cases of emergency. 

A short distance from Piketon, the turnpike runs, for several hundred feet, 
between two parallel artificial walls of earth, fifteen feet high, and six rods 
apart. In Scioto County, on both sides of the Ohio, are extensive ancient 
works. 

" Fort Ancient " is near Lebanon in Warren County. Its direct measure- 
ment is a mile, but in tracino; its aniiles, retreating and salient, its leno-th would 
be nearly six miles. Its site is a level plain, 240 feet above the level of the 
river. Tlie interior wall varies in height to conform with the nature of the 
ground without — ranging from 8 to 10 feet. On the plain it reaches 100 feet. 
This fort has 58 gateways, through one of which the State road runs, passing 
between two mounds 12 feet high. Northeast from these mounds, situated on 
the plain, are two roads, about a rod wide each, made upon an elevation about 
three feet high. They run parallel to each other about a quarter of a mile, 
when they each form a semicircle around a mound, joining in the circle. It is 
probable this was at some time a military defense, or, on the contrary, it may 
have been a general rendezvous for games and high holiday festivities. 

Near Marietta, are the celebrated Muskingum River works, being a half- 
mile from its juncture with the Ohio. They consist of mounds and walls of 
earth in cir(;ular and square forms, also tracing direct lines. 

The largest square fort covers an area of 40 acres, and is inclosed by a wall 
of earth; 6 to 10 feet in height, and from 25 to 30 feet at its base. On each 
side are three gateways. The center gateways exceed the others in size, more 
especially on the side toward the Muskingum. From this outlet runs a covered 
means of egress, between two parallel walls of earth, 231 feet distant from each 
other, measuring from the centers. The walls in the interior are 21 feet high 
at the most elevated points, measuring 42 feet at the base, grading on the exte- 
rior to about five feet in heigth. This passage-way is 360 feet in length, lead- 
ing to the low grounds, which, at the period of its construction, probably reached 
the river. 

At the northwest corner, within the inclosure, is a plateau 188 feet long, 
132 feet broad and 9 feet high. Its sides are perpendicular and its surface 
level. At the center of each side is a graded pathway leading to the top, six 
feet wide. Another elevated square is near the south wall, 150x120 feet squav?,- 
and 8 feet high, similar to the other, with the exception of the graded walk. 
Outside and next the wall to ascend to the top, it has central holloAv ways, 10 
feet wide, leading 20 feet toward the center, then arismg with a gradual slope to 
the top. A third elevated square is situated at the southeast corner, 108x54 
feet square, with ascents at the ends. This is neither as high or as perfect as 
the others. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 177 

Another ancient work is found to the southeast, covering an area of 20 acres 
with a gateway in the center of each side, and others at the corners — each of 
these having the mound defense. 

On the outside of the smaller fort, a mound resembling a sugar loaf was 
formed in the shape of a circle 115 feet in diameter, its height being 30 feet. 
A ditch surrounds it, 15 feet wide and 4 feet deep. These earthworks have 
contributed greatly to the satisfactory results of scientific researches. Their 
builders were evidently composed of large bands that have succumbed to the 
advance of enlightened humanity. The relics found consists of ornaments, 
utensils and implements of war. The bones left in the numerous graves convey 
an idea of a stalwart, vigorous people, and the conquests which swept them away 
from the face of the country must have been fierce and cruel. 

Other mounds and fortifications are found in different parts of the State, of 
which our limited space will not permit a description. 

Many sculptured rocks are found, and others with plainly discernible 
tracery in emblematical designs upon their surface. The rock on which the 
inscriptions occur is the grindstone grit of the Ohio exports — a stratum found 
in Northern Ohio. Arrow-points of flint or chert have been frequently found. 
From all investigations, it is evident that an extensive flint bed existed in Lick- 
ing County, near Newark. The old pits can now be recognized. They 
extended over a hundred acres. They are partially filled with water, and sur- 
rounded by piles of broken and rejected fragments. The flint is a grayish- 
white, with cavities of a brilliant quartz crystal. Evidently these stones were 
chipped into shape and the material sorted on the ground. Only clear, homo- 
genous pieces can be wrought into arrow-heads and spear-points. Flint chips 
extend over many acres of ground in this vicinity. Flint beds are also found 
in Stark and Tuscarawas Counties. In color it varies, being red, white, black 
and mottled. The black is found in Coshocton County. 

SOME GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS. 

Ohio, as a State, is renowned as an agricultural section. Its variety, quality 
and quantity of productions cannot be surpassed by any State in the Union. Its 
commercial importance ranks proudly in the galaxy of opulent and industrious 
States composing this Union. Her natural resources are prolific, and all improve- 
ments which could be instituted by the ingenuity of mankind have been added. 

From a quarter to a third of its area is hilly and broken. About the head- 
waters of the Muskingum and Scioto, and between the Scioto and the two 
Miami Rivers, are wide prairies ; some of them are elevated and dry, with fertile 
soil, although they are frequently termed ''barrens." In other parts, they are 
low and marshy, producing coarse, rank grass, which grows to a height of five 
feet in some places. 

The State is most fortunate in timber wealth, having large quantities of 
black walnut, oak of different varieties, maple, hickory, birch, several kinds of 



178 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

beech, poplar, sycamore, papaw, several kinds of ash, cherry, whitewood and 
buckeye. 

The summers are usually warm, and the winters are mild, considering the 
latitude of the State. Near Lake Erie, the winters are severe, corresponding 
with sections in a line with that locality. Snow falls in sufficient quantities 
in the northern part to aiford several weeks of fine sleighing. In the southern 
portion, the snowstorms are not frequent, and the fall rarely remains long on 
the ground. 

The climate is generally healthy, with the exception of small tracts lying 
near the marshes and stagnant waters. 

The Ohio River washes the southern border of the State, and is navigable 
for steamboats of a large size, the entire length of its course. From Pitts- 
burgh to its mouth, measuring it meanderings, it is 908 miles long. Its current 
is gentle, having no falls except at Louisville, Ky., where the descent is twent^?- 
two and a half feet in two miles. A canal obviates this obstruction. 

The Muskingum is the largest river that flows entirely within the State. It 
is formed by the junction of the Tuscarawas and Walhonding Rivers, and enters 
the Ohio at Marietta One hundred miles of its leno-th is navigable. 

The Scioto is the second river in magnitude, is about 200 miles long, and 
flows into the Ohio at Portsmouth. It affords navigation 130 miles of its length. 
The Great Miami is a rapid river, in the western part of the State, and is 100 
miles long. The Little Miami is seventy miles in length, and enters the Ohio 
seven miles from Cincinnati. 

The Maumee rises in Indiana, flows through the northwestern part of the 
State, and enters Lake Erie at Maumee Bay. It affords navigation as far as 
Perrysburg, eighteen miles from the lake, and above the rapids, it is again nav- 
igable. 

The Sandusky rises in the northern part of the State, is eighty miles long, 
and floAvs into Lake Erie, via Sandusky Bay. 

Lake Erie washes 150 miles of the northern boundary. The State has sev- 
eral fine harbors, the Maumee and Sandusky Bays being the largest. 

We have, in tracing the record of the earlier counties, given the educational inter- 
ests as exemplified by different institutions. We have also given the canal system 
of the State, in previous pages. The Governor is elected every two years, by 
the people. The Senators are chosen biennially, and are apportioned according 
to the male population over twenty-one years of age. The Judges of the 
Supreme and other courts are elected by the joint ballot of the Legislature, for 
the term of seven years. 

During the early settlement of Ohio, perfect social equality existed among the 
settlers. The line of demarkation that was drawn Avas a separation of the goodl 
from the bad. Log-rollings and cabin-raisings were mutual affairs. Their 
sport usually consisted of shooting, rowing and hunting. Hunting shirts and 
buckskin pants were in the fashion, Avhile the women dressed in coarse material, 



i 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 179 

woven bj their own bands. A common American cotton cbeck was con- 
sidered a magnificent addition to one's toilet. In those times, however, the 
material was $1 per yard, instead of the shilling of to-day. But five yards 
was then a large "pattern," instead of the twenty-five of 1880, In cookino- 
utensils, the pot, pan and frying-pan constituted an elegant outfit. A few plain 
dishes were added for table use. Stools and benches were the rule, although a 
few wealthy families indulged in splint-bottom chairs. The cabin floors were 
rough, and in many cases the green sward formed the carpet. Goods were very 
expensive, and flour was considered a great luxury. Goods were brought by 
horses and mules from Detroit, or by wagon from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, 
and then down the Ohio. Coarse calicoes were $1 per yard ; tea $2 to $3 per 
pound ; coffee 75 cents ; whisky, from $1 to $2 per gallon, and salt, $5 to $6 
per barrel. In those towns where Indian trade constituted a desirable interest, 
a bottle was set at each end of the counter — a gratuitous offering to their red 
friends. 

OUTLINE GEOLOGY OF OHIO. 

Should we group the rocks of Ohio, according to their lithological characters, 
we should give five distinct divisions. They are marked by difference in appear- 
ance, hardness, color and composition : 

1 — Limestone. 

2— Black shale. 

3 — Fine-grained sandstone. 

4 — Conglomerate. 

5 — Coal series. 

They are all stratified and sedimentary. They are nearly horizontal. The 
lowest one visible, in a physical as well as a geological sense, is " blue lime- 
stone." 

The bed of the Ohio River near Cincinnati is 133 feet below the level of 
Lake Erie. The strata incline in all directions from the southwestern angle of 
the State. In Scioto County may be seen the outcropping edges of all these 
rocks. They sink at this point in the direction south 80|° east ; easterly at tlie 
rate of 37^^ feet per mile. The cliff limestone, the upper stratum of the lime- 
stone deposit, is 600 feet above the river at Cincinnati ; at West Union, in 
Adams County, it is only 350 feet above the same level. 

The finely grained sandstone found on the summit of the hills east of Brush 
Creek and west of the Scioto sinks to the base of the hills, and appears beneath 
the conglomerate, near the Little Scioto, Although the rock formations are the ' 
same in all parts of the State, in the same order, their thickness, mass and dip, 
are quite different. 

Chillicothe, Reynoldsburg, Mansfield, Newburg, Waverly and Rockville, are 
situated near the western border of the " fine-grained limestone." Its outcrop 
forms a continuous and crooked line from the Ohio River to Lake Erie. In the 
southwest portion of the State is the "blue limestone," occupying a circular 



180 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

space from West Union via Dayton, to the State line. The conglomerate is to 
the east of the given towns, bending around from Cuyahoga Falls to Burton, in 
Geauga County, and then eastward into Pennsylvania. Near this outcrop are 
the coal-bearing rocks which occupy the east and southeastern portions of Ohio. 
From Rockville to Chillicothe, the course is north, about 10° east, and nearly 
corresponds with the line of outcrop of the fine-grained sandstone for an equal 
distance. The dip at Rockville, given by Charles Whittlesey, is 80|°, almost 
at a right angle, and at the rate of 37 feet per mile. 

At Chillicothe, the other end of the line, the general dip is south 70° east, 
30 feet to the mile, the line curving eastward and the dip line to the southward. 
This is the universal law. 

The northern boundary of the great coal fields passes through Meadville, in 
Pennsylvania, and turning south arrives at Portage Summit, on the summit of 
the Alleghanies, 2,500 feet above the ocean level. It then plunges rapidly to 
the westward. From the Alleghanies to the southwest, through Pennsylvania, 
Virginia and Tennessee, sweeps this great coal basin. 

Much of the county of Medina is conglomerate upon the surface, but the 
streams, especially the South Branch of the Rocky River, set through this sur- 
face stratum, and reach the fine-grained sandstone. This is the case Avith 
Rocky, Chagrin, Cuyahoga and Grand Rivers — also Conneaut and Ashtabula 
Creeks. This sandstone and the shale extend up the narrow valleys of these 
streams and their tributaries. Between these strata is a mass of coarse-grained 
sandstone, without pebbles, which furnishes the grindstones for which Ohio is 
noted. In Lorain County, the coarse sandstone grit nearly displaces the fine- 
grained sandstone and red shale, thickening at Elyria to the black shale. South 
of this point, the grindstone grit, red shale and ash-colored shale vary in thick- 
ness. The town of Chillicothe, the village of Newburg, and a point in the west 
line of Crawford County, are all situated on the "black shale." 

Dr. Locke gives the dip, at Montgomery and Miami Counties, at north 14°, 
east, six feet to the mile ; at Columbus, Whitelesey gives it, 81° 52' east, 22y^^ 
feet to the mile. The fine-grained sandstone at Newburg is not over eighty 
feet in thickness ; at Jacktown and Reynoldsburg, 500 ; at Waverly 250 to 
800 feet, and at Brush Creek, Adams County, 343 feet. The black shale is 
251 feet thick at Brush Creek ; at Alum Creek, 250 to 300 feet thick ; in Craw- 
ford County, about 250 feet thick. The conglomerate in Jackson County is 
200 feet thick ; at Cuyahoga Falls, 100 to 120 feet ; at Burton, Geauga County, 
300 feet. The great limestone formation is divided into several numbers. At 
Cincinnati, at the bed of the river, there is : 

1 — A blue limestone and slaty marlite. 

2 — Dun-colored marl and layers of lime rock. 

3 — Blue marl and layers of blue limestone. 

4 — Marl and bands of limestone, with immense numbers of shells at the 
surface. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 181 

In Adams County, the detailed section is thus: 

1 — Blue limestone and marl. 

2 — Blue marl. 

3 — Flinty limestone. 

4 — Blue marl. 

5 — Cliff limestone. 

The coal-fields of Ohio are composed of alternate beds of coarse-grained 
sandstone, clay shales, layers of ironstone, thin beds of limestone and numer- 
ous strata of coal. The coal region abounds in iron. From Jacktown to Con- 
cord, in Muskingum County, there are eight beds of coal, and seven strata of 
limestone. The distance between these two points is forty-two miles. From 
Freedom, in Portage County, to Poland, in Trumbull County, a distance of 
thirty-five miles, there are five distinct strata. Among them are distributed 
thin beds of limestone, and many beds of iron ore. The greater mass of coal 
and iron measures is composed of sandstone and shale. The beds of sandstone 
are from ten to twenty or eighty feet thick. Of shale, five to fifty feet thick. 
The strata of coal and iron are comparatively thin. A stratum of coal three 
feet thick can be worked to advantage. One four feet thick is called a good 
mine, few of them averaging five. Coal strata are found from six to ten and 
eleven feet. There are four beds of coal, and three of limestone, in Lawrence 
and Scioto Counties. There are also eight beds of ore, and new ones are con- 
stantly being discovered. The ore is from four to twelve inches thick, occasion- 
ally being two feet. The calcareous ore rests upon the second bed of limestone, 
from the bottom, and is very rich. 

The most prominent fossils are trees, plants and stems of the coal-bearing 
rocks, shells and corals and crustaceae of the limestone, and the timber, leaves 
and dirt-beds of the " drift " — the earthy covering of the rocks, which varies 
from nothing to 200 feet. Bowlders, or " lost rocks," are strewn over the State. 
They are evidently transported from some remote section, being fragments of 
primitive rock, granite, gneiss and hornblende rock, which do not exist in 
Ohio, nor within 400 miles of the State, in any direction. In the Lake Supe- 
rior region we find similar specimens. 

The superficial deposits of Ohio are arranged into four geological formations : 

1 — The ancient drift, resting upon the rocks of the State. 

2 — The Lake Erie marl and sand deposits. 

3 — The drift occupying the valleys of large streams, such as the Great Miami, 
the Ohio and Scioto. 

4 — The bowlders. 

The ancient drift of Ohio is meager in shell deposits. It is not, therefore, 
decided whether it be of salt-water origin or fresh water. 

It has, at the bottom, blue clay, with gravel-stones of primitive or sedimen- 
tary rocks, containing carbonate of lime. The yellow clay is found second. 
Above that, sand and gravel, less stratified, containing more pebbles of the 



182 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

sedimentary rocks, such as limestone and stone, iron ore, coal and shale. The 
lower layer contains logs, trees, leaves, sticks and vines. 

The Lake Erie section, or "Lake Erie deposits," may be classed in the 
following order : 

1 — From the lake level upward, fine, blue, marly sand — forty-five to sixty 
feet. 

2 — Coarse, gray, water-washed sand — ten to twenty feet. 

3 — Coarse sand and gravel, not well stratified, to surface — twenty to fifty feet. 

Stratum first dissolves in water. It contains carbonate of lime, magnesia, 
iron, alumina, silex, sulphur, and some decomposed leaves, plants and sticks. 
Some pebbles are found. In contact with the water, quicksand is formed. 

The Hickory Plains, at the forks of the Great Miami and White Water, and 
also between Kilgore's Mill and New Richmond, are the results of heavy dilu- 
vial currents. 

In presenting these formations of the State, we have quoted from the experi- 
ence and conclusions of Charles AVhittlesey, eminent as a geologist, and who 
was a member of the Ohio Geological Corps. 

Ohio's rank during the avar. 

The patriotism of this State has been stanch, unswerving and bold, ever 
since a first settlement laid its corner-stone in the great Western wilder- 
ness. Its decisive measures, its earnest action, its noble constancy, have earned 
the laurels that designate it "a watchword for the nation." In the year 1860, 
Ohio had a population of 2,343,739. Its contribution of soldiers to the great 
conflict that was soon to surge over the land in scarlet terror, was apportioned 
310,000 men. In less than twenty-four houi^s after the President's proclama- 
tion and call for troops, the Senate had matured and carried a bill through, 
appropriating $1,000,000 for the purpose of placing the State on a war footing. 
The influences of party sentiments were forgotten, and united, the State 
unfurled the flag of patriotism. Before the bombardment of old Fort Sumter 
has fairly ceased its echoes, twenty companies were offered the Governor for 
immediate service. When the surrender was verified, the excitement was 
tumultuous. Militia officers telegraphed their willingness to receive prompt 
orders, all over the State. The President of Kenyon College — President 
Andrews — tendered his services by enlisting in the ranks. Indeed, three 
months before the outbreak of the war, he had expressed his readiness to the 
Governor to engage in service should there be occasion. He was the first citi- 
zen to make this offer. 

The Cleveland Grays, the Rover Guards, the State Fencibles, the Dayton 
Light Guards, the Governor's Guards, the Columbus Videttes and the Guthrie 
Grays — the best drilled and celebrated militia in the State — telegraphed to 
Columbus for orders. Chillicothe, Portsmouth and Circleville offered money 
and troops. Canton, Xenia, Lebanon, Lancaster, Springfield, Cincinnati, 



1 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 183 

Dayton, Cleveland, Toledo and other towns urged their assistance upon the State. 
Columbus began to look like a great army field. The troops were stationed 
wherever they could find quarters, and food in sufficient quantities was hard to 
procure. The Governor soon established a camp at Miamiville, convenient to 
Cincinnati. He intended to appoint Irvin McDowell, of the staff of Lieut. 
Gen. Scott, to the leading command, but the friends of Capt. McClellan became 
enthusiastic and appealed to the Governor, who decided to investigate his case. 
Being satisfied, he desired Capt. McClellan to come up to Columbus. But that 
officer was busy and sent Capt. Pope, of the regular army, in his stead. This 
gentleman did not suit Gov. Dennison. The friends of McClellan again set 
forth the high qualities of this officer, and Gov. Dennison sent an earnest 
request for an interview, which was granted, and resulted in the appointment 
of the officer as Major General of the Ohio militia. Directly thereafter, he 
received an invitation to take command of the Pennsylvania troops, but Ohio 
could not spare so valuable a leader. 

For three-years troops were soon called out, and their Generals were to be 
appointed by the President. Gov. Dennison advised at once with the War 
Department at Washington, and McClellan received his appointment as Major 
General in the regular army. 

Cincinnati and Louisville became alarmed lest Kentucky should espouse the 
Confederate cause, and those cities thus be left insecure against the inroads of a 
cruel foe. Four hundred and thirty-six miles of Ohio bordered Slave States. 
Kentucky and West Virginia were to be kept in check, but the Governor pro- 
claimed that not only should the border of Ohio be protected, but even beyond 
that would the State press the enemy. Marietta Avas garrisoned, and other river 
points rendered impregnable. On the 20th of May, 1861, official dispatches 
affirmed that troops were approaching Wheeling under the proclamation of 
Letcher. Their intention was to route the convention at Wheeling. 

Military orders were instantly given. Col. Steedman and his troops crossed 
at Marietta and crushed the disturbance at Parkersburg — swept into the country 
along the railroad, built bridges, etc. Col. L'vine crossed at Wheeling and 
united with a regiment of loyal Virginians. At the juncture of the two tracks 
at Grafton, the columns met, but the rebels had retreated in mad haste. The 
loyal troops followed, and, at Philippi, fought the first little skirmish of the war. 
The great railway lines were secured, and the Wheeling convention protected, 
and West Virginia partially secured for the Union. 

After preliminary arrangements, McClellan's forces moved in two columns 
upon the enemy at Laurel Hill. One remained in front, under Gen. Morris, 
while the other, under his own command, pushed around to Huttonsville, in 
tlreir rear. Gen. Morris carried his orders through promptly, but McClellan 
was late. Rosecrans was left with McClellan's advance to fight the battle of 
Rich Mountain, unaided. Garnett being alarmed at the defeat of his outpost, 
retreated. McClellan was not in time to intercept him, but Morris continued 



184 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

the chase. Steedman overtook the rear-guard of Garnett's army at Carrick's 
Ford, -where a sharp skirmish ensued, Garnett himself falling. The scattered 
portions of the rebel army escaped, and West Virginia was again free from 
armed rebels — and was the gift of Ohio through her State militia to the nation 
at the beginning of the war. 

At this period, Gen. McClellan was called to Washington. Gen. Rose- 
crans succeeded him, and the three-years troops left in the field after the dis- 
banding of the three-months men, barely sufficed to hold the country. He 
telegraphed Gov. Dennison to supply him immediately with re-enforcements, the 
request being made on the 8th of August. Already had the Confederate lead- 
ers realized the loss they had sustained in Western Virginia, and had dispatched 
their most valued General, Robert E. Lee, to regain the territory. Rosecrans 
again wrote: "If you. Governor of Indiana and Governor of Michigan, will 
lend your efforts to get me quickly 50,000 men, in addition to my present 
force, I think a blow can be struck which will save fighting the rifled-cannon 
batteries at Manassas. Lee is certainly at Cheat Mountain. Send all troops 
you can to Grafton." Five days thereafter, all the available troops in the 
West were dispatched to Fremont, Mo., and the plans of Rosecrans were 
foiled. 

Heavy re-enforcements had been sent to the column in Kanawha Valley 
under Gen. Cox. He became alarmed, and telegraphed to Gov. Dennison. 
Rosecrans again appealed to Gov. Dennison, that he might be aided in march- 
ing across the country against Floyd and Wise to Cox's relief, "I want to 
catch Floyd while Cox holds him in front." 

The response was immediate and effective. He was enabled to employ 
twenty-three Ohio regiments in clearing his department from rebels, securing 
the country and guarding the exposed railroads. With this achievement, the 
direct relation of the State administrations with the conduct and methods of 
campaigns terminated. The General Government had settled down to a sys- 
tem. Ohio was busy organizing and equipping regiments, caring for the sick 
and wounded, and sustaining her home strength. 

Gov. Dennison's staff officers were tendered better positions in the national 
service. Camps Dennison and Chase, one at Cincinnati and the other at 
Columbus, were controlled by the United States authorities. A laboratory was 
established at Columbus for the supply of ammunition. During the fall and 
early winter, the Ohio troops suffered in Western Virginia. The people of 
their native State responded with blankets, clothing and other supplies. 

In January, 1862, David A. Tod entered upon the duties of Governor. 
The first feature of his administration was to care for the wounded at home, 
sent from Pittsburg Landing. A regular system Avas inaugurated to supply 
stores and clothing to the suffering at home and in the field. Agencies were 
established, and the great and good work was found to be most efficacious in 
alleviating the wretchedness consequent upon fearful battles. A. B. Lyman 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 185 

had charge of affairs in Cincinnati, and Royal Taylor held the same position 
in Louisville. J. C. Wetmore was stationed at Washington, F. W. Bingham 
at jNIemphis, Weston Flint at Cairo and St. Louis. Thus the care which Ohio 
extended over her troops at home and in the battle-field, furnished a practical 
example to other States, and was the foundation of that commendable system 
all over the Union. Stonewall Jackson's sudden advent in the valley created 
the greatest consternation lest the safety of the capital be jeopardized, and the 
War Department called for more troops. Gov. Tod immediately issued a 
proclamation, and the people, never shrinking, responded heartily. At Cleve- 
land a large meeting was held, and 250 men enlisted, including 27 out of 32 
students attending the law school. Fire bells rang out the alarm at Zanesville, 
a meeting was convened at 10 in the morning, and by 3 in the afternoon, 300 
men had enlisted. Court was adjourned sine die, and the Judge announced 
that he and the lawyers were about to enter into military ranks. Only three 
unmarried men between the ages of eighteen and twenty-three "were left in the 
town of Putnam. Five thousand volunteers reported at Camp Chase within 
two days after the proclamation. 

Again in June, the President called for troops, followed by yet another call. 
Under these calls, Ohio was to raise 74,000 men. The draft system was 
advised to hasten and facilitate filling regiments. It has always been a repul- 
sive measure. To save sections from this proceeding, enormous sums were 
offered to induce men to volunteer, and thus fill the quota. 

Counties, townships, towns and individuals, all made bids and urged the 
rapid enlistment of troops. The result was, that the regiments were filled rap- 
idly, but not in sufficient numbers to prevent the draft. Twenty thousand four 
hundred and twenty-seven men were yet lacking, and the draft was ordered, 
September 15. At the close of the year, Ohio was ahead of her calls. Late 
in the fall, the prospect was disheartening. The peninsula campaign had failed. 
The Army of Northern Virginia had been hurled back nearly to Washington. 
The rebels had invaded Maryland ; Cincinnati and Louisville were threatened, 
and the President had declared his intention to abolish slavery, as a war meas- 
ure. During the first part of 1862, artillery, stores and supplies were carried 
away mysteriously, from the Ohio border ; then little squads ventured over the 
river to plunder more openly, or to burn a bridge or two. The rebel bands 
came swooping down upon isolated supply trains, sending insolent roundabout 
messages regarding their next day's intentions. Then came invasions of our 
lines near Nashville, capture of squads of guards within sight of camp, the seizure 
of Gallatin. After Mitchell had entered Northern Alabama, all manner of depre- 
dations were committed before his very eyes. These were attributed to John 
Morgan's Kentucky cavalry. He and his men, by the middle of 1802, were 
as active and dangerous as Lee or Beauregard and their troops. Morgan was a 
native of Alabama, but had lived in Kentucky since boyhood. His father was 
large slave-owner, who lived in the center of the "Blue Grass Country." His 



186 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

life had been one of wild dissipation, adventure and recklessness, although in 
his own family he had the name of being most considerate. The men who fol- 
lowed him were accustomed to a dare-devil life. They formed and independent 
band, and dashed madly into the conflict, wherever and whenever inclination 
prompted. Ohio had just raised troops to send East, to assist in the overthrow 
of Stonewell Jackson. She had overcome her discouragements over failures, 
for the prospects were brightening. Beauregard had evacuated Corinth ; Mem- 
phis had fallen ; Buell was moving toward Chattanooga ; Mitchell's troops held 
Northern Tennessee and Northern Alabama ; Kentucky was virtually in the 
keeping of the home guards and State military board. And now, here was 
Morgan, creating confusion in Kentucky by his furious raids ! On the 11th of 
July, the little post of Tompkinsville fell. He issued a call for the Kentuckians 
to rise in a body. He marched toward Lexington, and the southern border of 
Ohio was again in danger. Cincinnati was greatly excited. Aid was sent to 
Lexington and home guards were ready for duty. Morgan was not prominent 
for a day or so, but he was not idle. By the 9th of July, he held possession of 
Tompkinsville and Glasgow ; by the 11th, of Lebanon. On the 13th, he 
entered Harraldsburg ; Monday morning he was within fifteen miles of Frank- 
fort. He had marched nearly 400 miles in eight days. Going on, toward 
Lexington, he captured the telegraph operator at Midway, and his messages 
also ! He was now aware of the plans of the Union armies at Lexington, 
Louisville, Cincinnati and Frankfort. In the name of the operator, he sent 
word that Morgan was driving in the pickets at Frankfort ! Now that he 
had thrown his foes off guard, he rested his men a couple of days. He 
decided to let Lexington alone, and swept down on Cynthiana, routing a few 
hundred loyal Kentucky cavalrymen, capturing the gun and 420 prisoners, and 
nearly 300 horses. Then he was off to Paris ; he marched through Winchester, 
Richmond, Crab Orchard and Somerset, and again crossed the Cumberland River. 
He started with 900 men and returned with 1,200, having captured and paroled 
nearly as many, besides destroying all the Government arms and stores in seven- 
teen towns. The excitement continued in Cincinnati. Two regiments were 
hastily formed, for emergencies,* known as Cincinnati Reserves. Morgan's raid 
did not reach the city, but it demonstrated to the rebel forces what might be 
accomplished in tlie " Blue Grass " region. Jnly and August were passed in 
gloom. Bragg and Buell were both watchful, and Chattanooga had not been 
taken. Lexington was again menaced, a battle fought, and was finally deserted 
because it could not be held. 

Louisville was now in danger. The banks sent their specie away. Railroad 
companies added new guards. 

September 1, Gen. Kirby Smith entered Lexington, and dispatched Heath 
with about six thousand men against Cincinnati and Covington. John Morgan 
joined him. The rebels rushed upon the borders of Ohio. The failure at Rich- 
mond only added deeper apprehension. Soon Kirby Smith and his regiments 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 189 

occupied a position Avliere only a few unmanned siege guns and the Ohio 
prevented his entrance through Covington into the Queen City. The city was 
fully armed, and Lew. Wallace's arrival to take command inspired all with 
fresh courage. And before the people were hardly aware that danger was so 
near, the city was proclaimed under strict martial law. " Citizens for labor, 
soldiers for battle." 

There was no panic, because the leaders were confident. Back of Newport 
and Covington breastworks, riflepits and redoubts had been hastily thrown up, 
and pickets were thrown out. From Cincinnati to Covington extended a pon- 
ton bridge. Volunteers marched into the city and those already in service 
were sent to the rescue. Strict military law was now modified, and the city 
being secured, some inconsiderate ones expressed themselves as being outraged 
with " much ado about nothing." But Gen. Wallace did not cease his vigilance. 
And Smith's force began to move up. One or two skirmishes ensued. The 
city was again excited. September 11 was one of intense suspense. But 
Smith did not attack in force. He Avas ordered to join Bragg. On the Mon- 
day following, the citizens of Cincinnati returned to their avocations. In the 
spring of I860, the State was a trifle discouraged. Her burdens had been 
heavy, and she was weary. Vicksburg was yet in the hands of the enemy. 
Rosecrans had not moved since his victory at Stone River. There had been 
fearful slaughter about Fredericksburg. 

But during July, 1863, Ohio was aroused again by Bragg's command to 
INIorgan, to raid Kentucky and. capture Louisville. On the 3d of July, he was 
in a position to invade Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. He continued his depre- 
dations, bewildering the militia with his movements. His avowed intention 
was to burn Indianapolis and " take Cincinnati alive." Morgan's purposes 
were never clear. It was his audacious and sudden dashes, here and there, 
which gave him success. Before Cincinnati was aware, he was at Harrison — 
13th of July. He expected to meet the forces of Burnside and Judah, and to 
cut his way through. His plans here, as everywhere, were indefinable, and he 
succeeded in deceiving everybody. While printers in Cincinnati were setting 
up " reports " as to his whereabouts, he was actually marching through the sub- 
urbs, near troops enough to devour them, and yet not encountered by a single 
picket ! They fed their horses within sight of Camp Dennison. At 4 
o'clock that day, they were within tAventy-eight miles of Cincinnati — having 
marched more than ninety miles in thirty-five hours. 

The greatest chagrin was expressed, that Morgan had so easily eluded the 
great military forces. A sudden dash was made to follow him. There was a 
universal bolting of doors, burying of valuables, hiding of horses, etc., all along 
the route of the mad cavalryman and his 2,000 mounted men. They plundered 
beyond all comparison. They made a principle of it. On the 14th of July, 
he was feeding his horses near Dennison ; he reached the ford at Buffington 
Island on the evening of the 18th ; he had encountered several little skirmishes, 



190 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

but he had marched through at his own will, mostly ; all the troops of Kentucky 
had been outwitted. The Indiana forces had been laughed to scorn. The 
50,000 Ohio militia had been as straws in his way. The intrepid band would 
soon be upon friendly soil, leaving a blackened trail behind. But Judah was 
up and marching after him, Hobson followed and Col. Runkle was north of 
him. The local militia in his advance began to impede the way. Near Pome- 
roy, a stand was made. Morgan found militia posted everywhere, but he suc- 
ceeded in running the gantlet, so far as to reach Chester. He should have 
hastened to cross the ford. Fortunately, he paused to breathe his horses and 
secure a guide. The hour and a half thus lost w^as the first mistake Morgan is 
known to have made in his military career. They reached Portland, and only 
a little earthwork, guarded by about 300 men, stood between him and safety. 
His men Avere exhausted, and he feared to lead them to a night attack upon a 
position not understood perfectly ; he would not abandon his wagon train, nor 
his wounded ; he would save or lose all. As Morgan w^as preparing next 
morning, having found the earthworks deserted through the night, Judah came 
up. He repulsed the attack at first, capturing Judah's Adjutant General, and 
ordering him to hold the force on his front in check. He was not able to join 
his own company, until it was in full retreat. Here Lieut. O'Neil, of the Fifth 
Indiana, made an impulsive charge, the lines were reformed, and up the Chester 
road were Hobson's gallant cavalrymen, who had been galloping over three 
States to capture this very Morgan ! And now the tin-clad gunboats steamed 
up and opened fire. The route was complete, but Morgan escaped with 1,200 
men! Seven hundred men were taken prisoners, among them Morgan's brother, 
Cols. Ward, Duke and Huffman. The prisoners were brought to Cincinnati, 
while the troops went after the fugitive. He was surrounded by dangers ; his 
men were exhausted, hunted down ; skirmishes and thrilling escapes marked a 
series of methods to escape — his wonderful sagacity absolutely brilliant to the 
very last — which was his capture, on the 26th, with 346 prisoners and 
400 horses and arms. It may be added, that after several months of con- 
finement, Morgan and six prisoners escaped, on the 27th of November. Again 
was he free to raid in the " Blue Grass " country. 

John Brough succeeded Gov. Tod January 11, 1864. His first prominent 
work was with the Sanitary Commission. In February, of the same year, the 
President called for more troops. The quota of Ohio was 51,465 men. The 
call of March added 20,995. And in July Avas a third demand for 50,792. In 
December, the State was ordered to raise 26,027. The critical period of the 
war was evidently approaching. Gov. Brough instituted a reformation in the 
" promotion system " of the Ohio troops. He was, in many cases, severe in his 
measures. He ignored " local great men " and refused distinction as a bribe. 
The consequence was that he had many friends and some enemies. The acute- 
ness of his policy was so strong, and his policy so just, that, after all his severe 
administration, he was second to no statesman in the nation during the struggle. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 191 

Ohio during the war was most active in her relief and aid societies. The most 
noted and extensive organization was the Cincinnati Branch of the United 
States Sanitary Commission, The most efficient organization was the Soldiers' 
Aid Society of Northern Ohio. 

When the happy tidings swept over the land that peace was proclaimed, an 
echo of thanksgiving followed the proclamation. The brave sons of Ohio 
returned to their own soil — those who escaped the carnage. But 'mid the 
rejoicing there was deepest sadness, for a fragment only remained of that brave 
army which had set out sturdily inspired with patriotism. 

A BRIEF MENTION OF PROMINENT OHIO GENERALS. 

George Briton McClellan, the first General appointed in Ohio, was born 
December 3, 1826, in Philadelphia. His father was a physician of high stand- 
ing and Scottish descent. Young George was in school in Philadelphia, and 
entered West Point at the age of sixteen. At the age of twenty, he was a bre- 
vet Second Lieutenant, tracing lines of investment before Vera Cruz, under the 
supervision of Capt. R. E. Lee, First Lieut. P. G. T. Beauregard, Second Lieut. 
G. W. Smith. At the close of the Mexican war, old Col. Totten reported in 
favor of them all to Winfield Scott. He had charge of an exploring expedition 
to the mountains of Oregon and Washington, beginning with the Cascade Range. 
This was one of a series of Pacific Railway explorations. Returning to Wash- 
ington, he was detailed to visit the West Indies and secretly select a coaling sta- 
tion for the United States Navy. He was dispatched by Jefferson Davis, 
Secretary of War, to Europe, with instructions to take full reports of the organ- 
ization of military forces connected with the Crimean war. This work elicited 
entire satisfaction. He returned in January, 1857, resigned as regular army 
officer, and was soon installed as engineer of Illinois Central Railroad. In 1860, 
he was President of the Ohio & Mississippi. He removed to Cincinnati, where 
he was at the opening of the war. 

William Starke Rosecrans was born September 6, 1819, in Delaware County, 
Ohio. His people were from Amsterdam. He was educated at West Point. 
When the war opened, he espoused the cause of the Union with enthusiastic 
zeal, and was appointed by McClellan on his staff as Engineer. June 9, he 
was Chief Engineer of the State under special law. Soon thereafter, he was 
Colonel of the Twenty-third Ohio, and assigned to the command of Camp 
Chase, Columbus. On May 16, his commission was out as Brigadier General 
in the United States Army. This reached him and he was speedily sum- 
moned to active service, under Gen. McClellan. After the battle of Rich Moun- 
tain, he was promoted to the head of the department. 

In April, 1862, he was succeeded by Fremont, and ordered to Wash- 
ington to engage in immediate service for the Secretary of War. About the 
loth of May, he was ordered to Gen. Halleck, before Corinth. He was 
relieved from his command December 9, 1864. 



192 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

Ulysses S. Grant, whose history we cannot attempt to give in these pages, 
was born on the banks of the Ohio, at Point Pleasant, Clermont Co., Ohio, 
April 27, 1822. He entered West Point in 1839. 

" That the son of a tanner, poor and unpretending, without influential friends 
until his performance had won them, ill-used to the world and its ways, should 
rise — not suddenly, in the first blind worship of helpless ignorance which made 
any one who understood regimental tactics illustrious in advance for what he 
was going to do, not at all for what he had done — but slowly, grade by grade, 
through all the vicissitudes of constant service and mingled blunders and suc- 
cess, till, at the end of four years' war he stood at the head of our armies, 
crowned by popular acclaim our greatest soldier, is a satisfactory answer to 
criticism and a sufficient vindication of greatness. Success succeeds." 

" We may reason on the man's career ; we may prove that at few stages has 
he shown personal evidence of marked ability ; we may demonstrate his mis- 
takes ; we may swell the praises of his subordinates. But after all, the career 
stands wonderful, unique, worthy of study so long as the nation honors her 
benefactors, or the State cherishes the good fame of the sons who contributed 
most to her honor." 

Lieut. Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman was another Ohio contribution to 
the great Union war. He was born at Lancaster February 8, 1820. He 
entered West Point in June, 1836. His " march to the sea " has fully brought 
out the details of his life, since they were rendered interesting to all, and we 
refrain from repeating the well-known story. 

Philip H. Sheridan was born on the 6th of March, 1831, in Somerset, 
Perry Co., Ohio. He entered West Point in 1848. During the war, his 
career was brilliant. His presence meant victory. Troops fighting under his 
command were inspired. Gen. Rosecrans said of him, "He fights, he fights." 
A staff officer once said, " He is an emphatic human syllable." 

Maj. Gen. James B. McPherson was born in Sandusky County, town of 
Clyde, November 14, 1828. 

Maj. Gen. Q. A. Gillmore was born February 28, 1825, at Black River, 
Lorain Co., Ohio. 

Maj. Gen. L'vin McDowell was born at Franklinton, Ohio, October 15, 
1818. 

Maj. Gen. Don Carlos Buell was born near Marietta on the 23d of March, 
1818. His grandfather on the maternal side was one of the first settlers of 
Cincinnati. 

Maj. Gen. 0. M. Mitchell was a native of Kentucky, but a resident of 
Ohio from the age of four years. 

Maj. Gen. Robert C. Schenck was born October 4, 1809, in Franklin, 
Warren Co., Ohio. 

Maj. Gen. James A. Garfield, was born in Orange, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, 
November 19, 1831. 



ISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 193 

Maj. Gen. Jacob D. Cox was born in Canada in 1828, and removed to 
Ohio in 1846. 

Maj. Gen. James B. Steedman was born in Pennsylvania July 30, 1818, 
and removed to Toledo in 1861. 

Maj. Gen. David S. Stanley was born in Wayne County, Ohio, June 1, 
1828. 

Maj. Gen. George Crook was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, Septem- 
ber 8, 1828. 

Maj. Gen. Mortimer D. Leggett was born in New York April 19, 1831, 
and emigrated to Ohio, in 1847. 

Brevet Maj. Gen. John C. Tidball was born in Virginia, but removed while 
a mere lad to Ohio with his parents. 

Brevet Maj. Gen. John W. Fuller was born in England in 1827. He 
removed to Toledo in 1858. 

Brevet Maj. Gen. Manning F. Force was born in Washington, D. C, on 
the 17th of December, 1824. He became a citizen of Cincinnati. 

Brevet Maj. Gen. Henry B. Banning was born in Knox County, Ohio, 
November 10, 1834. 

We add the names of Brevet Maj. Gens. Erastus B. Tyler, Thomas H. 
Ewing, Charles R. Woods, August V. Kautz, Rutherford B. Hayes, Charles 
C. Walcutt, Kenner Garrard, Hugh Ewing, Samuel Beatty, James S. Robinson, 
Joseph W. Keifer, Eli Long, William B. Woods, John W. Sprague, Benjamin 
P. Runkle, August Willich, Charles Griffin, Henry J. Hunt, B. W. Brice. 

Brig. Gens. Robert L. McCook, William II. Lytle, William Leroy 
Smith, C. P. Buckingham, Ferdinand Van Derveer, George P. Este, Joel A. 
Dewey, Benjamin F. Potts, Jacob Ammen, Daniel McCook, J. W. Forsyth, 
Ralph P. Buckland, William H. Powell, John G. Mitchell, Eliakim P. Scam- 
mon, Charles G Harker, J. W. Reilly, Joshua W. Sill, N. C. McLean, Will- 
iam T. H. Brooks, George W. Morgan, John Beatty, William W. Burns, John 
S. Mason, S. S. Carroll, Henry B. Carrington, M. S. Wade, John P. Slough, 
T. K. Smith. 

Brevet Brig. Gens. C. B. Ludlow, Andrew Hickenlooper, B. D. 
Fearing, Henry F. Devol, Israel Garrard, Daniel McCoy, W. P. Richardson, 
G. F. Wiles, Thomas M. Vincent, J. S. Jones, Stephen B. Yeoman, F. W. 
Moore, Thomas F. Wilder, Isaac Sherwood, C. H. Grosvenor, Moses E. 
Walker, R. N. Adams, E. B. Eggleston, I. M. Kirby. 

We find numerous other names of Brevet Brigadier Generals, mostly of late 
appointments, and not exercising commands in accordance with their brevet 
rank, which we omit quoting through lack of space. They are the names of 
men of rare abilities, and in many cases of brilliant achievements. 

In looking over the "War Record of Ohio," we find the State a great 
leader in men of valor and heroic deeds. It was the prolific field of military 
geniuses. 



194 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

Ohio was draped with the garb of mourning at the close of the war. Her 
human sacrifice in behalf of the nation had been bitter. There were tears and 
heart-aches all over the land. Her ranks were swept by a murderous fire, from 
which they never flinched, and many ofiicers fell. 

Col. John H. Patrick will be remembered as opening the battle of Lookout 
Mountain. He fell mortally wounded, during the Atlanta campaign. May 
15, 1862, while actively engaged. He was struck by a canister shot, and 
expired half a hour thereafter. 

Col. John T. Toland, in July, 1863, was placed in command of a mounted 
brigade, including his regiiuent, and was instructed to destroy the Virginia & 
Tennessee Railroad. He reached Wytheville, Va., on the afternoon of the 
18th of July. The rebels were safely intrenched in the house, and poured a 
galling fire mto the national troops. Col. Toland was on horseback, at the 
head of his command. A sharpshooter sent a bullet with fatal certainty, and 
he fell on the neck of his horse, but Avas instantly caught by his Orderly 
Sergeant, who heard the fervent words : "• My horse and my sword to my 
mother." 

Lieut. Col. Barton S. Kyle accompanied his regiment to the battle of Pitts- 
burg Landing. The regiment was forced back, though resisting bravely. 
Lieut. Col. Kyle was at his post of duty, encouraging his nien, when he received 
a bullet in his right breast. He survived five hours. »^ 

Col. William G. Jones was engaged m the battle of Chickamauga, June, 
1863. His regiment, the Thirty-sixth Ohio, was included in Turchin's Brigade 
of the Fourteenth Corps. He wrote in his pocket memoranda : " Off to the 
left ; merciful Father, have mercy on me and my regiment, and protect us from 
Injury and death " — at 12 o'clock. At 5 that afternoon, he was fatally wounded 
and expired at 7 that same evening, on the battle-field His remains were 
taken by the rebels, but in December, 1863, they were exhumed and interred 
in Spring Grove Cemetery, Cincinnati. 

Col. Fred. C. Jones held command of the Tenth Brigade, in October, 1862, 
marching from Wild Cat, Ky., to Nashville, through a perpetual skirmish. 
During the battle of Stone River, Col. Jones' regiment, the Twenty-fourth, was 
on the front and left of the line. During the afternoon, when the rebel assault 
upon the left became furious. Col. Jones ordered his men to lie down and hold 
fire, which was obeyed. They rose to pour a deadly volley into the rebel ranks, 
and rush forward in a fierce charge. The capture of an entire rebel regiment was 
thus effected, but Col. Jones was shot in the right side. He was carried to the 
rear. " I know it ; I am dying now ; pay no attention to me, but look after 
my wounded men." He survived about ten hours. His remains are buried in 
Spring Grove, Cincinnati. 

Col. Lorin Andrews went with his command to Western Virginia, where 
he succumbed to exposure and severe duty. He was removed to his home, 
Gambler, Ohio, where he died surrounded by friends September 18, 1861. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 195 

Col. Minor Milliken was sent to repel tlie attacks of the rebels at the rear. 
He led a superb cavalry charge against the enemy, vastly superior in numbers, 
and was cut off with a small portion of his regiment. He disdained to sur- 
render, and ordered his men to cut their way out. A hand-to-hand conflict 
ensued. Col. Milliken, being an expert swordsman, was able to protect himself 
with his saber. While parrying the strokes of his assailant, another shot him. 
The regiment, again charging, recovered his body, stripped of sword, purse and 
watch. 

Col. George P. Webster, with his regiment, the Ninety-eighth, left Steu- 
benville for Covington, Ky., August 23, 1862, marching from that point to Lex- 
ington and Louisville. _He was placed at the command of the Thirty-fourth 
Brigade, Jackson's division, Cooke's corps. He fell in the battle of Perryville, 
and died on the field of battle. 

Col. Leander Stem w^as appointed Colonel of the One Hundred and First 
Ohio Infantry August 30, 1862. His premonitions that he should fall during 
his first regular engagement proved too true. As the army was advancing on 
Murfreesboro, the engagement of Knob Gap occurred, when Col. Stem's regi- 
ment charged and took a rebel battery, with several prisoners. The army 
closed around Murfreesboro, and on the evening of the 30th, the One Hun- 
dred and First was engaged in demonstrations against the enemy. Next 
morning, the battle of Stone River began in earnest. When Col. Stem's regi- 
ment began to waver, he called out: "Stand by the flag now, for the good 
old State of Ohio ! " and instantly fell, fatally wounded. 

Lieut. Col. Jonas D. Elliott held his position in May, 1863. During the 
summer of 1864, he commanded the left wing of the regiment at Dodsonville, 
Ala.; in September, he was sent after Wheeler, and was ordered into camp at 
Decatur. On the 23d, he was dispatched to Athens, to participate in the attack 
of Gen. Forrest, of the rebels. Col. Elliott was sent out, with 300 men, and 
being surrounded by Gen. Forrest, with vastly superior numbers, a forced resist- 
ance enabled them to sustain their own ground, until a fresh brigade of rebels 
arrived, under Gen. Warren. This officer instructed one of his men to shoot 
Lieut. Col. Elliott, and a moment later he fell. He lingered nineteen days. 

Col. Joseph L, Kirby Smith took command of the Forty-third Ohio Regi- 
ment. He fell at the battle of Corinth, under Rosecrans. 

Lieut. Col. James W. Shane fell, June 27, 1864, in an assault upon the 
enemy's works at Kenesaw. He survived but forty minutes. 

Col. Augustus H. Coleman displayed the abilities of a successful commander. 
He was in the first charge on the bridge across Antietam Creek. He was 
fatally wounded. His last words were inquiries regarding his men. 

Col. J. W. Lowe commanded the Twelfth Ohio, and was ordered to assist 
the Tenth in the battle of Carnifex Ferry. Cheering his men, in the thickest 
of the fight, a rifle ball pierced his forehead, and he fell dead — the first field 
officer from Ohio killed in battle in the war for the Union. 



196 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

Lieut. Col. Moses F. Wooster was engaged with his regiment, the One Hun- 
dred and First Ohio, at Perryville. He was mortally wounded on the 31st 
of December, 1862, in the grand effort to stem the tide of defeat at Stone 
River. 

The list of staff officers we refrain from giving, through lack of space. 

At the opening of the war, William Dennison was Governor of Ohio. David 
Tod succeeded him. John Brough was the third War Governor. 

Secretary Edwin M. Stanton was one of the most popular war Ministers. 
He was born in Steubenville, Ohio, in 1815 ; he was engaged in the United 
States Circuit Court, in 1860, in a leading law suit, at Cincinnati, known as the 
Manny and McCormick reaper trial ; on the 20th of January, 1862, he was 
appointed Secretary of War by Mr. Lincoln. 

Ex-Secretary Salmon P. Chase's public services in Ohio have already been 
mentioned in these pages. In 1861, he was appointed Secretary of the Treas- 
ury, in Mr. Lincoln's cabinet. 

United States Senator B. F. Wade made his reputation in Ohio. This 
Senator of the State stood at the head of the Committee on the Conduct of the 
War throughout its duration. 

United States Senator John Sherman was a leading member of the Finance 
Committee, during the war. For some time he was its Chairman. 

Jay Cooke was the financial agent of the Government, furnishing money for 
the payment of the troops. He was born in Portland, Huron Co., Ohio. 

In our brief review of the war record of Ohio, we have omitted a vast 
amount of detail information that would prove interesting to our readers. We 
believe we have been accurate in whatever we have given, taking as our authority, 
that accepted "encyclopedia" of Ohio war facts — Whitelaw Reid, who has pub- 
lished a valuable volume on the subject. 

SOME DISCUSSED SUBJECTS. 

It may be well in glancing over the achievements of Ohio, her momentous 
labors and grand successes, to refer to the Ordinance of 1787, more minutely 
than we have done, in relation to many events, since its inherent principles are 
not only perpetuated in the laws of the entire Northwest, but have since been 
woven into the general Constitution of the United States. It made permanent 
the standard and character of immigration, social culture and political and edu- 
cational institutions. It was thoroughly antislavery and denounced involuntary 
servitude, which was sanctioned in every other State at that time, with the 
exception of Massachusetts. It protected religion and property. As late as 
1862, Gen. William Henry Harrison, Governor of Indiana, called a convention 
for the purpose of considering the slavery question, and the feasibility of intro- 
ducing the system in the new States and Territories being formed. There 
was at this time a spirited contest, and Illinois, Indiana and possibly Ohio, 
barely escaped a decision that a full support should be given its introduction 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO 197 

into these States. Its adoption was based upon certain specifications and 
limits of time, which upon a deeper consideration was deemed perplexing and 
impractical. 

An animated discussion arose not long since, regarding the correct author- 
ship of this important ordinance, and its chief worker in gaining its sanction 
by Congress. 

Mr. Webster ascribed its authorship to Mathew Dane, of Massachusetts, 
which statement was immediately refuted by Mr. Benton, of Mississippi, who 
laid claim to it as the birthright of Thomas Jefierson, of Virginia. 

It has been almost impossible to obtain accurate reports of the actions of the 
old Continental Congress, from the fact that its meetings were held in secret, 
and any reports either narrated or shown in schedules or lists, were deemed a 
striking lack of trust on the part of the person who furnished the information. 
It was sufficient that its acts and conclusions be proclaimed without any prelude 
or reasoning process. Hence it has been difficult to obtain early Congressional 
documents. But it has been conclusively proven that the great motive power 
in gaining the approbation of the Ordinance of 1787, was neither Dane nor 
Jefferson, but Dr. Cutler. 

He arrived at New York, July 5 of that year, after a journey from Ipswich, 
Mass., in his sulky. He obtained lodgings at the "Plow and Harrow," and 
saw that his good horse was properly cared for and fed at the same place. 
Congress was then in session, and he had come on a mission for the Ohio Com- 
pany, to negotiate their grant and its privileges in the new Territory of Ohio. 
He remained in New York three weeks, constantly engaged in the work vital to 
the interests of the future great State. But he secured the installment of the 
principles deemed the corner-stone of a future powerful State constitution. Mr. 
Poole, Librarian of the Chicago Public Library, searched assiduously for con- 
clusive proof of Dr. Cutler's right to this honor, and in the North American 
Revieiv, Xo\. 122, this is emphatically set forth with substantiating proof under 
his signature. * 

Other facts have been discussed and proven at a very recent date, relative 
to the State of Ohio, Avhich heretofore have been omitted, and nearly lost from 
the historic thread which unites the present with the past. 

The first settlement of the lands of the Northwest is necessarily surrounded 
with interest. But those were exciting, troublesome times, and a few links 
were passed over lightly. However, the years ara not so far removed in the 
past but the line may be traced. 

Mr. Francis ^Y. Miller, of Cincinnati, has supplied some missing chapters. 
The earliest documentary trace extant, regarding the southern settlement at 
Cincinnati, is an agreement of partnership between Denman, Filson and Pat- 
terson, in the fractional section of land to which the city of Cincinnati was 
originally limited. It bears the date August 25, 1788. This was entered on 
the records of Hamilton County, Ohio, October 6, 1803. 



198 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

A letter from Jonathan Dayton to the Hon. Judge Symmes, dated Septera- 
her 26, 1789, says: "You have been selling your lands, I am told, for two 
shillings specie, the acre. The price at this moment is, and seems to be, and 
undoubtedly is, a good one; but as much cannot be said of it when you find 
hereafter that in consequence of the rise of certificates, another acre, in another 
payment, may cost you in specie two shillings and sixpence." 

A letter from John C. Symmes to Capt. Dayton, dated April 30, 1790, 
says : " The land in the reserved township is held at much too high a price. 
Not a foot of land beyond the five-acre lots will sell. Five shillings, specie, 
or two dollars in certificates, is the utmost they will bring, and they will rarely 
sell at that." 

This state of affairs was in a large degree brought about by the breaking-up 
of North Bend and a removal of the town to Fort Washington, or Cincinnati, 
later. A search through the old letters and other preserved documents prove 
that North Bend was at one time the beginning of the great city on the Ohio, 
rather than Cincinnati. Judge Symmes wrote. May 18, 1789: " I have not as 
yet been able to make a decisive choice of a plat for the city, though I have 
found two pieces of ground, both eligible, but not upon the present plan of a 
regular square. It is a question of no little moment and difficulty to deter- 
mine which of these spots is preferable, in point of local situation. I know 
that at first thought men will decide in favor of that on the Ohio, from the 
supposition that the Ohio will command more trade and business than the 
Miami. * * * g^^ -f jj. ^^^^e built on the Miami, the settlers 
throughout the purchase would find it very convenient." 

Another of the earliest selections of town sites was adjacent to the most 
southerly point of what is now Delhi Township. To this the name of South 
Bend was given. Judge Symmes reports November 4, 1790, of this place, 
over forty framed and hewed-log two-story houses, since the preceding spring. 
Ensign Luce is said to have taken his troops to North Bend, but decided to 
remove to Cincinnati, on account of the object of his affections having settled 
there — the wife of a settler. But this story is refuted by contradictory evi- 
dence from Judge Symmes' letters, which illustrate the 'fact that the post of 
North Bend was abandoned by Ensign Luce and his men in consequence of a 
panic, caused by Indian attacks. The removal of the troops caused a general 
decline of the town. Again, history and letters from the same eminent Judge, 
assert that Fort Washington was completed and garrisoned by Maj. Doughty 
before the close of that same year, and was begun by him during the summer, 
that Ensign Luce must have still been at his post at the bend at that time. It 
has been, therefore, recently accepted that the traditional "black eyes" and 
the "Indian panic," had nothing to do with the founding of Cincinnati, and 
that the advantages of the position gained the victory. 

Cincinnati has advanced, not only in prosperity and culture, but in national 
significance. Our readers must have observed, in perusing these pages, that 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 199 

from this city and the State which it represents, have emanated some of the 
superior intellects which have used their wise faculties and talents, tempered by 
a wise judgment, in behalf of the American Union. 

The originality of the Senecas and Wyandots have been debated at some 
length, while others have called the tribes the same, having two branches. We 
have searched the earlier records and have found an authenticated account of 
these tAvo tribes. 

The Indian tribes of Ohio Avere originally bold, fierce and stalwart. The 
country watered by the Sandusky and its tributaries was frequented by the 
"Wyandot tribe, who came from the north side of the St. Lawrence River. The 
Senecas were blood relatives of this tribe. Both tribes were numbered by the 
thousands. A war originated between them, in this manner: A "Wyandot 
chief desired to wed the object of his affections, who laughed him to scorn, 
because he had taken no scalps, and was no warrior " to speak of." To change 
her opinion, he led out a party, and falling upon a number of Senecas, slaugh- 
tered them mercilessly, that he might hasten to the side of his dusky belle, with 
his trophies. This act inaugurated hostilities, which extended through a century. 
The Wyandots began to fear extermination, and, gathering their entire effects 
the natives escaped to Green Bay, and settled in several villages. But the Sen- 
ecas made up a war party and followed them, killing many Wyandots and burn- 
ing some of their villages. They then returned to Canada. Soon thereafter, 
they secured fire-arms from the French. Again they followed the Wyandots, 
firing their guns into their huts, and frightening them severely. They did not 
succeed as well as they expected. But the third party nearly exterminated the 
villages, because the young warriors Avere nearly all gone to Avar Avith the Foxes. 
The fcAv at home escaping, promised to return with the Ser.ccas, but desired 
tAvo days for preparation. The Wyandots sent word to the two villages left 
undisturbed, and held a consultation. They decided to go as near the Senecas 
as possible, unobserved, and discover their real motive. They found them feast- 
ing on two roasted Wyandots, shouting over their victory. They danced nearly 
all night, and then fell asleep. A little before daylight, the Wyandots fell on 
them, leaving not one to carry back the news. 

The Wyandots then procured guns, and began to groAV formidable. They 
set out to return to their own country, and proceeded on their way as far as 
Detroit, where they met a party of Senecas, on the lake. A fierce conflict 
ensufd, and the Wyandots beheld the Senecas fall, to the last man, suffering 
fearful carnage themselves. They soon settled in this part of the Avorld, their 
principal village being on the Sandusky. Northwestern Ohio Avas particularly 
dangerous with new Indian tribes, and the Wyandots Avere cruelly aggressive. 
The death of their chief, and their total defeat by Harrison, destroyed their 
power forever. 

On the 29th of September, 1817, a treaty was held, at the foot of the rapids 
of the Miami of Lake Erie, between Lewis Cass and Duncan McArthur, 



200 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO 

Commissioners of the United States, and the sachems, chiefs and warriors of the 
Wyandot, Seneca, Dehiware, Shawnee, Potawattomie, Ottawa and Chippewa 
nations. All their lands in Ohio ivere ceded to the United States forever. 

There was really not a Seneca in the Seneca nation. They were chiefly 
Cayugas, Mohawks, Onondagas, Tuscarawas, Wyandots and Oneidas. But the 
Mingoes were originally Cayugas, and their chief was the celebrated Logan. 
After the murder of his fiiniily by the Avhites, the Mingoes were scattered over 
the territory northwest of the Ohio. 

The notorious Simon Girty was adopted by the Senecas. Girty's name was 
a terror and fiendish horror for many years. He not only led the Indians in 
their atrocities, but he added barbarism to their native wickedness. 

CONCLUSION. 

When peace was proclaimed, after the surrender of Gen. Robert E. Lee to 
Gen. U. S. Grant, the volunteer troops disbanded, and a return to home indus- 
tries instituted, Ohio, like many other States, gave direct attention to the inter- 
ests of returned soldiers. The thrift of the State was augmented by a spasmodic, 
and thereafter recognized as a fictitious, demand for products, commercial and 
industrial pursuits redoubled their forces. But the great wave of stagnation 
swept over this fair land — the re-action of a war excitement. Laborers were 
many, but wages were inadeijuate. Deeper and deeper settled this lethargy — 
called by many " hard times" ' — until the wheels of commercial life revolved 
slowly, and from the workshops and the factories went up the echoes of priva- 
tion and distress. There was no famine, no "fever, no epidemic, it was simply 
exhaustion. In the larger cities there was much suffering. Idle people loitered 
about, barely seeking employment, the task seeming worse than hopeless. 

During the years 1870, 1871 and 1872, the stringent measures brought 
about by the depressed state of business retarded any material advancement in 
general matters. The years 1873-74 were marked by a preceptible improve- 
ment, and a few factories were established, while larger numbers were employed 
in those already founded. The year 1875 was under the direction of a Demo- 
cratic Legislature. It was marked in many respects by a "reverse motion " in 
many laws and regulations. 

The Legislature which convened in 1876, January 3, was Republican in the 
main. It repealed the " Geghan Law " passed by the preceding body. At 
the time of its adoption, there Avas the most intense feeling throughout the State, 
the charo;e being made that it was in the interests of the Catholics. Amono; 
the general enactments were laws re-organizing the government of the State insti- 
tutions, which the previous Legislature had ordered according to their own belief 
to follow new doctrines. The office of Comptroller of the Treasur}^ was abolished. 
The powers of municipal corporations to levy taxes was limited, and their 
authority to incur debts was limited. Furthermore, this body prohibited any 
municipal appropriations, unless the actual money was in the Treasury to meet 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 201 

the same in full. A law was passed for the protection of children under fourteen 
years of age, exhibited in public shows. 

The temperance cause received more vigorous and solid support than was 
ever rendered by the State previously. A common-sense, highly moral and 
exalted platform was formed and supported by many leading men. 

This year witnessed the serious "strikes" among the miners in Stark and 
AVayne Counties. The consequences were painful — distress, riots and distruc- 
tion of property. 

The State Mine Inspector reported 300 coal mines in the State, with only 
twenty-five in operation. Not over 3,000,000 tons of coal were raised during 
the year, owing to the dullness of the times. 

The State charities reported the aggregate number under public care to be 
29,508. The taxation for the maintenance of these classes was one and one 
six-hundredth of a mill on each dollar of taxable property. 

The reports given of the year 1877 indicated a revival of business interests 
and prosperity. The State produced of wheat, 27,306,566 bushels ; rye, 
914,106 bushels; buckwheat, 225,822 bushels; oats, 29,325,611; barley, 
1,629,817 bushels ; corn, 101,884,305 bushels ; timothy, tons of hay, 2,160,334 ; 
clover, tons of hay, 286,265; flax, pounds of fiber, 7,343,294; potatoes, 
10,504,278 bushels; sweet potatoes, 126,3541 bushels; tobacco, 24,214,950 
pounds; sorghum, sugar, 7,507|^ pounds; syrup, 1,180,255 gallons; maple 
sugar, 1,625,215 pounds; maple syrup, 324,036 gallons; h,oney, 1,534,902 
pounds. 

The year 1878 was marked by a more vigorous and combined effort of the 
people to entirely overcome the stagnation of business, the influence of the 
lethargy yet combating the awakened interest. This energy was amply rewarded 
in 1879, by a general dawning of the "good times " so ardently desired. New 
enterprises were instituted, manufactories erected, improvements carried on, and 
agriculture was successful. Before the year closed, the State was basking in 
the light of prosperity, and the year 1880 was ushered in when the confidence 
of the people was again a permanent incentive — confidence in the nation, 
their State, each in the other and themselves. The old-time crown of power, 
influence and integrity, which Ohio has earned, is conspicuous in this year of 
1881. The jewels have been reset, and we confidently doubt not that their 
luster will remain undimmed intrusted to so faithful and so earnest a people. 






202 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 



POPULATION OF OHIO BY COUNTIES. 





COUNTIES 






1820 


1830 


1840 


ISJO 


1860 


1870 


1880 




Tbe state 


581434 


937903 


1519467 


1980329 


2339511 


2665260 


31980C2 










10406 


12281 
578 


13183 
9079 


18883 
12109 
23813 
28767 
18215 
11338 
34600 
27332 
30789 
17685 
19782 
22178 
30455 
18838 
33621 
25674 
18177 
48099 
20276 

6966 
21817 
l!<5i;8 
30264 
12726 
42909 

7781 
17063 
17827 
21946 
30438 
156844 
16751 

8251 
20157 

3434 
25781 
14119 
20452 
26203 
12719 
29133 
28872 
14654 
15-246 
38846 
19162 
26086 
12363 
10015 
23735 
12618 
24441 
17971 

7712 
24999 
28351 
38218 
28585 
20280 
45049 


20309 
19185 
22951 
31814 
21364 
17187 
36398 
29958 
35840 
15738 
22698 
25300 
33034 
21461 
32836 
25032 
23881 
78033 
26009 
11886 
23902 
24474 
30538 
15935 
50361 
14043 
22043 
15817 
26197 
24474 
216410 
22886 
13570 
19110 
8901 
27773 
17057 
20589 
26616 
17941 
26115 
27735 
15576 
23249 
37011 
20996 
29744 
25831 
13tll5 
25894 
15490 
22517 
26534 
14104 
29959 
25741 
52230 
22119 
20445 
44416 
20751 
7016 
4945 
19678 
23469 
13643 
24208 
218'20 
12808 
31158 
35071 
21429 
24297 
30868 
17493 
42978 
27344 
30656 
32463 
16507 
10238 
13631 
26902 
36268 
32483 
16633 
17886 
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20750 
23623 
21933 
32517 
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30802 
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32070 
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23600 
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28188 
31138 
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63019 
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25545 
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28038 
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260370 
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18682 
14028 
29133 
17925 
18177 
28532 
21759 
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26333 
15935 
31380 
35756 
23028 
30308 
46722 
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16184 
20092 
81465 
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64006 
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19949 
13364 
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a4005 
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7382 
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20329 
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28827 
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22395 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 
POPULATION OF THE UNITED STATES. 



203 



STATES AND 
TERRITORIES. 



STATES. 

Alabama 

Arkansas 

California 

Colorado 

Connecticut 

Delaware 

Florida 

Georgia 

Illinuis 

Indiana 

Iowa 

Kansas 

Kentucky 

Louisiana 

Maine 

Maryland 

Massachusetts.... 

Michigan 

Minnesota 

Mississippi 

Missouri 

Nebraska 

Nevada 

New Hampshire., 

New Jersey 

New York 

North Carolina..., 
Ohio 



AREA IN 

SQUARE 
MILES. 



50, 
52. 

18S, 



POPULATION. 



1870. 



996,992 
484.471 
560,24 



537,454 

125,015 

187,748 

1,184,109 

2.539,891 

1,680,637 

1,191,792 

364,399 

l,3zl.011 

726,915 

626,915 

7o0,894 

1,457,351 

1,184.059 

4.59,706 

827,922 

1,721,295 

123,993 

42,491 

318,300 

906,096 

4,382,759 

1,071,361 

2,665,260 



mil's 

R. R. 

1882. 



1,802 
l.Otl 



1,262,505 
8o2,j^o 
864,694 2,266 
194,32712,274 
622,700 958 
146,608 
269,493 

1,542,180 

3,077,871 

1,978,301 

1,624,615 
996,096 

1,648,690 1,714 
9b9,946| 999 
648,93611,021 
934,9431 1,047 

l,783,0S5j 1,934 



STATES AND 
TERRITORIES. 



278 
793 
2,581 
8,325 
4,764 
6,112 
3,718 



780,773 
1,131,597 
2,168,380 

452,402 
62,26b 

346,991 
1.131,116 1,753 
5,082,87116,278 
1. 399,7501,619 
3,198,062 6,663 



3,390 
1,231 
4,211 
2,310 
890 
1,025 



STATES. 

Oregon 

Pennsylvania ... 
Rhode island.... 
South Carolina. 

Tennessee 

Texas 

Vermont 

Virginia 

West Virginia... 
Wisconsin 

Total States ., 

TERRITORIES. 

Arizona 

Colorada 

Dakota , 

District of Columbia 

Idaho 

Montana 

New Mexico 

Utah 

Washington 

Wyoming 

Total Territories.. 



Aggregate of U. S... 2,915,203 



AREA IN 
SQUARE 
MILES. 



95,244 
46,000 
1,306 
29,385 
45,600 
237,504 
10,212 
40,904 
23,000 
53,924 



1,950,171 



113,916 
104,500 
147,490 
60 
90,932 
143,776 
121,201 
80,056 
69,944 
93,10 



965,032 



POPULATION. 



90,923 

3,521,7911 
217,353: 
705,606 

1,258,520| 
818,579 
330,551 1 

1,225,163 
442,014 

1,054,670 



MIL'S 
R. R. 

1882. 



38,113,253 



9,658 
39,864 
14,181 
131,700 
14,999 
20,595 
91,874 
86,786 
23,955 

9,118 



442,730 



38,555,983 



174, 
4,282, 

276, 

995, 
1,542, 
1,.591, 

332, 
1,512, 

618, 
1,315, 



689 
6,690 

211 
• 1,483 
1,973 
5,344 

915 
2,193 

711 
3,441 



40,440 



557 




265 
231 
975 
908 
479 
533 



50,155,783 . 



PRINCIPAL COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD. 

POPULATION AND AREA. 



COUNTRIES. 



China 

British India 

Russia 

United States — with Alaska. 

German Empire 

Turkey 

Austria and Hungary 

France 

.Tapan 

Great Britain and Ireland... 

Italy 

Egypt 

Spain 

Mexico 

Brazil 

Persia 

Sweden and Norway 

Belgium 

Roumania 

Portug.al 

Dominion of Canada 

Netherlands 

Switzerland 

Peru 

Bolivia 

Chili 

Venezuela 

Greece 

Denmark 

Argentine Confederation 

Servia 

Guatemala 

Ecuador 

Liberia 

Hayti 

San Salvador 

Uruguay 

Nicaragua 

Honduras 

San Domingo 

Costa Rica 



POPULATION 



627,183 

899,516 

297,407 

442,066 

234,061 

213,400 

786,246 

405,240 

925,313 

262,762 

452,639 

952,000 

625,860 

025,649 

883,622 

653,600 

497,245 

519,844 

290.000 

348,551 

324,810 

114,077 

846,102 

699,945 

300,000 

223,434 

075,245 

979,305 

969,039 

859,685 

700,211 

252,497 

066,137 

050,000 

800,000 

554.785 

4.38,245 

350,000 

350.000 i 

300,000 j 

180,000 



1881 
1881 
1879 
1880 
1880 
1881 
1880 
1881 
1879 
1881 
1881 
1875 
1877 
1881 
1872 
1881 
1881 
1880 
1878 
1878 
1881 
1881 
1880 
1876 



1881 
1881 
1880 
1869 
1880 
1881 
1875 



1878 
1880 



AREA OF 
SQUARE 
MILES. 



4,413,788 

1,425,723 

8,387,816 

3,602,990 

212,091 

2,396,692 

240,942 

204,092 

148,700 

120.879 

114,296 

1,406,250 

182,750 

743,948 

3,287,963 

610,000 

293,848 

11,373 

48,307 

36,510 

3,470,392 

12,648 

15,992 

503,718 



207,350 

439,120 

25,041 

13,784 

1,204,486 

20,850 

41,830 

248,372 

14,300 

10.204 

7,225 

73,538 

49, ,500 

39,600 

18,045 

26,040 



CAPITALS. 



Pekin , 

Calcutta 

St Petersburg (1881) 

Washington 

Berlin 

Constantinople 

Vienna 

Paris 

Yeddo 

London 

Florence 

Cairo 

Madrid 

Mexico 

Rio de Janiero 

Teheran 

Stockholm 

Brussels 

Bucharest 

Lisbon 

Ottawa 

Amsterdam 

Geneva 

Lima 

La Paz 

Santiago 

Caraccas , 

Athens 

Copenhagen 

Buenos Ayres (1881) 

Belgrade 

Santiago de Guatemala . 

Quito 

Monrovia 

Port au Prince 

San Salvador 

^Montevideo 

Managua 

Tegucigalpa 

San Domingo 

San Jose 



POPU- 
LATION. 



,000,000 
500,000 
876,575 
147,293 
,122,360 
800,000 
,103,857 
,269,023 
200,000 
,764,312 
169,000 
250,000 
397,690 
315,996 
274,972 
200,000 
168,775 
350,000 
221,805 
246,343 

27,412 
328,047 

68,320 
101,488 



387,081 

60,000 

63,374 

234,850 

289.925 

27,000 

55,728 

70,000 

13,000 

22,000 

18,500 

73,353 

8,000 

12,000 

10,000 

2,500 



204 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 



COMMENTS UPON THE ORDINANCE OF 1787, FROM THE STATUTES 
OF OHIO, EDITED BY SALMON P. CHASE, AND PUB- 
LISHED IN THE YEAR 1833. 

[It would be difficult to find a more comprehensive review of the founda- 
tions of our system of laws than is given in the " Preliminary Sketch of the 
History of Ohio," by this distinguished representative of the bench and the 
bar of America. The work is now out of print, and is not easily obtained; 
besides, its great author has passed away; so these extracts are made more 
with a view of preserving old historical literature, than of introducing new; 
furthermore, the masses of the people have never had convenient access to the 
volumes, which, for the most part, have been in the hands of professional men 
only. The publication of the work first brought its compiler before the public, 
and marked the beginning of that career which, during its course, shaped the 
financial system of our country, and ended upon the Supreme Bench of the 
nation.] 

By the ordinance of 1785, Congress had executed in part the great national 
trust confided to it, by providing for the disposal of the public lands for the 
common good, and by prescribing the manner and terms of sale. By that of 
1787, provision was made for successive forms of Territorial government, 
adapted to successive steps of advancement in the settlement of the Western 
country. It comprehended an intelligible system of law on the descent and 
conveyance of real property, and the transfer of personal goods. It also con- 
tained five articles of compact between the original States, and the people and 
States of the Territory, establishing certain great fundamental principles of 
governmental duty and pi'ivate right, as the basis of all future constitutions and 
legislation, unalterable and indestructible, except by that final and common 
ruin, which, as it has overtaken all former systems of human polity, may yet 
overwhelm our American union. Never, probably, in the history of the world, 
did a measure of legislation so accurately fulfill, and yet so mightily exceed 
the anticipations of the legislators. The ordinance has been well described, as 
having been a pillar of cloud by day and of fire by night, in the settlement and 
government of the Northwestern States. When the settlers went into the 
wilderness, they found the law already there. It was impressed upon the soil 
itself, while it yet bore up nothing but the forest. The purchaser of land 
became, by that act, a party to the compact, and bound by its perpetual cove- 
nants, so far as its conditions did not conflict with the terms of the cessions of 

the States. 

********* 

This remarkable instrument was the last gift of the Congress of the old 
confederation to the country, and it was a fit consummation of their glorious 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 207 

labors. At the time of its promulgation, the Federal Constitution was under 
discussion in the convention ; and in a few months, upon the organization of 
the new national government, that Congress was dissolved, never again to re-as- 
semble. Some, and indeed most of the principles established by the articles of 
compact are to be found in the plan of 1784, and in the various English and 
American bills of rights. Others, however, and these not the least important, 
are original. Of this number are the clauses in relation to contracts, to slavery 
and to Indians. On the whole, these articles contain what they profess to con- 
tain, the true theory of American liberty. The great principles promulgated 
by it are wholly and purely American. They are indeed the genuine princi- 
ples of freedom, unadulterated by that compromise Avith circumstances, the 
effects of Avhich are visible in the constitution and history of the Union. 
********* 

The first form of civil government, provided by the ordinance, was now 
formally established within the Territory. Under this form, the people had no 
concern in the business of government. The Governor and Judges derived 
their appointments at first from Congress, and after the adoption of the Fed- 
eral Constitution, from the President. The commission of the former ofiicer 
was for the term of three years, unless sooner revoked ; those of the latter 
were during good behavior. It was required that the Governor should reside 
within the Territory, and possess a freehold estate there, in one thousand acres 
of land. He had authority to appoint all ofiicers of militia, below the rank of 
Generals, and all magistrates and civil officers, except the Judges and the 
Secretary of the Territory ; to establish convenient divisions of the whole dis- 
trict for the execution of progress, to lay out those parts to which the Indian 
titles might be extinguished into counties and townships. The Judges, or any 
two of them, constituted a court with common law jurisdiction. It Avas neces- 
sary that each Judge should possess a freehold estate in the territory of five 
hundred acres. The whole legislative power which, however, extended only to 
the adoption of such laws of the original States as might be suited to the cir- 
cumstances of the country, Avas vested in the Governor and Judges. The laws 
adopted were to continue in force, unless disapproved by Congress, until re- 
pealed by the Legislature, which was afterward to be organized. It was the 
duty of the Secretary to preserve all acts and laws, public records and executive 
proceedings, and to transmit authentic copies to the Secretary of Congress 
every six months. 

Such was the first government devised for the Northwestern Territory. It 
is obvious that its character, as beneficent or oppressive, depended entirely upon 
the temper and disposition of those who administrated it. All power, legisla- 
tive, judicial and executive, was concentrated in the Governor and Judges, and 
in its exercise they were responsible only to the distant Federal head. The 
expenses of the Government were defrayed in part by the United States, but 
were principally drawn from the pockets of the people in the shape of fees. 



208 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

This temporary system, however unfriendly as it seems to liberty, was, 
perhaps, so established upon sufficient reasons. The Federal Constitution had 
not then been adopted, and there were strong apprehensions that the people of 
the Territory might not be disposed to organize States and apply for admission 
into the Union. It was, therefore, a matter of policy so to frame the Territorial 
system as to create some strong motives to draw them into the Union, as States, 
in due time. 

The first acts of Territorial legislation were passed at Marietta, then the 
only American settlement northwest of the Ohio. The Governor and Judges 
did not strictly confine themselves within the limits of their legislative author- 
ity, as prescribed by the ordinance. When they could not find laws of the 
original States suited to the condition of the country, they supplied the want 
by enactments of their own. The earliest laws, from 1788 to 1795, were all 
thus enacted. The laws of 1788 provided for the organization of the militia; 
for the establishment of inferior courts; for the punishment of crimes, and for 
the limitations of actions; prescribed the duties of ministerial officers; regu- 
lated marriages, and appointed oaths of office. That the Governor and Judges 
in the enactment of these laws, exceeded their authority, without the slightest 
disposition to abuse it, may be inferred from the fact that except two, which 
had been previously repealed, they were all confirmed by the first Territorial 
Ledslature. 



At this period there was no seat of government, properly called. The 
Governor resided at Cincinnati, but laws were passed whenever they seemed to 
be needed, and promulgated at any place where the Territorial legislators hap- 
pened to be assembled. Before the year of 1795, no laws were, strictly speak- 
ing, adopted. Most of them were framed by the Governor and Judges to 
answer particular public ends; while in the enactraant of others, including all 
the laws of 1792, the Secretary of the Territory discharged, under the author- 
ity of an act of Congress, the functions of the Governor. The earliest laws, 
as has been already stated, were published at Marietta. Of the remainder, a 
few were published at Vincennes, and the rest at Cincinnati. 

In the year 1789, the first Congress passed an act recognizing the binding 
force of the ordinance of 1787, and adapting its provisions to the Federal Con- 
stitution. This act provided that the communications directed in the ordinance 
to be made to Congress or its officers, by the Governor, should thenceforth be 
made to the President, and that the authority to appoint with the consent of 
the Senate, and commission officers, before that time appointed and commis- 
sioned by Congress, should likewise be vested in that officer. It also gave the 
Territorial Secretary the power already mentioned, of acting in certain cases, 
in the place of the Governor. In 1792, Congress passed another act giving to 
the Governor and Judges authority to repeal, at their discretion, the laws by 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 209 

them made; and enabling a single Judge of the general court, in the absence 
of Ills brethren, to hold the terms. 

At this time the Judges appointed by the national Executive constituted the 
Supreme Court of the Territory. They were commissioned during good 
behavior; and their judicial jurisdiction extended over the whole region north- 
west of the Ohio. The court, thus constituted, was fixed at no certain place, 
and its process, civil and criminal, was returnable wheresoever it might be in 
the Territory, Inferior to this court were the County Courts of Common Pleas, 
and the General Quarter Sessions of the Peace. The former consisted of any 
number of Judges, not less than three nor more than seven, and had a general 
common-law jurisdiction, concurrent, in the respective counties, with that of 
the Supreme Court; the latter consisted of a number of Justices for each 
county, to be determined by the Governor, who were required to hold three 
terms in every year, and had a limited criminal jurisdiction. Single Judges of 
the Common Pleas, and single Justices of the Quarter Sessions, were also 
clothed with certain civil and criminal powers to be exercised out of court. 
Besides these courts, each county had a Judge of Probate, clothed with the 
ordinary jurisdiction of a Probate Court. 

Such was the original constitution of courts and distribution of judicial 
power in the Northwestern Territory. The expenses of the system were de- 
frayed in part by the National Government, and in part by assessments upon 
the counties, but principally by fees, which were payable to every officer con- 
cerned in the administration of justice, from the Judges of the General Court- 
downward. 

In 1795, the Governor and Judges undertook to revise the Territorial lawt. 
and to establish a complete system of statutory jurisprudence, by adoptions 
from the laws of the original States, in strict conformity to the provisions of 
the ordinance. For this purpose they assembled at Cincinnati, in June, and 
continued in session until the latter part of August. The judiciary system un- 
derwent some changes. The General Court was fixed at Cincinnati and Marietta, 
and a Circuit Court was established with power to try, in the several counties, 
issues in fact depending before the superior tribunal, where alone causes could 
be finally decided. Orphans' Courts, too, were established, with jurisdiction 
analogous to but more extensive than that of a Judge of Probate. Laws were 
also adopted to regulate judgments and executions, for limitation of actions, 
for the distribution of intestate estates, and for many other general purposes. 
Finally, as if with a view to create some great reservoir, from which, whatever 
principles and powers had been omitted in the particular acts, might be drawn 
according to the exigency of circumstances, the Governor and Judges adopted 
a law, providing that the common law of England and all general statutes in 
aid of the common law, prior to the fourth year of James I, should be in full 
force within the Territory. The law thus adopted was an act of the Virginia 
Legislature, passed before the Declaration of Independence, when Virginia was 



210 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

yet a British colony, and at the time of its adoption had been repealed so far 
as it related to the English statutes. 

The other laws of 1795 were principally derived from the statute book of 
Pennsylvania. The system thus adopted, was not without many imperfections 
and blemishes, but it may be doubted whether any colony, at so early a period 
after its first establishment, ever had one so good. 

And how gratifying is the retrospect, how cheering the prospect which even 
this sketch, brief and partial as it is, presents! On a surface, covered less 
than half a century ago by the trees of the primeval forest, a State has grOwn 
up from colonial infancy to freedom, independence and strength. But thirty 
years have elapsed since that State, with hardly sixty thousand inhabitants, was 
admitted into the American Union. Of the twenty-four States which form 
that Union, she is now the fourth in respect to population. In other respects, 
her rank is even higher. Already her resources have been adequate, not only 
to the expense of government and instruction, but to the construction of long 
lines of canals. Her enterprise has realized the startling prediction of the 
poet, who, in 1787, when Ohio was yet a wilderness, foretold the future con- 
nection of the Hudson with the Ohio. 

And these results are attributable mainly to her institutions. The spirit of 
the ordinance of 1787 prevades them all. Who can estimate the benefits 
which have flowed from the interdiction by that instrument of slavery and of 
legislative interference with private contracts? One consequence is, that the 
soil of Ohio bears up none but freemen ; another, that a stern and honorable 
regard to private rights and public morals characterizes her legislation. There 
is hardly a page in the statute book of which her sons need be ashamed. The 
great doctrine of equal rights is everywhere recognized in her constitution and 
her laws. Almost every father of a family in this State has a freehold interest 
in the soil, but this interest is not necessary to entitle him to a voice in the 
concerns of government. Every man may vote; every man is eligible to any 
office. And this unlimited extension of the elective franchise, so far from pro- 
ducing any evil, has ever constituted a safe and sufficient check upon injurious 
legislation. Other causes of her prosperity may be found in her fertile soil, in 
her felicitous position, and especially in her connection Avith the union of the 
States. All these springs of growth and advancement are permanent, and 
upon a most gratifying prospect of the future. They promise an advance in 
population, wealth, intelligence and moral worth as permanent as the existence 
of the State itself. They promise to the future citizens of Ohio the blessings 
of good government, wise legislation and universal instruction. More than all, 
they are pledges that in all future, as in all past circumstances, Ohio will cleave 
fast to the national constitution and the national Union, and that her growing 
energies will on no occasion, be more willingly or powerfully put forth, than in 
the support and maintenance of both in unimpaired vigor and strength. 



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PART III 



HISTORY OF WYAND 



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HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 



CHAPTER I. 

LOCATION AND EXTENT— NATURAL FEATURES. 

Situation— Boundaries — Area — Streams — Surface — Soil— Geological 
Structure— Material Resources. 

location and extent. 

BY reference to the State maps, the reader will observe that Wyandot 
County lies in the northwest quarter of the State of Ohio, nearly equidis- 
tant from Lake Erie on the north, and the Indiana State line on the west. That 
the counties bordering upon it are Seneca on the north; Crawford on the 
east; Marion and Hardin on the south; Hardin and Hancock on the west; 
and that its thirteen subdivisions, known respectively as Antrim, Crane, 
Crawford, Eden, Jackson, Marseilles, Mifflin, Pitt, Richland, Ridge, Salem, 
Sycamore and Tymochtee Townships, contain eight square miles more than 
eleven surveyed townships, or 258, 560 acres. 

natural features. 

Its Streams. — Lying near the great water-shed of the State, just on its 
northern slope, it contains no large streams. Tymochtee Creek with its 
tributaries, and the head-waters of the Sandusky River, comprising the Lit- 
tle Sandusky and the Broken Sword Creeks, and the small streams known as 
Sycamore Creek, Tyler's Run, Sugar Run, Negro Run and Rock Ran, are 
the drainage system of the county. Their general course is due north, ex 
cept that the eastern tributaries of the Sandusky have a direction westerly 
or southwesterly, until they descend upon the area of the water-lime, and 
are well within the drainage valley of the Sandusky. The Tymochtee 
Creek, throughout the most of its course in Wyandot County, is a slow 
stream and has a clay bottom. Its valley is as wide and its banks as high 
as those of the Sandusky itself, although less water actually passes down its 
channel. The Sandusky, on the contrary, more frequently runs on a rock 
bottom, and its current is more rapid. It affords occasional water-power 
privileges. The same is true of the small creeks entering it from the east. 

The Surface. — The topography of the county is quite simple. The 
western half is gently undulating or flat. The excavated valley of the Ty- 
mochtee Creek, which is usually about a hundred rods wide, and rarely 
exceeds two hundred rods, presents, in its abrupt descents, the most notice- 
able changes of level. There ai'e several extensive prairie- like tracts, 
which have a black soil and were never clothed with forest. They are in 



216 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

the higher levels, and give rise to some of the tributaries of Tymochtee 
Creek. One is north and west of Carey, extending largely into Seneca and 
Hancock Counties, known as Big Spring Prairie. Another covers much of 
the township of Richland, known as Potatoe Swamp, and a third occupies 
the southeastern part of Mifflin and the southwestern part of Pitt Town- 
ships, extending also into Marion County. The Cranberry Marsh, in Jack- 
son Township, also extends largely into Hancock County. That tract known 
as Cranberry Marsh, in Crane Township, and the marshy tract in the center 
of Tymochtee Township, are of less extent but in every way analogous to 
the rest. These marshes were probably, once the sites of lakes, which 
have become filled by the slow accumulation of vegetable matter, and the 
washing in from the adjoining land of the finer materials of the drift. 
This is particularly noticeable about the ridges and knolls which inclose 
Big Spring Prairie. Besides these untillable marshes, most of the territory 
lying between the Tymochtee Creek and the Sandusky River, has a black, 
loamy soil, and was once, probably, subject to inundation by those streams, 
although now it is generally laid out in fine farms. 

East of the Sandusky River the surface is more broken, and there is a 
noticeable ascent from the area of the water-lime to that of the corniferous. 
There is a tract of elevated land, like a fragment of a glacial moraine, along 
the west side of Broken Sword Creek, extending from Eden Township to 
the Little Sandusky in Pitt Township. Besides these undulations in the 
original surface of the drift, that part of the county east of the Sandusky is 
subject to erosions by frequent small streams, which have worn channels in 
the drift and sometimes in the rock itself. 

Where the streams of the county run through level tracts, they present 
the usual terrace and flood-plain. The former is the old drift surface, and 
rises from twenty to forty feet above the level of the water. The latter, 
which is constantly changing its position and its contents, is, of course, de- 
pendent on the greatest freshet rise of the stream. Along the Tymochtee 
Creek it is sometimes twelve feet or more above the summer stage of the 
stream. 

The Soil. — The prevailing feature of the soil is clay. This, however, 
is variously modified. In the higher parts of the county, it is gravelly, and 
often contains stones and bowlders. It is compact, and almost entirely 
without stones or even gravel in the level tracts, especially where there has 
been a gradual tilling up, with slow or imperfect drainage. The soil of the 
prairies, which is black, consists very largely of vegetable matter in various 
stages of decay. Drainage is especially needed in the western part of the 
county. 

The Geological Structure.* — The Niagara limestone underlies a tier of 
townships along the western side of the county, spreading to the east so a8 
to include the village of JMarseilles. The western boundary of the Lower 
Corniferous enters the county from the north, about two miles east of Mex- 
ico, passes through Bellevernon and Little Sandusky, and leaves the couuty 
in Section 11, Pitt Township. Hence the most of the county, which is 
specially characterized by its flat surface, is underlain by the water- lime 
formation. It is necessaiy to say, however, that the western central 
portions of the county are entirely without rocky outcrops, and it may be 
that the Niagara underlies more area than has been ascribed to it; also that 
the boundary between the water- lime and the corniferous, as above located, 
is to a certain extent conjectural. 

♦Compiled from the report of N. H. Wiuchell, as published by authority of the State Legislature, in 
1873. 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 217 

The Niagara limestone has near Carey an unusual and somewhat re- 
markable exposure The surface of the country for many miles in every 
direction is flat, without exposure of rock. At this point the Niagara 
swells up suddenly in two separate moands or ridges, which rise so obtru- 
sively that the drift has been in many places entirely denuded. They rise 
to the height of forty to fifty feet. They are each about five miles long, 
and are so situated toward each other, and in relation to the direction of 
the natural drainage, that they inclose the marsh known as Big Spring 
Prairie. They are distinguished as the North Ridge and the West Ridge. 
The included prairie is of the shape of a horseshoe, the toe turned a little 
east of north, the West Ridge filling in the bow. It is usually about a 
mile wide, with a length of ten miles. It is drained in opposite directions. 
Spring Run drains it into the Sandusky River, and a stream known as the 
" Outlet " drains it into the Blanchard. The soil is so wet that at present 
it is impossible to till it. Good progress has, however, been made in drain- 
ing some portions, which now produce corn of prodigious growth. The de- 
scent to the prairie from the north or from the west, su as nt5t to be inter- 
cepted by either of the limestone ridgeg, is very gradual, even unobserva- 
ble. The soil changes imperceptibly from a more or less gravelly clay to a 
fine, tough clay; then by the addition or vegetable matter the surface soil 
becomes black and moist, and all vegetable growth disappears except grasses 
and sedges. Efforts were made to ascertain the thickness of this black 
muck, but no result was obtained other than the fact, that wkile it exceeds 
eight feet in some places, it is usually but four or five. It is thin about 
the margin of the marsh, and seems to be generally underlain by a tough, 
blue clay, often so calcareous as to constitute a marl. This blue clay is 
sometimes itself overlain by a bed of quicksand. Within the muck the 
horns of elk are said to have been found, and logs several feet in diameter. 
Along the south margin of the prairie, within the bow, there is consider- 
able sand, as if the deposit of a lake shore. Within the bow of the prairie 
there is also considerable flat land not marshy, the surface rising very gent- 
ly toward the south for the distance of nearly one mile, when the West Ridge 
rises suddenly to the height of nearly fifty feet. The prairie is crossed by 
three public roads. These are constructed by throwing together the dirt 
from two parallel ditches, on which is placed first corduroy, and afterward, 
when repairs are needed,. stone hauled from the ridges, giving the road a 
rough macadamizing. Many months in the year the prairie is covered with 
water, and it is only in the driest months that cattle venture on it for 
grazing. Within it are sometimes little undulations or hillocks, on which 
grow bunches of shrubs and large herbs. 

The rock here exposed has been found to contain characteristic Niagara 
fossils only in the North Ridge. There are no perpendicular sections of the 
bedding, except in small quarries on the slopes of the ridges near their 
bases. In these openings the stone appears very different from that seen 
in bare places higher up the ridges and on their summits, and the dip is 
uniformly toward the low ground, whatever the position of the quarry. 

The quarry of Mr. Samuel Shoup, situated on the western slope of the 
West Ridge, about three miles from Carey, shows the rock dipping about 
fifteen or eighteen degrees toward the southwest; that is, toward the near- 
est low ground. It is in thin, fragile beds, of a light drab or buff color, 
porous, and soft under the hammer, showing no distinguishable fos.=5ils. 

In the quarry of Mr. Thomas Shepherd, northeast quarter Section 11, 
Ridge Township, about a mile northwest of Mr. Shoup's, the beds are thin 



218 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

and so carious they can hardly be lifted, in even sheets of a bufif color, 
sometimes reduced to sand by the weather. Then comes a bed three to 
eight inches thick; vesicular; of a buff color; easily worked. Then it is 
irregularly bedded; lenticular or massive; buff color; carious; with traces 
of fossils. 

Mr. F. J. Worrello's quarry, northeast quarter Section 16, Crawford 
Township, is in the same kind of stone, but it is so far removed from the 
ridge that beds have not been tilted by it. They lie horizontal, or with a 
very slight inclination southwest. The rock is here very near the surface. 
The same is true at Carey, where it is sometimes reached in digging post- 
holes for fences. 

The quarry of Mr. Jonas Huffman is in the west slope of the North 
Ridge, situated in the northwest quarter of Section 4, Crawford Township, 
and shows the following descending section. Dip toward the west, 10°. 
The rock here is overlain by about two feet of drift and loose fragments; 
then comes about two feet of confused and lenticular in the bedding, with 
larger pores or cavities, sometimes filled with calcite; fossiliferous, showing 
two species of bivalves, cyathophylloids and favositoids. Then two feet of 
hard, close-grained; light drab; beds four to eight inches. The close- 
grained has a bluish tint. 

Mr. Peter Kibbler's quarry at Springville affords a slight exposure of 
the same kind of stone, with a gentle dip west or toward the prairie. The 
stone here seems a little more firm, but is generally porous, with fine cavi- 
ties; fossils wanting or so absorbed as to be undistinguishable. The color 
is a light drab, varying to buff, and also to gray, especially when thrown 
in piles. The stone is not handsome, the beds being uneven and contain- 
ing some white chert. At Mr. David Smith's quarry, in the northeast 
quarter of Section 3, in Amanda Township, Hancock County, the stone is 
buff, porous and thin, the beds being only about two inches thick. Stone 
thrown out from these quarries becomes a light buff, sometimes almost white 
under the weather, and although not of a durable quality, it has been used 
considerably in ordinary walls and foundations. 

In passing over the ridges which are occupied by good farms, stones are 
often seen gathered from the fields and deposited in piles or in the coi'ners 
of the fences, or laid up in walls. They consist of fragments from the un- 
derlying rock, and of northern bowlders, the former greatly predominating. 
Along the road the rock is frequently seen bare, and, as already remarked, 
it is different, lithologically, from that seen in the foregoing quarries. It 
is most frequently a dark drab or brown, hard, crystalline rock, apparently 
in a rough, massive condition, containing cavities sometimes two or three 
inches in diameter. It nowhere appears in even beds. It is rarely vesicu- 
lar, like the stone seen in the quarries described, but contains large cavi- 
ties, irregularly scattered through it. The color is sometimes a bluish drab, 
and it not unfrequently shows obscure traces of fossil remains. These occur 
sometimes in rock otherwise compact and solid, or they may be so numerous 
as to make the rock porous and loose, the interior shell being entirely want- 
ing. The fragments furnishing these fossils are, however, more vesicular 
and lighter colored than the stone usually seen scattered over the surface of 
the ridges. They have the lithological characters of that phase of the 
Niagara seen in the Sandusky River at Tiffin, Seneca County, and at Genoa, 
in Ottawa County. In the northeast quarter of Section 32, Crawford Town- 
ship, a ridge may be seen of the same kind of stone as those north of Carey, 
running north and south, visible about one-half mile, slightly exposed on 
land of Joseph Pahl. 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 219 

It would seem a3 if the conditions of the ocean's bed in which the 
Niagara was formed were not uniform. While regular strata were being 
deposited in a wide area, including portions of Seneca and Hancock Coun- 
ties, without disturbance or contortions, a concretionary and crystallizing 
force sprang into operation in the northwest corner of Wyandot County, 
which in working from below, caused the even beds of deposition to swell 
upward or over the growing mass or masses. In some cases, it aided in the 
preservation of fossil remains; in others it hastened th«ir absorption into 
the mass of the rock. This is a peculiarity of the rock formation not con- 
fined to the Niagara, but is displayed conspicuously in the water-lime above, 
and it has been seen in the Lower Corniferous. When the lapse of time 
brings such hardened masses into contact with the erosions of ice and water, 
they cause the prominent features of the landscape by the removal of the 
more destructible parts about them. Such may be the explanation of the 
remarkable ridges about Carey, the even, friable beds seen in the quarries 
about their flanks having once been continuous over the summits, but, un- 
able to resist the forces of the glacial epoch, were denuded down to the 
more enduring rock. 

Within these ridges are several caves, the entrances to which are small 
and have been accidentally discovered, sometimes by men plowing in the 
field. One particularly, on the farm of Mr. Adam Keller, northwest quar- 
tei' Section 2, in Ridge Township, is described as having a perpendicular 
descent of sixty-tive feet to a stream of water which is very deep and sepa- 
rates one apartment by a narrow passage from another. The entrance is 
about five feet across and the sides are of rock. 

The Niagara, in the southwest corner of the county, rises rapidly in the 
same way from below the water- lime which lies to the north, the dip being 
northeast and to the amount of twenty-five degrees along Sections 18 and 
13 near the county lines. It here appears as a thick-bedded gray and 
crystalline limestone. It also shows in the Tymochtee Creek, at the village 
of Marseilles, in a characteristic surface exposure. About five feet of 
thick, hard beds may be seen along the creek, lying nearly horizontal, or 
with a very slight dip south -southwest. It is slightly porous and fossilifer- 
ous. It is sometimes blotched with blue and drab. These are the beds 
that rise so rapidly about a mile further south, forming a little ridge or 
brow of prominent land facing north. On this brow is situated the resi- 
dence of Mrs. Socrates Hartle. The rock is shown in the excavation for 
the cellar about the center of Section 13, in Marseilles Township, also, in 
a ditch by the roadside in Section 18, about sixty rods east of Mrs. Hartle' s 
house, where the rapidity of the current of water has cleaned ofi' the 
smoothed and striated rock in a handsome exposure. A little stream, locally 
known as Little Tymochtee Creek, makes eastward along the north side of 
this brow of land, and on Section 13, less than a quarter of a mile north of 
Mrs. Hartle's house, and perhaps thirty feet below the Niagara outcrop near 
it, the blue slaty beds of the water-lime may be seen in the creek. 

In the southeast quarter Section 13, in Marseilles Township, Mr. Heck- 
athorn has a qviarry in the Niagara. The beds here are three to six inches 
in thickness. The stone is rather firm, though somewhat porous. It is 
used for quicklime and for general building purposes. Southeast quarter 
Section 11, in Marseilles Township, D. Heckathorn burns lime from the 
Niagara; dip north; beds about four inches. Within forty rods north of 
Mr. H. 's quarry the water-lime appears in the Little Tymochtee Creek. In 
northeast quarter Section 11, Marseilles Township, H. H. Cary burns lime 



220 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

and supplies building stone from the Niagara; beds three to five inches-, 
dip east exposed eighteen inches. Near the village of Marseilles, in the 
same township, Mr. Charles Norris and Michael Keckler have small quarries 
of Niagara limestone. 

The water- lime formation, which in counties further north presents 
three distinct, general lithological characters, in Wyandot County, is 
mainly reduced to one. That aspect of the water-lime designated "Phase 
No. -3," passes, with the addition of much bituminous matter, into a thin 
bedded, even, slaty condition, which, first black, weathers blue on the sides 
of the bedding, or lastly a chocolate color, while the fractured edge is a 
very drab. Throughout the couctry it is known in this condition as "blue 
slate." When the bituminous matter is more evenly distributed through 
the rock, instead of being confined to the thin partings, the beds are thicker 
and of a blue color. 

The principal outcrop of the water-lime within the county is along the 
left bank of the Tymochtee Creek, in Section 27 and 34, in Crawford 
Township. The banks of the creek expose perpendicular sections of four 
to eight feet of these thin beds. The dip being continuously toward the 
southwest, a connected section of eighty- four feet ten inches may be made 
out in a descending order. The beds are homogenous, tough, thin, some- 
times having so much bituminous matter as to appear like the great black 
slate. The thinnest beds are. however, streaked with alternations of dark 
drab, and a bituminous brown. When wet the brown is almost black, but 
when dry and weathered it sometimes assumes a blue color, and if long 
weathered it becomes chocolate. There are among these occasional patches 
of thicker, even drab beds, which finally become so pei'sistent upward as 
to require a special designation. 

Mr. McD. M. Carey has a quarry in these thin, blue beds and on Section 
27, which has acquired considerable notoriety for the large, smooth slabs or 
flagging it affords. Some of the thicker beds furnish also a handsome and 
useful stone for building. The dip is toward the south -southwest exposure 
abovit twelve feet perpendicular. The stone here shows the charac- 
teristic Leperditia aitu. The quarry is in the old river bank or hard-pan 
terrace, about forty rods from the stream. This water- lime is seen in the 
following places in Wyandot County: 

In Section 16, southwest quarter, in Crane Township, at the old ' 'Indian 
Mill," these blue flags have been taken out of the bed of the Sandusky and 
used for foundations for the mill. But in the construction of the bridge 
at the same place, the stone used is said t,o have come from Leesville, Craw- 
ford County. 

In Section 21, Crane Township, at Carters dam, in the Sandusky River, 
Mr. John Strasser has opened the water-lime. The stone is in irregular, 
thick and thin beds. When freshly quari'ied, it is blue-drab, and of a tine 
grain. Exposed a short time to the weather, the whole pile becomes a bright 
blue. The fracture of the beds, however, becomes a much more ashen or 
drab-blue than the sides of the bedding. The dip in W. Strasser's bed is 
about nine feet deep. About thirty rods east of Strasser's quarry, in the 
bed of the Sandusky, blue flagging is taken out like that of Mr. Carey's 
quarry on the Tymochtee Creek, except that here the blue color pervades the 
white mass. Fragments of this, whenever bituminous and jointed, come 
out in long tapering pieces. These flags show a fossil which appears like 
a species of modiolopsis. In Crane Township, southwest quarter, Section 
22, in a bed of Rock Run, a finegrained blue stone is quarried and used for 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 221 

foundations. It weathers a drab color to the depth of a half- inch or an 
inch, all uver the outside. One only of six inches is exposed. In the 
northwest quarter of Section 27, in the same township, along the bed of 
Rock Run the water-lime is abundantly exposed, with a general dip south- 
east, changing to west at the west end of the outcrop. Mr. Peter Weinandy 
here burns lime and sells stone. This bed has a depth of about tifty-seven 
feet. Beds which certainly cannot have been fractured more than a few 
months, were seen to have already acquired a coating of drab one-eighth to 
one- fourth of an inch thick over the fractured surface. The layers them- 
selves, before quarrying, are sometimes one half to two-thirds drab, with a 
blue streak through the center. It would seem as if the drab were entirely 
an acquired color, and that perhaps the whole water-lime was at first a blue 
rock. The access of air or aerated water seems to cause the change. The 
fact that the lower, regular beds (as at this quariy), shut off the percola- 
tions of water through the rock, may account for the longer preservation of 
the blue. Whenever the beds are lenticular or irregular, or are so situated 
that the atmosphere finds free access to them, they are drab. They are seen 
to be blue only when deep-seated or lying very true. 

In Section 28, east side of Tymochtee Township, the Tymochtee slate 
is seen in the bed of the Sandusky, at Haymau's mill. Handsome flags, 
about two inches thick, are taken out. In Section 22, Pitt Township, Mr. 
James Anderson's quarry shows the following section in the bank of the 
Sandusky : Bituminous drab, ten inches ; very hard, flinty, irregular beds, 
five feet. 

There are sometimes bituminous films visible on the fractured edge ; no 
fossils. In Pitt Township, on the southwest quarter of Section 10, Mrs. 
Rebecca Smith owns a quarry in the Sandusky, from which a fine-grained, 
even bedded blue stone is taken, which weathers an ashen color. Here are 
some' handsome beds, six to eight inches thick, affording a fine building 
material. Dip southeast. At various points in Pitt Township, the same 
features of the water-lime may be seen. No reliable estimate can be made 
of the thickness exposed, or of their relative places in the formation, the 
outcrops are so isolated, and show so nearly the same characters. The 
same stone is quarried in the river at Upper Sandusky by Mr. William 
Frederick. The same stone is found in Section 17, in Crawford Township, 
on lands of Mr. George Mullholand, and on Section 24, in the quarries uf 
Messrs. Mitten and O'Brien, in the water- lime. The stone from these open- 
ings is in thick beds, much like the gray, hard beds of the quarries at 
Tiffin. 

The lower corniferous may be seen in interrupted outcrop along the 
Sycamore Creek, from Benton, in Crawford County, to Section 18, in Syca- 
more Township, Wyandot County. Through the whole of this distance it 
is so hid by drift that no reliable section can be obtained. It is of the 
doarse-grained, thick-bedded, harsh and magnesian type until just within 
Section 17, Sycamore, the character of the rock c'nanges. It assumes 
very much the aspect of the drab, thin- bedded water- lime. A little further 
down the creek the soft, thick beds of the lower corniferous return. 
Further still, there is another similar change to a fine-grained, compact, 
light-blue stone, without fossils. This character continues through the 
most of Section 27, and some in Section 21, evinced not often by rock in 
situ, but by the angular, bluish, fine-grained pieces in the stream. This 
member of the lower corniferous was also seen near Melmore, in Seneca 
County No opportunity has been offered to ascertain its thickness, but, 



222 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

judging from tho superficial expose, it may have a thickness of thirty or 
even forty feet. In the northwest quarter of Section 21, Sycamore, about 
eighteen inches of similar compact blue limestone maybe seen in the creek, 
underlain by a blue shale, which crumbles conchoidally and shows spots of 
darker blue or purple. It is sometimes quite rocklike, yet when long 
weathered it crumbles. Its thickness cannot be stated, though there can- 
not be less than ten feet, judging from the distance it occupies the bed of 
the creek. On Section 18 of the same township, a thick-bedded, even- 
grained rock, harsh, like a sandstone, is slightly exposed. It is gray, with- 
out visible fossils, and weathers buff. It is impossible to give its dip, 
thickness, or relation to the shale just mentioned. It is probably below 
that. Near the same place, land of Andrew Bretz, there are also large frag- 
ments of a fragile, bituminous, crinoidal limestone, seen in the bed of the 
creek. In Pitt Township, southwest quarter of Section 25, on the land of 
Jacob Brewer, the lower corniferous is slightly exposed in the upper bank 
of the Sandusky River. The rock consists almost entirely of the coral 
Coenostronia ynonticulifera vein. On a thickness of about a foot can be 
in situ, but a mass of two feet thickness is tilted up so as to present the 
edges of the beds in a perpendicular position. 

The Drift. — Wherever sections were observed throughout the county, the 
drift shows, as in counties further north, the two usual colors. The first is 
light brown, or ashen, and extends downward about twelve feet. It may be 
stratified or entirely unstratified, and forms the soil where it has not been 
covered with alluvial or marshy accumulations. Its color alone distinguishes 
it from the underlying blue or Erie clay. They both contain bowlders that 
show glacial action. On Section 24, Crawford Township, the lower member 
was seen exposed twenty- seven feet four inches in the bank of Tymochtee 
Creek, embracing beds of gravel and sand. The upper overlaying was 
twelve feet, and entirely unassorted, yet on Section 18, Tymochtee Township, 
both are more or less stratified. No two sections of this bank would be the 
same. The greatest uniformity in the order of alternation is ia the upper 
part. The blue hard pan sometimes extends upward quite to the brown 
clays and sands, and in one ease the whole bank consists of hard pan, the 
upper portion having the brown color. Hence the general character of this 
bank, and of the drift in Wyandot County, is as follows: Brown clay and 
sand, stratified; brown hard pan; statified brown clay; stratified blue clay 
and sand; finer blue clay and blue hard pan; brown clay; blue clay; debris, 
bowlders and slides. On the opposite side of the creek this bank is entirely 
wanting. There is a bank of a trifle over twelve feet, composed of agglu- 
tinated, rusty sand, without gravel or bowlders, at the base of which, near 
the water, is a bed of vegetable remains containing some pretty large limbs, 
and numerous branches of wood. Such deposits are common in the alluvial 
bottoms bordering the streams. There is a gradual ascent from the Jevel of 
this bank to the height of the bank on the opposite side of the river, attain- 
tain that elevation in a distance of forty rods. 

Material Resources. — The chief source of material wealth in W^yandot 
County, as with other counties in Northwestern Ohio, lies in its rich and 
exhaustless soil. The streams are generally too small or too sluggish to be 
reliable for water-powers. The rocks themselves are not known to possess 
any deposits of valuable minerals. They will serve for common use in 
building, and will make an excellent quicklime. There is reason to believe, 
also, that the water- lime, when having the characters seen in the quarry of 
Mrs. Smith, Section 10, Pitt Township, will afford a cement of hydraulic 
properties. 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 



223 



Good bricK, of a red color, are made in different places in the county 
from the surface of the drift. Such establishments are owned at Upper 
Sandusky by Jacob Gottfried & Brother, and by Ulrich & McAfee- also 
on the southeast quarter of Section 11. Salem, and on the Infirmary Farm 
by Jacob Ulnch. Sand for mortar is easily obtained from the numerous 
natural sections of the drift along the drainage valleys. A sand bank at 
Upper Sandusky was observed to underlie a deposit of eighty feet of brown 
hard pan, and was excavated to the depth of ten feet. The layers of sand 
lay nearly horizontal. 







224 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 



CHAPTER TL 
INDIAN OCCUPANCY. 

(from time immemorial to 1782.) 

Introductory Remarks— Legendary Accounts Concerning the Dela- 
ware AND Iroquois Indians— Their Wars— The Iroquois Finally Vic- 
torious—The Shawanese— The Eries— The Huron-Iroquois, or Wyan- 
dots — Cartier Discovers The Latter on the Shores of Lake Huron 
in 1535— Champlain's Operations— The French and Hurons Defeat 
THE Five Nations— The Latter Bide Their Time, and Finally Total- 
ly Defeat and Disperse the Hurons— Under French Protection, the 
Hurons are Again Assembled Near Detroit— Their Characteristics 
IN A Savage State— Their Wars— They Occupy the Sandusky Coun- 
try—As Allies of the British, They Commit Many»Atrocities on the 
American Frontier Settlements— The Americans Retaliate by 
Sending Various Expeditions Into the Indian Country. 

PROBABLY no county in the State of Ohio is richer in historical data 
concerning its aboriginal inhabitants than this, and to none were left so 
many landmarks indicating the life, habits and characteristics of its former 
occupants— the Indians. Here, within its borders, the brave but unfort- 
unate Colonel Crawford fought his last battle, and suffered a death which 
will render his name conspicuous for all time in American annals; and here 
the Wyandots (who owned the land, who roamed at will beneath its forest 
shades, who chased the wild game through its tangled thickets, and who, 
under the fostering care of Christian ministers, had made many advances 
toward civilization) remained until within the memory of many now 
living — ux^til they were the last of the Ohio tribes to be removed to new 
homes beyond the Missouri. For these reasons, therefore, no further apol- 
ogy is deemed necessary in explanation of the large amount of space which 
is here devoted to the Indians, and to their occupancy of this and adjacent 
regions. 

Respecting the early history of the tribes once the claimants and occu- 
pants of these regions, the most rational and lucid accounts are obtained 
from the journals of the Jesuit and Moravian Missionaries, men who, 
during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, penetrated into this terri- 
tory far in advance of the boldest hunters and trappers. They were in- 
formed by the old men of the Delawares (the Lenni Lenape, or original 
people, as they called themselves) that many centuries previous, their ances- 
tors dwelt far away in the western wilds of the American Continent, but 
emigrating eastwardly, arrived after many years on the west bank of the 
"Namoesi Sipu" (the Mississippi), or river of tish, where they fell in with 
the Mengwes (Iroquois), who had also emigrated from a distant country in 
the direction of the setting sun, and approached this river somewhat nearer 
its source. The spies of the Lenape reported the country on the east of the 
Mississippi to be inhabited by a powerful nation, dwelling in large towns 
erected upon the shores of their principal streams. 

This people bore the name of Allegewi. They were tall and strong, 
some were of gigantic size, and from them were derived the names of the 







INDIAN JAIL, 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 227 

Allegheny Kiver and Mountains. Their towns were defended by regular 
fortifications or intrenchments of earth, vestiges of which are yet seen in a 
greater or less degree of preservation throughout the Mississippi and Ohio 
valleys and in the regions of the great lakes. The Lenape requested per- 
mission to establish themselves in their vicinity, a request which was re- 
fused, but leave was given them to pass the river and seek a country farther 
to the eastward. But while the Lenape were crossing the river, the Al- 
legewi, becoming alarmed at their number, assailed and destroyed 
many of those who had reached the eastern shore, and threatened a like fate 
to others should they attempt the passage of the stream. Frenzied at the 
loss they had sustained, the Lenape eagerly accepted the proposition from 
the Mengwes, who had hitherto been spectators only of their enterprise, to 
conquer and divide the country of the AUegewi. A war of many years' du- 
ration was waged by the combined nations, marked by great havoc and loss 
of life on both sides, which Unally resulted in the conquest and expulsion 
of the Allegewi, who fled by the way of the Mississippi River, never to re- 
turn. Their country was apportioned among the conquerors — the Meng- 
wes or Iroquois choosing the neighborhood of the great lakes, and the Len- 
nape or Delawares possessing themselves of the lands to the southward. 

Many ages after, during which the victors lived together in great 
harmony, the enterprising hunters of the Lenape tribes crossed the Alleghany 
Mountains and discovered the Susquehanna and Delaware Rivers and the bays 
into which they flowed. Exploring the Sheyichbi country (New Jersey), they 
arrived on the Hudson River, to which they subsequently gave the name of 
the Mohicannittuck. Returning to their nation after a long absence, they 
reported their discoveries, describing the country they had visited as 
abounding in game and fruits, fish and fowl, and destitute of inhabitants. 
Concluding this to be the country destined for them by the Great Spirit, 
the Lenape proceeded to establish themselves upon the principal rivers of 
the east, making the Delaware, to which they gave the name of Lenape — 
Wihittuck (the river of the Lenape) the center of their possessions. 

All of the Lenape Nation, however, who crossed to the east side of the Mis- 
sissippi, did not move toward the Atlantic coast, a part remaining behind to as- 
sist that portion of their people who, frightened by the reception which the 
Allegewi had given to their countrymen, fled far to the west of the Namoesi 
Sipu. Finally the Lenape became divided into three great bodies. The 
larger half of all settled on the Atlantic and the great rivers which 
flow into it. The other half was separated into two parts; the stronger 
continued beyond the Mississippi, the other remained on the eastern bank. 

Ultimately, that part of the Lenape Nation who located on the east side 
of the Mississippi, became divided into many small tribes, receiving names 
from their places of residence, or from some circumstance remarkable at 
the time of its occurrence. Thus originated the Delawares, Shawanese, 
Nanticokes, Susquehannas, Nishamines,Conoys, Minsis, Abenaquis, Pequots, 
Narragansetts, Miamis, Illinois, Sauks, Foxes, Menomonees, Chippewas, 
Ottawas. Pottawatomies, and the Southern Cherokees and Choctaws. Ac- 
cording to those who have made a special study of Indian history, all of 
the tribes above named belonged to the great Algonquin race, and spoke 
dialects of the Algonquin language, so similar that the members of any 
tribe could communicate with those of all others without the aid of an in- 
tei'preter. 

For some years the Mengwes (Iroquois), who, as before stated, consti- 
tuted a separate race, remained near the Great Lakes with their canoes, in 



228 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

readiness to fly should the Allegewi retui'n. The latter failed to appear 
again, however, and becoming emboldened and their numbers rapidly in- 
creasing, they stretched themselves eastward along the St. Lawrence, and 
finally locating, for the most part, in the present State of New York, became, 
on the north, immediate neighbors of the Lenape or Algonquin tribes. In 
the course of time, the Mengwes and Lenape became enemies, and, dread- 
ing the power of the Lenape, the Mengwes resolved to involve them in war 
— one Lenape tribe with another — to reduce their strength. They com- 
mitted murders upon the members of one tribe, and induced the injured 
party to believe they were perpetrated by another. They stole into the 
country of the Delawares, surprised and killed their hunters, and escaped 
with the plunder. 

The nations or tribes of that period had each a particular mark upon 
its war clubs, which, left beside a murdered person, denoted the aggressor. 
The Mengwes committed a murder in the Cherokee country, and left with 
the dead body a war-club bearing the insignia of the Lenape. The Chero- 
kees in revenge fell upon the lattei", and thus commenced a long and bloody 
war. The treachery and cunning of the Mengwes were at length discovered, 
and the Delaware tribe of the Lenape turned upon them with the determi- 
nation to utterly extirpate them. They were the more strongly induced to 
take this resolution, as the man-eating propensities of the Mengwes, accord- 
ing to Heckewelder, had reduced them in the estimation of the Delawares 
below the rank of human beings. 

To this time, each tribe of the Mengwes had acted uader the direction 
of its particular chiefs, and, although the nation could not control the con- 
duct of its members, it was made responsible for their outrages. Pressed by 
the Lenape, they resolved to form a confederation, which might enable 
them better to concentrate their forces in war, and to regulate their affairs 
in peace. Thannawage, an aged Mohawk, was the projector of this alliance. 
Under his auspices, five^ nations* — the Mohawks, Oneidas, Onondagas, Ca- 
yugas and Senecas — foi'med a species of republic, governed by the united 
councils of their aged and experienced chiefs. The beneficial effects of this 
confederation early displayed themselves. The Lenape were checked, and 
the Mengwes, whose warlike disposition soon familiarized them with fire- 
arms procured from the Dutch on the Hudson River, were enabled at the 
same time to contend with their ancient enemies and to resist the French, 
who now attempted the settlement of Canada, and the extension of their 
dominion over a large portion of the country lying between the Atlantic 
Ocean and the Mississippi River. 

However, becoming hard pressed by the Europeans, the Mengwes, or 
Five Nations, sought reconciliation with their old enemies, the Lenape; and 
for this purpose, if the traditions of the Delawai'es be accredited, they 
affected one of the most extraordinary strokes of policy which aboriginal 
history has recorded. 

"When Indian nations are at war, the mediators between them are the 
women. However weary of the contest, the men hold it cowardly and dis- 
graceful to seek reconciliation. They deem it inconsistent in a warrior to 
speak of peace with bloody weapons in his hands. He must maintain a de- 
termined courage, and appear at all times as ready and willing to fight as 
at the commencement of hostilities. With such dispositions, Indian wars 

*To these a sixth nation, the Tuscaroras, was added in 1712. This last tribe originally dwelt in the 
western part of the present State of North Carolina, but having become involved in a war with their 
neighbors, were driven from their country northward, and adopted by the Mengwes or Iroquois confederacy. 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 229 

would never cease if the women did not interfere and persuade the combat- 
ants to bury the hatchet and make peace with each other. On such occa- 
sions, the women would plead their cause with much eloquence. " Not a 
warrior," they would say, " but laments the loss of a father, a son, a brother 
or a friend. And mothers, who have borne with cheerfulness the pangs of 
childbirth and the anxieties that wait upon the infancy and adolescence of 
their sons, behold their promised blessings crushed in the held of battle, or 
perishing at the stake in lanutterabie torments. In the depths of their 
grief, they curse their wretched existence, and shudder at the idea of bearing 
children." They conjured the warriors, therefore, by their suffering wives, 
their helpless children, their homes and their friends, to interchange for- 
giveness, to cast away their arms, and, smoking together the pipe of peace, 
to embrace as friends those whom they had learned to esteem as enemies. 

Such prayers thus urged seldom failed of the desired effect. The Meng- 
wes solicited the Lenape to assume the function of peacemakers. " They 
had reflected," said the Mengwes, "upon the state of the Indian race, and 
were convinced that no means remained to preserve it unless some magnani- 
mous nation would assume the character of the ivoman. It could not be 
given to a weak and contemptible tribe; such would not be listened to; but 
the Lenape and their allies would at once possess influence and command 
respect. " The facts upon which these arguments were founded were known 
to the Delawares, and in a moment of blind confidence in the sincerity of 
the Iroquois they acceded to the proposition and assumed the petticoat. 
This ceremony was performed at Fort Orange (now Albany, N. Y.) amid 
great rejoicings in 1617, in the presence of the Dutch, whom the Lenape 
afterward charged with having conspired with the Mengwes for their de- 
struction. 

The Iroquois now assumed the rights of protection and command over 
the Delawares, but, still di'eading their strength, they cunningly involved 
them again in a war with the Cherokees, promised to fight their battles, led 
them into an ambush of their foes and deserted them. The Delawares at 
length comprehended the treachery of their so-called friends of the North, 
and resolved to resume their arms, and, being still superior in numbers, to 
crush them. It was too late, however. The Europeans were now making 
their way into the country in every direction, and gave ample employment 
to the astonished Lenape. 

On the other hand, the Mengwes denied the story told by the Lenape. 
They always asserted that they had conquered the Delawares by force of 
arms, and made them a subject people. And though it was said they were 
unable to detail the circumstance of this conquest, it is more reasonable to 
suppose it true than that a numerous and warlike people should have volun- 
tarily suffered themselves to be disarmed and enslaved by a shallow artifice, 
or that, discovering the fraud practiced upon them, they should unresist- 
ingly have submitted to its consequences. This conquest was not an empty 
acquisition to the Mengwes. They claimed dominion over all the lands oc- 
cupied by the Delawares — from the head-waters of the Delaware and Susque- 
hanna Rivers on the north, to the Potomac on the south, and from the At- 
lantic Ocean westward to the Allegheny and Ohio Rivers — and their claims 
were distinctly acknowledged by the early whites when treating for the ces- 
sion of lands. It is also recorded in history that from about 1617, until the 
Indian title to the territory just described was extinguished, parties of the 
Iroquois or Five Nations (afterward known as the Six Nations) occupied and 
wandered over the country of the Delawares at pleasure. True, the cow- 



230 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

ardly Delawares and the perfidious Sbawanese always boldly claimed these 
grounds as their own (except when confronted and rebuked by the chiefs 
and head men of the Six Nations), yet the proprietaries wisely recognized 
the claim of the Six Nations, and it was with that great confederation of 
red men they treated when purchases of territory were made. 

The Shawanese came from the South. They were a restless, wandering 
tribe, and had occupied regions now embraced by the States of Tennessee, 
Kentucky, Georgia and the Carolinas, before locating with their allies, the 
Delawares, in the province of Pennsylvania. After passing a few decades in 
that province, they migrated, or rather were driven, westward, and by the 
middle of the eighteenth century the entire tribe had settled on the Ohio 
River and its large tributaries. 

Meanwhile the Six Nations were ceding to the Penns the lands occupied 
by the Delawares in Pennsylvania. Hence the latter were gradually yet 
peaceably pushed back to the westward by the constantly advancing tide of 
European emigration, until the beginning of the " Old French and Indian 
war" of 1754-33, when they, together with the Shawanese, Wyandots and 
other tribes of the great Northwest, became the allies of the French, and for 
many years thereafter ravaged at frequent intervals the western frontiers of 
Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia. Immediately after their defeat at 
Kittanning by Col. Armstrong in September, 1756, the Delawares fled into 
Ohio; they refused to settle again on the east of Fort Du Quesne, and 
seemed quite willing to have that fortress and its French garrison placed 
between them and the English. However, while extremelv careful to main- 
tain their old men, wives and children far to the westward of Fort Du 
Quesne, afterward Fort Pitt, the Delaware and Shawanese warriors (assisted 
until 1763 by the French) dominated over all of the country (with the ex- 
ception of small circles surrounding Forts Pitt and Ligonier) lying imme- 
diately west of the Allegheuies, until 1764, when Gen. Henry Boquet, with 
a strong force of Pennsylvania and Virginia provincials marched into the 
"Muskingum country." He defeated the savages in several encounters, and 
caused them to sue. for a peace which continued until after the beginning 
of the war for American independence. The British then rendered their 
name forever odious by marshaling under their banners the Delawares, 
Shawanese, Wyandots, Pottawatomies and other Northwestern tribes, besides 
the Six Nations of New York, whose warriors, after being fully supplied 
with English munitions of war, were sent forward to massacre, irrespective 
of age, sex or condition, the unfortunate residents of American border set- 
tlements. 

Having related thus much of the traditional and authentic history of the 
Delawares and Shawanese — tribes which many years ago were prominent in 
the region now embracing Wyandot County — we turn our attention to the 
"Erigas,"or Eries, and the Huron Iroquois, otherwise known as '" Yendots," 
or Wyandots. 

Of the Eries but little is known, and that little consists mainly of a few 
meager traditions. Indeed, some writers doubt whether such a tribe ever 
existed on the southern shores of Lake Erie, as claimed. However that may 
be, it is fair to presume that if such a race did once occupy the lake shore 
described, they were at the same time occupants of the territory now within 
the limits of Wyandot County, The early French priests, or missionaries, 
are quoted as authority for the statements, that about 230 yeai's ago a 
powerful tribe of savages, termed variously the Eries or " Cat Nation,'' the 
Erigas or "Neutral Nation," occupied a wide expanse of country on the 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 231 

southern border of Lake Erie, extending from the Niagara River on the east 
to the Miami River on the west; that they possessed fortified towns, and 
could muster four thousand warriors or fighting men, famed for their ex- 
ploits in archery. Finally, however, they became involved in a war with 
the Iroquois or Five Nations, which continued until the entire tribe of Fries 
was either killed, adopted into the powerful confederacy of the Five Nations, 
or driven to other regions far to the westward. This misfortune, we are 
told, befell the Fries about the year 1656, and it is supposed that from the 
date last mentioned until the coming of the Wyandots or Hurou-Iroquoi.s, 
the territory lying immediately to the southward of Lake Erie remained as 
abandoned or neutral ground. 

THE HURONS OR WYANDOTS. 

The first European to make mention of the tribe of Indians, since known 
to history as the Wyandots, was the celebrated French navigator and 
explorer Jacques Cartier, who in the summer of 1535, sailed up the St. 
Lawrence River to a place called by him Mont Royal (afterward changed 
by the English to Montreal), and formally took possession of all the country 
round about (in the name of King Francis the First), under the title of 
New France. Soon after, Cartier and his men extended their explorations 
along the Huron Lake, where, on its southern shores, they suddenly dis- 
covered themselves to be intruders upon the territory of a powerful tribe of 
savages, who called themselves, as did the New York Iroquois, Ontwaonwes, 
meaning " real men, " but known in French and English history as the 
Hur on -Iroqu ois, or more commonly the Hurons from their proximity to the 
lake of that name. The immediate territory occupied by them (lying about 
100 miles south of the mouth of the Ottawa or French River), was only 
about sixty miles in extent, yet. according to French writers, they then had 
twenty-fi ye to wns, and were about 30,000 in number. 

The Hurons, like all untutored aboriginal tribes, were chiefly employed 
in pursuits of the chase and warring with their no less savage neighbors. 
Yet it cannot be said of them, as of the Five Nations, that they were par- 
ticularly a warlike and vindictive people. However, they could not for a 
moment tolerate a tr ibal insult . Though they were, without a doubt, Men- 
gwes or Iroquois Indians, possessing many characteristics in common with 
their New York brethren, yet they were sworn enemies, and their tribal and 
personal vindictiveness was proverbial among all Indians. As the New York 
Iroquois was a confederation of the Mohawks, Oneidas, Onondagas, Cayu- 
gas and Senecas, so the Huron-Iroq uois was a league of the Hurons proper, 
and various tribes of the Algonquin race, and long before Cartier navigated 
the waters of the St. Lawrence these leagues and confederations of red men 
had waged wars of extermination against each other. Cartier made some 
attempts at colonization along the St. Lawrence, but in 1543 the few French 
settlements had all been abandoned and for more than half a century there- 
after, the disturbed condition of France entirely prevented its people from 
utilizing his discoveries. 

In 1603, however, Samuel de Champlain, another distinguished French 
mariner and explorer, led an expedition to Quebec, made a permanent set- 
tlement there, and, in fact, founded the colony of Canada. From Quebec 
and from Mont Royal, which was soon after established, the adventurous 
French explorers, fur traders, voyageurs and missionaries, pushed rapidly 
into the Western wilderness, and as early as 1615, Champlain himself 
visited the Hurons on the shores of Lake Manitouline. Quite as early, too, 



232 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

priests of the R6collet or Franciscan order, established missions in the 
same locality. 

As before indicated, the Hurons had been reared to hate the very name 
of the Irocj^uois — their Southern brethren — and from the remotest period of 
their tribal existence, the defiant warwhoop, Bounded by either of the bel- 
ligerents, was sufficient for the commencement of another bloody chapter in 
the unwritten history of their career. The Harons, therefore, hailed the 
arrival of Champlain with delight. They considered the brave bearing, 
and improved weapons of the French soldiery (added to their numerical 
strength, and their perfect acquaintance with the nature of the territory of 
their mortal enemies), would be a force sufficiently effective for the annihil- 
ation of the vindictive Iroqvuxis. Terms of alliance with the French were 
soon proposed by the Hurons to Champlain, who, not willing that his power 
should be unknown and unfelt in tjie Western wilds, and particularly that 
his dusky neighbors should be acquainted with the fact that opposition to 
his policy meant that they had in their own midst an enemy of territic ven- 
geance, whom it was always better to placate than offend, terms of alliance 
were at once consummated, by which, either in times of war or peace, the 
\__JHuron8 and French were to act as one people. 

Very naturally the Sout hern Iroquo is, or Five Nations, looked upon the 
French settlements on their Northern border with deep aversion. Already 
the Dutch had established themselves at New Amsterdam (New York) and 
along the Hudson River, the Swedes were occupying the Lower Delaware 
Valley, the English were making settlements at Plymouth Rock, and Salem, 
and Dorchester in New England, also in Virginia, and now the French 
encroachments upon the north aroused all their slumbering suspicions as to 
the final result, if foreign peoples were permitted to invade their territory, 
curtail their hunting-grounds, and thus trifle with their hitherto unlimited 
authority. Therefore, the ever alert and fie ry Monaw ks soon found an 
occasion for taking up the tomahawk against the French and the Hurons. 
Their example became infectious, anrl soon the whole confederation — the 
Mohawks, Oneidas, Onundagas, Cayugas and Senecas — took the war-path 
against their enemies in the North. Advised of the approach of the Iro- 
quois, Champlain made choice of his battle-field on the lake, which still 
bears his name, and with his own ships, surrounded by a fleet of bark 
canoes bearing his Huron allies, he met the enemy in mid-lake. Of course 
the advantages were all with the French, for water is never the selected 
battle-field of the Indian and bows and arrows were no match for musketry, 
and after a short, though stubbornly contested fight, the Iroquois gave way, 
and rowed their light, birch-bark canoes almost with the bounding of the 
deer to the shore from which they had embarked, hotly pursued by the 
equally light canoes of the Hurons. By the time they had reached the 
shore, the panic was complete. The forest offered them no encouragement 
to make a stand, so on they went, followed by the musketry of the French 
and the victorious whoop of the Hurons, till further pursuit was useless, 
and the chase was abandoned. 

The defeat sustained by the Five Nations on Lake Champlain, at the 
hands of the French and Hurons, as well as the constantly spreading out 
of white settlements in New England and New York, caused the terrible 
Iroquois confederates first mentioned to confine their attention to matters 
nearer home, and to remain comparatively (though not wholly) peaceable 
for many years. Meanwhile, or about 1(325, there had arrived on the shores 
of the St. Lawrence a few Jesuits, the vanguard of a host of those fiery 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 233 

/ 
champions of the cross who were destined; it appears, to crowd aside the 
more peaceful or more inert Franciscans throughout the whole river and 
lake region in the North, and substantially to appropriate that missionary 
ground to themselves. Their course was generally across Canada by land 
to Lake Manitouline, and thence in canoes through Lakes Huron, Michigan 
and Superior; for the more convenient route by way of the Niagara River 
and Lake Erie was guarded by the ferocious Iroquois, whom Champlain, by 
his ill-advised attack, had made the implacable enemy of the French. Dur- 
ing the period referred to, the Jesuit fathers were assiduous in their atten- 
tion to the Hurons; many of the latter were willingly made converts of the 
Catholic faith, and also showed a rapid advancement in the ways of civiliza- 
tion, particularly in the cultivation of the soil, and the production of corn, 
beans, pumpkins, squashes, etc. A number of schools and churches were 
likewise established at St. Louis, St. Ignatius, and other of their chief 
towns, and stockades erected to protect them from surprise by the dreaded 
Iroquois/' 

Th^ Iroquois, however, were only biding their time. For about two 
score years had they smarted under the stigma of the defeat I'eceived at the 
hands of Champlain. Another generation of warriors had grown up among 
them, and the sons were eager seekers of an opportunity by which the shame 
of the past might be obliterated in the glory of the future. This oppor- 
tunity was afforded them as early as 1648, when, by a treaty with the Dutch, 
they became well supplied with firearms, which previous to that time had 
been denied them by the Dutch authorities. The tireless, irreconcilable, 
unforgetting and unforgiving Iroquois were now ready for the war-path. 
The terms of the treaty above mentioned prevented the possibility of a 
conflict with the Du tch alon g the Hudson River, and as a similar peaceful 
state of affairs prevailed between them and the New England colonists, the 
young and restless warriors of the confederation turned to more remote 
fields in search of an enemy upon whom to test the virtues of their newly 
acquired implements of war. ^ 

Such an enemy was soon found (if any credence be given to traditional 
narration) in the persons of the Eries . who then inhabited the country 
lying to the southward of Lake Erie, and as a result, the latter were 
vanquished and destroyed. Our " Romans of America," the confederated 
Iroquois, then turned upon their ancient enemy, the Hurons . This war be- 
tween the Hurons and Iroquois raged for several years, or until about 
1 659, wh en the latter invaded the country of the former in great forces, de- 
feated them at every point, massacred large numbers, including several 
French priests, destroyed their crops and towns, and pursued the panic- 
stricken fugitives to remote quarters. Some of the Hurons sought protection 
under the walls o f Quebe c; others made their way to the frozen borders of 
Hud son's B ay; others again reached in safety the upper part of t he Lower 
Peninsula of Michigan; but the greater portion fled to the Ojibway, or as 
now termed, Chippewa hunting-grounds, on the southern shore of Lake Su- 
perior. The implacable Iroquois even followed the fugitives westward to 
their new haunts, but the latter, by the help of the Chippewas, were enabled 
to repulse their arrogant enemies, who thenceforth seldom sought a war- 
path which led so far to the Nor thwest ./ 

For a number of years the Hurons, the Ottawawas, or Ottawas, and the 
Dinondadies — tribes which had been driven from Canada by the fierce Iro- 
quois — led a restless, nomadic life in the Lake Superior region. At length 
they were visited by Fathers Jacques Marquette and Claude Dablon, who 



234 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

began to organize the Hurons. under their various chiefs, as a permanently- 
established, self-reliant people, and had succeeded in a measure, when a 
war with the Sioux compelled their removal to Michillimacinac, now known 
as Mackinaw. The assembling at Mackinaw of the Hurons and other tribes 
friendly to the French, took place about the year JUxI.l , and there they re- 
mained until 1703 ; when La Motte Cadillac, who hadl^een for several years 
the commandant at Mackinaw, established a pei'manent post on the " detroit," 
or strait, between Lakes Erie and St. Clair, which was at first known as 
F(>rt Ponchartrain, but soon after received the appellation of Detroit, which, 
as post, village and city it has retained to this day. Cadillac immediately 
made strenuous efforts to induce all the various tribes of the Northwest who 
were friends of the French to locate around and near Fort Ponchartrain, 
evidently desirous to have them well in hand, so that the French command- 
ers could more easily lead them on warlike expeditions against the English 
and Iroquois. The Hurons at Mackinaw (as well as various other tribes) 
promptly accepted his invitation. At Detroit, they were joined by quite 
large bands of Hurons and Dinondadies from Charity and Great Manitouline 
Islands. Subsequently new tribal compacts were perfected, and the re- 
united and combined tribes of Hurons and Dinondadies then became known 
as the Wyandots, meaning " Traders of the West." 

The warriors of the various tribes assembled at Fort Ponchartrain 
usually acted together in their numerous warlike expeditions. Of the con- 
flicts which they waged with other savages, however, there is seldom any 
record unless they fought in connection with the French. Even in that 
case the accounts are few and meager. It appears that the Indians in Mich- 
igan under French control were almost continually at war with the Iroquois, 
and, notwithstanding the acknowledged valor and sagacity of the Six Na- 
tions, the former (having the support and sometimes the active assistance of 
the French) were able after 1707 to hold their ground, and. to remain in 
41flaa^ai£!a.,Qtiliilt4?en insular throughout the centjiry. 

Early in May, 1712, when the warriors at Cadillac's settlement at the 
" detroit " were nearly all absent, hunting, a large body of Outagamie 
(Fox) and Mascoutin Indians, supposed to be in league with the Iroquois, 
suddenly appeared before Fort Ponchartrain, erected a breastwork, and 
made other preparations for an assault. Du Buisson, the commandant, 
who had only about twenty men with him, sent runners to call in the hunt- 
ing-parties, and then awaited ihe assault of his foes. It was made on the 
18th of May, and, though temporarily repulsed, there was every prospect 
that it would be successful on account of the comparatively large numbers 
of the assailants. 

While the fight was going on, however, the Wyan dots, Ottawa, and Pot- 
tawatomie warriors returned, and immediately attacked Du Buisson's 
assailants. The latter were driven into their own defenses; those defenses 
were assaulted by the French and their allies, and these in turn were re- 
pulsed by the Foxes and Mascoutins. Thus the conflict continued with 
varying fortunes for no less than nineteen days, when the invaders fled. 
Sevei'al miles north of Detroit they halted, and built a rude fortification, 
but the French and their allies attacked them with two small pieces of artil- 
lery, and routed them after three days more of fighting, when the Wyan- 
dots, Pottawatomies and Ottawas massacred eight hundred men, ivomen and 
children. 

In fact, the Fox nation was reported completely destroyed, but this was 
not the case. Some of its warriors joined the Iroquois, while the main body 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 235 

fled to the west side of Lake Michigan, where they were long distinguished 
for their especial hatred of the French. On the other hand, the friendship 
then cemented between the French and the 'W3'andots, Pottawatomies and 
Ottawas, endured through more than half a century of varied fortunes, and 
was scarcely severed when, throughout Canada and the West, the Gallic 
flag went down in hopeless defeat before the conqtiering Britons. 

From Detroit the Wyandots gradually extended their hunting-grounds 
to the southward (the strength of the Iroquois, after a thirty years' war with 
the French, having been much reduced, and their hostile incursions into 
the Lake Erie region successfully repelled), and as early as 1725 were in 
quiet possessioQ of the country about Saadusky Bay, and also claimed 
ownership to all the lands lying between Lake Erie and the Ohio River. In 
1740, they consented to the proposition that a considerable body of Dela- 
wares, who had been driven out of Pennsylvania by the Iroquois, should oc- 
cupy the Mu.skingum country. Finally, the entire Delaware nation, as well 
as the major portion of the Shawanese, became established in the present 
State of Ohio, and in conjunction with the Wya)idots (all allies of the 
French), desolated and laid waste the border settlements of Pennsylvania, 
Maryland and Virginia for many years. 

Our researches have not led us to believe that the Wyandots were any 
worse or any better than the average North American savage. They had the 
usual characteristics of the Indians, both of the Algonquin and Iroquois 
races, of which races, indeed, during the later years, they were a mixture. 
Less terrible in battle, less sagacious in council, than the men of the Six 
Nations, they were, nevertheless, like the rest of their red brethren, brave, 
hardy and skillful warriors, astute managers so far as their knowledge ex- 
tended, generally faithful friends, and invariably most implacable enemies. 
Their own time they devoted to war, the chase or idleness, abandoning to 
the women all the labors which could be imposed upon their weary 
shoulders. 

They lived in the utmost freedom which it is possible to imagine, con- 
sistent with any civil or military organization whatever. Their sachems 
exercised little authority, save to declare war or make peace, to determine 
on the migrations of the tribes, and to give wise counsels allaying any ill 
feelings which might exist among the people. There was no positive law 
compelling obedience. 

Even in war there was no way by which the braves could be forced to 
take the war-path. Any chieftain could drive a stake into the ground, dance 
the war dance around it, strike the tomahawk into it with a yell of de- 
fiance, and call for warriors to go forth against the foe. If his courage or 
capacity was doubted, he obtained but few followers. If he was of approved 
valor and skill, a larger number would grasp their weapons in response to 
his appeal; while if he was a chieftain distinguished far and wide for deeds 
of blood and craft, the whole nation would spring to arms, and all its vil- 
lages would resovind with the terrific notes of the war song, chanted by 
hundreds of frenzied braves. Even after they had taken the field (or more 
properly speaking, the woods) against their enemies, they could not be com- 
pelled to fight, except by the fear of being called a " squaw," which, however, 
to the Indian mi ad was a very terrible punishment. 

With the Indian method of warfare, the American mind is pretty well 
acquainted, so that we need not give a detailed description of it here. Few 
have not read how. the warriors went forth against their foes, clad chiefly in 
hideous paint, but aimed with tomahawk and scalping-knives, and those 



236 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

who have been suflScieutly successful in fur-catching, carrying also the cov- 
eted muskets of the white man; how they made their way with the utmost 
secrecy through the forest until they reached the vicinity of their enemies, 
whether red or white; how, when their unsuspecting victims were wrapped 
in slumber, the whole crowd of painted demons would burst in among them, 
using musket, knife and tomahawk with the most furious zeal; and how, 
when the torch had been applied, men, women and children were stricken 
down in indiscriminate slaughter by the luried light of their blazing homes. 

It is well known, too, that those who escaped immediate death were often 
reiserved for a still more horrible doom; that the fearful sport of running 
the gauntlet when a hundred weapons were flung by malignant foes at the 
naked fugitive, was but the preliminary amusement before the awful burn- 
ing at the stake, accompanied by all the refinements of torment which a 
baleful ingenuity could invent, yet supported with unsurpassable fortitude 
by the victim, who often shrieked his defiant death song amid the last con- 
vulsions of his tortured frame. Their religion was what might have been 
expected from their practices — a mass of senseless and brutal superstition 
— and Pere Marquette, the most zealous of missionaries, after several years 
of labor among the Northwestern Indians, could only say that the Hurons 
" retained a little Christianity." 

It would be foreign to the design of this work to attempt to give an 
extended account of all the wars, movements, etc., of the Wyandot In- 
dians, subsequent to their occupation of the Sandusky River country, even 
if such were possible. They were simply in common with all other tribes 
in the neighborhood of the great lakes, the friends and allies of the 
French, the foes of the English and Iroquois, and until the termination of 
the French power in America, had assisted the troops of that nation to 
fight many battles. Thus in 1744, when war broke out between France and 
England, numerous bands of savages from all the Northwestern tribes 
sought the service of the French. Some of them assailed the frontiers of 
Pennsylvania and Virginia, while others made their way to Montreal, where 
they were furnished with arms and ammunition, and were sent forth against 
the settlers of New York and New England. In 1745, one of the numer- 
ous records made by the Canadian ofiicials states that fifty "Poutewatamies," 
fifteen "Puans" and ten "Illinois" came to go to war. Another mentions the 
arrival of thirty-eight "Outawois, " seventeen "Sauternes," twenty-four 
Hurons, and fourteen "Poutewatamies." Similar official memoranda show 
the sending out of not less than twenty marauding expeditions against the 
English colonists in one year, frequent mention being made of the part 
taken by the Hurons or Wyandots in these bloody raids. 

After the close of that war by the treaty of Aix-la Chapelle in 1748. 
there was comparative quiet among the red men of the Northwest until the 
opening of the great conflict known in Europe as the seven -years' war, but 
in America called the " Old French and Indian War." This contest was 
commenced in the spring of 1754, by a fight between a body of Virginia 
rangers, under Lieut. Col. George Washington, and a company of French 
sent out from Fort DuQuesne, and continued until toward the close of 1762, 
when, by a treaty of peace between France and England, the former power 
gave up all claims to the Northwest Territory, and from that date their 
authority here ceased forevermore. 

Meanwhile, true to their promises and their friendships, the Hurons or 
Wyandots had participated side by side with the French in numerous con- 
flicts. They assisted to defeat Braddock in front of Fort Du Quesne. Sub- 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 237 

sequently, nearly every Wyaudot who could lift a tooiahawk, went forth 
upon the war path against the hapless inhabitants of the Pennsylvania and 
Virginia frontiers. They served under Montcalm in Canada. Again were 
they summoned to the defense of Fort Da Qaesne when it was threatened 
by Gen. Forbes' army, and the following year, under D'Aubry, they pro- 
ceeded to the relief of Fort Niagara. That fortress soon surrendered to the 
English, however, and a little later the fall of Quebec (at which a large 
body of the Northwestern Indians was present) virtually decided the fate 
of Canada and the Northwest. The Indians then began to lose faith in the 
omnipotence of their French friends, and our Wyandots, together with 
other tribes, returned to their homes on the shores of the Great Lakes and 
rivers of the West, and gloomily awaited the results referred to at the 
close of the preceding paragraph. 

When, in 17(33 , Pontiac, the renowned Ottawa chieftain, marshaled un- 
der his leadership the Northwestern tribes for the purpose of overthrowing 
British supremacy in that region, the Wyan dots joine d him. After the 
siege of Detroit had continued for several weeks, the Wyandots and Potta- 
watomies made a treaty of peace with Maj. Gladwyn, the besieged English 
commander, but when Maj.Tlogers and Capt. Dalzell led a party from the 
fort to attack Pontiac in his camp, the treacherous Wyandots and Pottawat- 
omies fiercely assaulted the flank of the British column. Dalzell was 
killed, and it was only by the most desperate exertions that his successor, 
Capt. Grant, with the aid of Maj. Rogers and his American rangers, was 
able to make good his retreat to the fort, after a fourth of his men were 
killed or wounded. 

The next summer, 1864, Gen. Bradstreet* occupied Detroit with a con- 
siderable force of English, Americans and Iroquois, the appearance of 
whom, together with Gen. Boquet's successful campaign into the Muskin- 
gum Country, doubtless tended to strongly impress the power of England on 
the hitherto hostile tribes. In 1765, George Croghan, Deputy Superintend- 
ent of Indian A£fairs, under the celebrated Sir William Johnson, baronet, 
his Majesty's sole agent and Superintendent of Indian Affairs in the North- 
ern Department of North America, etc., etc., etc., held a grand council meet- 
ing at Fort Pitt, and also at Detroit, with the Northwestern tribes. They 
had by that time become thoroughly humbled, and were sincerely desirous 
of peace and the re-opening of the fur trade. After the treaties then made, 
all these tribes remained steady friends of the British, so long as that na- 
tion had any need of their services. 

Pontiac himself gave in his submission at another council held in Au- 
gust of the same year. This celebrated chieftain was murdered by an Illi- 
nois Indian near St. Louis, in 1769. The Wyandotts, the Ottawas, and 
other tribes which had followed his lead, sprang to arms to avenge the mur- 
der, and almost exterminated the Illinois. Except this and similar conflicts 
with neighboring savages, also a slight participation in Dunmore's war, the 
Wyandotts remained at peace until the out-break of the Revolutionary war. 

The British then made strong and, as we shall see, successful efforts to 
obtain their assistance, and in the summer of 1777, several hundred Wyan- 
dots, Ottawas, Pottawatomies, Chippewas, Wiunebagoes and others from 
the region of the Great Lakes, all under Charles de Langdale, a French and 

* During the same season, Gen. Bradstreet, with his forces, ascended the Sandusky River as far as it was 
navigable tor boats, where a treaty of peace was signed by the chiefs and head men of the Wyandot na- 
tion. It is probable that he penetrated as far inland as the old Indian town of Upper Sandusky, which 
stood on the right bank of the river, about three miles above the present town of Upper Sandusky. Gen. 
Israel Putnam, then a Major in command of a battalion of American provincials, was with Bradstreet. 



238 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Indian half-breed, and another French officer, joined the English Army of 
Gen. Bargoyne. They accompanied him in his invasion of New York, but ac- 
complished little, except to burn some houses and slaughter a few families. 
Burgoyne made some efforts to restrain their ferocity, which so disgusted 
them that they nearly or quite all returned home before his surrender to 
Gen. Gates. They also complained that Burgoyne did not take good care 
of them, and that over a hundred of their number were needlessly sacrificed 
at Bennington, Vt. 

Although the Wyandots and their neighbors — the Ottawas, Chippewas, 
and Pottawattomies on the north, and the Delawares and Shawanese on the 
south — were opposed to taking any further part in the war under the direct 
command of British officers, and as part of a British Army, yet as it appears, 
they were not at all avei'se to making war upon the Americans in their own 
way, and under the lead of their own chiefs. Hence, late in the fall of 
1777, the Wyandot, Delaware and Shawanese warriors appeared in West- 
moreland County, Penn., where (many of the arms-bearing population being 
absent as members of Washington's army) they gathered many scalps. 
Elated with their success, they crossed the Alleghanies and slaughtered 
many of the inhabitants of the region now embraced by the counties of 
Bedford, Blair, Huntingdon and Somerset. Neither age, sex nor condition 
were spared by the savages. Immediately after the French Government had 
relinquished control of Canada and the Northwest Territory, the Jesuit mis- 
sionaries retired tu the Canadian side of the Great Lakes and the river St. 
Lawrence, hence the Wyandots, thus left without the Christianizing influ- 
ences of their former teachers, soon relapsed to a degree of barbarity and 
ferociousness which placed them upon an even footing with their no less 
savage allies, the Delawares, Shawanese, Mingoes and Miamis. The Six 
Nations also took the war-path in the interests of the British, and under the 
lead of the villains Brant, Butler and various tories, committed many mur- 
ders in the frontier settlements of New York and Pennsylvania, the mas- 
sacre of the Wyoming settlers and the destruction of Hannastown being 
among their chief exploits. 

These forays and murdering expeditions on the part of the savages un- 
der British pay continued until the close of the struggle for American in- 
dependence. Meanwhile, the Americans were using all the means at hand 
in the endeavor to defend their border settlements in the interior, while at 
the same time engaged in lighting the British armies, then desolating their 
seaport towns. To this end, in 1778, Gen. Lachlin Mcintosh, commander 
of the Western Military Department, with headquarters at Fort Pitt (Pitts- 
burgh), marched forth with about 1,000 men. He was vested with dis- 
cretionary powers, but it was purposed that he should march his army to 
Detroit, or at least as far as the Indian towns on the Sandusky River, which 
seemed to be the general places of rendezvous for the hostile tribes of the 
Northwest. Gen. Mcintosh, however, lacked the qualifications necessary to 
conduct an Indian warfare successfully, and only proceeded as far as thy 
immediate vicinity of the present town of Bolivar, in Tuscarawas County, 
Ohio. He there halted, erected Fort Laurens, garrisoned it with 150 men, 
under the command of Col. John Gibson, returned to Fort Pitt, and soon 
after resigned his command of the department. 

Fort Laurens — named in honor of the then President of the Continental 
Congress, Henry Laurens — was the first substantially built work erected 
within the present limits of Ohio. Yet disasters attended it from the be- 
ginning. The Indians stole the horses, and drew the garrison into several 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 239 

ambuscades, killing fourteen men at one time and eleven at another, besides 
capturing a number of others. Eight hundred warriors, among them many 
Wyandots, invested it and kept up the siege for six weeks! The provisions 
grew short, and when supplies from Fort Pitt had arrived within a hundred 
yards of the fort, the gai'rison, in their joyousness. tired a general salute 
with musketry, which so frightened the loaded packhorses as to produce a 
general stampede through the woods, scattering the provisions in every di- 
rection, so that most of the much-needed supplies were lost. Although it 
was regarded very desirable, for various military reasons, to have a gar- 
risoned fort and depot of supplies at a point about equidistant from the 
forts on the Ohio River and the hostile Indians on the Sandusky Plains, 
yet so disastrous had been the experiences at Fort Laurens that it was 
abandoned in August, 1779. 

During subsequent years, other expeditions were organized in Pennsyl- 
vania and Kentucky for the purpose of chastizing with powder and ball the 
hostile Indians of Ohio. Thus Col. John Bowman took the field with 160 
Kentuckians in July, 1779; Col. George Rogers Clark, with about 1,000 
Kentuckians, in July, 1780; Gen. Daniel Brodhead, with 300 men from 
Fort Pitt, in April, 1781; and Col. Archibald Lochry, with about 100 men 
from Westmoreland County, Penn. , in July, 1781. These expeditions were 
attended with varying success, but as they had in view the punishment of 
the savages occupying the southern half of the present State, no special 
significance, as regards the history of Wyandot County, can be attached to 
their movements. 

However, notwithstanding the efforts put forth by the Americans, the 
savages remained masters of the field in Ohio, the neighborhood of the 
Great Lakes, and along the River St. Lawrence. The Wyandots of the 
Sandusky Plains (together with large numbers of the Delawares and 
Shawanese, who, driven from haunts farther South by the expeditions 
already mentioned, had established themselves near the Wyandots), fully 
supplied with war material from the British post at Detroit, still continued 
their massacres of the inhabitants of the frontier settlements of Pennsyl- 
vania. The fiendishness displayed by these savages in their attacks upon 
isolated white settlements was unbounded, and frequently every member of 
a family was found slain, scalped, their bodies otherwise horribly mutilated, 
and their dwelling burned to ashes. The prattling babe, as well as the 
tottering decrepit grandparents, all, all fell victims to a ferocity of dispo- 
sition and studied cruelty of purpose that is harrowing to contemplate, 
even after the lapse of more than one hundred years. At last, stung to 
desperation by the loss of parents, brothers, sisters, wives and children, at 
the hands of the savages, the sturdy Scotch-Irish residents of W^estmore- 
land and Washington Counties, Penn., determined upon the organi- 
zation of a force, under the authority of the military commander of that 
department, which should proceed to the Sandusky Plains (the rendezvous 
of all the hostile savages of the Northwest), and give battle to the Indians 
upon their own ground. This determination resulted in the formation and 
sending forward of a body of men under Col. William Crawford, whose 
movements, battles, etc., will be noted in the succeeding chapter. 



240 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 



CHAPTER III. 

INDIAN OCCUPANCY.— Continued. 

(Events from 1782 to 1818.) 

The Inception of Crawford's Sandusky Expedition— The March— Bat- 
tle — Results — Dr. Kntgiit's Narratio.v — Biographical Sketch of 
Col. Crawford — The Treaty of Fort McIntosh— Treaty of Fort 
Harmar— Sad Results Attending the ExPEDrrroNs under Gens. 
Harmar and St. Clair— "Mad Anthony" in the Field— He Defeats 
the Combined Savage Tribes at the "Fallen Timbers"— Indian Ac- 
counts OF THE Fight— Treaty of Greenville— Of Fort Industry — 
Of Broavnstown- The Wyandots the Friends of the Americans — 
War of 1812-15— Treaty of the Foot of the Rapids of the Miami 
OF THE Lake— Terms— Supplementary Treaty Held at St. Mary's — 
The Wyandots Finally Established on Reservations, i. e., Lands 
NOW Embraced by Wyandot County— Death of their Great Chief 
Tariie — Attendant Funeral Ceremonies — Tribal Names of the Wy- 
andots— Sketch OF Chief Tariie, as Prepared by William Walker, a 
Quadroon of the Wyandot Nation. 

AS ali'eady indicated, the year 1782, especially along the American 
border settlements, was one of war, bloodshed and carnage. LTrged 
on by the British officers at Detroit, the Indians sought every opportunity of 
wreaking their vengeance upon the unprotected settlers. The woods of 
Western Pennsylvania and Virginia teemed with savages the most vindic- 
tive, and no one was safe from attack unless protected by the walls of a 
fortified station. On the 28th of March, Gen. William Irvine, com- 
mander of the Western Military Department, with headquarters at Fort 
Pitt, issued a call to the ofiicers of the militia of the counties of West- 
moreland and Washington (which counties then comprised all that part 
of Southwestern Pennsylvania lying west of Laurel Hill, AVashington 
County, having been erected from Westmoreland in 1781) to meet in coun- 
cil at Pittsburgh on April 5, to take into consideration the adoption of 
some systematic defense of the exposed settlements. The council was large- 
ly attended, and the plan then agreed upon was to divide the regular troops 
equally between Forts Pitt and Mcintosh, and to keep flying bodies of 
volunteers marching from place to place along the line of the frontier. 

The county of Westmoreland agreed to furnish sixty-five men to range 
along the border from the Allegheny River to Laurel Hill, while Wash- 
ington County stipulated to keep in the field one hundred and sixty men to 
patrol the Ohio River from Montour' s Bottom to Wheeling. It was soon ap- 
parent, however, that this experiment or system of defense was inadequate, 
for in spite of every precaution, and in defiance of every expedient to 
thwart them, the wily savages would frequently cross to the left banks of 
the Ohio and Allegheny rivers, fall suddenly upon some unsuspecting and 
helpless settlements, and after completing their work of murder and pillage, 
would hurriedly recross the rivers, and be far away in the wettern wilds be- 
fore the patroling volunteers were aware of their presence. Therefore it 
was soon demonstrated to the entire, satisfaction of the majority of the en- 
dangered inhabitants that the only security for the frontier lay iri carrying 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 241 

the war into the Indian country, and in accordance with this feelino- Col. 
Marshall, the commandant at Fort Mcintosh, wrote to Gen. Irvine, on the 
2d of April, an follows : "This is most certain, that unless an expedition 
be carried against some of the principal Indian towns early this summer, 
this country must unavoidably suffer." Again, on the 4th of the same 
month, he wrote: "The people in general on the frontiers are waiting 
with anxious expectation, to know whether an expedition can be carried 
against Upper Sandusky * early this spring or not." 

It is claimed that Gen. Irvine was not in favor of carrying the war into 
the Sandusky country, but be that as it may, he soon after called a council 
of the officers of his department to meet at his headquarters, at Fort Pitt, 
on the 7th of May, to take the matter under advisement. A large number 
of officers were present, and many others who could not come were repre- 
sented in writing. There was a wonderful unanimity of opinion, at this 
meeting, as to the necessity of sending an expedition into the Indian 
country. It was known that most of the scalping parties prowling about 
the borders came from Upper Sandusky, not, however, that all the savao-es 
invading the settlements were Wyandots, but that their town was the grand 
rallying point for all the Northwest tribes before starting for the frontiers. 
Of the men called together at Gen. Irvine's headquarters, none failed to ap- 
preciate the pressing necessity for the destruction of the Sandusky rendez- 
vous. An expedition was determined upon, and Upper Sandusky, the fa- 
vorite point of assembling for the hostile Wyandots, Delawares, Shawanese 
and Mingoes, was named as the point of attack. 

Mingo Bottom, a point on the right bank of the Ohio River, about two 
and one-half miles below the present town of Steubenville, was designated 
as the place of rendezvous, and Monday, May 20, as the time for the assem- 
blage of those who were to take part in the movement. However, the vol- 
unteers did not all report until Friday morning, May 24, when the last one 
crossed to the west side of the river. The remainder of that day was occupied 
in the election of regimental and company officers, and in making prepara 
tions for the march to begin the following morning. Of the troops assem- 
bled, Washington County. Penn., had furnished three hundred and twenty; 
Westmoreland County, Penn.. one hundred and thirty; Ohio County, Ya., 
twenty; and other localities not known, ten; making a total of four hundred 
and eighty officers and men. In the election which took place for chief 
commander of the expedition. Col. William Crawford, of Westmoreland 
County, and Col. David Williamson, of Washington County — he who had 
commanded the expedition to the Tuscarawas countryf two months before — 
were the candidates. The vote stood two hundred and thirty- live for Col. 
Crawford and two hundred and thirty for Col. Williamson. Col. Crawford 
having been, by a small majoi'lty, placed at the head of the expedition, his 
competitor, Col. Williamson, was immedititely chosen, by a unanimous vote, 



* Upper Sandusky was then the place where the British paid their Western Indian allies their annuities. 

fWe are well aware of the fact that numbers of those who have heretofore written concerning Crawford's 
Sandusky expedition have managed to interweave in their narriitinns something about the wretched Moravian 
affdir. The Delawares under the partial control of the easy-going Moravian roissionarien may or may not have 
been guilty of ofTenses against the whiles ea-ft of the Ohio River. It his been claimed that Delaware Indians who 
spoke the German language, and wh'i claimed to belong to one of the Moravian villages, committed murders in a 
while settlement on the Pennsylvania border, also, that Williamson'o men found children's clothing in one of the 
Moravian towns, which was identified as having been worn by little while children when killed or cariied off' by 
Indians. Be this as it may, we consider an account of the .Moravian aflair as not pertinent to the histoiy of the 
Wyandot Indians, or of Wyandot County, and, therefore, forbear making further mention of it. If, however, it 
be asserted that by reason of the killing of tbe Delaware Indians, at the Moravian towns, the Delaware tribes 
were made more bloodthirsty, and burned Col. Crawford by way ot retaliation, we answer, that the Delaware* 
were always bloodthirsty, vindictive, treacherous, cowardly, and that they burned many white prisoners at the 
stake, both before and after the death of Crawford. 



242 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

the Senior Major, or second officer in rank. The other Majors were Thomas 
Gaddis, John McClelland and Maj. Brinton. Daniel Leet was elected 
Brigade-major; Dr. John Knight was appointed Surgeon; and JohnSlover 
and Jonathan Zane accompanied the expedition as guides. The force was 
divided into eighteen companies, some of which were commanded by the 
following named captains: McGeehan, Hoagland, Beeson, Munn, Boss, 
Ogle, John Biggs, Craig, Ritchie, John Miller, Joseph Bean and Andrew 
Hood. 

Gen. Irvine issued sealed orders directed to the "Commander-in- 
Chief of the expedition against the Indian town at or near Sandusky,'' in 
which he specifically set forth the object of his command to be " to destroy 
with fire and sword (if practicable) the Indian town and settlement at San- 
dusky, by which it was hoped to give ease and safety to the inhabitants of 
this country; but if that should be found impracticable, to perform such 
other services in his power as would, in their consequences, have a tendency 
to answer that great end." It was also directed to "settle all questions of 
rank before leaving their rendezvous; and to regulate their last day's march 
so as to reach said town about dawn or a little before, in order to effect a 
surprise." Gen. Irvine spoke of the expedition as being composed of "dis- 
interested and virtuous men, who had the protection of this country in view, 
and upon whom he enjoined it specially to act in such a manner as to re- 
flect honor on and add reputation to the American arms." The orders con- 
cluded " with the sincere wishes of the department commander for their suc- 
cess." 

It will thus be seen that the Crawford expedition ivas not, as many 
have thought and asserted, an unauthorized, illegal, ill-considered or 
murderous raid — " a sudden and wild maraud " of "untamed bordei'ers" 
— an organization put on foot by lawless men, for the destruction of the 
remnant of the Moravian Indians that had been, during the previous 
year, forcibly removed from their villages on the Tuscarawas, by the 
British and Delaware hostiles to the Saadusky Plains. The massacre 
of innocent, inoffensive Indians was not the purpose of the expedition, 
commanded by Col. Crawford, to the Saudusky country, in 1782. It was 
to chastise hostile Indian tribes who had been and still ^were the deadly 
enemies of the settlers on the Western borders — enemies of our civilization 
— enemies of our common country — enemies of the white race. And all 
those writers who have maintained that Col. Crawford's command was com- 
posed of "bandits and murderers," and that their purpose was "to destroy the 
remainder of the Moravian Indians," were undoubtedly mistaken. Butter- 
field, in his admirable history of "Crawford's Sandusky Campaign," says, 
that " in all examinations of the correspondence of those projecting the 
expedition against Sandusky, and of those who took part in it, as well as 
of papers and documents of that period relating thereto, and of contempora- 
neous publications, he had not met with a single statement or word calcu- 
lated to awaken a suspicion, even of intended harm, to the Christian Indians 
upon the Sandusky. Whenever the objective point of the expedition is 
mentioned, it is invariably given as Sandusky, or the W^yandot town or 
towns." 

Early on the morning of Saturday, May 25, Crawford's command began 
its march on horseback for the Sandusky Plains, distant about ]50 miles. 
They purposed making a rapid march, avoiding, as far as practicable, the 
Indian trails, so as to reach the Sandusky region without the knowledge of 
the Indians, and thus take them by surprise. The wily nature of the sav- 







WYANDOT MISSION CHURCH 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 245 

ages, says Butterfield, was too well known to give assurance of security 
because no enemy was visible; hence Col. Crawford " took every precaution 
to guard against ambuscades and surprises." " Unceasing vigilance was 
the watchword." However, nothing worthy of note transpired until Mon- 
day night, the 27th, while at the third encampment. Here a number of the 
men lost their horses, which were hunted for the next morning without sue 
cess. It was then decided by Col. Crawford that these dismounted men 
should return home, as their crippled condition would contribute more to the 
burden and inconvenience of the movement than would their services toward 
securing its successful issue. On Tuesday, the 28th, the fourth day of the 
march, the command reached the Tuscarawas River, at a point about one 
mile below the present town of New Philadelphia, the county seat of Tus- 
carawas County. During the same evening, Maj. Brinton and Capt. Bean, 
while a short distance from the camp, discovered two Indians lurking near 
by, upon whom they immediately tired, but without effect. These escaping 
Indians, says Dr. Knight, gave notice to the hostiles ou the Sandusky of 
the movements of the Americans. The fact of the discovery while yet so 
remote from the objective point rendered the necessity greater for a rapid 
march. Therefore, on Wednesday morning, the 29th, the march was re- 
sumed with a rapidity not before attempted. The guides, Slover and Zane, 
in the advance, led off in a northwest course across the Killbuck, above the 
present town of Millersburg, county seat of Holmes County, leaving Woos- 
ter, the present county seat of Wayne County, about ten miles to the north, 
and Manstield, now the county seat of Richland County, a few miles south, 
and on the evening of Saturday, June 1, the entire command encamped at 
a point now known as Spring Mills, about eight miles east of the present 
town of Crestline, in Crawford County. On the following day, Sunday, 
June 2, the expedition arrived at the Sandusky River near the present vil- 
lage of Leesville, having marched about eighty -five miles during the last 
tive days. The Sandusky Plains were reached on Monday, the 3d day of 
June, and the mouth of the Little Sandusky on Tuesday, the 4th. Later 
on the same day, the troops reached the W^yandot town, then known as Up- 
per Sandusky, which was situated about three miles southeast of the present 
town of that name, but to the utter astonishment of Crawford and his 
men, not an Indian was to be seen, and the village appeared as if it had 
been deserted for some time. It was now afternoon. The men and officers 
dismounted, and while the horses leisurely grazed upon the luxuriant and 
abundant pasturage, and the men drank from a neighboring spring, Col. 
Crawford and his officers consulted as to what was best to be done. 

One of the guides of the expedition, Slover, had been a prisoner among 
the Indians, and was familiar with the localities in the Sandusky region. He 
communicated his opinion to Col. Crawford, that the Indians of the deserted 
Wyandot village, on hearing of his approach, had probably gone to one of 
their towns, situated about eight miles down the river. It was thereupon 
determined to move forward at once in search of them. A march of three 
miles brought them to the site of the present town of Upper Sandusky. 
After a, furthm' advance movement of about a mile, some of the men stated 
that they were short of supplies, and expressed a desire to retvirn instead of 
proceeding onward. A council of war was then held, to consider the ques- 
tion of the probability of the concentration of the hostile Indians in their 
front. Crawford and the guide, Zane, were of the opinion that there were 
indications that the Indians were bent on a determined resistance, and were 
then, probably, collecting their warriors. Zane advised an immediate re- 



246 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

turn home. The council, however, decided to continue the march during 
the remainder of that afternoon, but no longer. 

Col. Crawford had previously sent forward a small body of men for the 
purpose of reconnoitering. This party had gone but about two miles when 
they discovered the enemy in full force rapidly moving toward them. Im- 
mediately one of the scouts was sent back to Col. Crawford to inform him of 
the presence of the enemy. The council had just adjourned, and the troops 
were at once formed for action. After advancing about a mile, the enemy 
were found moving toward a grove, evidently meaning battle. Col. Craw- 
ford ordered his men to dismount and advance upon the Indians. They 
did so, and ere the expiration of many minutes the savages were dislodged, 
and the Americans in possession of the grove. Soon, the Delawares, with 
whom the battle was opened, were reinforced by the Wyandots, all being 
under the command of Capt. Mathew Elliott, an Irishman in the service of 
the British Government. Very soon, the action, which commenced aboiit 4 
o'clock P. M., became general. The infamous renegade, Simon Girty, was 
with the savages and acted a conspicuous part. The Indians were protected, 
in a measure, by the tall prairie grass, and the Pennsylvanians were also 
afforded some protection, too, by the grove, of which they had, by gallant 
fighting, obtained possession. The fight at " Battle Island," in what is now 
termed Crane Township, Wyandot County, continued with varying success 
until dark, when the Indians retired farther out into the prairie, and ceased 
firing. The loss sustained by the Americans was four killed and nineteen 
wuunded. Doubtless the Indians lost a greater number, but of course it 
was never known. 

Crawford retained his position in the grove during the night, his men 
meanwhile suffering terribly for lack of water. At daylight on the morn- 
ing of June 5 (Wednesday), the firing was renewed, but in a desultory man- 
ner, and at long range only, and so continued throughout the day. Hence 
little damage was done (the Americans having four more men wounded) and 
the relative position of the opposing forces remained unchanged. During 
the day, however, the enemy was reinforced by a body of white troops, 
known as " Butler's Hangers," also by about 200 Shawanese Indians. Sav- 
ages from other quarters also kept gathering in, so that the Americans were 
surrounded and greatly out- numbered. A council of war was thereupon 
called, which unanimously decided upon a retreat that night. The move- 
ment was to commence at 9 o'clock. Just as the hour had arrived for the 
retreat to begin, the enemy discovered the intentions of the Americans and 
opened fire from various points. Confusion followed, and some in the front 
line hurried off, followed by many pushing forward from the rear. The ad- 
vance, under command of Maj. McClelland, was furiously attacked by the 
Delawares and Shawanese and suffered severely, he being fatally wounded. 
The rear division was also attacked and suffered considerable loss. All 
through the night the retreat was continued, the enemy pursuing in consid- 
erable force, with more or less vigor and efficiency. The advance of Craw- 
ford's command arrived at the oldi town of Upper Sandusky about daybreak 
of Thursday, June 6, where, after a short time, about 300 of the original 
force were collected. 

It was then ascertained that Col. Crawford was missing. But none knew 
whether he was killed, captured, or was making his escape on some route 
other than that taken by the main body of his forces. Dr. Knight and 
John Slover, one of the pilots, or guides, were also among those unaccounted 
for. The retreating volunteers were now under the command of Col. Will- 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 247 

iamson, who is said to have conducted the movement as skillfully and suc- 
cessfully as could have been reasonably expected. When well along on the 
open country or "plains," a large body of mounted Indians and British 
cavalry came in sight of the retreating troops. The enemy pressed forward 
so closely upon their flanks and rear that the Pennsylvanians liually halted, 
formed their lines, and gave battle. This was at 2 o'clock P. M., on Thurs- 
day, June 6, near the eastern edge of the plains, not far from a small branch 
of the Olentangy Creek, a tributary of the Scioto, in what is now known as 
Whetstone Township, Crawford County. The enemy attacked on front, left 
flank and rear, but seemed glad to retire at the expiration of an hour's 
fighting. In this action, termed the " Battle of Olentangy,'' the Ameri- 
cans lost three men killed and eight wounded. The loss of the enemy was 
much greater. 

The retreat then continued in a chilly, drenching rain, the enemy still 
pursuing and occasionally firing a shot at a respectable distance in the rear. 
At night the opposing forces were encamped within a mile of each other. 
Scarcely had the Americans formed their lines at daybreak of the 7th, when 
the enemy opened fire from the rear. Here they captured tAvo of the Amer- 
icans, and it is supposed tomahawked them. But the main body was not 
pursued further, the last hostile shot having been fired near the present 
town of Crestline, in Crawford County. On their further retreat they 
had frequent accessions of stragglers, who had been detached by various 
means from the main body early in the retrograde movement. The home- 
ward march was along the trail of the troops when outward bound, as far 
as the Tuscarawas, which they crossed June 10. From that point to the 
Ohio River, Williamson's trail was followed. Mingo Bottom was reached 
on the 13th, where, to their gi-eat joy, they found several of their missing 
comrades, who had arrived before them. But the gallant Crawford was not 
among them, and about 100 of the 480 men that started with the expedi- 
tion never returned. Among the unre turned heroes were William Harrison, 
son- in-law, and William Crawford, the nephew of Col. Crawford. Harrison 
suffered death at the stake. 

John Slover, the guide, was captured by a band of Shawanese within 
twenty miles of the Tuscarawas River, at a point now within the limits of 
Wayne County. He was taken back to the Sandusky Plains, and from thence 
to the Shawanese towns near Mad River, now in Logan County, where he was 
beaten and made to run the gauntlet. Finally, he was taken to Wapatomica, 
an Indian village situated near the site of Zanesfield, in Logan County, 
where a council condemned him to die at the stake. Taken to Mack-a- 
chack, another Indian village, which stood near the site of the present town 
oP West Liberty, in Logan County, he was bound to a post and a fire kin- 
dled around him. Soon after the fire began to blaze a heavy rainstorm 
came on and extinguished it. The savages then postponed the burning un- 
til the next day. During the night, though bound with cords and guarded, 
he escaped, and finally reached the settlements, having crossed the Ohio 
River at W'heeling, July 11, 1782. 

We now give place to Dr. John Knight's narrative, which, written by 
him soon after his escape, tells of the march, battle, capture and death of 
Col. Crawford. It is as follows: 

" About the latter end of the month of March or the beginning of April, 
of the year 1782, the Western Indians began to make incursions upon the 
frontiers of Ohio County, Va., and Washington and Westmoreland Coun- 
ties, Penn.. which had been their constant j^ractice ever since the commence- 
ment of the present war between the United States and Great Britain. 



248 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

" In consequence of these predatory invasions, the principal officers of the 
above-mentioned counties, named Cols. Williamson and Marshall, tried 
every method in their power to set on foot an expedition against the Wyan- 
dot tow^ns, which they could effect in no other way than by giving all possi- 
ble encouragement to volunteers. The plau proposed was as follows: Every 
man furnishing himself with a horse, a gun, and one month's provision 
should be exempt from two tours of militia duty. Likewise that every one 
who had been plundered by the Indians should, if the plunder could be 
found at their towns, have it again, proving it to be his property; and all 
horses lost on the expedition by unavoidable accidents were to be replaced 
by horses taken in the enemy's country. 

"The place appointed for the rendezvous or general meeting of the vol- 
unteers was fixed on the west side of the Ohio River, about forty miles 
below Fort Pitt by land, and, I think, about seventy-tive by water. 

" Col. Crawford was solicited by the general voice of these western coun- 
ties and districts to command the expedition. He accordingly set out as a 
volunteer and came to Fort Pitt two days before the time appointed for the 
assembling of the men. As thpre was no surgeon yet appointed to go with 
the expedition. Col. Crawford begged the favor of Gren. Irvine to permit me 
to accompany him (my consent having been previously asked), to which the 
General agreed, provided Col. Gibson did not object. Having obtained per- 
mission of the Colonel, I left Fort Pitt on Tuesday, May 21, and the next 
day about 1 in the afternoon arrived at the Min.o Bottom. The volunteers 
did not all cross the river until Friday morning, the 24th; they then dis- 
tributed themselves into eighteen companies, choosing their Captains by 
vote. There were chosen also one Colonel commandant, four field Majors 
and one brigade Major. There were 465 who voted. 

" We began our march on Saturday, May 25, making almost a due west 
course, and on the fourth day reached the old Moravian town upon the river 
Muskingum, about sixty miles from the river Ohio. Some of the men, hav- 
ing lost their horses on the night preceding, returned home. Tuesday, the 
28th, in the evening, Maj. Brinton and Capt. Bean went some distance 
from camp to reconnoiter; having gone about one-quarter of a mile, they 
saw two Indians, upon whom they fired and then returned to camp. This 
was the first place we were discovered, as we understood afterward. On 
Tuesday, the 4th of June, which was the eleventh day of our march, about 
1 o'clock, we came to the spot where the town of Sandusky formerly stood; 
the inhabitants had moved eighteen miles lower down the creek nearer 
Lower Sandusky; but as neither our guides or any who were with us had 
known anything of their removal, we began to conjecture there were no 
Indian towns nearer than Lower Sandusky, which was at least forty miles 
distant. 

" However, after refreshing our horses, we advanced on in search of some 
of their settlements, but had scarcely got the distance of three or four miles 
from the old town, when a number of our men expressed their desire to 
return, some of them alleging that they had only five days' provisions; upon 
which the field officers and Captains determined in council to proceed that 
afternoon and no longer. Previous to the calling of this council, a small 
party of light horse .had been sent forward to reconnoiter. Just as the 
council had ended, an express retui'ned from the above-mentioned party of 
light horse with the intelligence that they had been about three miles in 
front, and had seen a large body of Indians running toward them. In a 
short time we saw the rest of the light horse, who joined us, and having 



HISTORY OF AVYANDOT COUNTY. 249 

gone one mile further met a number of Indians who had partly got posses- 
sion of a piece of woods before us, whilst we were in the plains, but our 
men, alighting from their horses and rushing into the woods, soon obliged 
them to abandon that place. 

" The enemy, being by this time re-inforced, flanked to the right and a part 
of them coming in our i-ear quickly made the action more serious. The 
tiring continued very warm on both sides from 4 o'clock until the dark of 
the evening, each party maintaining their ground. And next morning about 
4 o'clock, some guns were dischai'ged at the distance of 200 or 300 yards; 
which continued till day, doing little or no execution on either side. The 
lield officers then assembled and agreed as the enemy were every moment 
increasing, and we had already a number wounded, to retreat that night. 
The whole body was to form into three lines, keeping the wounded in the 
center. We had four killed and twenty-three wounded, of the latter seven 
very dangerously, on which account as many biers were got ready to carry 
them; most of the rest were slightly wounded and none so bad but they 
could ride on horseback. After dark the officers went on the outposts and 
brought in all the men as expeditiously as they could. Just as the troops 
were about to form, several guns were fired by the enemy, upon which some 
of our men spoke out and said our intention was discovered by the Indians, 
who were firing alarm guns, upon which some in front hurried off, and the 
rest immediately followed, leaving the seven men that were dangerously 
wovinded, some of whom, however, got off on horseback by means of some 
good friends, who waited for and assisted them. 

" We had not got a quarter of a mile from the field of action, when I 
heard Col. Crawford calling for his son, John Crawford, his son-in-law, Maj. 
Harrison. Maj. Rose, and William Crawford, his nephew, upon which I 
came up and told him I believed they were before us. He asked, ' Is that 
the doctor? ' I answered, 'yes.' He then replied that they were not in 
front, and begged of me not to leave him. I promised him I would not. 
We then waited and continued calling for these men until all of the troops 
had passed us. The Colonel told me that his horse had almost given out, 
that he could not keep up with the troops, and wished some of his best 
friends to remain with him; presently there came two men riding after us, 
one of them an old man, the other a lad. We inquired if they had seen 
any of the above persons, and they answered they had not. 

"By this time there was a very hot tiring before us, and, as we judged, 
near where our main body must have been. Our course was then nearly sovith- 
west, but, changing it, we went north about two miles, the two men remain- 
ing in company with us. Judging ourselves now out of the enemy's lines, 
we took a due east course, taking care to keep at the distance of fifteen or 
twenty yards apart, and directing ourselves by the north star. The old 
man often lagged behind, and when this was the case he never failed to 
call for us to halt for him. When we were near the Sandusky River, he 
fell one hundred yards behind, and bawled out for us to stop, as usual. 
While we were preparing to I'eprimand him for making a noise, I heard an 
Indian halloo, as I thought, 150 yards from the man, and partly behind 
him. After this we did not hear the man call again, neither did he ever 
come up to us any more. It was now past midnight, and about daybreak 
Col. Crawford's and the young man's horses gave out, and they left 
them. We pursued our journey eastward, and about 1 o'clock fell in with 
(3apt. Biggs, who had carried Lieut. Ashley from the field of action, who 
had been dangerously wounded. 



250 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

"We then went on about the space of an hour, when, a heavy rain 
coming on, we concluded it was best to encamp, as we were encumbered with 
the wounded officer. We then barked four or five trees, made an encamp- 
ment and a fire, and remained there ail that night. Next morning we again 
prosecuted our journey, and having gone about three miles, found a deer 
which had been recently killed. The meat was sliced from the hams and 
bundled in the skin, with a tomahawk lying by it. We carried all with us, 
and, in advancing about one mile further, espied the smoke of a fire. We 
then gave the wounded officer into the charge of the young man, desiring 
him to stay behind whilst the Colonel, the Captain and myself walked up 
as cautiously as we could toward the fire. When we came to it we con- 
cluded, from several circumstances, some of our people had encamped 
there the preceding night. We then went about roasting the venison, and, 
when about to march, we observed one of our men coming upon our tracks. 
He seemed at first very shy, but having called to him, he came up and told 
that he was the person that killed the deer, but, upon hearing us come up, 
was afraid of Indians, hid in a thicket, and made off. Upon this we gave 
him some bread and roasted venison, proceeded altogether upon oiir 
journey, and about 2 o'clock came upon the paths by which we had gone 
out. Capt. Biggs and myself did not think it safe to keep the road, but 
the Colonel said the Indians would not follow the troops further than the 
plains, which we were then considerably past. As the wounded officer rode 
Capt. Biggs' horse, I loaned the Captain mine. The Colonel and myself 
went about one hundred yards in front, the Captain and wounded officer in 
the center, and the two young men behind. After wo had traveled about 
one mile and a half, several Indians started up within fifteen or twenty 
steps of the Colonel and me. As we at first discovered only three, I im- 
mediately got behind a large black oak, made ready my piece, and I'aised it 
up to take sight, when the Colonel called to me twice not to tire; upon that, 
one of the Indians ran up to the Colonel and took hiin by the hand. The 
Colonel then told me to put down ray gun, which I did. At that instant 
one of them came up to me whom I had formerly seen very often, calling 
me Doctor, and took me by the hand. They were Delaware Indians of the 
Wingenin tribe. Capt. Biggs fired amongst them, but did no execution. 
They then told us to call these and make them come back, else they would 
go and kill them, which the Colonel did, but they four got off and escaped 
for that time. 

" The Colonel and I were then taken to the Indian camp, which was about 
one-half a mile from the place where we were captured. On Sunday even- 
ing five Delawares, who had posted themselves at some distance further on 
the road, brought back to the camp where we lay Capt. Biggs and Lieut. 
Ashley's scalps, with an Indian scalp, which Capt. Biggs had taken in the 
field of action. They also brought in Biggs' horse and mine. They told 
us the other two had got away from them. 

" Monday morning, the 10th of June, we were paraded to march to San- 
dusky about thirty-three miles distant. They had eleven prisoners of us, 
and four scalps, the Indians being seventeen in number. Col. Crawford 
was very desirous to see a 'certain Simon Girty,' who lived among the In- 
dians, and was on this account permitted to go to Tarhe the same night, 
with two warriors to guard him, having orders at the same time to pass by 
the place where the Colonel had turned out his horse, that they might if 
possible find him. The rest of us were taken to the old town, which was 
within eifrht miles of the new. 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 251 

"Tuesday morning, the 11th, Col. Crawford was brought out to us 
on purpose to be marched in with the prisoners. I asked the Colonel if he 
had seen Mr. Girty; he told me had, and that Girty had promised to do 
everything in his power for him, but that the Indians were very much en- 
raged against the prisoners, particularly Capt. Pipe, one of the chiefs. He 
likewise told me that Girty had informed him that his son-in-law, Maj. 
Harrison, and his nephew, William Crawford, were made prisoners by the 
Shawanese, but had been pardoned. This Capt. Pipe had come from the 
towns about an hour- before Col. Crawford, and had painted all the prison- 
ers' faces black. 

" As he was painting me, he told me that I should go to the Shawanese 
towns and see my friends. When the Colonel arrived he painted him 
black, also told him he was glad to see him, and that he would have him 
shaved when he came to see his friends at the Wyandot town. When we 
marched the Colonel and I were kept back between Pipe and Wingeniu, the 
two Delaware chiefs, the other nine prisoners were sent forward with an- 
other party of Indians. As we went along we saw four of the prisoners 
lying by the path tomahawked and scalped. Some of them were at the dis- 
tance of half a mile from each other. When we arrived within half a mile 
of the place where the Colonel was to be executed, we overtook the five 
prisoners that remained alive. The Indians had caused them to sit down 
on the ground, as they did, also, the Colonel and me at some distance from 
them. I was then given in charge of an Indian fellow to be taken to the 
Shawanese towns. 

*' In the place where we were made to sit down, there were a number of 
squaws and boys who fell on the five prisoners and tomahawked them. 
There was a certain John McKinley among the prisoners, formerly an offi- 
cer in the Thirteenth Virginia Regiment, whose head an old squaw cut off, 
and the Indians kicked it about on the ground. The young Indian fel- 
lows came often where the Colonel and I were, and dashed the scalps in 
our faces. We were then conducted along toward the place where the Col- 
onel was afterward executed. When we came within about a half mile of 
it, Simon Girty met ub, with several Indians on horseback; he spoke to the 
Colonel, but I was about 150 yards behind, and could not hear what passed 
between them. Almost every Indian we met struck us either with sticks or 
their fists. Girty waited until I was brought up, and asked was that the 
doctor. I told him yes, and went toward him reaching out my hand, but 

he bid me be gone, and called me a d d rascal; upon which the fellow 

who had me in chax'ge pulled me along. Girty rode up after me and told 
me I was to go to the Shawanese towns. 

" When we were come to the fire, the Colonel was stripped naked, ordered 
to sit down by the fire, and then they beat him with sticks and their fists. 
Presently after, I was treated in the same manner. They then tied a rope 
to the foot of a post about fifteen feet high, bound the Colonel's hands be- 
hind his back, and fastened the rope to the ligatures between his wrists. The 
rope was long enough either for him to sit down or walk around the post 
once or twice and return the same way. The Colonel then called to Girty 
and asked him if they intended to burn him. Girty answered yes. The 
Colonel said he would take it all patiently. Upon this Capt. Pipe, the 
Delaware chief, made a speech to the Indians, to about thirty or forty men, 
sixty or seventy squaws and boys. When the speech was finished, they all 
yelled a hideous and hearty assent to what had been said. The Indian 
men then took their guns and shot powder into the Colonel's body, from his 



252 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

feet as far up as his neck. I think not less than seventeen loads were dis- 
charged upon his naked body. They then crowded about him and to the 
best of my observation cut off his ears; when the throng had dispersed a 
little, I saw the blood running from both sides of his head in consequence 
thereof. 

" The fire was about six or seven yards from the post to which the Colonel 
was tied. It was made of small hickory poles, each about six feet long. 
Three or four Indians, by turns, would take up, individually, one of these 
bm*ning pieces of wood, and apply it to his naked body, already burned 
black with the powder. These tormentors presented themselves on every 
side of him so that whichever way he ran around the post they met him 
with burning faggots and poles. Some of the squaws took wide boards 
upon which they would put a quantity of burning coals and hot embers, and 
throw on him, so that in a short time he had nothing but coals of fire and 
hot ashes to walk upon. In the midst of these extreme torments and tor- 
tures he called to Simon Girty, and begged of him to shoot him, but Girty 
making no answer, he called to him again Girty by way of derision told 
the Colonel he had no gun, at the same time turning about to an Indian 
who was behind him, laughed heartily, and by all his gestures seemed de- 
lighted at the horrid scene. 

" Girty then came up to me and bade me prepare for death. He said, 
however, I was not to die at this place, but to be burned at the Shawanese 
town. He swore by G — d, I need not expect to escape death, but should 
suffer it in all its extremities. He then observed that some prisoners had 
given him to understand that if our people had him they would not hurt 
him; for his part, he said, he did not believe it, but desired to know my 
opinion of the matter. Being at that time in great anguish and distress 
for the torments the Colonel was suffering before my eyes, as well as the 
expectation of underging the same fate in two days. I made little or no 
reply. He expressed a great deal of ill will for Col. Gibson, and said 
he was one of his greatest enemies, and more to the same purpose, to all of 
which I paid very little attention. Col. Crawford, at this period of his 
sufferings, besought the Almighty to have mercy on his soul, spoke very 
low, and bore his torments with the most manly fortitude. He continued 
in all the extremities of pain for an hour and three-quarters or two hours, as 
near as I can judge, when at last, being almost spent, he lay down on his 
belly. They then scalped him, and repeatedly threw the scalp in my face, 
telling me 'that was my Captain.' An old squaw (whose appearance every 
way answered the idea the people entertain of the devil) got a board, took a 
parcel of coals and ashes, and laid them on his back and head after he had 
been scalped; he then raised himself upon his feet and began to walk around 
the post; they next put a burning stick to him as usual, but he seemed 
more insensible of pain than before. 

"The Indian fellow who had me in charge now took mo away to Capt. 
Pipe's house, about three-quarters of a mile from the place of the Colonel's 
execution. I was bound all night, and thus prevented from seeing the last 
of the horrid spectacle. Next morning, being June 12, the Indian un- 
tied me, painted me black, and we set off for the Shawanese town, which he 
told me was somewhat less than forty miles from that place. We soon came 
to the spot where the Colonel had been burnt, as it was partly in our way. 
I saw his bones lying among the remains of the lire, almost bui'nt to ashes. 
I suppose after he Avas dead they had laid his body on the fire. 

The Indian told me that was my 'Big Captain,' and gave the scalp- 



HISTORY OF WrANDOT COUNTY. 253 

halloo. He was on horseback and drove me befoi'e him. I pretended to 
this Indian I was ignorant ot* the death I was to die at the Shawanese 
town; affected as cheerful a countenance as possible, and asked him if we 
were not to live together as brothers in one house when we should get to 
the town. He seemed well pleased, and said yes. He then asked me if 
I could make wigwams. I told him I could; he then seemed more friend- 
ly. We went that day, as near as I can judge, about twenty-live miles, 
the course partly southwest. The Indian told me we should the next day 
come to the town, the sun being in such a direction, pointing nearly south. 
At night, when we went to rest, I attempted very often to untie myself, but 
the Indian was extremely vigilant and scarce ever shut his eyes that night. 
About daybreak, he got up and untied me. He next began to mend the fire, 
and as the gnats were troublesome, I asked him if I could make a smoke 
behind him. He said yes. I then took the end of a dogwood fork, which 
had been burnt down to about eighteen inches long; it was the longest 
stick I could find, yet too small for the purpose I had in view; then I 
picked up another smaller stick, and taking a coal of fire between them, went 
behind him, then turning suddenly about, I* struck him on the head with 
all the force I was master of, which so stunned him that he fell forward 
with both his hands in the fire. 

" Seeing him recover and get up, I seized his gun, while he ran off howl- 
ing in a most fearful manner. I followed him with the determination to 
shoot him down, but pulling back the cock of the gun with too great vio- 
lence, I believe I broke the mainspring. I pursued him about thirty yards, 
still endeavoring to fire the gun, but could not; then going back to the fire, 
I took his blanket, a pair of new moccasins, his hatchet, powder-horn, 
bullet-bag, together with his gun, and marched off, directing my course toward 
the 5 o'clock mark. About half an hour before sunset, I came to the plains, 
which I think are about sixteen miles wide. I laid me down in a thicket 
till dark, and then by the assistance of the north star made my way through 
them and got into the woods before morning. I pressed on the next day, 
and about noon crossed the paths by which our troops had gone out. These 
paths were nearly east and west, but I went due north nearly all that after- 
noon, with a view to avoid the enemy. 

"In the evening I began to be very faint, and no wondei*. I had been six 
days a prisoner, the two latter days of which I had eaten nothing, and but 
very little the first three or four. There were wild gooseberries in abun- 
dance in the woods, but being unripe required mastication, which at that 
time I was not able to perform on account of a blow received from an In- 
dian on the jaw with the back of a tomahawk. There was a weed that 
grew in that place, the juice of which I knew to be grateful and nourish- 
ing. I gathered up a bundle of the same, took up my lodging under a 
large spreading beech tree, having sucked plentifully of the juice, and went 
to sleep. Next day I made a due east course, which I generally kept the 
rest of my journey. I often imagined my gun was only wood- bound, and 
tried every method I could devise to unscrew the lock, but never could 
effect it, having no knife nor anything fitting for the purpose. I had now 
the satisfaction to find my jaw began to mend, and in four or five days 
could chew any vegetable proper for nourishment, but finding ray gun a 
useless burden, left her in the wilderness. I had no apparatus for making 
fire to sleep by, so that I could get but little rest for the gnats and mosqui- 
toes. There are likewise a great many swamps in the beech ridge, which 

♦The Doctor was a small sized man. 



254 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

occasioned me very often to lie wet. This ridge through which I traveled 
is about twenty miles broad; the ground in general is very level and rich, 
free from shrubs and brush; there are, however, very few springs, yet wells 
might easily be dug in all parts of the ridge. The timber on it is very 
lofty, but it is no easy matter to make a straight course through the same, 
the moss growing as high upon the south side of the trees as on the north. 

" There are a great many white oak, ash and hickory trees that grow 
among the beech timber. There are likewise some places on the ridge, 
pei'haps for three or four continued miles, where there is little or no beech, 
and in such spots, black, white oak, ash and hickory abound; sugar trees 
grow there also to a very great bulk. The soil is remarkably good, the 
ground a little ascending and descending with some rivulets and a few 
springs. When I got out of the beech ridge and near the River Muskin- 
gum, the land was more broken, but equally rich with those before men- 
tioned and abounding with brooks and springs of water. There are also 
several small creeks that empty into that river, the bed of which is more 
than a mile wide in places. The wood consists of white and black oaks, 
walnut, hickory and sugar tree in the greatest abundance. In all parts of the 
country through which I came, the game was plenty, that is to say, deer, 
turkeys and pheasants. I likewise saw a great many vestiges of bears and 
elks. 

"I crossed the River Muskingum about three or four miles below Fort 
Laurens, and crossing all paths, aimed for the Ohio River. All this time 
my food was gooseberries, young nettles, the juice of herbs, a few service 
berries and some May apples, likewise two young blackbirds and a terrapin, 
which I devoured raw. When my food sat heavy on my stomach, I used to 
eat a little wild ginger, which put all to rights. I came upon the Ohio 
River about live miles below Fort Mcintosh, in the evening of the twenty- 
first day after I had made my escape, and on the twenty -second, about 7 
o'clock in the morning, being the 4tb of July, arrived safe, though much 
fatigued." In 1784, Dr. Knight married Col. Crawford's half sister. He 
finally settled at Shelbyville, Ky., where he died March 12, 1838. 

As shown in the foregoing narration, the Delawares, true to their savage 
and cowardly nature from time immemorial, and led on by the chiefs, Capt. 
Pipe and Wingenund, were the guilty authors of this terrible act of bar- 
barity. This most atrocious deed, connived at by British officers, was 
perpetrated, it is claimed, in the present township of Crawford, on the south- 
east bank of Tyraochtee Ci'eek, a short distance northeast from the present 
town of Crawfordsville, and distant about seven miles northwest from 

/pper Sandusky, county seat of Wyandot County. 
Col. William Crawford, a son of Scotch-Irish parents, was born in the 
region now known as Berkeley County. W. Va. , in the year 1732. When 
about eighteen years of age, he became acquainted with George Washing- 
ton, who was of the same age with himself, and was at that time in ihe 
service of Lord Fairfax as surveyor. Crawford's early home was in the 
Fairfax grant, in which Washington was surveying, being in what was called 
the "Northern Neck of Virginia," or the northern portion of the since 
famous Shena ndoah Val ley. Their acquaintance soon ripened into warm 
friendship, which was never impaired or broken, or suffered the slightest in- 
terruption while life lasted. Crawford's whole life was passed upon the 
frontiers. Therefore, his education was limited, but his natural abilities, 
good judgment and knowledge of men were very remarkable. He was gener- 
ous in disposition, and in common with those of his lineage on the Pennsyl- 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 255 

vania and Virginia borders, possessed tlie most undaunted courage. He 
acquired a knowledge of surveying from Washington, and made it his busi- 
ness pui'suit in part until the openingof the "old French and Indian war," 
when he joined a company of Virginia Rangers, and participated in Brad- 
dock's disastrous expedition as an Ensign. For gallantry on the battle-field, 
he was promoted to a lieutenancy. During the subsequent two or three 
years, he was employed in garrison duty, or as a scout on the frontiers. 
In 1758, he was commissioned Captain of a company of Virginia Riflemen, 
which was attached to Col. George Washington's regiment of Virginians, 
and performed efficient service during Gen. Forbes' successful campaign 
against Fort Du Quesne. Capt. Crawford remained in the service of the 
colony of Virginia until th^ close of the war mentioned. 

In 1767, he moved to a point then and for years afterward known as 
"Stewart's Crossing " of the Youghiogheny, but afterward called New Ha- 
ven, a village opposite the present town of Connellsville, in Fayette County, 
Penn. Crawford was among the first to settle in that part of the present 
State of Pennsylvania, a region which was then claimed by the province of 
Virginia, and of which the Indian title was not extinguished until the fol- 
lowing year (1768) . However, from Stewart's Crossing. Capt. Crawford 
kept up his correspondence with his old friend Washington, and to the close 
of bis life (Washington having purchased from the Virginia authorities a 
large tract of land, lying in the present southwest quarter of Pennsylvania, 
west of Laurel Hill) served him as his land agent. In 177U, Washington 
and Crawford, with other gentlemen, voyaged together down the Ohio 
River, from Fort Pitt to the mouth of the Kanawha, and up that river, explor- 
ing with a view to the ulti mate lo cation and purcha se of lands. 

By an act of the General Assembly of the Province of Pennsylvania, 
passed on Saturday, March 9, 1771, Bedford was erected as the ninth county 
of the province. It embraced all of the settled regions lying west of the 
Tuscarora Mountain, or, in other words, the entire southwest quarter of the 
present State. On Monday, March 11, of the same year, John Fraser, Bar- 
nard Dougherty, Arthur St. Clair, W^illiam Proctor, Jr., Robert Cluggage, 
Robert Hanna, George Wilson, George Woods, William Lochry, William 
Crawford, Dorsey Pentecost, William McConnell, Thomas Gist, James Mul- 
ligan and Alexander McKee wei'e appointed by the same General Assembly 
Justices of the Court of General Quarter Sessions of the Peace, and of the 
County Court of Common Pleas for the new county. Nearly all of these 
men wore of Scotch or Scotch-Irish parentage, and all were stanch patriots 
during the Revolutionary war (which began four years later), a majority of 
them holding commissions high in rank. 

The great extent of Bedford County, originally, the sparse and widely 
scattered settlements contained within it, together with the lack of high- 
ways other than those constructed years before by the armies of Braddock 
and Forbes, made it an extremely difficult matter to transact the public bus- 
iness, to assess and collect taxes, etc. Besides, as Virginia claimed all that 
part of the province lying west of Laurel Hill, and northward to and in- 
cluding Fort Pitt, and as the authorities of that province were issuing cer- 
tificates for land in the disputed region at the rate of only ten shiiliugs per 
100 acres, it was but natural that a majority of those who had obtained their 
homesteads so cheaply should espouse the cause of Virginia (from which 
province they had recently removed) as against Pennsylvania, and in conse- 
quence refuse to recognize the authority of the Bedford County officials, or 
to pay the taxes levied upon them. 



256 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Regarding these difficxTlties, the following letters, written by two of the 
first Justices of Bedford County, will afford a partial explanation : 

Stewart's Ckossings, Augt. 9th, 1771. 

Sir : I understand by Capt. John Harding, the Bearer of this, that there is an 
Agreement inter'd into be a Number of the inhabitants of Monongahalia and Read- 
stone, iio has Entered into a bond or Articles of an Agreement that Each man will 
Joyn and Keep off all Officers belonging to the Law, and under the Penalty of fifty 
pounds for to be forfeited by the party refusing to Joyn against all Officers whatsoever. 

I understand this was set on foot by a set of People who has maid a breach of the 
Law by Driving out a man from his home, for which there was a King's warrant Ishued 
against them, together with a notion Propegated by Coll. Croghan, that them posts 
would not fall into Pensilvania, he told me it was the Opinion of some of the best 
Judges that the Province Line would not E.xtend, by Considerable, so far, as it would 
be settled at 48 Miles to a Degree of Longetude which was the distance of a degree of 
Longitude allowd at the time the Charter was granted to Mr. Pen, and has since told 
those People that they had no right to Obay any presept Ishued from Pensj^lvania. 

He has run a Line from the mouth of Rackoon up the Ohio to Fort Pitt, and from 
thence up Monongahalia Above Pigeon Creek, and from thence Across till it strikes 
Rackoon Creek, ten Miles up it, and he Says he has one more grant of 100,000 acres 
more to lay of in a parelele with that. Many sirways he had cut to peaces and sold to 
sundry People that has bin returnd into your Office, some of mine which is not above 
3 or 4 Mile from Fort Pitt; one of mine he has and many others; it is a great Pity 
there is not a Stop put to such Proceedings, as it will be attended with very bad Con- 
sequence. 

I am informd there is a Large Number of Signers all redy to the paper, when I see 
it I will give you more Distinkt Account. 

Sir, I am with great respect, your most Huml. Servant, 

W. Crawford. 

To James Tilgham, Esqr, at Philadelphia. 

Per Caft. John HARDiNCi. 

We supplement Col. (then known as Capt.) Crawford's communication 
with one written on the same topic by his colleague, Col. Wilson, not be- 
cause of any pertinency to our subject, but by reason of the courage shown 
by the writer, and his quaint way of expressing his ideas. 

My Dear Capt: I am Sorey that the first Letter I ever undertook to Write you 
Should Contain a Detail of a Greivance so Disagreeable to me; Wars of any Cind are 
not agreable to aney Person Posesed of ye proper feelings of Humanity, But more 
Especially intestin Broyls. I no Sooner Returned Home from Court than I Found pa- 
pers containing the Resolves, as they Called them, of ye inhabitants to ye Westward 
of ye Laurall hills, ware handing fast abowt amongst ye people, in which amongst ye 
rest Was one that they Were Resolved to oppose everey of Pens Laws as they Called 
them. Except Felonious actions at ye Risque of Life, & under ye penelty of fiftey pounds, 
to be Recovoured, or Leveyed By themselves, off ye Estates of ye failure. The first of 
them I found Hardey anugh to offer it in publick, I Emeditly ordered into Custodey, 
on which a large number Ware assembled as Was Seposed to Resque the Prisonar. I 
indavoured, By all ye Reason I was Capable of to Convince them of the ill Conse- 
quences that would of Consecjuence attend such a Rebellion, & Hapely Gained on 
the People to Consent to Relinquish their Resolves, & to Burn the peper they had 
Signed. When their forman saw that the Arms of His Contrie, that as hee said Hee 
had thrown himself into would not Resque him By force, hee Catched up his Rifle, 
Which was Well Loded, Jumped out of Dors, & swore if aney man Cam nigh him 
hee 'would put What Was in his throo them; the Person that Had him in Custody Called 
for assistance in ye King's name, & in pirtickelaur Commanded myself. I told him 
I Was a Subject & Was not fit to Command if not Willing to obay, on which I 
watched his Eye untill I Saw a Chance, Sprang in on him & sezed ye Rifle by ye 
Muzle and held him. So as he Could not Shoot mee, until more help got in to my as- 
sistance, on which I Disarmed him & Broke his Rifle to peeses. I Res'd a Sore Bruze 
on one of my arms By a punch of ye Gun in ye Strugle. Then put him under a Strong 
Guard, Told them ye Laws of their Contrie was Stronger then the Hardiest Ruffin 
amongst them. 

I found it necesery on their Complyance & altering their Resolves, & his prom- 
ising to Give himself no more trouble in the affair, as hee found that the people Ware 
not as hardey as hee Expected them to be, to Relece him on his promise of Good Be- 
havour. 

I am affraid Sum Who Have Been too much Countenanced By their King & ye 
province of Pensallvania are Grate accesoreys to those factions, & God knows where 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 257 

they May Eind. I have, in my Little time in Life, taken the oath of Ale^^ence to His 
Majestic seven times, & always Did it with ye Consent of my whole Heart, & am 
Determined in my proper place to Seport the Contents thereof to ye outmost of my 
power, as I look on it as my Duty to Let those things be Known to Government & 
my acquaintance at Philadelphia is none. I expect you will Commuuicat those things 
to them, that the Wisdom of Government may provide Remedies in time, as there are 
numbers in the Lowr parts of ower Settlements still incressing ye faction. 

It Givs mee Grate Pleasure that my nighbors are Determined not to joyn in the 
faction, & I hope the Difirant Majestrits in this side ye Mountains will use their influ- 
ence to Discorage it. I understand Grate thrates are made against mee in partikohiur 
if possible to intimidate mee With fear & allso against the Sherifs & Constables, 
& all Ministers of Justice, But I hope the Laws, ye BuUworks of ower nation, will be 
seported in Spight of those Low Lifed trifling Raskells. 

Give my Complements to Mr. George Wood, Mr. Doherty & Mr. Frazor, and Ex- 
cept of m3'n to your Self, 

Who am, with Respect, 

Your most obt Hble Sert 

G. Wilson.* 

Springhill Township, Augt 14th, 1771. 
To Arthor St. Clair, fEsq. 

In 1773, when the county of Westmoreland was organized from Bedford, 
Capt. William Crawford was the senior Justice of the Peace, and for that 
reason became the presiding officer of the courts of the new county. At 
the same time, Capt. Arthur St. Clair was commissioned as the first Pro- 
thonotary Clerk of courts, etc., of the new jurisdiction. The latter resided 
at Fort Ligonier, the former at Stewart's Crossing, and both within West- 
moreland County as then formed. In 1774, Capt. Crawford received 
another Captain's commission from the G overnor of Virginia for service 
against the hostile Indians. He at once raised a company and served 
through the campaign known as "Dunmore's war." While the 
main body of the army was lying at Camp Charlotte, he was sent out with 
a force for the purpose of destroying some Mingo towns up the Scioto. 
The object of the expedition was successfully accomplished, and a consider 
able number of Indians were captured and taken to Ft. Pitt. 

When the Revolutionary war began, Virginia had not yet relinquished 
her claim to the southwest part of the present State of Pennsylvania — a 
region which, as before mentioned, and had been largely settled to that 
time by natives of or immigrants from the Old Dominion. Hence, 
when volunteers were called out to defend their country against British 
arms, hired mercenaries and Indians; a majority of the men enlisting from 
the territory lying west of Laurel Hill, very naturally attached themselves 
to Virginia companies and regiments. Thus did it happen that in the 
year 1775, Col. William Crawford entered the American army as Lieu- 
tenant Colonel of the Fifth Regiment of the Virginia Line. Soon after 
he was commissioned Colonel, and commanded his regiment in the battle 
of Long Island, in the retreat through New Jersey, the crossing of the 
Delaware River with Gen. Washington on Christmas Day, 1776, and 
in the battle of Princeton, fought January 3, 1777. The next year he 
was in command of the Continental troops and militia at Fort Pitt. He 
also, during a part of the year 1778, commanded a Virginia regiment in 
service in the Western Military Department under Gen. Mcintosh. At 
the time he assumed command of the ill-fated Sandusky expedition, it 
appears that he was not in active service, but was living in comparative 
retirement at his home at "Stewart's Crossing." 

*Died at Quibbletown.N. J., in February, 1777, while serving as Lieutenant Colonel of the Eighth Reg- 
iment of the Pennsylvania Line. 

+Then known as ('apt. St. Clair, and serving as the first Prothonotary, Clerk of court.s, etc., of the 
county of Bedford. lie was afterward famed as Maj. Gen. St. Clair, Governor of the Northv.est Territory, 
etc. 



268 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Says a recent writer, Smucker: " Col. Crawford was cool, brave, patri- 
otic, and fitted by nature to be a commander. He was a man of mark, a 
leader, a man of courage and judgment, who rendered essential services to 
his country, especially to the West. He was greatly esteemed as a soldier, 
as a civil officer, and as a citizen, and as already remarked, his cruel death 
excited the sympathies of the entire country, and Gen. Washington was 
deeply moved by the awful death of the friend of his early years. His 
language shows the intensity of his feelings. He wrote: 'It is with the 
greatest soitow and concern that I have leai'ned the melancholy tidings of 
Col. Crawford's death. He was known to me as an officer of much care 
and prudence; brave, experienced and active. The manner of his death 
was shocking to me.' And no marvel! We can not fully estimate, and have 
not language adequate to express, the sum total of the agony and suffering 
endured by the noble Crawford; and when the terrible story of his torture 
was told in the border settlemei;ts among his kindred and friends who knew 
him well and esteemed him so highly, and when the frontiersmen came 
to realize that the brave soldier's life was tortured out of him by the 
slow burning fires kindled by the fiendish savages, and that the agony-rent 
soul of that pure patriot- hero, left his fire-crisped, charred, blistered body 
amidst the blazing flames of the stake, there was experienced such heart- 
rending anguish of soul as cannot be expressed in words. A gloom was 
spread in every countenance. Sympathy and commiseration went out from 
every heart. All keenly felt the tortures inflicted upon the heroic patriot 
soldier. Every one sorely lamented, with the Father of his Country, the 
melancholy, sad, sorrowful ending of the noble life of the brave companion 
in arms and friend of Washington. All hearts were moved by the tender- 
est sympathy when the announcement was made that there was such a sor- 
rowful termination to the valuable life of the brave pioneer of the Youghi- 
agheny.'' 
V At the close of the Revolutionary war, the treaty of peace gave to the 
United States the Northwest Territory, which inchided the State of Ohio, 
but English troops continued to hold Detroit and various other posts for 
years thereafter, and, as a natural result, the Wyandots, with other tribes 
of this section, were still under their baneful influence. 

However, on the 2l8t of January, 1785, a treaty was concluded at Fort 
Mcintosh with the Wyandot, Delaware, Chippewa and Ottawa Indians, by 
which the boundary line between the United States and the Wyandot and 
Delaware nations was declared to begin "at the mouth of the river Cuya- 
hoga, and to extend up said river to the portage, between that and the Tus- 
carawas branch of the Muskingum, thence down that branch to the crossing 
place above Fort Laurens, thence westerly to the poi'tage of the Big 
Miami, which runs into the Ohio, at the mouth of which branch the fort 
stood which was taken by the French in 1752; then along said Portage to 
the Great Miami, or Omee River (now known as the Maumee), and down 
the south side of the same to its mouth; then along the south shore of Lake 
Erie to the mouth of the Cuyahoga River, where it began." The United 
States Government allotted all the lands contained within said lines (which 
the reader will observe embraced the territory now forming Wyandot 
County) to the Wyandot and Delaware nations, to live and hunt on, and to 
such of the Ottawa nation as lived thereon; saving and reserving for the 
establishment of trading posts, six miles square at the mouth of the Miami, 
or Omee River; and the same at the portage, on that branch of the Big Miami 
which now runs into the Ohio; and the same on the lake of Sandusky where 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 259 

the fort formerly stood, and also two miles square on each side of the lower 
rapids of Sandusky River. 

On the 9th -Tanuary, 1 789, another treaty was made at Fort Harmer, 
between Gov. Arthur St. Clair and the sachems and warriors of the Wyan- 
dot, Chippewa, Pottawatomie, Sac and other nations, in which the treaty 
at Fort Mcintosh was renewed and confirmed. But it did not produce the 
favorable results anticipated. The Ohio and Michigan Indians still hated 
the Americans who were moving westward in a resistless column of emigra- 
tion, and were continually encouraged in this feeling by the British officials. 
They were also equipped with guns and ammunition obtained at the British 
post at Detroit. Therefore, as might have been expected, the Indians the 
same year assumed a hostile attitude, and again all the horrors of a relent- 
less, savage warfare were re-enacted along the line of the American border 
settlements. Block-houses were erected by the settlers in each of the new 
settlements, and in June, 1789, Maj. Doughty, with 140 men from Fort 
Harmer, commenced the building of Fort Washington, on a site now within 
the limits of Cincinnati. A few months afterwax'd Gen. Harmer arrived 
with 300 men, and assumed command of the fort. 

Again efforts were made to effect a peace with the hostile tribes, but by 
reason of British influence they proved unavailing, and as a last resort Gen. 
Harmer was directed to attack and destroy their towns. He marched from 
Fort Washington in September, 1790, with 1,300 men, of whom about one- 
fourth were regular troops. When near the Indian towns, on the Miami of 
the Lake, in the vicinity of what is now Ft. Wayne, Ind., an advanced de- 
tachment of 210 militia fell into an ambush and was defeated with severe 
loss. Gen. Harmer, however, succeeded in burning the Indian villages, 
and in destroying their standing corn. The army then commenced its march 
homeward. They had not proceeded far when Harmer received intelligence 
that the Indians had returned to their ruined towns. He immediately de- 
tached about one-third of his remaining force, under the command of Col. 
Hardin, with orders to bring them to an engagement. Hardin succeeded 
in this eai'ly the nest morning; the Indians fought with desperation, and 
the militia and regular troops alike behaved with gallantry. However, moro 
than one hundred of the militia, and all the regulars except nine were 
killed, and the rest were driven back to the main body. Dispirited by this 
misfortune, Harmer immediately marched to Fort Washington or Cincin- 
nati. Thus the object of the expedition in intimidating the Indians was 
wholly unsuccessful. 

Gaining increased confidence in their prowess and ability to successfully 
contend with the white troops of the Americans, by reason of their victory 
over a portion of Harmer's army, the Wyandots, together with other tribes 
composing the Miami league, continued hostile. Therefore, in 1791, anew 
army, superior to Harmer's, was assembled at Cincinnati under Major Gen- 
eral, or as then termed Gov. St. Clair. The regular force amounted to 
2,300 men; the militia numbered about 600. With this army St. Clair 
commenced his march toward the Indian towns on the Maumee. Two forts, 
Hamilton and' Jefferson, were established and garrisoned on the route, about 
forty miles distant from each other, yet misfortune attended the expedition 
almost from its commencement. Soon after leaving Fort Jefferson, a con- 
siderable number of the militia deserted in a body. The first regiment, 
under Maj. Hamtranck, was ordered to pursue them and secure the advanc- 
ing convoys of provisions, which it was feared they designed to plunder. 
Thus weakened by desertion and division, Gen. St. Clair approached the In- 



260 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

dian villages. On the 3d of November, when at what is now the line of 
Drake and Mercer Counties, and within two or three miles of the Indiana 
State line, he halted, intending to throw up some slight fortification for the 
protection of baggage, and to await the return of the absent regiment. On 
the following morning, however, about half an hour before sunrise, the 
American Army was attacked with great fury by the whole disposable force 
of the Northwest tribes — the Wyandots, Delawares, Shawanese, Miamis, 
Ottawas, Chippewas and Pottawatomies. The Americans were totally de- 
feated. Gen. Butler and more than 600 subaltern officers and enlisted men 
were killed. 

The vigorous prosecution of the war for the protection of the North- 
west Territory was now urged by President Washington, but various ob- 
stacles retarded the organization of a new army. In the spring and sum- 
mer of 1794, however, an American Army was assembled at Greenville, in 
Darke County, under the command of Gen. Anthony Wayne, a bold, ener- 
getic and experienced officer of the Revolutionary war. His force consisted 
of about 2,000 regular troops and 1,500 mounted volunteers from 
Kentucky. To oppose him the Indian tribes above mentioned had col- 
lected their whole force, amounting to more than 2,000 warriors, near 
a British fort, erected since the treaty of 1783, and in violation of its 
obligations, at the foot of the Maumee Rapids. They were well supplied 
with arms and ammunition, obtained at the British posts at Detroit and on 
the Maumee, and felt confident of defeating Wayne. But "Mad Anthony" 
was a difierent kind of General from those who had previously commanded 
in the West, and when, on the 20th of August, the hostile forces of red 
men and white men met at the Maumee Rapids, or "the battle of Fallen 
Timbers," the former were completely routed and fled in the utmost precip- 
itation from the field. 

Not long afterward a trader met a Miami warrior who had fled before 
the terrible onslaught of Wayne's soldiers, and asked him: 

"Why did you run away?" 

With gestures corresponding to his words, and endeavoring to represent 
the effect of the cannon, he replied : 

"Pop! pop! pop! — boo, woo, woo — whish, whish, boo, woo — kill twenty 
Indians one time — no good, by dam ! " 

■^ Robinson, a young half-breed Pottawatomie, afterward one of the 
principal war chiefs of that tribe, was present at the battle with Wayne, 
and in later years was in the habit of describing it very clearly. It appears 
that the chiefs of the allied tribes had selected a swamp for the battle- 
ground. They formed their line, however, half a mile in front of it, on the 
summit of a gentle elevation, covered with an open growth of timber, with 
no underbru.sh, intending, when AVayne attacked them, to fall back slowly, 
thus inducing the Americans to follow them into the swamp, where the 
Indians would have every advantage, and where they expected a certain 
victory. But "Mad Anthony" soon broke up their plan. As we have 
shown, nearly one-half of his little army was composed of mounted Ken- 
tuckians, whom he formed in front of his infantry. After a few volleys 
from his artillery, always very trying to the nerves of the red men, hb or- 
dered the mounted men to advance. The Indians had never seen men fight 
on horseback, and supposed they would dismount before reaching the top of 
the ridge. But instead of that they began to trot, then drew their swords — 
those terrible " long knives," which always inspired the Indians with dread 
— then broke into a gallop, and the next moment were charging at the top of 




Betv/eej\i-the-Logs 



fiN INDMn CHIEF OF THE WYANDOT TRIBE AND A LICENSED PREACHER 
OF THE /HETflODIST CHURC/1. 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 263 

their horses' speed, " yelling like hell," as Robinson expressed it, swinging 
their swords, and looking like demons of wrath to the astonished red men. 

"Oh," said Robinson, "you ought to have seen the poor Indians run 
then." 

They gave but one random fire, and fled as fast as possible toward the 
swamp. But it was too late. The mounted Kentuckians burst through 
them like a whirlwind, and then wheeled about to cut off their retreat, 
while the infantry came up on the double-quick and barred their escape in 
that direction. 

"Oh," the chieftain would continue, "it was awful." 

Robinson admired his conqueror so much that he named one of his sons 
"Anthony Wayne," and always expressed the most profound respect for 
that dashing soldier. 

Wayne's victory at the "Fallen Timbers" did not at once reduce the 
savages to submission. Hence their country was laid waste, and forts were 
erected in the heart of their territory. At length, however, they became 
thoroughly convinced of their inability to resist in a successful manner the 
American troops, and sued for peace. A grand council was therefore held 
at Greenville, in the summer of 1795, and on the 3d of August of that 
year, Gen. Wayne concluded a treaty of peace with the Wyandots, Dela- 
wares. Shawanese, Ottawas, Chippewas, Pottawatomies and Miamis, besides 
some less important tribes. More than one thousand Indians were present. 
The principal chiefs were Tarhe, or the Crane, of the Wyandots, Buckong- 
ehelas, Black Hoof, Blue Jacket and Little Turtle. A majority of the 
chiefs had been tampered with by the British agents and advised not to 
make peace with the Americans, but their people having been reduced to 
great extremities by the generalship of Wayne, were determined to make a 
permanent peace with the " Thirteen Fires " as they termed the original 
States of the federal Union. 

The basis of the treaty of Greenville was, that hostilities were to cease, 
and all prisoners be restored. Article 3 defined the Indian boundarv as 
follows: 

" The general boundary line between the lands of the United States and 
the lands of the said Indian tribes shall begin at the mouth of Cuyahoga 
River, and run thence up the same to the portage, between that and the 
Tuscarawas branch of the Muskingum; thence down that branch to the 
crossing place above Fort Laurens; thence westerly to a fork of that branch 
of the Great Miami River, running into the Ohio, at or near which fork 
stood Loromie's store, and where commences the portage between the Miami 
of the Ohio and St. Mary's River, which is a branch of the Miami which 
runs into Lake Erie; thence a westerly course to Fort Recovery [erected 
upon the grounds where St. Clair was defeated in November, 1 791], which 
stands on a branch of the Wabash; thence southwesterly in a direct line to 
the Ohio, so as to intersect that river opposite the mouth of Kentucky or 
Cuttawa River." 

By the terms of the treaty, the Indians also ceded to the United States 
Government various small tracts of land surrounding military posts erected 
and to be erected. Also, the right to the people of the United States of a 
free passage by land and water through the territory still owned by the 
Indians. The reader will understand that the Indians relinquished all 
claims to the lands lying eastwardly and southwardly of the line above 
described, in consideration " of the peace now established; of the goods 
formerly received from the United States; of those now to be delivered; and 



264 HISTORY OF AVYANDOT COUNTY. 

of the yearly delivery of goods now stipulated to be made hereafter; and 
to indemnify the United States for the injuries and expenses they have sus- 
tained during the war." 

On the 4th day of Jvily, 1805, at a treaty made at Fort Industry, on the 
Miami of the Lake, between the United States of America and the sachems, 
chiefs and Avarriors of the Wyandot, Ottawa, Chippewa, Muncie, Delaware, 
Shawanese and Pottawatomie nations, it was determined that " the boundary 
line between the United States and the nations aforesaid shall in future be 
a meridian line drawn north and south through a boundary to be erected 
on the south shore of Lake Erie, 120 miles due west of the west boundary 
line of the State of Pennsylvania, extending north until it intersects the 
boundary line of the United States, and extending south until it intersects 
a line heretofore established by the treaty of Greenville." Thus, all the 
lands lying east of the above-described line, bounded southerly and easterly 
by the line established by the treaty of Greenville, and northerly by the 
northernmost part of the forty-first degree of north latitude, were ceded by 
the Indians to the United States. By Article 4 of this treaty, the United 
States delivered to the Wyandot, Shawanese, Muncie and Delaware nations 
goods to the value of $20,000, and stipulated for a perpetual annuity of 
$9,500, payable in goods reckoned at first cost in the city or place in the 
United States where they should be procured. 

The Wyandots were also interested parties in the treaty of Detroit, 
which was concluded on the 17th day of November, 1807; but as the lands 
ceded were for the most part within the limits of the present State of Mich- 
igan, we refrain from further mention of its provisions, etc. 

The treaty of Brownstown was made November 25, 1808, between Will- 
iam Hull, Governor of Michigan Territory, and the Chippewa, Ottawa, Pot- 
tawatomie, Wyandot and Shawanese nations. This treaty related mainly to 
the cession of lands for roads throiTgh the territory still owned by the Indi- 
ans. Among the routes then ceded was "a tract of land, for a road only, 
of 120 feet in width, to run southwardly fi'om what is called Lower San- 
dusky, to thn boundary line established by the treaty of Greenville, with 
the privilege of taking at all times such timber and other materials from 
the adjacent lands as may be necessary for making and keeping in repair 
the said road, with the bridges that may be required along the same. " This, 
probably, was the first highway projected by the English-speaking whites, 
or Americans, in a direction which would lead through the present county 
of Wyandot. 

Meanwhile, from the date of the conclusion of the treaty of Greenville 
until the beginning of the last war with Great Britian — 1812-15 — the Wy- 
andots, true to their treaty obligations, remained at peace with the Ameri- 
cans. In 1812, however, at a time when the great Shawanese Chieftain, 
Tecumseh, and his brother the Prophet, were endeavoring to array under 
arms all of the Northwestern tribes against the Americans, a great Indian 
council of the Northern nations was held at Brownstown in the Michigan 
Territory. At that meeting Tarhe, or "The Crane" and Between-the- 
logs* were among the chief representatives of the Wyandots. The elo- 
quence of Tecumseh's adherents, and the glittering promises of the British 

*The distinguished chief, Between-the-logs, whose portrait the reader will find in this work, was 
born near Lowt r Sandusky about the year 1780. His father was a Seneca, and his mother a member of the 
Bear tribe of the Wyandot nation. When still in his teens, he, with other Wyandots, fought Gen. Wayne's 
troops at the battle of the Maumee Rapids, or "f^allen Timbers." He then lived 'at Lower Sandusky. He 
early became prominent in his nation, and when still a young man, because of his retentive memory and 
ability in discussion, was made a chief and appointed chief speaker of his nation. When al)Out twenty-five 
years old he was sent to fathom the doctrines and pretensions of a celebrated Seneca prophet, whose fallacy 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 265 

agents, proved to be as nothing to them, and they firmly rejected all over- 
tures to join in the war against the Americans. True, a few fiery younw 
warriors of the Wyandot nation did enter the British service. But Tarhe, 
Between- the-logs, Summandewat, Big Tree, and the major portion of 
the Wyandots remained faithful to their pledges. These chiefs left the 
Brownstown council, returned to Upper Sandusky, and immediately joined 
the American cause Fort Ferree, at Upper Sandusky, and Fort Meigs, 
at Lower Sandusky, were erected^upon their lands. Here were concentrated 
large numbers of troops from Pennsylvania, Kentucky and Ohio, under Gen. 
Harrison, and here were they treated in the most friendly manner by the 
Wyandots. When Gen. Harrison invaded Canada, he was accompanied by 
a large party of Wyandot chiefs and warriors. But the principal object of 
his Indian friends was to detach that part of the Wyandot nation from the 
British interest, who, by the surrounding Indians, had in a measure been 
forced to join the English. This was effected. 

We now come to the consideration of an event which, by its realization, 
placed the Wyandots upon a comparatively small tract of territory or " res- 
ervation," where they remained until within the memory of many of the 
present inhabitants of Wyandot County. We allude to the " treaty of the 
Foot of the Rapids, of the Miami of the Lake," which was concluded on 
the 29th day of September, 1817, between Lewis Cass and Duncan McAr- 
thur, Commissioners of the United States, and the sachems, chiefs and war- 
riors of the Wyandot, Seneca, Delaware, Shawanese, Pottawatomie, Ottawa 
and Chippewa tribes of Indians. The articles of this treaty which have an 
especial reference to our topic are as follows: 

"Article 2. The Wyandot tribe of Indians, in consideration of the stip- 
ulations herein made on the part of the United States, do hereby forever 
cede to the United States the lands comprehended within the following lines 
and boundaries: Beginning at a point on the southern shore of Lake Erie, 
where the present Indian boundary line intersects the same, between the 
mouth of Sandusky Bay and the mouth of Poi'tage River: thence running 
south v.'ith said line to the line established in the year one thousand seven 
hundred and ninety-five, by the treaty of Greenville, which runs from the 
crossing place above Fort Laurens to Loromie's store; thence westerly with 
the last mentioned line to the eastern line of the reserve at Loromie's store; 
thence with the lines of said reserve north and west to the northwest 
corner thereof; thence to the northwestern corner of the reserve on 
the River St. Mary's, at the head of the navigable waters thereof; 
thence east to the western bank of the St. Mary's River aforesaid; 
thence down on the western bank of the said river to the reserve at Fort 

he soon detected. About two years afterward he was sent on a like errand to a noted Shawanese prophet 
— Tecumseh's brother^with whom he staid nearly a year, and then returned, convinced and convincing 
others that the Prophet's pretensions were all delusion and destitute of truth. 

During the war of 1812-15, he was the firm friend of the Americans, and he was instrumental in 
detaching from the British interests a number of the young men of the Wyandot nation who had been 
misled. After that war he settled permanently in the neighborhood of Upper Sandusky. He now, in com- 
mon with many of the Wyandots, became addicted to habits of intemperance, and in a time of debauch and 
drunkenness killed his wife. When he became sober, the horror of this deed made so deep an impression 
un his mind that from that day he measurably abandoned the use of ardent spirits. In 1817, he made him- 
self conspicuous by visiting Washington, and securing advantages to the Wyandots, as shown in the text of 
this chapter relating to the treaty at St. Mary's. When ,Tohn Stewart, the colored exhorter, appeared among 
the Wyandots, hetween-the-logs became his friend, and soon after embraced Christianity. Soon after 
this, he was regularly appointed an exhorter in the church, in which relation he remained until his death, 
a devoted friend and advocate of (iod. He also watched with unremitting diligence over the temporal 
interests of the nation ; enduring the fatigues of business, and of the longest journeys, for the welfare of 
his people without complaint. lie was uniformly an attendant upon the(Jhio .\nnual Conference, at which 
he made some of the most rational and eloquent speeches ever delivered by an Indian before that body. He 
always manifested a deep interest in the welfare of the mission and school. He was rather above the 
medium height, of slight build, but well proportioned, with an open and manly countenance. He died of 
consumption January 1, 1827, and was buried in the grounds surrounding the Mission Church. 



266 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Wayne; thence with the lines of the last-mentioned reserve, easterly and 
northerly, to the north bank of the River Miami of Lake Erie; thence down 
on the north bank of the said river to the western line of the land ceded to 
the United States by the treaty of Detroit, in the year one thousand, eight 
hundred and seven: thence with the said line south to the middle of said 
Miami River, opposite the mouth of the Great Auglaize River; thence down 
the middle of said Miami River, and easterly with the lines of the tract 
ceded to the United States by the treaty of Detroit aforesaid, so far that a 
south line will strike the place of beginning. 

"Art. 3. The Wyandot, Seneca, Delaware, Shawanese, Pottawatomie, 
Ottawa and Chippewa tribes of Indians, accede to the cessions mentioned 
in the two preceding articles. 

" Art. 6. The United States agree to grant, by patent, in fee simple, to 
Doanquod, Howoner, Rontondee, Tauyau, Rontayau, Dawatont, Manocue, 
Tauyaudautauson and Haudauwaugh, chiefs of the Wyandot tribe and their 
successors in office, chiefs of the said tribe, for the use of the persons and 
for the purposes mentioned in the annexed schedule, a tract of land twelve 
miles square at Upper Sandusky, the center of which shall be the place 
whei'e Fort Ferree stands; and also a tract of one mile square, to be located 
where the chiefs direct, on a cranberry swamp, on Broken Sword Creek, and 
to be held for the use of the tribe. ******* 

"Art. 7. And the said chiefs or their successors may, at anytime they 
may think proper, convey to either of the persons mentioned in the said 
schedule, or his heirs, the quantity secured thereby to him, or may refuse 
to do so. But the use of the said land shall be in the said person; and 
after the share of any person is conveyed by the chiefs to him, he may con- 
vey the same to any person whatever. And any one entitled by the said 
schedule to a portion of the said land, may, at any time, convey the same to 
any person, by obtaining the approbation of the President of the United_ 
States, or of the person appointed by him to give such approbation. And 
the agent of the United States shall make an equitable partition of the said 
share when conveyed. 

'•Art. 8. At the special request of the said Indians, the United States 
agree to grant, by patent, in fee simple, to the persons hereinafter men- 
tioned, all of whom are connected with the said Indians, by blood or adop- 
tion, the tracts of land herein described: 

" To Elizabeth Whitaker, who was taken prisoner by the Wyandots, and 
has ever since lived among them, 1,280 acres of land, on the west side of 
the Sandusky River, below Croghansville, to be laid off in a square form, as 
nearly as the meanders of the said river will admit, and to"^un an equal dis- 
tance above and below the house in which the said Elizabeth Whitaker now 
lives. 

" To Robert Armstrong, who was taken prisoner by the Indians, and has 
ever since lived among them, and has married a Wyandot woman, one section 
to contain 640 acres of land, on the west side of the Sandusky River, to begin 
at the place called Camp Ball, and to run up the river, with the meanders 
thereof, 160 poles, and from the beginning down the river, with the mean- 
ders thereof, 160 poles, and from the extremity of these lines west for 
quantity. 

" To the children of the late William McCollock, who was killed in August, 
1812, near Maugaugon, and who are quarter- blood Wyandot Indians, one 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 267 

section, to contain 640 acres of land, on the west side of the Sandusky River, 
adjoining the lower line of tht? tract hereby granted to Robert Armstrong, 
and extending in the same manner, with and from the said river. 

" To John Vanmeter, who was taken prisoner by the Wyandots, and who 
has piver since lived among them, and has married a Seneca woman, and to 
his wife's three brothers, Seuecas, who now reside on Honey Creek, 1,000 
acres of land, to begin north, forty -five degrees west, one hundred and forty 
poles from the house in which the said John Vanmeter now lives, and to 
run thence south 320 poles, thence and from the beginning, east for quantity. 

"To Sarah Williams, Joseph Williams and Rachel Nugent, late Rachel 
Williams, the said Sarah having been taken prisoner by the Indians, and 
has ever since lived among them, and being the widow, and the said Joseph 
and Rachel being the children of the late Isaac Williams, a half-blood Wy- 
andot, one-quarter section of land, to contain 160 acres, on the east side of 
the Sandusky River, below Croghansville, and to include their improvements 
at a place called Negro Point. 

" To Catharine Walker, a Wyandot woman, and to John R. Walker, her 
son, who was wounded in the service of the United States at the battle of 
Maugaugon, in 1812, a section of 640 acres of land each, to begin at the 
northwestern corner of the tract hereby granted to John Vanmeter and his 
wife's brothers, and to run with the line thereof south 320 poles; thence 
and from the beginning west for quantity. 

"To William Spicer, who was taken prisoner by the Indians, and has 
ever since lived among them and has married a Seneca woman, a section of 
land to contain 640 acres, beginning on the east bank of the Sandusky 
River, forty poles below the lower corner of said Spicer's corn-field; thence 
up the river on the east side, with the meanders thereof, one mile; thence 
and from the beginning east for quantity. 

7ft ^ Tf! 7t\ yf^ 'I* 't* ~ 

" To Horonu, or the ' Cherokee Boy,' a Wyandot chief, a section of land 
to contain 640 acres, on the Sandusky River, to be laid off in a square 
form, and to include his improvements. 

" A.RT. 15. The tracts of land herein granted to the chiefs, for the use of the 
Wyandot, Shawanese, Seneca and Delaware Indians, and the reserve for the 
Ottawa Indians, shall not be liable to taxes of any kind so long as such 
lands continue the property of said Indians. 

■^ '1' fX', si- ^' .■O' ■'A'. -■d^ ^ 

y^ vf! vfz -ffz 717 Tfz yf^ ^ ^ 

"Art. 18. The Delaware tribe of Indians in consideration of the stip- 
ulations herein made on the part of the United States, dohereby forever cede to 
the United States all the claim which they have.to the thirteen sections of land 
reserved for the use of certain persons of their tribe, by the second section 
of the act of Congress, passed March the third, one thousand eight hundred 
and seven, providing for the disposal of the land of the United States be- 
tween the United States Military Tract and the Connecticut Reserve, and 
the lands of the United States between the Cincinnati and Vincennes dis- 
tricts. 

"Art. 19. The United States agree to grant, by patent, in fee simple, 
to Zeeshawan, or James Armstrong, and to Sanondoyourayquaw, or Silas 
Armstrong, chiefs of the Delaware Indians, living on the Sandusky waters, 
and their successors in office, chiefs of the said tribe, for the use of the per- 
sons mentioned in the annexed schedule, in the same manner and subject to 
the same cc)nditions, provisions and limitations as is hereinbefore provided 



268 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

for the lands granted to the Wyandot, Seneca and Shawanose Indians, a tract 
of ]and to contain nine square miles, to join the tract granted to the Wyan- 
dots of twelve mileS square, to be laid oif as nearly in a square form as 
practicable, and to include Captain Pipe's village.' 

By this treaty the United States stipulated to pay the Wyandots a per- 
petual annuity of $4,000 ; to the Senecas, $500 ; to the Shawanese, 
$2,000 ; to the Pottawatomies, annually, for fifteen years, $1,300 ; to the 
Ottawas, annually, for fifteen years, $1,000; to the Chippewas, annually, 
for fifteen years, $1,000, and to the Delawares, $500, but no annuity. The 
United States also engaged to erect a saw and grist mill, for the use of the 
Wyandots ; and to provide and maintain two blacksmiths : one for the use 
of the Wyandots and Senecas, the other for the Indians at Hog Creek. 

The United States further agreed to pay the sums ToITowing for prop- 
erty, etc., injured during the war of 1812-15 : To the Wyandots, $4,819.39; 
to the Senecas, $3,989.24 ; to Indians at Lewis' and Scoutash's towns, 
$1,227.50 ; to the Delawares, $3,956.50 ; to the representatives of Hembis, 
$348.50 ; to the Shawanese, $420, and to the Senecas, an additional sum of 
$219. It was also agreed to pay the Shawanese, under the ti-eaty of Fort 
Industry, $2,500. By Article 17, the value of improvements abandoned, was 
to be paid for. 

A treaty supplementary to the "Treaty of the Foot of the Rapids of 
the Miami of the Lake," was concluded at St. Mary's, Ohio, on the 17th 
day of September, 1818, between Lewis Cass and Duncan McArthur, Com- 
missioners of the United States, and the sachems, chiefs, and warriors of 
the Wyandot, Seneca, Shawanese and Ottawa tribes of Indians. The fol- 
lowing are the articles of the supplemental treaty which were of special 
significance to the Wyandot nation : 

"Article 1. It is agi'eed between the United States and the parties here- 
unto, that the several tracts of land described in the treaty to which this is 
supplementary, and agreed thereby to be granted by the United States to 
the chiefs of the respective tribes named therein, for the use of the individ- 
uals of the said tribes, and also the tract described in the twentieth* article 
of the said treaty, shall not be thus granted, but shall be excepted from the 
cession made by the said tribes to the United States, reserved for the use of 
the said Indians, and held by them in the same manner as Indian reserva- 
tions have been heretofore held. But it is further agreed that the tracts 
thus reserved shall be reserved for the use of the Indians named in the 
schedule to the said treaty, and held by them and their heirs forever, unless 
ceded to the United States. 

"Art. 2. It is also agreed that there shall be reserved for the use of the 
Wyandots, in addition to the reservations before made, fifty-five thousand 
six hundred and eighty acres of land, to be laid off in two tracts, the first 
to adjoin the south line of the section of six hundi'ed and forty acres of 
land heretofore reserved for the Wyandot chief, the Cherokee Boy, and to 
extend south to the north line of the reserve of twelve miles square, at 
Upper Sandusky, and the other to join the east line of the reserve of twelve 
miles square, at Upper Sandusky, and to extend east for quantity. 

' ' There shall also be reserved, for the use of the Wyandots residing at 
Solomon's town, and on Blanchard's Fork, in addition to the reservations 
before made, sixteen thousand acres of land, to be laid off in a square 

* The twentieth article wholly related to a reservation granted the Ottawas, on the south side of the Miami 
of the lake. 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 269 

form, on the head of Blanchard's Fork, the center of which shall be at the 
Big Spring, on the trace leading from Upper Sandusky to Fort Findlay ; 
and ono hundred and sixty acres of land, for the use of the Wyandots, on 
the west side of the Sandusky River, adjoining the said river, and the lower 
line of two sections of land, agreed, by the treaty to which this is supple- 
mentary, to be gi-anted Elizabeth Whitaker. 

******* 

" Art. 3. It is hereby agreed that the tracts of land, which, by the 
eighth article of the treaty to which this is supplementary, are to be granted 
by the United States to the persons therein mentioned, shall never be con- 
veyed, by them or their heirs, without the permission of the President of 
the United States." 

By this supplement, an additional annuity was to be given to the Wyan- 
dots of $500, forever ; to the Shawanese, $1,000 ; to the Senecas, $500, 
and to the Ottawas, $],500. 

The circumstances which led to the supplementary treaty at St. Mary's 
originated in the following manner: When the United States Government 
had made arrangements to extinguish the Indian title to lands in the State 
of Ohio, an d after the Commissioners, and the sachems, chiefs and warriors 
of the various Indian nations had assembled at the foot of the Maumee 
Rapids, September 29, 1817, th e Wyand ots jrefused to sell their land. At 
this juncture, the Chippewas,* Pottawatomies* and Ottawas,* without any 
right or justice whatever, laid claim to a great part of the lands owned and 
occupied by the Wyandots; and Gabriel Godfroy and Whitmore Knaggs, 
agents for these nations, proposed in open council, in behalf of the Chippe- 
was, etc., etc., to sell said lands. Cass and McArthur, the Commissioners, 
then declared that if t he Wyandots would not se ll their lands, they would 
buy them of_the others — the Chippewas, Pottawatomies and Ot tawa s. The 
Wyandot chieftain. Between -the-logs, firmly opposed all of these measures; 
but however just his cause, or manly and eloquent in his arguments, they 
were lost upon men determined on their course. The Wyandots, finding 
themselves so circumstanced, and not being able to help themselves, were 
thus forced to sell on the terms proposed by the Commissioners. They did 
the best they could and signed the treaty; but only from a strong hope that 
by representing to the President and the Government the true state of things, 
before the treaty was ratified, they should obtain some redress from the 
Government. In resorting to this course, Between-the-logs acted a princi- 
pal part. Accordingly, he. with other Wyandot chiefs, and a delegation 
from the Delawares and Senecas, immediately proce eded to Washington, 
without consulting the Indian agents, or any other officer of Government. 
When they were introduced to the Secretary of War, he remarked to them 
that he was surprised that he had received no information of their coming by 
any of the agents. Between-the-logs answered, with the spirit of a free 
man, " We got up, and came of ourselves. We believed the great road was 
free for us. " He so pleaded their cause before the President, the Secretary 
of War and Congress, that the Wyandots obtained a n enlarge ment of their 
reservations and an increase of annuities, as shown in the articles of the 
supplementary treaty held at St. Mary's, September 17, 1818. 

During the same year, 1818, a grand Indian council was held at Upper 

*The members then composing these tribes seem to have been exceedingly crafty and avaricious in 
their nature. They jointly laid claim to the greater portion of the Northwest Territory as originally 
formed. They were always found present when treaties and cessions of land were to be made, and thus 
never failed to claim the " lion's share" when reservations were granted, or annuities and goods were to be 
distributed. 



270 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Sandusky on the occasion of the death of Tarhe. or " the Crane, " the most 
celebrated chieftain the Wyandot nation ever produced. Col. John John- 
ston, of Upper Piqua, Ohio, who for about half a century served as an 
agent of the United States over the Indians of the West, was present, and 
in his " Recollections," gives the following interesting account of the 
proceedings: 

" On the death of the great chief of the Wyandot s, I was invited to 
attend a general council of all the tribes of Ohio, the Delawares of Indiana, 
and the Senecas of New York, at Upper Sandusky. I found on arriving at 
the place a very lai'ge attendance. Among the chiefs was the noted leader 
and orator, Red Jacket, from Buffalo. The first business done was the 
speaker of the nation delivering an oration on the character of the deceased 
chief. Then followed what might be called a monody, or ceremony, of 
mourning or lamentation. Thus seats were arranged from end to end of a 
large council house, about six feet apart. The head men and the aged took 
their seats facing each other, stooping dOwn, their heads almost touching. 
In that position they remained for several hours. Deep, heavy and long 
continued groans would commence at one end of the row of mourners, and 
80 pass around until all had responded, and these repeated at intervals of a 
few minutes. The Indians were all washed, and had no paint or decora- 
tions of any kind upon their persons, their countenances and general de- 
portment denoting the deepest mourning. 1 had never witnessed anything 
of the kind before, and was told this ceremony was not performed but on the 
decease of some great man. 

"After the period of mourning and lamentation was over, the Indians 
proceeded to business. There were present the Wyandots, Shawanese, 
Delawares, Senecas, Ottawas and Mohawks. The business was entirely 
confined to their own affairs, and the main topics related to their lands and 
the claims of the respective tribes. It was evident, in the course of the dis- 
cus'^ion, that the presence of myself and people (there were some white men 
with me) was not acceptable to some of the parties, and allusions were 
made so direct to myself that I was constrained to notice them, by saying 
that I came there as a guest of the Wyandots by their special invitation; 
that as the agent of the United States, I had a right to be there as any- 
where else in the Indian country; and that if any insult was offered to my- 
self or my people, it would be resented and punished. Red Jacket was 
the principal speaker, and was intemperate and personal in his remarks. 
Accusations, pro and con, were made by the different parties, accusing each 
other of being foremost in selling lands to the United States. The 
Shawanese were particularly marked out as more guilty than any other; that 
they were the last coming into the Ohio country, and although they had no 
right but by permission of the other tribes, they were always the foremost 
in selling lands. This brought the Shawanese out, who retorted through 
their head chief, the Black Hoof, on the Senecas and Wyandots with 
pointed severity. 

" The discussion was long continued, calling out some of the ablest 
speakers, and was distinguished for ability, cutting sarcasm and research, 
going far back into the history of the natives, their wars, alliances, nego- 
tiations, migrations, etc. I had attended many councils, treaties and gath- 
erings of the Indians, but never in my life did I witness such an outpour- 
ing of native oratory and eloquence, of severe rebuke, taunting national and 
personal reproaches. The council broke up later in great confusion, and in 
the worst possible feeling. A circumstance occurred toward the close 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 271 

which more than anything else exhibited the bad feeling prevailing. In 
handing round the wampum belt, the emblem of amity, peace and good 
will, when presented to one of the chiefs, he would not touch it with his 
lingers, but passed it on a stick to the person next to him. A greater in- 
dignity, agreeable to Indian etiquette, could not be otfered. 

" The next day appeared to be one of unusual anxiety and despondency 
among the Indians. They could be seen in groups everywhere near the 
council house in deep consultation. They had acted foolishly— were sor- 
ry — but the difficulty was who would tirst present the olive branch. The 
council convened late and was very full; silence prevailed for a long time; 
at last the aged chief of the Shawanese, the Black Hoof, rose — a man of 
great influence, and a celebrated warrior. He told the assembly they had 
acted like children, and not men on yesterday; that he and his people were 
sorry for the words that had been spoken, and which had done so much 
harm; that he came into the council by the unanimous desire of his people 
present, to recall those foolish words, and did there take them back — hand- 
ing strings of wampum, which passed around and were received by all with 
the greatest satisfaction. Several of the principal chiefs delivered speeches 
to the same effect, handing round wampum in turn, and in this manner the 
whole difficulty of the preceding day was settled, and to all appearances for- 
gotten. The Indians are very courteous and civil to each other, and it is 
a rare thing to see their assemblies disturbed by unwise or ill-timed re- 
marks. I never witnessed it except on the occasion here alluded to, and it 
is more than probable that the presence of myself and other white men con- 
tributed toward the unpleasant occurrence. I could not help but admire 
the genuine philosophy and good sense displayed by men whom we call 
savages, in the translation of their public business; and how much we 
might profit in the halls of our Legislatures, by occasionally taking for our 
example the proceedings of the great Indian council at Upper Sandusky." 

At the time the events occurred, which have just been related, the 
Indian town known as Upper Sandusky, was located about four miles 
northeast of the present county seat (a point, it appears to which 
the Indians removed prior to 1782). After the death of Tarhe, however, 
they erected a council house on the site of the present town of Upper San- 
dusky (a place which was nearer the center of their reservation), gave it 
this name — Upper Sandusky, and called the old village Crane Town. The 
old council house mentioned by Col. Johnston, stood about a mile and a 
half north of Crane Town. It was built chiefly of bark, and in dimensions 
was about one hundred feet long by fifteen feet in width. Subsequently 
the temporary structure at the new town of Upper Sandusky gave place to 
a more substantial building. The frame council house known to early 
residents for several years, as the Wyandot County Court House, etc. — 
which was built probably about the year 1830, or a few years after the 
completion of the grist and saw* mill, provided for in the treaty of Septem- 
ber 29, 1817. at the foot of the Maumee Rapids. 

The Wyandot nation was subdivided into ten tribes. These tribes were 
kept up by the mother's side, and all her children belonged to her tribe. 
The totem of each of the ten tribes was as follows: The Deer, Bear, Snake, 

* Rev. James B. Finley, in his "History of the Wyandot Mission," when speaking of building the 
mission house, says, under date of October, 1821; "We hauled lumber to the saw mill, and sawed it our- . 
selves into joists and plank for the floor and other purposes." The mills referred to, which were built in 
1820 for the Indians by the (Government, were located about three miles northeast of Upper Sandusky, upon 
the Sandusky Kiver, and supplied the wants of the Wyandots, in these particulars — flour, corn meal and 
lumber— until they moved to Kansas. The old buhrs and bolting chest are still in use in the present mill, 
which was built about twenty-two years ago, some twenty rods north of the site of the old mill. 



272 HISTOR.Y OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Hawk, Porcupine, Wolf, Beaver, Bij^ Turtle, Little Turtle and Terrapin. Each 
of these tribes had its chief, and these chief s composed the grand council of 
the nation. The oldest mau in the tribe was generally the tribal chief, and 
all the persons belonging to a tribe were considered as one family— all near 
akin. Indeed, no law or custom among them was so scrupulously regarded 
and adhered to with so much tenacity as the tribe law in this particular. 
No person was allowed to marry in his or her own tribe, or to have any 
sexual intercoiirse with one of his own tribe. It was considered that no 
crime could so effectually destroy their character or disgrace them so much 
as this. Nothing could ever restore to them their lost reputation. Murder, 
adultery, or fornication were not deemed half as bad as a violation of the 
tribe law; and in some instances such violators were put to death. When 
a man wished to marry a woman, he first had to obtain the consent of her 
tribe, and most generally he went to live with his wife in her tribe, yet the 
woman was not bound to live with him any longer than she pleased, and 
when she left him would take with her, her children and property. 

From time immemorial until "Mad Anthony's" decisive battle at the 
foot of the Maumee Rapids, to the Deer tribe belonged the sce2:)ter and 
calumet of the grand sachems; but as a result of that battle, this tribe be- 
came so weak by the loss of their warriors that the nation deemed it best 
to take the burden off their shoulders, and placed it on the Porcupine tribe. 
According to Finley, the celebrated Tarhe, and his immediate successor, 
De un quot, as head chiefs and grand sachems of the Wyandot nation, were 
members of the last mentioned tribe. 

In a brief biographical sketch of the great chief, Tarhe, or" The Crane," 
which was published m the W^yandot Democratic Union, August 13, 1866, 
William Walkei*, a member of the Wyandot nation, says: "Tarhe was born 
in the year 1742, near Detroit, Mich., and died near Upper Sandusky in 
November, 1818. He belonged to the Porcupine tribe, a clan or sub- 
division of the Wyandot nation * * * j (>an think of no man in Ohio 
who in anywise resembled him in general appearance but one — the Hon. 
Benjamin Ruggles, who for eighteen consecutive years represented the State 
of Ohio in the United States Senate. Between these two there was a strik- 
ing resemblance, except that Tarhe's nasal organ was aquiline. 

" When in his prime he must have been a lithe, withy, wiry man, capa- 
ble of great endurance, as he marched on foot at the head of his warriors 
through the whole of Gen. Harrison's campaign into Canada, and was an 
taetive participant in the battle of the Thames, though then seventy- 
two years of age. He steadily and unflinchingly opposed Tecumseh's war 
policy from 1808, up to the breaking out of the war of 1812. He main- 
tained inviolate the treaty of peace concluded with Gen. Wayne in 1795. 
This brought him into conflict with that ambitious Shawanese, the latter hav- 
ing no regard for the plighted faith of his predecessors; but Tarhe deter- 
mined to maintain that of his, and remained true to the American cause 
till the day of his death. Gea. Harrison, in comparing him with cotem- 
porary chiefs of other tribes, pronounced him 'The noblest Roman of them 
all.' He was a man of mild aspect, and gentle in his manners when at re- 
pose, but when acting publicly exhibited great energy, and when address- 
ing his people, there «vas always something that, to my youthful ear, sound- 
ed like stern command. He never drank spirits; never used tobacco in any 
form. 

"Near the close of the war, Jonathan Pointer, a negro, who had been 
captured somewhere in Western Virginia by a Wyandot war party in 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 278 

early times, resided in Tarhe's family. Jonathan, who was not proverbial 
for honesty, was in the habit of abducting horses in the night belonging 
to teamsters who might chance to encamp in the neighborhood, and con- 
cealing them. The teamsters, of course, were in trouble and great per- 
plexity, perhaps unable to proceed without the missing animals. Jonathan 
was sure to be on hand, and offer to find them for a certain pecuniaiy re- 
ward. The old man found out the sharp practice of his protege, and took 
him to task; told him that if he ever heard of his playing any more such 
tricks upon travelers he would remand him back to his master in Virginia. 
This had the desired effect, and Jonathan ceased to speculate in that di- 
rection. 

' • Many of the old settlers of Wyandot County will remember ' Aunt 
Sally Frost,' a white woman, raised among the Wyandots. Aunt Sally was 
Tarhe's wife when he died. He had one son, but oh, how unlike the sire! 
nearly an idiot, and died at the age of twenty-five. 

"His Indian name is supposed to mean crane (the tall fowl); but this is 
a mistake. Crane is mex'elya soubriquet bestowed upon him by the French, 
thus: 'Le chef Grue,' or 'Monsieur Grue,' the chief Crane, or Mr. Crane. 
This nickname was bestowed upon him on account of his height and slen- 
der form. He had no English name, but the Americans took up and adopted 
the French nickname. Tarhe or Tarhee, when critically analyzed, means. 
At him, the Tree, or At the Tree ; the tree personified. Thus you have in 
this one word a preposition, a personal pronoun, a definite article, and a 
noun. The name of your populous township should be Tarhe, instead of 
Crane. It is due to the memory of that great and good man.* " 

We have now arrived at the beginning of another interesting epoch in the 
history of the Wyandot nation — the establishment among them of a mis- 
sion of the Methodist Episcopal Church — the consideration of which 
will be reserved for another chapter. 

*Rev. J. B. Finley also testifies to the noble and generous character of this chief. He says : " I was 
once traveling from Detroit in the year 181)0, in company with two others. We came to the camp of old 
Tarhe, or Crane, head chief of the Wyandot nation. We had sold a drove of cattle, and had money, which 
we gave up to the chief in the evening. The next morning all was forthcoming, and never were men 
treated with more fervent kindness." 




274 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 



CHAPTER IV. 

INDIA.N OCCUPANCY— Continued. 

(From 1816-18, to 1843.) 

Demoralized Condition of the Wyandots in 1816— John Steavakt, the 
Colored Preacher, Appears Among Them— Sketch of His Early 
Life— Coldly Received, rut Finally Gains Their Confidence— .\n 
Account of His Proceedings— Rev. James B. Finley Appointed Res- 
ident Missionary— His Trials and Triumphs — Deunquot, the Head 
Chief, Creates a .Sensation— Mission School Opened— The Mission 
Farm— Death of Stewart— Building the Mission Stone Chuuch— 
Prosperity— Chiefs Visit Eastern Cities— Finley Departs in 1327— 
The Savage Delawares Cede Their Reservation to the UnitedStates 
— An Account of Some of Them— An Indian Execution — The Wyan- 
DOTs Sell Their Lands— Terms— Their Final Departure for Regions 
West of Missouri— Farewell Song. 

AT the time of Gen. Wayne's treaty with the Northwestern tribes, the 
Wyandots, under the lead of Tarhe, including men, women and 
children, numbered about 2,200. From that time, until the date of their 
settlement upon the reservation in the present county of Wyandot, they 
had lost but very few men in battle, yet, by reason of being on the extreme 
borders of civilizalion, and mixing with the most abandoned and vicious of 
the whites, they had sunk in the most degrading vices, many of them be- 
came the most debased and worthless of their race, and drunkenness, lewd- 
ness and attendant diseases, had reduced them in twenty years nearly one- 
half in numbers. For many years, they had been under the religious in- 
struction of priests of the Roman Catholic Church, but, from the state of 
their morals, and from the declarations of those who professed to be Catho- 
lics, it seems that they had derived but little benefit. " To carry a silver 
cross, and to count a string of beads; to worship the Virgin Mary; to go to 
church and hear mass said in Latin; and be taught to believe that for a 
beaver's skin, or its value, they could have all their sins pardoned, was the 
amount of their Christianity, and served but to encourage them in their 
superstition and vice."* v 

Such was their condition when, in November, 1816, John Stewart first 
visited them. From Mr. Finley's "History of the Wyandot Mission," it 
is learned that John Stewart, a free-born mulatto, whose parents claimed to 
be mixed with Indian blood, was born in Powhatan County, Va. He became 
disabled in early life. When quite a youth, his parents moved to the State 
of Tennessee and left him behind. Subsequently he set out to join them, 
but on his way to Marietta. Ohio, was robbed of all his money. Discour- 
aged over his losses, he remained at that place for a considerable period, 
and gave full scope to habits of intemperance, in the drinking of strong 
liquors, to such a degree that at one time he determined to put an end to 
his miserable existence by drowning himself in the Ohio River. Finally 
he united with the Methodist Episcopal Church at Marietta, where, subse- 
quently, he engaged in his trade of blue-dyeing. 

*J. B. Finley. 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 275 

In the fall of 1814, he became very ill, and no one expected he would re- 
cover. But he invoked the blessings of God, and promised if he was spared 
that he would obey the call. Soon after this, he went into the fields to pray. 
" It seemed to me," said he, " that I heard a voice, like the voice of a woman 
praising God; and then another, as the voice of a man, saying to me, ' You 
must declare my counsel faithfully.' These voices ran through me power- 
fully. They seemed to come from a northwest direction. I soon found 
myself standing on my feet, and speaking as if I were addressing a congre 
gation. This circumstance made a strong impression upon my mind, and 
seemed an indication to me that the Lord had called on me to warn sinners 
to flee the wrath to come. But I felt myself so poor and ignorant that I 
feared much to make any attempt, though I was continually drawn to travel 
toward the course from whence the voices seemed to come. I at length con- 
cluded that if God would enable me to pay my debts, which I had con- 
tracted in the days of my wickedness and folly, I would go. This I was 
soon enabled to do; and I accordingly took my knapsack and set oflf to the 
northwest, not knowing whither I was to go. When I set off, my soul was 
very happy, and I steered my course, sometimes in the road, and sometimes 
through the woods, until I came to Goshen, on the Tuscarawas River. This 
was the old Moravian establishment among the Delawares. The Rev. Mr. 
Mortimore was then its pastor." Here Stewart found a few of the Dela- 
wares, among them the old chief Killbuck and his family. He remained a 
few days and was kindly treated by all. And it was here doubtless that 
Stewart learned something of the Delawares and Wyandots further to the 
north; for these Delawares had many friends and relations that lived at a 
point on the Sandusky River called Pipetown, after the chief who lived 
there; and to this place he next proceeded. 

At Pipetown was a considerable body <A Delawares under the control of 
Capt. Pipe, son of the chief of the same name, who was prominent at the 
burning of Col. Crawford. At this place Stewart stopped, but as the In- 
dians were preparing for a great dance they paid but little attention to him. 
The proceedings on the part of the Indians were all new to Stewart, and 
for a time their vociferations and actions alarmed him exceedingly, but at 
last they became somewhat quiet, when Stewart took out his hymn book and 
began to sing. He, as is usual with many of his race, had a most melodi- 
ous voice, and as a result of his effort the Indians present were charmed 
and awed into perfect silence. When he ceased. Johnny-cake said in bi'oken 
English, ' ' Sing more. " He then asked if there was any person present who 
could interpret for him; when old Lyons, who called himself one hundred 
and sixty years old (for he counted the summer a year and the winter a 
year) came forward. Stewart talked to them for some minutes and then re- 
iire(] for the night. In the morning, he almost determined to return to 
Marietta, and from thence proceed to the home of his parents in Tennessee. 
But so strong were liis impressions that he had not yet reached the right 
place, though he was invited by the Delawares to remain with them, that 
he continued his course northwesterly and finally arrived at the house of 
William Walker, Sr., at Upper Sandusky. 

Mr. Walker was an interpreter, and the United States Indian sub-agent 
at this point. At first he suspected Stewart to be a runaway slave; but the 
latter accounted for his presence here in such an honest, straightfoward 
manner, that all doubts or suspicions were at once removed. Mrs. Walker, 
who was a most amiable woman, of good education, and half Wyandot, also 
became much interested in Stewart after hearing his account of himself. 



276 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

She possessed great influence in the Wyandot nation; and this whole family 
became his hospitable friends, and the untiring patrons to the mission 
which was afterward established. Mr. Walker, Sr. , his wife and his sons, 
were all good interpreters, spoke the Indian tongue fluently, and all, except 
old Mr. Walker, became members of the church. 

This family directed Stewart to a colored man named Jonathan Pointer. 
The latter, when a little boy, had been captured by the Wyandots at Point 
Pleasant, Va. His master and himself were cultivating corn when the 
Indians came upon them. They shot his master, caught Jonathan, and 
took him home with them. This man could speak the Indian language as 
well as any of the natives. When Stewart called upon him, and made 
known his wishes, Jonathan was very reluctant, indeed, to interpret for 
him, or to introduce him as a preacher. He told Stewart that " it was 
great folly for him, a poor colored man, to attempt to turn these Indians 
from their old religion to a new one." Bat Stewart persevered; he believed 
that God had sent him here, and he was unwilling to give up until he had 
made a trial. 

Jonathan was going to a feast and dance the next day, and Stewart 
desired to go along, to which he rather reluctantly consented. Stewart in- 
duced him to introduce him to the chiefs, when he gave them an exhortation 
and sung a hymn or two. Finally he requested that all who were willing 
to hear him next day at Pointer's house should come forward and give him 
their hand. This the most of them did. But he was much disappointed 
the next day, for none of them came other than one old woman, to whom 
he preached. A meeting was appointed at the same place for the following 
day. The same old woman, and an old chief, named Big- Tree, were pres- 
ent. To these Stewart again preached. The next day being the Sabbath, 
he appointed to meet in the cou.ncil house. At that place eight or ten 
came. From this time his congregations began to increase in numbers, and 
it is presumed that nothing contributed more to increase them and keep 
them up for awhile than his singing. This delighted the Indians. No 
people are more fond of music than they are, and for that reason Stewart 
mixed his prayers and exhortations with numerous songs. 

Mr. Finley relates that many of the Wyandots had been Catholics, and 
they began to call up their old Catholic songs, and sing them, and to pray. 
By this means, some of them got stirred up, and awakened to see their lost 
condition. However, Stewart considered it to be his duty when they prayed 
to the Virgin Mary, and used their beads and crosses in prayer, to tell them 
that it was wrong. He also spoke against the foolishness of their feasts and 
dances, and against their witchcraft. These reproofs soon excited preju- 
dices against him. Many that had joined in the meetings went away, and by 
voice and actions did all the harm they could. Some even visited the 
Catholic priest at Detroit, related what was going on, and asked for in- 
structions. The priest told them, "that none had the true word of God, 
or Bible, but the Catholics; that none but the Catholic priests could teach 
them the trae and right way to heaven; that if they died out of the Catholic 
Church they must perish forever; and that they could not be saved in any 
other way, but must be lost forever." They came home from Detroit in 
high spirits, and soon it was reported through every family that Stewart 
did not have the right Bible, and was leading them wrong. Some charged 
him with having a false Bible, but how to test the matter was the difficulty. 
Finally, all agreed to leave it to Mr. Walker, Sr. The time was set when 
the parties were to meet, and he was publicly to examine Stewart's Bible 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 277 

and hymn book. The parties came together at the time appointed. Deep 
interest was felt on both sides, and all waited in solemn suspense. After 
some time had been spent iu the examination, Mr. Walker said that the 
Bible used by Stewart was a true one, and differed from the Catholic Bible 
only in this: one was printed in English, the other in Latin. He also af- 
firmed that his (Stewart's) hymn book was a good one, and that the hymns 
it contained were well calculated to be sung in the worship of God. 

This decision was received with joy by the religious party, and in a 
corresponding degree sunk the spirits of the other. It is believed, how- 
ever, that none were so influential in putting down the superstitions of the 
Catholics as Mrs. Walker. She was no ordinary woman. Her mind was 
well enlightened, and she could expose the folly of their superstitions better 
than any one in the nation. As she stood so high in the estimation of all, 
her words had more weight than anyone else. 

Stewart continued his labors among the Wyandots from November, 1816, 
until early in the following spring. His interpreter, Pointer, had professed 
to obtain religion, and also a considerable number of rather unimportant 
Indians; but the leading chiefs and head men of the nation stood aloof. 
After passing several months at Mariette, Stewart returned to Upper San- 
dusky in August, 1817. He found upcm his return that but few of his floek 
had remained steadfast. Most of them had fallen back into their former 
habits, and one of the most hopeful of the young men had been killed in a 
drunken frolic. At this time Monuncue* and Two- logs, or Bloody Eyes 
(the last mentioned chief being a brother of Between-the-logs), raised a 
powerful opposition to Stewart, and represented in most glowing colors the 
destruction that the Great Spirit would visit upon them if they forsook their 
old traditions; that the Great Spirit had denounced them as a nation, and 

* This renowned chief of the Wyandot nation was of medium stature, and remarkably symmetrical 
in form. Mr. Finley says he was one of the most active men he ever knew, quick in his motions as thought, 
and fleet as the doe in the chase. 

As a speaker, he possessed a native eloquence which was truly wonderful. Few could stand before 
the overwhelming torrent of his eloquence. He was a son of Thunder. When inspired with his theme, he 
could move a large assembly with as much ease, and rouse them to as high a state of excitement, as any 
speaker I ever heard. There is a peculiarity in Indian eloquence which it is difficult to describe. To form 
a correct idea of its character, you must be in the hearing and sight of the son of the forest; the tones of 
his voice and the flash of his eye must fall upon you, and you must see the significant movement of his 
body. As an orator, Mononcue was not surpassed by any chieftian. 

I will give a specimen or two of the eloquence of this gifted son of nature. Imagine yourself, gentle 
reader, in the depths of the forest, surrounded by hundreds of chiefs and warriors, all sunk in the degreda- 
tion and darkness of paganism. They have been visited by the missionary, and several converted chiefs. 
One after another the chiefs rise and address the assembly, but with no effect. The dark scowl of iufidelity 
settles on their brows, and the frequent mutterings of the excited auditors indicate that their speeches are 
not acceptable, and their doctrines not believed. At length Mononcue rises amidst confusion and dis- 
turbance, and ordering silence with a commanding voice, he addresses them as follows : 

"When you meet to worship God. and to hear from His word, shut up your mouths, and open your 
ears to hear what is said. You have been here several days and nights worshipping your Indian god, who 
has no existence, only in your dark and beclouded minds. You have been burning your dogs and vension 
for him to smell What kind of a god or spirit is he, that he can be delighted with the smell of a burnt 
dog? Do you suppose the great (lod that spread out the heavens, that hung up the sun and moon, and 
all the stars, to make light, and spread out this vast world of land and water, and filled it with men 
and beasts, and everything that swims or flies, is pleased with the smell of your burnt dog? I tell you to- 
day, that His great eye is on your hearts, and not on your fires, to see and smell what you are burning. Has 
your worshipping here these few days made you any better? Do you feel that you have gotton the victory 
over one evil? No! You have not taken the first step to do better, which is to keep this day holy. This 
day was appointed by God Himself, a day ot rest for all men, and a day on which men are to worship Him 
with pure hearts, and to come before Him that He may examine their hearts, and cast out all their evil. 
This day is appointed for His minister to preach to us .Tesus, and to teach our dark and cloudy minds, and 
to bring them to light." He here spoke of the Savior, and His dying to redeem the world ; that how life and 
salvation are freely ottered to all that will forsake sin and turn to God He adverted to the judgment day, 
and the awful consequences of being found in sin, and strangers to God. On this subject he was tremend- 
ously awful. He burst into tears ; he caught the handkerchief from his head, and wiped them from his 
eyes. Many in the house sat as if they were petrified, while others wept in silence. Many of the females 
drew their blankets over their faces "and wept. " Awful, awful day to the wicked 1" said this thundering 
minister. " Your faces will look much blacker with your shame and guilt than they do now with your 
paint." I have no doubt but God was with Mononcue on this occasion, and that many were convicted of sin 
and a judgment to come. 

Mononcue was of great service to the mission at Upper Sandusky as a local preacher, and was always 
prompt in the discharge of every duty. He remained a true Christian and friend of the whites until his 
death, which occurred some time before the removal of the Wyandots west of Missouri. 



278 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

would abandon them forever, if they left His commandments, and exhorted 
the people never to think of turning aside from their fathers' religion. 

Late in the year 1818, Stewart encountered other difficulties. It seems . 
that certain missionaries, traveling to the northward, passed through Upper 
Sandusky, and finding that Stewart had been somewhat successful in his 
labors among the Wyandots, wanted him to join their church, saying that 
they would assure him a good salary. He refused on the gi'ound of his ob- 
jections to the doctrines they held. They then demanded his authority as 
a Methodist missionary. As he held no other authority from the church 
than an exhorter's license, he frankly told them he had none. Through 
this means, it became known that he had no authority from the church to 
exercise the ministerial office; although he had both solemnized matrimony 
and baptized several persons, both adults and children, believing that the 
necessity of the case justified it. This operated greatly to his disadvan- 
tage, for the missionaries aforesaid and the traders asserted that he was 
an impostor. 

Stewart now determined to attach himself to the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, at some point nearer than Marietta. The same winter •(1818-19), 
he visited a tribe of the Wyandots that lived at Solomonstown, oa the 
Great Miami River. He there formed the acquaintance of Robert Arm- 
strong, and some Methodist families living near Bellefontaine. From them 
he learned that the quarterly meeting, for that circuit, would be held near 
Urbana. To that place he proceeded (in company with some of the Indi- 
ans), recommended by the converted chiefs and others, as a proper person to 
be licensed as a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 
March, 1819, his case was brought before the conference, and by a unani- 
mous vote of that body, he was duly licensed. At this meeting, several of 
the local preachers present volunteered to go in turn and assist Stewart, 
but it appears that Rev. Anthony Banning, of Mount Vernon, anticipated 
their action, and was the first to aid him. 

At the annual confei,-ence, held at Cincinnati in August, 1819, the 
Indian mission at Upper Sandusky was named as a regular field of 
labor in the Lebanon District, which then extended from the Ohio River 
northward to and including Michigan TeiTitory. At the same time Rev. 
James B. Finley was appointed Presiding Elder of the district, and Rev. 
James Montgomery, missionary to assist Stewart. Subsequently, Mont- 
gomery was appointed by Col. John Johnston, sub-agent, over the Senecas, 
and Moses Henkle was employed to fill the position vacated by Montgomery. 
As a result of these proceedings, Stewart's prominence as a missionary among 
the Indians began to wane, and others proceeded to occupy the field which 
he had opened. 

Although Mononcue and other prominent men of the Wyandots 
opposed Stewart's efforts for a time, they were, comparatively speaking, 
early converts to Methodism Thus. Finley relates that the first quarterly 
meeting appointed for the benefit of the Indians was held at Zanesfield, 
at the house of Ebenezer Zane, a half-breed, in November, 1819. About 
sixty Indians were present, among them the chiefs known as Between-the- 
logs, Mononcue, John Hicks, Peacock, Squindighty and Scuteash. Robert 
Armstrong and Jonathan Pointer were the interpreters. All of the chiefs 
mentioned, besides several others, spoke to the white men and red men there 
assembled. The address of Between-the-logs, interpreted, was as follows: 

"Will you have patience to hear me, and I will give you a history 
of religion among the Indians for some time back, and how we have been 




JVlO-K0J\ICl/E 



JIN INDIAN CHIEF OF THE WYANDOT TRIBE AND A LICENSED PREACHER 
OF THE ptETfiODIST Chd({Cii. 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 281 

deceived. Our fathoi's had a religion of their own, by which they served 
God and were happy, before any white men came among them. They used 
to worship with feasts, sacrifices, dances and rattles; in doing which they 
thought they were right. Our parents wished us to be good, and they used 
to make us do good, and would sometimes correct us for doing evil. But a 
great while ago, the French sent us the good book by a Koman priest, and 
we listened to him. He taught us that we must confess our sins, and he 
would forgive them; that we must worship Lady Mary, and do penance. 
He baptized us with spittle and salt, and many of us did as he told us. 
Now, we thought, to be sure we are right. He told us to pray, and to carry 
the cross on our breasts. He told us, also, that it was wrong to drink 
whisky. But we found that he would drink it himself, and we followed 
his steps and got dnink too. At last our priest left us, and this religion all 
died away. So, many of us left off getting drunk, and we began again to 
do pretty well. Then the Seneca prophet arose and pretended that he had 
talked to the Great Spirit, and that he had told him what the Indians ought 
to do. So we heard and followed him. It is true, he told us many good 
things, and that we ought not to drink whisky, but soon we found that he 
was like the lioman priest — he would tell us we must not do things, and 
yet do them himself. So here we were deceived again. Then, after these 
cheats, we thought oui" fathers' religion was still the best, and we would 
take it up again and follow it. After some time the great Shawanese prophet 
[Tecumseh's brother] arose. Well, we heard him, and some of us followed 
him for awhile. But we had now become very jealous, having been deceived 
so often, and we watched him very closely, and soon found him like all the 
rest. Then we left him also, and now we were made strong in the religion 
of our fathers, and concluded to turn away from it no more. We made an- 
other trial to establish it more firmly, and had made some progress when the 
war broke out between our father, the President, and King George. Our 
nation was for war with the king, and every man wanted to be a big man. 
Then we drank whisky and fought; and by the time the war was over we 
were all scattered, and many killed and dead. 

"But the chiefs thovight they would gather the nation together once 
more. We had a good many collected, and were again establishing our In- 
dian religion. Just at this time, a black man, Stewart, onr brother here 
(poiuting to him), came to us, and told us he was sent by the Great Spirit 
to tell us the true and good way. But we thought that he was like all the 
rest, that he wanted to cheat us, and get our money and land from us. He 
told us of all our sins; showed us that drinking whisky was ruining us; 
that the Great Spirit was angry with us; and that we must leave ofi" these 
things. But we treated him ill, and gave him but little to eat, and trampled 
on him, and were jealous of him for a whole year. We are sure if the 
Great Spirit had not sent him, he could not have borne with our treatment. 
About this time our father, the President, applied to us to buy our lands, 
and we had to go to the great city to see him. When we came home, our 
old preacher was still with us, telling us the same things; and we could 
find no fault or alteration in him. About this time he talked about leaving 
us to see his friends; and our squaws told us that we were fools to let him 
go, for the Great God had sent him, and we ought to adopt him. But still 
we wanted to hear longer. They then told us what God had done for them 
by this man. So we attended his meeting in the council house, and the 
Great Spirit came upon us so that some cried aloud, some clapped their 
hands, some ran away, and some were angry. We held our meeting all 

5 



282 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

night, sometimes singing and sometimes praying. By this time we were 
convinced that God had sent him to us; and then we adopted him, and gave 
him mother and children. About this time a few of us went to a great 
camp-meeting near Lebanon, Warren County, Ohio, and were much blessed 
and very happy. As soon as this work was among us at Sandusky, almost 
every week some preacher would come and tell us they loved us, and would 
take us and our preacher under their care, and give us schools, and do all 
for us that we wished. But we thought if they loved Indians so, why not 
go to the Senecas and Mohawks? They have no preacher; we have ours. 
Some told us that we must be baptized all over in the water, to wash away 
our sins. And now they said they cared much for us; but before Stewart 
came they cared nothing for us. Now some of us are trying to do good, 
and are happy. We find no alteration in Stewart. But when others come, 
and our young men will not sit still, they scold; and we believe Stewari is the 
best man. Some of the white people that live among us and can talk our 
language say, ' The Methodists have bewitched you;' and that, 'It is all 
nothing but the works of the devil; and the whites want to get you tamed, 
and then kill you, as they did the Moravian Indians on the Tuscarawas 
River." I told them that if we were to be killed, it was time for us all to 
be praying. Some white people put bad things in the minds of our young 
Indians, and make our way rough." Between-the-logs concluded his ad- 
dress by telling of the goodness of the Lord, and requesting an interest in 
the prayers of his people. 

In August, .1821, in accordance with the suggestions of the Methodist 
preachers, the chiefs, Deunquot, Between-the-logs, John Hicks, Mononcue, 
Andauyouah, Deandoughso and Tahuwaughtarode, signed a petition, which 
was drawn up and witnessed by William Walker, United States Interpreter; 
and Moses Henkle, Sr., Missionary, requesting that a missionary school be 
established among them, at Upper Sandusky, and for that pui-pose they 
donated a section of land at the place called Camp Meigs, where existed a fine 
spring of water and other conveniences. The Indians also requested of con- 
ference that the teacher sent them should be a preacher, thus obviating 
the necessity of a traveling misssonary being continued among them. 
Thereupon Eev. James B. Finley, was appointed resident missionary and 
teacher at the Wyandot INIission. He says in his history of the mission: 
' ' There was no plan of operation furnished me, no provision made for the 
mission family, no house to shelter them, nor supplies for the winter; 
and there was only a small sum of money, amounting to $20U, appro- 
priated for the benefit of the mission. However, I set about the work 
of preparation to move. I had a suitable wagon made, bought a yoke of 
oxen, and other things necessary, took my own fui'niture and household 
goods, and by the 8th of October was on my way. I had hired two young 
men, and one young woman, and Sister Harriet Stubbs volunteered to ac- 
company us as a teacher. These, with my wife and self, made the whole 
mission family. We were eight days making our way out. Sixty miles 
of the road was almost as bad as it could be. From Markley's, on the 
Scioto, to Upper Sandusky, there were but two or three cabins. But by the 
blessing of kind Providence, we arrived safe, and were received by all with 
the warmest aflfection. There was no house for us to shelter in on the sec- 
tion of land we were to occupy, but by the kindness of Mr. Lewis, the black- 
smith, we were permitted to occupy a new cabin he had built for his family. 
It was without door, window or chinking. Here we unloaded, and set up 
oiir Ebenezer. The Sabbath following, we held meeting in the council house, 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 283 

and had a large congregation. Brother Stewart was present, and aided in 
the exercises. We had a good meeting, and the prospect of better times. 

" We now selected the place for building our mission house. It was on 
the spot called " Camp Meigs,' where Gov. Meigs had encamped with the Ohio 
Militia in time of the last war. on the west bank of the Sandusky River, 
about a mile below the post of 'Upper Sandusky." We commenced getting 
logs to put us up a shelter for the winter. The first week one of my hands 
left me. A day or two after, while we were in the woods cutting down 
timber, a dead limb fell from the tree we were chopping on the head of the 
other young man, so that he lay breathless. I placed him on the wa^on, 
drove home half a mile or more, and then bled him, before he recovered his 
senses. I now began to think it would be hard times. Winter was coming 
on, and my family exposed in an Indian country, without a house to shelter 
in. For years I had dont> but little manual labor. But the Lord blessed 
me with great peace in ray soul. My worthy friend, George Riley, recov- 
ered from his hurt, and we worked almost day and night, until the skin 
came off the inside of my hands. I took oak bark, boiled it, and washed 
my hands in the decoction, and they soon got well and became hard. 
We built a cabin house, 20x23 feet, and without door, window, or 
loft. On the very day that snow* began to fall, we moved into it. The 
•winter soon became extremely cold. We repaired one of the old block- 
houses, made a stable thereof for our cattle, and cut, hauled and hewed 
logs to put up a double house, forty-eight feet long by twenty wide, a story 
and a half high. We hauled timber to the saw mill, and sawed it ourselves 
into joists and plank, for the floors and other purposes. I think I can say 
that neither brother Riley nor myself sat down to eat one meal of victuals 
that winter but by candle-light, except on Sabbath days. We always went 
to bed at 9, and rose at 4 o'clock in the morning, and by daylight we were 
ready to go to work. In addition to this, I preached every Sabbath and met 
class, attended prayer meeting once every week, and labored to rear up the 
church. Brother Stewart assisted when he was able to labor, but his pul- 
monary affliction confined him the most of liis time to the house, and I em- 
ployed him to teach a small school of ten or twelve Indian children at the 
Big Spring; for these people were so anxious to have their children taught 
that they could not wait until preparations* were made at the mission house, 
and they wanted to have a separate school by themselves. To this I would 
not agree; but to accommodate their wishes until we were ready at the mis- 
sion house to receive their children, I consented that they might be taught 
at home." 

Mr. Finley remained with the Wyandots at Upper Sandusky (assisted 
meanwhile, at different periods, by Revs. John Stewart, Charles Elliott, 
Jacob Hooper, John C. Brooke and James Gilruth), about seven years, and 
his published statements of the proceedings while here, are quite inter- 
esting and complete. Yet, except in a few instances, the scope of this 
work — the great variety of topics to be treated — precludes the practicability 
of our giving full accounts obtained therefrom, or indeed of doing but 
little more, while speaking further of the Wyandot Mission, than to merely 
make mention of some of the most prominent events. 

While the chiefs and head men known as Between-the-logs, Mononcue, 
John Hicks, Squire Grayeyes, George Punch, Summundewat, Big-tree, 
Driver, Washington, Joseph Williams. Two Logs, Mathew Peacock, 
Harrihoot, Robert Armstrong, Scuteash, Rohnyenness, Little Chief, Big 
River, Squindatee and others (with a following of about one-half of those 



284 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

on the reservation), prof essed to have obtained religion, and were enrolled as 
members of the Mission Methodist Episcopal Church, Deunquot, who be- 
came the head chief of the nation npon the death of Tarhe, together with 
the other half of the Indians under his control, remained true to the 
religion (if so it maj be called) of their fathers. Finley speaks of an 
occurrence in which Deunquot prominently figured as follows: 

" Some time after this the head chief, Deunquot, and his party came one 
Sabbath to the council house, where we held our meetings, dressed up and 
painted in real Indian style, with their head-bands tilled with silver bobs, 
their head-dress consisting of feathers and painted horse hair. The chief 
had a half moon of silver on his neck before and several hanging on his 
back. He had nose-jewels and ear-rings, and many bands of silver 
on his arms and legs. Around his ankles hung many buck-hoofs, to 
rattle when he walked. His party were dressed in similar style. The like 
nesses of animals were painted on their breasts and backs, and snakes on 
their arms. When he came in he addressed the congregation in Indian 
style, with a polite compliment, and then taking his seat, struck lire, took 
out his pipe, lighted it and commenced smoking. Others of his party 
followed his example. I knew this was done by way of opposition and 
designed as an insult. Soon after I toek my text, John v, 16, 'Wilt thou 
be made whole?' etc.; and commenced on the diseases of man's soul, and 
showing from history the injustice of one nation to another; the treatment 
of the white people to the natives of North and South America; the 
conduct of man to his brother, and his conduct to himself, his drunkenness 
etc., and all the good we have comes from God, to make us happy. But 
that we, from the badness of our hearts, use these blessings to our own hurt; 
and that all evil proceeds out of the heart; therefore, all our hearts must 
be evil, and that continually; that we are proud, and of this we have an ex- 
ample before us in our grandfather, the head chief. Surely these things 
can do him no good, but to feed a proud heart. They will not warm his 
body when cold, nor feed him when hungry. 

"As soon as I sat down, he arose with all the dignity of an Indian, and 
spoke as follows: ' My friends, this is a ])retty day, and your faces all look 
pleasantly. I thank the Great Spirit that He has permitted us to meet. I 
have listened to your preacher. He has said some things that are good, but 
they have nothing to do with us. We are Indians, and belong to the red 
man's God. That book was made by the white man's God, and suits them. 
They can read it — we cannot; and what he has said will do for white men, 
but with us it has nothing to do. Once, in the days of our grandfathers, 
many years ago, this white man's God came himself to this country and 
claimed us. But our God met him somewhere near the great mountains, 
and they disputed about the right to this country. At last they agreed to 
settle this question by trying their great power to remove a mountain. The 
white man's God got down on his knees, opened a big book, and began to 
pray and talk, but the mountain stood fast. Then then the red man's God 
took his magic wand, and began to powwow and beat the turtle shell, and 
the mountain trembled, shook, and stood by him. The white man's God 
got scared and ran off, and we have not heard of him since, unless he has 
sent these men to see what they can do.' All the time he was speaking, 
the heathen party were on tip-toe, and often responded, saying, ' Tough 
gondee'' — that is, true or right; and seemed to think they had won the 
victory. 

"As soon as he sat down, I arose and said: 'Our grandfather is a great 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 285 

man — he is an able warrior, a great, hunter, and a good chief in many 
things; and in all this I am his son. Bat when ifc comes to matters of re- 
ligion, he is my son and I am his father. He has told us a long and queer 
story. I wonder where he obtained it. He may have dreamed it, or he has 
heard some drunken Indian tell it; for you know that drunkards always see 
great sights, and have many revelations, which sober men never have. (Here 
my old friend Mononcue said, ' Tough gondee/) But my friend, the head 
chief, is mistaken about his gods; for if it requires a God for every color, 
there must be many more gods. This man is black (pointing to Pointer). 
I am white, and you are red. Who made the black man ? Where is his 
God? This book tells you and me that there is but one God, and that he 
made all things, and all nations of the earth of one blood, to dwell together; 
and a strong evidence is, that the difference of color is no obstacle to gen- 
eration. God has diversified the color of the plants. Go to the plains and 
see how varied they are in their appearance. Look at the beasts; they are 
of all colors. So it is with men. God has given them all shades of color, 
from the jet black to the snow white. Then your being a red man, and I 
a white man, is no argument at all that there are two gods. And I again 
say that this book is true in what it states of man having a bad heart, and 
being wicked; and that my friend has a proud heart is evident from his 
dress and painting himself. God made me white and that man black. We 
are contented. But my friend does not think the Great Spirit has made 
him pretty enough; he must put on his paint to make himself look better. 
This is a plain proof that he is a proud man, and has an evil heart.' Seeing 
that the chief was angry, I said, 'My grandfather will not get angry at his 
son for telling him the truth, but he might if I had told him a lie.' 

•'He then rose, considerably excited, saying: '1 am not angry; but you 
cannot show in all your book where an Indian is forbid to paint. You may 
find where white people are forbid, but you cannot show where an Indian is.' 
I then arose, and read from the third chapter of Isaiah, at the sixteenth 
verse; and told him that th^se people were not white men, as the Ameri- 
cans, and yet were forbidden to use those foolish ornaments. He arose 
and said I had not read it right. I then handed the book to one of the Mr. 
Walkers, and he read and interpreted it; so that the old man was at last 
confounded, and said no more.'' Nevertheless, Deunquot remained stead- 
fast in the belief of his ancestors until his death, which occurred about a 
year after the affair in the council house, just narrated. He was succeeded 
by the chief termed Warpole. 

In the summer of 1823, the mission school was formally opened. It was 
conducted according to the manual labor system. The boys were taught 
the art of farming, and the girls, housework, sewing, knitting, spinning, 
cooking, etc. The boys were averse to labor at first; but instead of force, 
stratagem was brought into play. They were divided into separate groups, 
and each encouraged to excel the others. Sixty scholars were enrolled in 
the year last mentioned, among them being a number of children sent from 
Canada, by members of the Wyandot nation there residing. Bishop Mc- 
Kendree also visited the mission and reservation during the same year. In 
a letter written by him in August, 1823, he said: "Our missionary estab- 
lishment is at Upper Sandusky, in the large national reserve of the Wyan- 
dot tribes of ludians, which contains one hundred and forty-seven thousaud 
eight hundred and forty acres of land; being in extent something more than 
nineteen miles from east to west, and twelve miles from north to south. 
Throughout the whole extent of this tract, the Sandusky winds its course, re- 



286 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

ceiving several beautiful streams. This fine tract, with another reservation 
of five miles square at the Big Spring, head of Blanchard's River, is all the 
soil that remains to the Wyandots, once the proprietors of an extensive 
tract of country. The mission at Upper Sandusky is about sixty- five or 
seventy miles north of Columbus, the seat of government of Ohio. To the 
old Indian boundary line, which is about half way, the country is pretty 
well improved. From thence to the Wyandot Reserve, the papulation is 
thinly scattered, the lands having been but lately surveyed and brought 
into market." 

During the same year (1823), Col. John Johnston, United States Indian 
Agent, likewise visited the Wyandots on their reservations. He passed 
several days among them, and at the close of his visit — August 23 — reported 
as follows: " The buildings and improvements of the establishment are 
substantial and extensive, and do this gentleman [meaning Mr. Finley] 
great credit. The farm is under excellent fence, and in fine order; com- 
prising about one hundred and forty acres, in pasture, corn and vegetables. 
There are about fifty acres in corn, which, from present appearances, will 
yield 3,000 bushels. It's by much the finest crop I have seen this year, has 
been well worked, and is clear of grass and weeds. There are twelve acres 
in potatoes, cabbage, turnips and garden. Sixty children belong to the 
school, of which number fifty-one are Indians. These children are boarded 
and lodged at the mission house. They are orderly and attentive, compris- 
ing every class from the alphabet to readers in the Bible. I am told by the 
teacher that they are apt in learning, and that he is entirely satisfied with 
the progress they have made. They attend with the family regularly to the 
duties of religion. The meeting-house, on the Sabbath, is numerously and 
devoutly attended. A better congregation in behavior I have not beheld; 
and I believe there can be no doubt, that there are very many persons, of 
both sexes, in the Wyandot nation, who have experienced the saving effects 
of the Gospel upon their minds. Many of the Indians are now settling on 
farms, and have comfortable houses and large fields. A spirit of order, in- 
dustry and improvement appears to prevail with that part of the nation 
which has embraced Christianity, and this constitutes a full half of the 
population." During the year 1823, the sum of $2,254.54 was expended at 
the mission, which had been gathered from various sources. 

The same year was also made memorable in the history of the mission 
by reason of the death of the colored preacher, Rev. John Stewart, who 
died of consumption December 17, 1823. It appears from Finley's account, 
that in 1820, conference appropriated money for the purpose of purchasing 
a horse for Stewart, and to pay for clothing he had bought; besides which, 
he received many presents from friends in and about Urbana. Soon after, 
he married a women of his own color, and wished to have a place of his 
own. Thereupon the venerable Bishop McKendree collected $100, with 
which sixty acres of land were purchased and patented in the name of 
Stewart. It adjoined the Wyandot Reservation, and was occupied by him 
from the spring of 1821 until his death. Afterward his wife and brother 
sold the land and appropriated the money to their own use. Stewart was 
the recipient of regular supplies from the mission to the time of his decease; 
although a year or so before that event he had withdrawn from the Method- 
ist Episcopal Church, and joined the Allenites, a sect of colored 
Methodists. 

In the spring of 1824, the Indians turned their attention to the improve- 
ment of their farms, and to the building of comfortable houses. A number 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 287 

of hewed-log houses were put up, with brick or stone chimneys; and great 
exertions were made to enclose large fields, for raising grain and grass. 
Many purchased sheep, and means were taken to improve their breed of 
cattle and hogs. With the means at their command, they did all they 
could to provide for the futuje, without following the chase, for they clearly 
saw that the white settlers would soon occupy all the country around them, 
and that they must starve unless they could procure the means of living at 
home. The same year, too, was built the mission church, now standing 
in ruins. Says Mr. Finley: " We were much in want of a place of worship, 
as there was no proper meeting-house. Sometimes we worshiped in the 
old council house, as the lai'gest and most roomy. Tl>is was an old build- 
ing, made of split slabs, laid between two posts stuck in the ground, and 
covered with bark peeled from the tx-ees. No floor but the earth — no tire- 
place but a hearth in the middle, and logs laid on the ground on each side 
for seats. In the winter we met in the mission schoolhouse, which was 
much too small. 

On my tour to the East, I visited the city of Washington, in company 
with the Rev. David Young. Here I had an interview with President 
Monroe, and gave him such information as he wished, as to the state of the 
mission and Indians in general. I had also an introduction to John C. 
Calhoun, Secretaiy of War. This gentleman took a deep interest in Indian 
afairs, and gave me much satisfactory information respecting the different 
missions in progress among the Indians; the amount of money expended 
on each establishment, and the probable success. I made an estimate of 
the cost of our buildings, and he gave me the Government's proportion of 
the expense, which amounted to $1,333. I then asked him if it would be 
improper to take that money, and build a good church for the benefit of 
the nation. His reply was, that I might use it for building a church; and 
he wished it made of strong and durable materials, so that it might remain 
a house of worship when both of us were no more. This work was per- 
formed, and the house was built out of good limestone, 30x40 feet, and 
plainly finished. So these people have had a comfortable house to wor- 
ship Grod in ever since. It will stand if not torn down, for a century* to 
come." 

* Such would have been the case, doubtless, if the successors of the Wyandots here — the white men — 
had exhibited the least particle of public spirit, or of pride, in the preservation of this, and other priceless 
mementoes of a past race and age. Under date of May 12, 18S1, the very able editor of the Wyandot Dem- 
ocratic t/H tore speaks of this; "The Last Landmark of the Wyandot Iteservation," in the following lucid, 
unmistakable style: * * * "We remember with what interest we viewed, on our first visit to the town 
— shortly after these so-called wild men had taken their departure — the council house, the block-house, 
many of their cabins, and especially the church, which had witnessed so many gracious manifestations of 
the presence of the Holy Ghost, and which now is almost a heap of ruins. Then they were considered 
souvenirs of the people that for generations had occupied the land, and whose untutored minds had formed 
certain well defined laws much in accordance with nature for their government; and who, to enforce them, 
had their officers, prisons and courts of justice. All these were left as mementoes of the age tliat had pre- 
ceded ours. They should have been protected by the people who succeeded them, and guarded as legacies 
handed down from those whose hands had built them. But this was not the case. X different spirit act- 
uated those who succeeded them, although they boasted of a higher order of civilization, that had the Chris- 
tian religion for its corner stone. The tide of emigration that pressed into the reservation under thfi new 
order of things, had no appreciation for the venerable relics they found standing everywhere, as rnonumeuts 
of the genius of the people who had preceded them, and with the greed ever manifested by the whites to 
gain property, and to turn everything found in their way into a channel that would lead to such results, 
therefore, nothing belonging to Indian mythology was deemed too sacred to be sacrificed to this unholy 
thirst for riches 

"After the organization of the county, the council house, which liad witnessed so many grand scenes 
connected with the primeval history of the Wyandots, was used for holding the courts of justice, and by 
sheer carelessness in storing ashes in a barrel, it took fire and was burned up. The block-house or jail gave 
way for a more imposing building, to be used as a dwelling-house. Other memorial stones that were set up 
as commemorative of Indian history were thrown down, and at last the 'Old Mission Church,' the only 
landmark remaining, is about to fall into decay. More than this, the vandal hand was seen a few years ago 
in the almost total obliteration of the marbleslabs that marked the last resting-place of a number of the 
most noteworthy of the Indian chiefs of the Wyandots, many of them having, ere they died, gloried in the 
power of the new birth, and believed in Him who is the resurrection and the life. But nevertheless, men 
calling themselves Christians, some of them ministers of the Gospel, with uplifted hands, struck piece after 
piece from these grave marks of tlie noble dead, until there does not remain a single one to tell where rests 



288 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

For the year ending September 30, 1826, the following report of the 
mission school, etc., was rendered to the War Department of the United 
States: Name of the site or station, Wyandot Mission School, Upper San- 
dusky: by whom established, by the Bishops ol the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, with the consent of the Ohio Annual Conference; when established, 
October 16, 1821; name of Superintendent, J._B^_Finley; number of schol- 
ars, sixty-nine; number of teachers, one male and one female teacher, prin- 
cipals — ten others — in all, twelve; amount of funds -received, including an- 
nual allowance of Government, $2,454.47i; amount of disbursements, 
12,600; deficiency, 1145. 52i; value of property belonging to the establish- 
ment, $10,000. At that time this was the most successful and prosperous 
Indian school and mission in the United States. We will also mention 
here, that the building known as the mission school and boarding-house was 
situated about half a mile northeast of the church. It entirely disappeared 
many years ago. It was commenced by Mr. Finley in the winter of 1821-22 
See his account as shown on preceding pages. 

In explanation of the number of white men or partly white men found 
am ong the W yandots, it appears that this nation, although never behind 
other savage tribes during their wars with the whites, were more merciful 
than their neighbors — the Delawares, Shawanese, Miamis, Ottawas, Chippe- 
was, etc. They saved more prisoners, and purchased many fi'om other lu- 
dians, and adopted them into their families. Thus did they become allied 
with some of the best families in the country. The Brow ns, an old Virginia 
family; the Zanes, another well-known family; the Walkers of Tennessee, 
and the Williams, Armstrongs, McCulloughs and Ma^ees of Pittsburgh, 
were all represented among them. Robert Armstrong, one of the best in- 
terpreters during Finley's time, was taken prisoner by the Wyandots about 
the yearl786, when a boy about four years old. His parents resided a few 
miles above Pittsburgh, on the banks of the Allegheny River. One Sunday 
morning a young man of the family, with little Robert, took a canoe and 
crossed over to the west side of the river to visit a camp of friendly Indians 
of the Cornplanter tribe. This camp was situated about four miles distant 
from the river. After they had made their visit and were returning home, 
in passing a dense thicket through which the path led, they heard a noise 
and stopped to look, and to their great surprise and teri'or, four hideously 
painted Indians of the Wyandot nation rose up and ordered them to stop. 

the sleeping dust of Mononcue, Sumniundewat, Between-the-Logs, Deunquot, or any other of the braves 
whose remains had been deposited in the ground around this ' Old Mission t'hurch.' It is a record at which 
the Christian should blush with shame. It was a vandalism of which the Goths, in their palmiest days, 
would have blushed to have been charged with, and yet in this advanced age, in the light of the sun shining 
on us in this, the nineteenth century, there were men wearing the livery of heaven that boldly, in open 
daylight, were guilty of this crime. 

"But the past cannot be recalled. AVhat has been done cannot be remedied. But the people of Upper 
Sandusliy have a sacred duty to perform in the preservation of what remains of the ' Old Mission f hurch ' 
from total obliteration. Last winter, had there been sufficient enterprise, the object sought for might have 
been attained. Through the persevering elforts of lion. K. B. Finley, a bill passed the Senate of the United 
States, appropriating $3,000 for repairing tlie Old Mission Church, and building a suitable monument in 
honor of the Wyandot nation. Mr. Finley notified our citizens of this fact, and invited their co-operation. 
What was done by our people'.' Simply nothing I We made an appeal to them through the columns of the 
Union. Our appeal had about as much etlect as pouring water upon a goose's back. We talked privately to 
our business men, but they turned a deaf ear to ;ill we said, and the result was that with the expiration of 
the last Congress, the bill died a horning in the house, and the town is out of the §3,000 for the fitting-up 
of the old mission grounds If our citizens would have met in public meeting, and taken steps to co-operate 
with Mr. Finley, our member of Congress, and sent a delegation to Washington to work up the matter, the 
bill could, we have no doubt, have been passed. But as it is, we see now no liope. The church that should 
stand as a monument of other days and of another people is going into decay, and it will not be long until 
there will be nothing left of it. We are chargeable with its destruction, and the generations that will come 
after us, looking for these mementoes of a pre-historic race, will condemn us for our want of liberality in 
not preserving them. We have now had our say on this subject, and we close by reiterating our former 
belief, that if our citizens had moved at the proper time, Finley's bill would have passed the National Con- 
gress, and an amount sufficient would have been placed at the disposal of the t>roper person to have put in 
repair this old landmark, and to have erected a suitable monument to the memory of the sleeping braves 
whose bodies have returned to dust around it." 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 289 

«.< 

The young man attempted to make his escape by running, but had made a 
few steps only, when the Indians fired and he fell dead. Little Robert ran 
a few yards, but one of the Indians soon caught him and picked him up. 
Said he: "I was so scared to see the young man tomahawked and scalped 
that I could hardly stand, when set on my feet, for I expected it would be 
my lot next. One of the men took me on his back and carried me for sev- 
eral miles before he stopped. The company then divided. Two men took 
the scalp, and the other two had charge of me. Iq the evening they met, 
and traveled until it was late in the night, and then stopped to rest and 
sleep. The next morning I had to take it afoot as long as I could travel; 
and although they treated me kindly, yet I was afraid they would kill me. 
Thus they traveled on for several days, crossing some large rivers, until they 
got to an Indian town, as I learned afterward, on the Jerome's Fork of Mo- 
hickan Creek, one of the branches of Muskingum River. Here they rested 
awhile, and then went on until they came to Lower Sandusky." 

You ng Arm strong was adopted into the Big Turtle tribe of Wy andots,. 
and named 0-no-ran-do-roh. He became an expert hunter and a perfect 
Indian in his feelings and habits of life. He married an Indian woman or 
half-breed, and had so far lost the knowledge of his mother tongue that 
for years he could speak or understand but little of it. After Gen. Wayne's 
treaty he mingled more with the whites, conversed more in English, and 
finally learned to talk the language of his fathers equal to any of the 
traders or settlers. He became an excellent interpreter, and was employed 
in trading and interpreting the rest of his life. His wife w as a daughte r of 
Ebenezer Zane — a half Indian woman — and they raised a family of interest- 
ing children. He lived for some years at S olom onstown. Afterward he 
moved to Zanesfield, on Mad River, and from thence to Upper Sandusky, 
where he died of consumption in April, 1825. We have thus briefly 
sketched the career of Armstrong for the reason that it is a fair illustration, 
probably, of the life and experiences of many other whites who had been 
captured and adopted by the Wjandpts. 

In the summer of 1826, Rev. J. B. Finley, accompanied by the chiefs 
Mononcue and Between-the-logs, and Samuel Brown as interpreter, visited 
the cities of Bu.lfalo, Albany, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Wash- 
ington. At each point great crowds gathered to see and hear them, and all 
expressed the utmost surprise and delight after listening to the addresses of 
these eloquent. Christianized sons of the forest. They returned home at 
the end of three months. 

In the autumn of that year, Judge Leib, an agent appointed by the gov- 
ernment to visit all the Indian mission schools to which the government 
had made appropriations of money, reported to the Secretary of War as 
follows: "On Tuesday, the 10th of November last, I left Detroit for Upper 
Sandusky, where I arrived on the 12th, and found this establishment in the 
most flourishing state. All was harmony, order and regularity under the 
superintending care of the Rev. Mr. Finley. Too much praise cannot be 
bestowed on this gentleman. His great good sense, his unaffected zeal in 
the reformation of the Indians, his gracious manners and conciliating dis- 
position fit him in a peculiar manner for the accomplishment of his pur- 
pose, and the fruits of his labors are everywhere visible; they are to be 
found in every Indian and Indian habitation. By Indian habitation here 
is meant a good comfortable dwelling, built in the modern country style, 
with neat and well-finished apartments, and furnished with chairs, tables, 
bedsteads and beds, equal at least, in all respects to the generality of whites 



290 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

around them. The Wyandots are a line race, and I consider their civiliza- 
tion accomplished, and little short in their general improvement to an 
equal number of v^^hites in our frontier settlements. They are charmingly 
situated in a most fruitful country. They hunt more for sport than for 
subsistence, for cattle seem to abound among them, and their good condi- 
tion gives assurance of the fertility of their soil and the rich herbage which 
it produces, for the land is everywhere covered with the richest blue grass. 
" They mostly di-ess like their white neighbors, and seem as con- 
tented and happy as any other portion of people I ever saw. A 
stranger would believe he was passing through a white population, if the 
inhabitants were not seen; for besides the neatness of their houses, with 
brick chimneys and glazed windows, you see horses, cows, sheep and hogs 
grazing everywhere, and wagons, harness, plows, and other implements of 
husbandry in their proper places. In short, they are the only Indians 
within the circle of my visits whom 1 consider as entirely reclaimed, and 
whom I should consider it a cruelty to attemjyf to remove. * * * A good 
and handsome stone meeting-house, forty feet in length by thirty in breadth, 
has been erected since last year. * * * Xhe mission farm is well sup- 
plied with horses, oxen, cows and swine, and all the necessary farming 
utensils. I cannot forbear mentioning a plan adopted by this tribe, under 
the auspices of the Superintendent, which promises the most salutary effects. 
A considerable store has been fitted upon their reserve, and furnished with 
every species of goods suited to their wants, and purchased with their an- 
nuities. An account is opened with each individual who deals thereat, and 
a very small profit acquired. Mr. William Walker, a quadroon, one of the 
tribe, a trustworthy man, and well qualified by his habits and education to 
conduct the business, is their agent. The benefits resulting from this es- 
tablishment are obvious. The Indians can, at home, procure eveiy necessary 
article at a cheap rate, and avoid not only every temptation which' assailri 
him when he goes abroad, but also great imposition. The profits of the 
store are appropriated to the general benefit. This plan, it seems to me, 
promises many advantages. The merchandise with which this store is fur- 
nished was bought in New York on good terms." 

Between-the-logs died of consumption January 1, 1827. During the 
last part of the same year, Rev. Mr. Finley terminated his labors with the 
Wyandots, leaving Rev. James Gilruth in control. Among the successors 
of the latter were Messrs. Thompson, Shaw, Allen and Wheeler, ministers 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. It is probable, however, that the 
mission attained its greatest degree of activity and substantial prosperity 
just at the close of Mr. Finley 's superintendency. 

By a treaty concluded at Little Sandusky August 3, 1829, between John 
McElvaine, Commissioner on the part of the United States, and the chiefs 
and head men of the Delawares, the latter ceded their reservation to the 
United States for the sum of $3,000, and removed west of the Mississippi. 
This reservation was granted to the Delawares at the treaty of the Maumee 
Rapids. It contained nine square miles, and adjoined the Wyandot Reserve 
on the southeast, thus embracing portions of the present townships of An- 
trim and Pitt, in Wyandot County. By permission' of the Wyandots, these 
Indians made a village on the west bank of the Sandusky River, below the 
mouth of Broken Sword Creek, where a fine spring emerges from the river 
bank. Capt. Pipe, Jr , a son of the Capt. Pipe who burned Col. Crawford 
at the stake, was with them, and their village was called Pipetown, or 
Capt. Pipe's village. Among those named in the original grant at the 



HISTORY OF WY^ANDOT COUNTY. 291 

treaty of the Maumee Rapids f^several of whom survived until after their 
removal beyond the Mississippi) were Capt. Pipe, Zeshauau or James Arm- 
strong, Mahautoo or John Armstrong, Sanoudoyeasquaw or Silas Armstrong, 
Rlack KaccooD, Billy Montour, Buckwheat, William Doudee, Thomas Lyons, 
Johnnycake, Capt. Wolf, Isaac Hill, John H411. Tishatahooms or Widow 
Armstrong, Ayenucere, Hooraaurou or John Ming and Youdorast. 

The Delawares were ever a savage, superstitious, treacherous race, and 
the whites of the pioneer days never placed much dependence upon their 
promises. Buckwheat, one of the Indians mentioned above, was part negro. 
About the year 1827 he was accused of witchcraft, and after having been 
tried and found guilty was sentenced to die by being burned alive. Maj. 
Anthony Bowsher, the founder of Bowsherville. and one of the very few 
surviving pioneers of the county, witnessed the burning. From his account, 
it appears that Buckwheat was first made so drunk with whisky that he was 
unable to stand: then he was bound and placed upon a blazing tire of brush, 
wood, etc., aad to insure his remaining thei'e, a heavy and long piece of 
green timber was placed upon his body, and that kept in place by Indians 
sitting upon both ends of it. Around the victim circled and danced all the 
Indians there assembled. All were maddened with whisky passed around 
by an old squaw, and the shouts and songs rendered were most terrifying. 
The hideous orgies continued for two days and nights. Even Bowsher 
was made to move ax'ound the burning remains of Buckwheat with them, 
but he states that he refused to taste any of the whisky. This affair took 
place near the bank of the river, opposite the present town of Little San- 
dusky. 

Thomas Lyons, or " Old Tom Lyons," as he was termed by the whites, 
was another conspicuous character among this small band of Delawaros. 
He claimed that Gen. Wayne gave him his name and a coat, likewise that 
he was more than one hundred and sixty years old. However, as old Tom 
counted the summer a year, and the winter a year, his alleged great age can 
easily be accounted for. He it was who interpreted for the colored man 
Stewart at Pipetown. in 18 16, when the latter was traveling toward Upper 
Sandusky. He had lived with the Delawares in Pennsylvania before these 
Indians were forced to remove to Ohio. He had been a strong, powerful 
man, and made many enemies among the whites, by I'eason of bis fondness 
in boasting of his deeds of prowess, and in relating many incidents of the 
wars through which he had passed. He seemed to take great delight in as- 
serting that he had killed and scalped ninety-nine whites, including rnen, 
women and children, and only desired to make the number an even one 
hundred before being called to the happy hunting-grounds. Various ac- 
counts have been published concerning the time and place of his death. 
One statement is that Samuel Spurgeon, who, in common with many other 
white men of his acquaintance, did not enjoy such boasting, met him alone 
one day in the woods and offered Lyons an opportunity to make him the 
hundredth victim, but Lyons failing in his aim, Spurgeon shot him dead 
and If^fthis body lying in the forest as food for wild animals. Another per- 
son claims that old Tom was shot in his wigwam, near Fort Ball, by two 
white hunters from Delaware County, while others assert that he died a 
natural death at Pipestown, on the Delaware Reservation. Lyons' wife is 
reputed to have been one of the finest looking squaws in the tribe, being, in 
fact, a queen of beaut}' among them. He was very proud of her. and kept 
her dressed in the height of Indian fashion, and did not compel her to per- 
form menial labor, as was the custom among the Indians. 



292 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Solomon Johnycake, the husband of Sally Williams, was well known 
to the early settlers of the region now known as Wyandot County. He 
was a well-developed, good-natured, friendly hunter, and it was customary 
for Sally and the children to accompany him on his hunting excursions. 
He usually constructed a neat bark wigwam to protect his squaw and chil- 
ch-en from the storms and expcTsures of the forest, while he ranged the woods 
in search of game. He sometimes exchanged venison^for side-pork with 
the white settlers, and frequently parties, who had a curiosity to see Sally 
(who was a quarter blood) and the children visited his wigwam. Sally 
was regarded as a very neat housekeeper, and preferred, as far as possible, 
to imitate the whites. HeV mother, a white woman, by the name of Castle- 
man, was captured in girlhood, upon the Pennsylvania frontier. Johny- 
cake went West with his people. Three of his sons served in a Kansas 
Indian company of the Union army during the war of the rebellion. 

Capt. Billy Doudee, or Dowdee, was, in point of notoriety, nearly equal 
to Old Tom Lyons. Nickels, his son-in-law, was a very bad Indian, and 
Dowdee's son Tom was not much better. Capt. Beckle)-, in his reminis- 
cences of pioneer life, relates the following incidents, as told by Benjamin 
Sharroek, a former citizen of Marion County: 

" About the year 1821 or 1822, there were several Indians who fre- 
quently camped and hunted on the waters of the West and Middle Forks of 
the Whetstone, to wit, Capt. Dowdee, his son Tom, and Capt. Dowdee's 
son-in-law. Nickels (the bad Indian), the subject of this narrative. He was 
regarded as a dangerous man among his own companions. He had become 
embittered against Benjamin Sharroek, his brother, Everard Sharroek, and 
Jacob Stateler, who, with his three sons, Andrew, James and John (the two 
latter were twin brothers), lived in a cabin on or near the land now owned 
by George Diegle, Esq., in Tully Township. The Dowdees had frequently 
shared the hospitalities of our cabin and we regarded them as peaceable 
and well-disposed citizens. 

" Mr. Sharroek, in relating his difficulty with this bad Indian, says : 
"This Indian, Nickels, had been skulking around and watching my house, 
trying to get a chance to shoot me. I have seen him dodge from tree to 
tree when trying to get a shot at me. He also made threats of killing my 
stock. About this time, he and the two Dowdees were encamped on the 
boundary north of where Iberia now is. Mr. Catrell, my brother and my- 
self held a consultation, whei'eupon we resolved that this state of things 
should no longer be tolerated, and the next morning was the time agreed 
upon to bring this matter to the test. They were to be at my house fully 
armed for any emergency. They were promptly on time, and as Catrell 
had no gun, he took my tomahawk, sheath knife, etc. 

"In this plight, we went directly to their camp, called Tom Dowdee out 
and ordered him to take those coon skins oiat of "them'" frames. (They 
are stretched in frames to dry and keep them in shape. ) We next went to 
the tent of Tom's father, old Capt. Dowdee, and told him how Nickels had 
been watching my house, and that he threatened to kill me and my stock. 
I told him to call Nickels out, but he would not leave his hut. We told 
them we would not endure such treatment any longer, and that we had 
come to settle it right then and there, and were ready to fight it out. The 
Dowdees seemed to be peaceably inclined, and as Nickels did not show him- 
self, the matter was dropped for a short time. Some time after this, 
as I was retui'ning from Wooster, where I had been to enter a piece of 
land, I saw quite a niTmber of moccasin tracks in the snow near Hosford's. 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 293 

1 thought there would be trouble, as it appeared from the tracks that there 
were about thirty persons, and by the way they had tumbled about, con 
eluded that they were on a big drunk. I followed their tracks from Hop- 
ford's down the road leading to our cabin. They had not proceeded far before 
they left their tracks in the snow somewhat besprinkled with blood. I 
afterward learned that Tom Dowdee had stabbed another Indian, inflicting 
two dangerous wounds. They were camped north of my houpe on the 
land now owned by James Dunlap. The excitement among the settlers 
now became intense, and soon a number of us repaired to their camp, but 
we had not been there long before Tom Dowdee rushed upon me and grasped 
me by the collar, perhaps intending to retaliate for the visit we had made 
to their camp a few days before. I was not slow in returning the compli- 
ment by taking him by the throat, and my arms being the longest I could 
easily hold him at bay. At this moment we saw an Indian boy loading a gun. 
I told Dowdee several times to let me alone, but he still persisted in lighting 
me. I then attempted to give him a severe thrust with my gun barrel; he 
sprang and grasped the gun whichi the boy had just loaded, when several of 
the squaws also grasped it to prevent him from shooting mo. All this time 
I kept my rifle up with a steady aim upon the Indian, ready to fire before be 
should be able to fire at me. At this crisis Joel Loverick interfered and 
the Indians allowed him to take possession of the gun, so the quarrel was then 
settled without bloodshed. But what grieves me to this day is that Bashford 
and Loverick both knew that my rifle was not primed all the time I was 
aiming it at the Indian, and they did not tell me. The next day I was 
out in the woods with my gun, and came upon Dowdee before he discov- 
ered me. He had no gun with him, and he begged and implored me not 
to kill him, pr(>mising over and over that if I would not he would never 
molest me, but would be ray fast friend as long as he lived. I gladly 
agreed to his proposal, and to his credit be it said I never saw him after 
that time but that he met me with the kindest greetings. ' 

" About the same time some of the Indians told Stateler, ' Nickels, bad 
Indian, by and by he go to Stony Creek, before he go he say he kill State- 
ler and two Sharrocks, and we 'fraid that big fight. We want white man 
to kill Nickels, then Indians say Nickels gone to Stony Creek.' 

•' We never saw Nickels after about that time, but did not know at what 
moment he would come down upon us. I often asked the Indians whether 
they knew where Nickels was, and they usually replied that he had gone to 
Stony Creek. We had often seen a gun in the settlement, first owned by 
one, then by another, that I believed was Nickels' gun. Jake Stateler often 
stayed with us several weeks at a time, and many times when we spoke about 
those Indians, Jake would say, 'Nickels will never do you any harm,' but 
made no further disclosures until a long while after; when the subject again 
came up, he said: 

" 'Ben, Nickels will never hurt you nor your brother. 

" ' How do you know, Uncle Jake?' 

" ' I know very well how I know, Uncle Ben. ' 

" ' Did you never know what became of Nickels'?' 

'■ * No, Jake, I never knew what became of him any more than what the 
Indians told me, that he had gone to Stony Creek.' 

" ' I thought my boys had told you long ago, as they always thought so 
much of you. I will then tell you how I know what became of Nickels. 
After he was about ready to start for Stony Creek, he had only one more job 
to do before he could leave Pipetown. and that was to kill Stateler and you 



294 HISTORY OF -WYANDOT COUNTY. 

aod your brother, if possible. No sooner had Nickels left Pipetown than 
the Indians sent another Indian by a different route to give us notice of his 
coming and of his intentions, desiring us to kill him and they would say 
he had gone to Stony Creek. The messenger arrived in time and departed. 
I loaded my rifle, put it in good order and vfent up to Coss' cabin to watch 
the Pipetown trail, on which I expected him to come. I did not wait long 
before I saw him coming, and stepping behind a tree, closely watched his 
movements. After he had come within easy range of my rifle, he stopped 
and commenced looking all around, which enabled me to take a steady aim 
at him; I fired, he sprang several feet from the ground with a terrific scream 
and fell dead, and that was the last of "Bad Indian." We took his gun, 
shot-pouch, tomahawk, butcher-knife, etc., and laid them by a log, and 
buried him under the roots of a large tree that had been blown down near 
the foot of tlie blufif bank of the Whetstone, nearly opposite the old Coss 
cabin. Now, Uncle Ben, that is the reason why I know Nickels will never 
do you, or me, or your brother any harm.' " 

Capt. Pipe, Jr., son of old Capt. Pipe, who burned Col. Crawford, was 
a small, rather spare man, and taciturn in his disposition. He never mar- 
ried. He went West with his tribe and died on their reservation about 1840, 
Among his own people he had the reputation of being a great "medicine 
man." At an early day, Reuben Drake, who lived in Grand Prairie Town- 
ship, Marion County, had two children bitten by a rattlesnake, one of whom, 
died. Having heard of Capt. Pipe's reputation, he sent for him to come 
and cure the other child. Pipe is said to have been somewhat under the 
influence of whisky at the time, and refused at first to go; but being strongly 
urged, finally visited the cabin of Mr. Drake. Upon his arrival he looked 
at the child, which was in great pain, exclaiming, " great pain, very sick." 
He then stated he could do nothing for half an hour, and laid down by the 
cradle and snored soundly for some time, then arose and called for milk, 
which was furnished, when he pounded some roots, which he had brought 
with him, poured the milk over them, gave the child a poi'tion to drink, ap- 
plied more of the same in the nature of a poultice to the place bitten, rocked 
the child some time in its cradle, when it fell into a slumber and soon be- 
gan to perspire freely. Upon seeing this effect of his remedy, the Captain 
said, "It get well;'' and true enough the child recovered rapidly. 

TheDelawares as well as the Wyaudots, when journeying from their res- 
ervations in search of game, almost invariably stopped at all the houses of 
the white settlers, and when they came to a white man's cabin, expected tO' 
receive the hospitality of its inmates; if they did not, they were much of- 
fended. They would say, " very bad man, very bad man." They would 
never accept a bed to sleep upon; all that was necessary was to have a good 
back- log on, and a few extra pieces of wood near by, especially in cold 
weather, for them to put on the fire when needed. They usually carried 
their blankets, and would spread them upon the floor before the fire, and 
give no further trouble. Often they would leave those who had sheltered 
them a saddle of venison or some other commodity which they had to spare. 
Says an early pioneer: '* We have seen as many as twenty or thirty in a cara- 
van pass by here, with their hunting material and equipments packed on 
their ponies, all m single file, on their uld Sandusky and Pipetown trail. 
If we would meet half a dozen or more of them together, it was seldom that 
we covild induce more than one of them to say one word in English. One 
of them would do all the talking or interpret for the others. W^hy they 
did so I could not say. Tommy Vanhorn once related an amusing incident. 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 295 

He had been imbibing a little, and on his way home met one of those Indi- 
ans who could not utter one word of English, but used the pantomimic lan- 
guage instead — that of gestures or motions. But it so happened that while 
they were thus conveying their thoughts to each other, Tommy stepped 
around to windward of the red man or the red man got to leeward of Tommy, 
.and his olfactories not being at fault, inhaled the odor of Tommy's breath. 
He straightened up, looked Tommy square in the face, and lo! Mr. Indian's 
colloquial powers were now complete, saying in as good English as Lord 
Manslield ever could have uttered: ' Where you get whiskyf " 

In the fall of 3830, a young brave of one of the Wyandot tribes killed 
another of the same nation. The murderer was arrested, tried, found guilty 
and shot. However, this affair is best told by the chief, Mononcue, in a let- 
ter addressed to Mr. Finley, as follows: 

Upper Sandusky, October 29. 1830. 
Dear Sir: ********* 

One of our young men was killed by another about two or three vveeks ago. The 
murdered was John Barnet's half-brother, the murderer, Soo-de-nooks, or Black Chiefs, 
son. The sentence of the chiefs was the perpetual banishment of the murderer and the 
confiscation of all his property. When the sentence was made known to the nation, 
there was a general dissatisfaction; and the sentence of the chiefs was set aside by the 
nation. On Thursday morning, about daylight, he was arrested and brought before 
the nation assembled, and his case was tried by all the men (that vote) over the age of 
twenty-one, whether he should live or die. The votes were counted, and there were 112 
in favor of his death, and twelve in favor of his living. Sentence of death was accord- 
ingly passed against him, and on the second Friday he was shot by six men chosen for 
that purpose — three from the Christian party and three from the heathen party. The 
executioners were Francis Cotter, Lump-on-the-head, Silas Armstrong, .Joe Enos, Soo- 
cuh-guess. and Saw-yau-wa-hoy. The execution was conducted in Indian military 
style; and we hope it will be a great warning to others, and be the means of prevent- 
ing such crimes hereafter. I remain, yours affectionately, 
Rev. J. B. Finley. Mononcue. 

After the departure of their old neighbors — ^the Delawares — for the 
West, the Wyandots were the only considerable body of Indians remaining 
in the State of Ohio. Meanwhile the white settlers had encircled their 
reservations at Upper Sandusky and the Big Spring with towns and cultivated 
lands, and each year were asking Congress to purchase these reservations, 
and thus open the way for their occupation by the whites. Hence, in act- 
ing upon these unceasing urgent petitions, agents of the General Govern- 
ment had endeavored to open negotiations with the Wyandots for the pur- 
chase of their lands as early as 1825. But they firmly resisted all blandish- 
ments and pleadings to that end for nearly twenty years thereafter. How- 
ever, it seems that such a condition of affairs could not always exist; they 
had sadly degenerated from the prospeious state in which they were left by 
Mr. Finley in 1827. A majority of them had gone back to their old habits 
of intemperance and heathenism, and at last, when poor in purse and cliarac- 
ter, they were induced to give up their narrow possessions here in lieu of a 
great sum of money, and thousands of broad acres lying west of Missouri. 
Col. John Johnston, of Piqua, Ohio, conducted the negotiations on the part 
of the United States, and concluded the purchase at Upper Sandusky on the 
17th day of March, 1842. In speaking of this transaction and the proceed- 
ings which led to it. Col. Johnston has said: 

"About 1800, this tribe contained about 2,200 souls; and in March. 
1842, when, as Commissioner of the United States, I concluded with them a 
treaty of cession and emigration, they had become reduced to less than 800 
of all ages and both sexes. Before the Revolutionary war, a large portion 
of the Wyandots had embraced Christianity in the communion of the Roman 
Catholic Church. In the early part of my agency, Presbyterians had a mission 



296 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

among ttiem at Lower Sandusky, under the care of the Rev. Joseph Badger. 
The war of 1812 broke up this benevolent enterprise. When peace was restored, 
the Methodists became the spiritual instructors of these Indians, and continued 
in charge of them until their final removal westward of Missouri. The mis- 
sion had once been in a very prosperous condition, but of late years had 
greatly declined, many of the Indians having gone back to habits of intern- . 
perance and heathenism; a few continued steadfast to their Christian pro- 
fession. Of this number was Grey Eyes, a regularly ordained minister, of 
pure Wyandot blood, a holy, devoted, and exemplary Christian. This man 
was resolutely opposed to the emigration of his people, and was against me 
at every step of a long and protracted negotiation of twelve months' con- 
tinuance. I finally overcame all objections; on the last vote, more than two- 
thirds of the whole male population were found in favor of removal. The 
preacher bad always asserted that under no circumstances would he ever go 
westward. His age was about forty-eight years; his character forbade any 
approaches to tampering with him; and although I felt very sensibly his in- 
fiuence. yet I never addressed myself to him personally on the subject of the 
treaty. But as soon as the whoie nation, in open council, had voted to leave 
their country and seek a new home far in the West, I sent an invitation to 
the preacher to come and dine with me and spend an evening in consulta- 
tion; he came accordingly." As a result of this interview, it appears that 
Grey Eyes changed his purpose, for he removed West with his people. 

By the terms of tliis treaty, it was stipulated that the chiefs should re- 
move their people without other expense to the United States than $10,000, 
one-half payable when the first detachment should start; the remainder, when 
the whole nation should arrive at its place of destination. Further, that 
the Wyandots should receive for the lands ceded another tract of land west 
of the Mississippi. It contained 148,000 acres; a permanent cash annuity of 
$17,500; a permanent fund of $500 per annum, for educational purposes, 
and an appropriation of $23,860 to pay the debts of the tribe. They were 
also to be paid the full value of their improvements in the country ceded, 
and to be provided in their new home with two blacksmiths and a black- 
smith shop with necessary steel, iron and tools, and with an agent and an 
interpreter. However, instead of the 148,000 acres promised, the Wyan- 
dots received by purchase from the Delaware Indians 24,9.60 acres, and by 
a subsequent treaty (which will be referz'ed to in a succeeding paragraph) 
received in lieu of the balance t)f the 148,000 acres, $380,000, in three an- 
nual payments. 

In the spring and summer of 1843, in accordance with the stipulations 
of the treaty concluded the previous year, the Wyandots under the lead of 
Jacques*, their head chietV completed their arrangements for the removal 
to the new reserve in the then wild West. The parting scenes at Upper 
Sandusky were most affecting. Consultations were held in the council 
house, and religious worship in the church, almost constantly for days be- 
fore the final departure. Meanwhile, the remains of the chief, Summunde- 
wat, who was murdered by two white men in Wood County, Ohio, in the 
fall of 1841, also those of the colored preacher, John Stewart, were brought 
hither and deposited in the burial ground attached to their church. The 
last resting- places of other loved ones were likewise tenderly cared for, and 

*Aft.er the death of Deunquot, some difficulty occurred in making choice of his successor, and as a re- 
sult of it the Wyandots chanijed their form of government and mode of choosing their governors. In- 
stead of being obliged to take their head chief out of the royal tribe, they then agreed to have the head 
chief and eight counselors chosen by election, on New Year's Day of each year. The first head chief 
elected according to the new plan was Warpole. 





WYANDOT COUNTY COURT HOUSE 

COMPLETEO A.O, /<5^S. 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 299 

marked with stone or marble tablets. Just before their strange and motley 
procession unwound its length on the highway leading southerly, Squire 
Grey-Eyes bade an affectionate farewell to the large number of whites pres- 
ent. He exhorted them to be good Christians, and to meet him in heaven. 
In a most sublime and pathetic manner he discoursed upon all the familiar 
objects of a home — no longer theirs. He bade adieu to the Sandusky, on 
whose waters they had paddled the light bark canoe, and in whose pools 
they had fished, laved and sported. He saluted in his farewell the forests 
and the plains of Sandusky, where he and his ancestors had hunted, roved 
and dwelt for many generations. He bade farewell to their habitations, 
where they had dwelt for many years, and where they would still wish to 
dwell. With mournful strains and plaintiff voice he bade farewell to the 
graves of his ancestors, which now they were about to leave forever, prob- 
ably to be encroached upon, ere the lapse of many years, by the avaricious 
tillage of some irreverent white man. Here, as a savage, untutored Indian, 
it is probable Grey-Eyes would have stopped, but as a Christian he closed 
his valedictory by alluding to an object yet dearer to him: it was the church 
where they had worshipped, the temple of God, constructed by the good 
white men for their use, and within whose walls they had so often bowed 
down in reverence under the ministrations of Finley and his co-laborers. 

At last, all being in readiness, all the sad duties having been performed, 
the train, consisting of horses and wagons hired from settlers living in the 
vicinity, Indian chiefs upon horseback, and many men and women on foot, 
began wending its slow way toward Cincinnati, where boats were waiting 
to take its members to the mouth of the Kansas River. This movement be- 
gan in the last days of July, and was participated in by nearly 700 of the 
Wyandot nation. Many ludicrous occurrences took place en route, but we 
have not space, in a topic already largely drawn out. to recount them. The 
end of the first day's journey found the Wyandots at Grass Point, in Har- 
din County, the second, at Belief ontaine; the third, atUrbana; the fourth, 
at Springfield; the fifth, at Clifton; the sixth, within four miles of Cincin- 
nati, and the seventh at the wharf of the latter city. The i-emainder of the 
distance to the new reservation, as before stated, was accomplished by 
steamboats via the Ohio, Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. The Wyandots 
left Cincinnati on the eighth day after leaving Upper Sandusky. Among 
their leading men at that time were Jacques, Bearskin, Blue Jacket, Big 
Tree, Black Sheep, Big River, Bull Head, Big Town, Curly Head, Caryhoe, 
Chop-the-logs, Lump-ou-the-head, Peacock, Porcupine, Providence, Split- 
the-log, Stand-in-the-water, White Wing, Mudeater, Warpole, Squire Grey- 
eyes, William Walker, a quarter- blood, who died in 1874, John Hicks and 
Washington. 

While the main body of the Wyandots was moving toward Cincinnati, 
Jacques, the head chief, accompanied by a few other leading men of the na- 
tion, visited Gov. Shannon at the State capital, when very feeling and inter- 
esting parting addresses were delivered by the chief and the Governor. 
Jacques' address, as printed in the Ohio State Journal of that date, was as 
follows: 

" We have several objects in view in visiting you, the Governor of the 
State. First, it was due him, as the chief magistrate of this great State; 
and, secondly, it was due to the people of Ohio, to whom, through their 
Governor, we speak, and bid them an affectionate farewell. 

"We came here, also, to ask for the extension of executive clemency to 



300 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

an unfortunate brother of our nation, and we thank yon for granting oiir 
prayer in their behalf. 

" We part with the people of Ohio with feelings the more kind, because 
there has not been any hostility between your people and ours ever since 
the treaty of Gen. Wayne, at Greenville. Almost fifty years of profound 
peace between us have passed away, and have endeared your people to ours; 
whatever may be our future fate beyond the Mississippi — whither we are 
bound — we shall always entertain none but feelings the most kind and 
grateful toward the people of Ohio. Before Wayne's treaty there had 
been one long war between our fathers and your ancestors. At that treaty 
our people promised peace, and they have kept that promise faithfully; we 
will forever keep that promise as long as the sun shines and the rivers run. 

" When we arrive at the place of our destination, surrounded, as we 
shall be, by red men less acquainted with them than we are with white men, 
we shall always take great pleasure in telling the Indians of that western 
region how kind, how peaceful, how true, faithful and honest your people 
have been to our people. If, at any future day, any of our people should 
visit this State, we hope that your people will see that they do not sufier for 
food or any of the necessaries of life; that, when thirsty, you will give him 
drink; when hungry, you will give him food; or naked, you will give him 
clothes; or sick, you will heal him. And we, on our part, promise the same 
kindnesses to any of your people should they visit us in our far western fut- 
ure home. Our original intention was to have passed through Columbus 
as a nation on our departing journey from Ohio to the West; but for the 
purpose of shortening our route on so long a journey, the principal part of 
our people have passed through Urbana. But although, for the reason 
stated, our people have passed through Ohio by the shortest route, yet they 
could not forego the pleasurie of sending you their chiefs and addressing 
you, and through you the people of Ohio, in the language of truth, friend- 
ship and sincerity. 

"Our fathers have ranged this valley with your fathers in peace and 
friendship, and we wished your people to know that we have the same kind 
feelings that existed in times past, and we wish you to know that we wish 
to perpetuate and keep alive the same brotherly feelings. In other States 
and Territories the Indians have lived, surrounded by white men, with 
whom they had occasional outbreaks, wars and difficulties; but between us 
and your people the chain of peace and friendship has always continued to 
be bright, smooth, and free from rusty or bloody spots. You are the rep- 
resentative of your people; therefore be so good as to tell your people what 
we say on this final parting occasion, and say to them to believe us to be always 
hereafter — what we always have been — the friends of the people of Ohio." 

From the report of the United States Commissioner of Indian afifairs 
for the year 1843, we learn that the number of Wyandots who removed to 
their new reservation in July and August of that year, was 664, and that 
50 still remained in Ohio who were expected to emigrate the next spring. 
The following year (1844), the sub- agent reported only 585 W^yandots on the 
new reserve. During the year 1855, another treaty was concluded with that 
nation, wherein it was stipulated that in lieu of the 148,000 acres (less the 
24,960 acres purchased for the Wyandots from the Delawares in 1842), 
granted by the treaty of Upper Sandusky, the Wyandots were to receive $380,- 
000, in three annual payments. By this treaty, also, all provisions of former 
treaties guaranteeing permanent annuities, etc., were annulled. The Wyan- 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 301 

dots who remained in tribal relations and were located in the Indian Terri- 
tory on the 1st day of January, 1879, numbered 260. 

We conclude this chapter, likewise our account of the Indians, by add- 
ing the following poem, which, whatever its merits or demerits as a literary 
production, has been widely copied, frequently in works, where its mention 
of localities obtained for it no special significance. It was written, we be- 
lieve, by a resident of Wyandot County, and was first published in The 
Democratic Pioneer, of Upper Sandusky, under date of October 24, 1845. 

THE Wyandot's farewell song. 
"Adieu to the graves where my fathers now rest! 
For I must be going afar to the West. 
I've sold my possessions; my heart's filled with woe 
To think I must lose them. Alas! I must go. 

" Farewell, ye tall oaks, in whose pleasant green shade 
In childhood I rambled, in innocence played! 
My dog and my hatchet, my arrows and bow, 
Are still in remembrance. Alas! I must go. 

" Adieu, ye loved scenes, which bind me like chains! 
Where on my gay pony, I chased o'er the plains 
The deer and the turkey I tracked in the snow. 
But now I must leave them. Alas! I must go. 

, "Adieu to the trails, which for many a year 

I have traveled to spy out the turkey and deer! 
The hills, trees and flowers, that pleased me so, 
I must leave now forever. Alas! I must go. 

" Sandusky, Tymochtee and Broken Sword streams. 
Never more shall I see you except in my dreams. 
Adieu to the marshes, where the cranberries grow; 
O'er the great Mississippi, alas! I must go. 

"Adieu to the road, which for many a year, 
I travel'd each Sabbath, the Gospel to hear; 
The news was so joyful, and pleased me so. 
From hence where I heard it, it grieves me to go. 

" Farewell, my white friends, who first taught me to pray. 
And worship my Maker and Savior each day. 
Pray for the poor native, whose eyes overflow 
With tears at our parting. Alas! I must go." 




302 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 



CHAPTER V. 
EARLY SETTLEMENTS— PICTURE OF PIONEER LIFE. 

Thk Unusual Conditions Attending the Settlement of the County — 
Names of Early Pioneers, and Date of their Establishment in the 
Several Townships — Cabin-Building— Cooking Utensils and Ta- 
ble Ware— Food— Habits of the Pioneers— Employment of the men- 
Women's Work— Dress of the Pioneers— Their Books— Sense of Isola- 
tion—Hospitality — Whisky— Scarcity of Money— Of the Necessi- 
ties OF Life— Primitive Agricultural Implements— Wild Hogs- 
Gradual Improvements. 

early settlements. 

iN the course of events, over which those who were to become its pioneers 
exercised little or no control, the region now denominated Wyandot 
County was settled (as compared with most other districts) in a manner 
quite anomalous, yet in a way which is very easily comprehended when 
once explained. As already shown, the Indians, at the treaty held at the 
foot of the rapids of the Miami of the Lake in 1817, ceded to the United 
States Government all the lands i-emaining in their possession in the State 
of Ohio, except various small reservations then and there designated. Hence 
when it was agreed that the principal reservation of the Wyandots should 
have Fort Ferree at Upper Sandusky for its center, the central and greater 
portion of the present county was reserved to its aboriginal owners. The 
small Wyandot reserve at the Big Spring, and the Delaware rest-rve lying 
south east of the reservation iirst mentioned, also encroached upon the limits 
of the county as now formed, therefore, all of the white settlements began 
upon the outskirts, so to speak — to the north, east, south and west of the 
chief Wyandot reservation — and in either direction, distant seven to ten 
miles from Fort Ferree, the locality now known as the town of Upper 
Sandusky. 

In 1819, Deputy United States Surveyors* Sylvanus Burns and Thomas 
Worthington ran out the townships and subdivision lines of the county, 
and the following year the lands not reserved to the" Indians were offered 
for sale at the usual Government price per acre. Prior to the sale of any 
of these lands, however, quite a number of "squatters" had settled near 
the reservation lines, chiefly for the purpose of trading with the Indians 
and to gather in the greater portion of annuity moneys paid the red men 
in exchange for poor whisky, bright calicoes, brass trinkets, etc., etc. From 
the date last mentioned until 1842, the whites within the present 
limits of the county, increased but slowly in numbers, yet, on the northern 
border — in the townships of Crawford, Tymochtee and Sycamore — quite 
pojDulous communities were to be found, long before the removal of the 
Wyandots. However, by the purchase of the reservations of that nation, 
and the disposal of the same to individual owners, the population at once 
increased with astonishing rapidity. This is shown by the report of Col. 
Huber, Receiver of the Land Office at Upper Sandusky, who stated that 

*Samuel Holmes, Deputy Surveyor General, performed much work in the county in 1836, and William 
Brown in 1843. 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 303 

from the 1st of September, 1845, to January 1, 1846, he received for the 
sale of lands in Wyandot County the sum of $211,057.06. 

Having thus briefly pointed out the rather unusual conditions under 
which the county was peopled by the whites, the following conclusions are 
reached: That a few " squatters " settled in the county, outside of the Indian 
reservations, about the year 1817; that the first lawful settlers became estab- 
lished in the same localities not earlier than 1820; that the first white set- 
tlements were not made within the reservation lines until after the year 
1842, and but very few in the territory last referred to until 1845. 

The original settlers of the county were chiefly of English and German 
origin. Forty years ago, the English element largely predominated, but at 
the present time it is probable that those of German birth or descent, as a 
class, outnumber all others. The reader will find sketches concerning 
many of the past and present residents of Wyandot in the township his- 
tories of this work, hence it is not purposed to enter into a repetition here; 
yet a small number of the pioneers are named in tbis connection, merely 
for the purpose of approximaf.ing the time when each township was first 
occupied by the white men. 

FIRST SETTLERS IN THE SEVERAL TOWNSHIPS. 

Antrim — Jacob, John and Adam Coon, John Heckathorn, Jacob Snyder 
and Valentine Mutchler, all Germans, who came from Pickaway County, 
Ohio, and squatted on the Delaware Reserve in the spring of 1819, are 
believed to have been the first white men to attempt a settlement. Their 
location afterward became known as " German town." 

Crawford — Daniel Hodges, who settled near the site of the present town 
of Crawfordsville, in 1821, was one of the first to locate in tbis township. 
Hon. John Carey became a resident in 1823, and he was' soon followed by 
Thomas Gale, Jesse Gale, Samuel Ritchie, Jonathan Kear, Asa Lake, 
Thomas Wallace, Curtis Berry, Sr. , and a number of others. 

Crane— As this township was embraced by the Wyandot Reservation, its 
lands were not offered for sale until the latter part of 1845. Prior to that 
date, its residents were all located at the town of Upper Sandusky. See 
history of that town for a list of its inhabitants and lot owners in 1845. 

Eden — Judge George W. Leith settled in what is now termed Eden 
Township in 1837. It had but a sparse population for a number of years, 
but among those who soon followed Mr. Leith to this then wild region were 
James Winstead, David Kisor, Z. P. Lee, John Horrick, John Leith, Solo- 
mon Brundige, Isa^c Miller and Solomon York. 

Jackson — Thomas C. Beaver settled in the township in 1826; John 
Abbott upon Section 3 in 1833, John Vanorsdall in 1834, John Flower 
and Jacob Dermiger in 1835, and William Fitch in 1837. 

Marseilles — It is claimed that John Heckathorn, before mentioned as a 
"squatter" in Antrim Township, settled in the present township of Mar- 
seilles about the year 1828. Charles Merriman located on the site of the 
village about 1830, and Hugh Long in the same place in 1832. 

Mifflin — Samuel M. Stansberry and family located within the present 
limits of the township in 1832. John Tanner, Daniel Straw, Israel Straw, 
Abraham Clark, Wesley Davenport, Jabez Halstead and Martin Dickens 
were also among the early settlers. Dr. Cover was the first resident physi- 
cian. 

Pitt— Ebenezer Roseberry, a noted hunter and frontier sportsman, was 
the first to settle within the limits of the township, as now formed. An- 



304 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

thony Bowsher found Roseberry here in the spring of 1819, and informs 
us that the latter had already been established two or three years, at least long 
enough to have caught and placed his private mark upon scores of the wild 
hogs. During the years 1819 and 1820, Anthony Bowsher, Peter Bowsher, 
William Morral, Walter Woolsey, John Wilson, Jacob Snyder, Jacob 
Brewer, Alexander Frazier, Samuel Morral, D. H. Bargley, Cornelius Wil- 
son and John Wilson all settled just south of the reservation line in the 
vicinity of Little Sandusky. 

Richland — Hesoot Picket, the first settler of this township, established 
his residence on Section 28, in January, 1832. He came from Athens 
County, Ohio. Nathan Benjamin, from the same county, also settled here in 
1832. The following year, Philip Cole and (Charles ISmith became resi- 
dents. 

Ridge — It is claimed that Homan and Andrew Bates became the first 
residents within the present township about 1833. John Salyards, Daniel 
Spade, T. N. Shepherd, Isaac Wohlgamuth, the Starrs and Grindles were 
also early pioneers. 

Salem — The first settler in this township was Ezra Stewart, a native of 
Connecticut, who settled upon Section 5 in October, 1831. He was followed 
by John Stewart in 1834, John Nichols and Arnold B. Inman in 1835, 
Daniel and Jacob Baughman and John B. Mann, or Mason, in 1836. 

Sycamore — Samuel Harper settled in the township as now formed in 
1821, and built the first dwelling — a log cabin. His sons who came with 
him were William, James, Samuel G. and George. Samuel Harper, Sr., 
had served as a Revolutionary soldier, and was wounded at Bunker Hill. 
He died in October, 1821. The Eyestones, Luptons, Kisors, Betzers, Pon- 
tius, Grifiiths and Van Gundys were also early settlers. 

Tymochtee — Henry Lish, of this township, and Ebenezer Roseberry, of 
Pitt, were the earliest settlers in the present county of whom any record 
has been preserved. Lish was a native of the State of New York, and it 
is claimed that he settled on the siie of the village of Tymochtee (where he 
soon after established a ferry over Tymochtee Creek) in 1816 or 1817, At 
his house the first election in the county was held on the 1st day of April, 
1821. Thomas Leeper and family, from Ross County, Ohio, became resi- 
dents in 1821, and soon after came Peter Baum, William Combs, Levi 
Bunu, John Taylor and George Bogart. At an early day this was the most 
populous district within the limits of the present county. In 1850, its in- 
habitants numbered 1,817. 

« 

A PICTURE OF PIONEER LIFE. 

The pioneers of Wyandot as a rule, after long and tedious journeyings 
over Indian trails or roads rudely improved, brought very little with them 
with which to begin the battle of life among new surroundings. They had 
brave hearts and strong arms, however, and possessed invincible determin- 
ations to hew out for themselves homes which should in time become the 
abodes of happiness and plenty. Sometimes the men came on without 
their families to make a beginning, but more often all came together. The 
first thing to be done, after a rude temporary shelter was provided, was t«j 
prepare a little spot of ground for the growth of some kiud of crop. This 
was done by girdling the large trees, clearing away the underbrush, and 
sweeping the surface with tire. The ground was then broken as thoroughly 
as possible with the few rude implements which the pioneer possessed. 
Ten, fifteen, twenty, or even thirty acres of land might be thus prepared 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 305 

and planted the first season. In the autumn, the crop would be carefully 
gathered and garnered with the least possible waste, for it was the chief 
food supply of the pioneer and his family, and life and comfort depended 
upon its safe preservation. 

While the first crop was maturing, cabin-building occupied much of the 
attention of the pioneer. He would need a shelter from the storms and 
cold of the approaching winter, and perhaps a protection from wild beasts. 
The pioneer who was completely isolated from his fellow-men, occupied a 
situation truly unenviable, for without assistance he could construct only a 
poor habitation. In such cases a small and rough cabin was constructed 
of very light logs or poles, or else a three-sided, sloping-roofed shanty was 
improvised. In front of the fourth or open side of the shanty or " camp," 
as it was sometimes called, a hugh fire of logs was kept burning, and this 
primitive structure was occupied until other settlers should come into the 
owner's neighborhood, by whose help a more substantial dwelling could be 
built. Usually a number of families came into the country together, and 
located within such distance of each other that they were enabled to per- 
form many friendly and neighborly offices. After the first year or two 
from the time of the primal settlements, there was no difficulty in cabin- 
building. Assistance was always readily given a pioneer by all of the 
scattered residents of the forest within a radius of several miles. 

The site of the cabin home was usually selected with reference to a good 
water supply. It was often near a never-failing spring, or if such could 
not be found in a location otherwise desirable, it was not uncommon to first 
dig a well. If water was reached, preparations were made for building 
near the well; if not, the search for a situation affording it was continued, 
but there was little trouble on this score in the territory now known as 
Wyandot County. 

When the cabin was to be built, the few men in the neighborhood 
gathered at the site, and first cut down, within as close proximity as possi- 
ble, the requisite number of trees, as nearly of a size as could be found, 
but varying often from ton to fifteen inches in diameter. Logs, generally 
from fourteen to sixteen feet in length, were chopped from these, and 
rolled to the common center, where they were to be used in building the 
home of the pioneer family. Often this preliminary work was performed 
by the prospective occupants alone. If such was not the case, it would oc- 
cupy the greater part of the first day. The entire labor of erecting a good 
substantial cabin, would usually require two or three days. After the 
ground logs were laid, the others were raised to their places by the use of 
hand spikes and " skid poles," and men standing at the corners with axes, 
notched them as fast as they were laid in position. The place of " corner 
man " was one of honor and distinction, and the persons chosen for these 
positions were supposed to be particularly skillful in the use of the ax. 

Greater difficulty attended the work after the cabin was built a few logs 
high. It was necessary that the logs in the gables should be beveled, and 
that each succeeding one should be shorter than that on which it rested. 
These gable logs were held in place by poles which extended across the 
cabin overhead, serving also as rafters upon which to lay the rived " clap- 
board " roof. The so-called clapboards were five or six feet in length, and 
were split from oak logs, and made as smooth as possible. They were laid 
side by side, and other pieces of split stuff were laid over the cracks to keep 
out the rain. 

The chimney was likewise an important part of the structure. In some 



306 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

cases it was made of stone, and in others of logs and sticks, laid up in a 
manner similar to those which formed the walls of the house, and plastered 
with mud. It was built outside of the house, and at one end. At its base 
a huge hole was cut through the wall for a lire-place. The back and sides 
of the latter were formed of large flat stones, when such could be procured, 
otherwise irregularly shaped stones, held to their place by a slab wall 
locked around them, and covered with mud, were utilized. 

An opening was chopped or sawed in one side of the cabin for a door- 
way. Pieces of hewn timber, three or four inches thick, were fastened on 
each side with wooden pins, or in rare instances with heavy iron nails, and 
these formed the frame on which the door (if there was one) was hung, 
either by wooden or leather hinges. The door itself was a clumsy piece of 
woodwork. It was made from a plank rived from an oak log, and held to- 
gether by heavy cross-pieces. There was a wooden latch upon the inside, 
raised from without by a string or thong of deer-skin, which passed through 
a gimlet hole. From this mode of construction arose the old and well- 
known phrase, indicating the hospitality of its inmates, "You will find 
the latch-string always out." When on rare occasions, it was pulled in, 
the door was considered fastened. Many of the pioneer cabins had no door 
of this kind until they had been occupied for years. Instead of the door 
on hinges, a blanket or some old garment was frequently suspended before 
the opening to guard the occupants of the cabin from sun or rain. 

The window was a small opening usually near the door, and in most 
cases devoid of frame or glass. In lieu of the latter, greased paper was 
often used, in rare instances thin deer skin well greased, and sometimes an 
article of the housewife's limited wardrobe constituted a cui'tain. 

The floor of the cabin was made of puncheons. These were pieces of 
timber split from trees about twelve to eighteen inches in diameter, and 
hewed smooth as possible with a broad-ax. They were usually half the 
length of the floor surface. Indeed some of the cabins earliest erected had 
nothing but earth floors. Occasionally there was one which had a cellar — 
that is, a small excavation under the floor — to which access was had by 
removing a loose puncheon. Very commonly the cabins were provided with 
lofts. The loft was used for various purposes, and among others as the 
"guest chamber," which pioneer hospitality was offered to the wayfarer and 
the stranger. It was reached by a ladder, the sides of which were split 
pieces of sapling. 

Although the labor of building a rough log cabin was usually performed 
in two or three days, the occupants were often employed for months in 
finishing aud furnishing it. The walls had to be "chinked and daubed," 
various conveniences furnished, and a few rude articles of furniture manu- 
factured. A forked stick set in the floor and supporting the ends of two 
poles, the other extremities of which rested upon the logs at the side and 
end of the cabin, formed the basis for a bedstead. A common form of table 
was a split slab supported by four rustic legs, set in auger holes. Three- 
legged stools were formed in similar simple manner. Pegs driven in auger 
holes in the logs of the wall supported shelves, and upon others were dis- 
played the few articles of wearing apparel not in use. A few other pegs, 
or perhaps a pair of deer horns, formed a rack where hung the rifle and 
powder horn, which no cabin was without. These, and a few simple articles 
in addition, formed the furniture and furnishings of the pioneer's cabin. In 
contrast with the rude furniture fashioned by the pioneer with his poor 
tools, there were occasionally a few souvenirs of " the old home." 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 307 

The utensils for cooking and the dishes for table use were few. The best 
of the latter were made of pewter, and the careful housewife of the olden 
time kept them shining as brightly as the pretentious plate in our latter-day 
fine houses. Knives and forks were few, crockery vexy scarce,' and tinware 
by no means abundant. Food was simply cooked and served, but it was, as 
a rule, of the best and most wholesome kind. The hunter kept the larder 
well supplied with venison, bear meat, squirrels, wildtuikeys, and the many 
varieties of small game. Plain corn bread, baked in a kettle in the ashes, 
or upon a board or board chip, in front of the great, open tii"e-place, was a 
staple article of food. Corn was either pounded into coarse meal, or carried 
a long distance to mill to be ground. The wild fruits in their season were 
made use of, and afforded a pleasant variety. In the lofts of the cabins 
was usually to be found a collection of articles making up the pioneer's 
materia medica — the herb medicines and spices — catnip, sage, tansy, fennel, 
boneset, wormwood and pennyroyal, each gathered in its season; and there 
were also stores of nuts, strings of dried pumpkin, with bags of berries and 
fruit. 

Well water was generally drawn up with what is called a "sweep," which 
was a long, heavy pole, hinged in a fork at the top of a tall post, and a rope 
or chain attached at the end over the well, with the bucket. Water could 
be drawn more rapidly with this simple apparatus than with the windlass 
or any modern pump. 

The habits of the pioneers were of a simplicity and purity which was in 
conformance with the character of their surroundings and belongings. The 
days were full of toil, both for man and woman. The men were engaged 
constantly in the rude avocations of pioneer life — cutting away the forest, 
logging, burning the brush and the debris, preparing the soil, planting, 
harvesting, and caring for the few animals they brought with them or soon 
procured. The little openings around the log cabins were constantly made 
larger and the sunshine year after year admitted to a larger area of the 
virgin soil, which had been growing rich for centuries, and only awaiting 
cultivation to give evidence of its fertility. 

While the men were engaged in the heavy work of the field or forest, 
their helpmeets were busied with a multiplicity of household duties, provid- 
ing for the day and for the year; cooking, making or mending clothes, 
spinning and weaving. They were heroic in their endurance of hardship 
and privation and loneliness. They were, as a rule, admirably fitted by 
nature and experience to be the consorts of the sturdy, industrious men 
who came into the wilderness of Western Ohio. Their cheerful industry 
was well directed and unceasing. Woman's work, like man's, in the years 
when this country was new, was performed under many disadvantages, which 
have been removed by modern skill and science, and the growth of new 
conditions. 

The pioneer woman had not only to perform what are now known as 
household duties, but many which were removed in later years. She not 
only made clothing, but the fabric for it. Money was scarce, and the 
markets in which satisfactory purchases could be made were far away. It 
was the policy of the pioneer (^ urged by necessity) to buy nothing which 
could be produced by home industry. And so it happened that in nearly 
all of the cabins was to be heard the drowsy sound of the softly whirring 
spinning wheel, and the rythmic thud of the loom, and that women were 
there engaged in those old, old occupations of spinning and weaving, which 
have been associated with her name in all ages but our own. They are- 



308 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

occupations of which the modern world knows little, except what it has 
beard from the lips of those who are orrandmothers now. They are occupa- 
tions which seem surrounded with the glamour of romance as we look back 
upon them through tradition and poetry, and they invariably conjure up 
thoughts of the virtues and graces of the generations of dames and damsels 
of the olden time. The woman of pioneer time« was like the woman of 
whom Solomon sang: " She seeketh wool and flax, and worketh willingly 
with her hands; she layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the 
distaff." Almost every article of clothing, all the cloth in use in the old 
log cabins, was the product of the patient woman-weaver's toil. She spun 
the flax, and wove the cloth, for shirts and ti'owsers, frocks, sheets and 
blankets. The linen and the wool, the "linsey-woolsey" woven by the 
housewife, formed nearly all of the articles of clothing worn by men and 
women. 

These home fabrics were died with walnut bark, indigo, copperas, etc., 
and striped or checkered work was produced by first dyeing portions of the 
yarn their respective colors before it was put into the loom. 

Nearly every farmer had a patch of from a quarter to half an acre of 
flax, which was manufactured into cloth by the family. Tlie flax, before it 
Tyas ready for spinning, had to be put through the process of " hackling" 
and " scutching," and the latter of these operations frequently furnished 
occasions for " bees," at which the people combined industry with merri- 
ment and sociability. Clothes entirely of home manufacture were almost 
universally worn during the early years, and the wearing of " store " clothes 
was thought by many to be an evidence of excessive vanity. 

Men in the pioneer days commonly wore the hunting- shirt, a kind of 
loose frock reaching half way down the thighs, open before, and so wide 
as to lap over a foot upon the chest. This generally had a cape, which was 
sometimes fringed with a piece of raveled cloth of a color different from 
that of the garment. The hunting-shirt was always worn belted. The 
bosom of the garment answered as a pouch in which could be carried the 
various articles needed by the hunter or woodsman. The shirt, or more 
properly, coat, was made of coarse linen, of linsey or deer-skin, according 
to the fancy of the wearer. Breeches were made of heavy cloth or of deer- 
skin, and were often worn with leggings of the same material, or of so nee 
kind of leather. The deer-skin breeches or trousers were very comfortable 
when dry, but when they became wet, were cold to the limbs, and the next 
time they were put on, were almost as stiff as if made of boards. Hats or 
caps were made of the various native furs, in crude form, each man 
being his own hatter until, a few years after the first settlements, men 
who followed hat-making as a trade came into the country and opened little 
shops, in which they made woolen hats. 

The pioneer women were clothed in linsey petticoats, coarse shoes and 
stockings, and wore buck-skin mittens or gloves, when any protection was 
needed for the hands. To a wardrobe of this kind were added a few articles 
obtained from some distant village, or brought from their old homes in the 
East. Nearly all of the women's wearing apparel, however, like that of 
the men, was of home manufacture, and was made with a view to being 
comfortable and serviceable. Jewelry was very rarely seen, but occasionally 
ornaments were worn which likewise had been brought from former homes. 

The Bible was to be found in the cabins of the pioneers almost as fre- 
quently as the rifle. In the cabins of some families, a few other books 
were occasionally to l)e met with, such as "Pilgrim's Progress," Baxter's 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 309 

" Saints' Rest," Hervey's " Meditatious," ^sop's '^Fables" and the like. 
The long winter evenings were spent in poring over a few well-thumbed 
volumes by the light of the great log fire, or in knitting, mending, caring 
furs, etc. 

The pioneers had many discomforts to endure, and some dangers to en- 
counter. True, when Wyandot County was settled, the danger of Indian 
depredations had passed away forever, but a vaguely defined apprehension 
existed in the minds of not a few of the first settlers, that they were not 
entirely secure in their forest homes. The larger wild beasts were a source 
of dread, and the smaller ones a source of much annoyance to those who 
first dwelt in this region. Added to this was the liability to sickness, which 
always exists in a new country. Then, too, in the midst of all the loveli- 
ness of their surroundings, there was a sense of loneliness which could not 
be dispelled, and this was a far greater trial to many men and women on 
the frontier of civilization, than is generally imagined. The deep-seated, 
constantly-recurring feeling of isolation made many stout hearts turn fond- 
ly back to remembrance of the older settlements, the abodes of comfort, the 
companionship and sociability they had abandoned. 

However, the traveler always found a welcome at the pioneer's cabin. 
It was never "full." Although there might be already a guest for every 
puncheon, still there was "room for one more." If the stranger was in 
search of land, he was doubly welcome, and his host would volunteer to 
show him all the first-rate claims in "this 'ere neck of the woods," going 
with him for days, showing the corners and advantages of every "Congress 
tract " or unclaimed section within a dozen miles. To his neighbors, the 
pioneer was equally liberal. If a deer was killed, the choicest bits were 
sent to them — a half-dozen miles away, perhaps. When a "shoat" was 
butchered, the neighbors were also kindly remembered. If a new-comer 
came in too late for " cropping," the neighbors would supply his table with 
the same luxuries they themselves enjoyed, and in as liberal quantity, until 
a new crop could be raised. Often the neighbors would also cut and hew 
logs, and haul them to the place of the new-comer's future residence, con- 
cluding the jubilee task with a grand house-raising. The first night after 
completing the cabin, they would have a '"house-warming" and a dance, as 
a sort of dedication. The very next day, the new-comer was about as wealthy 
as the oldest settlers. 

As the settlement increased, the sense of loneliness and isolation was 
dispelled, the asperities of life were softened, its amenities multiplied. 
Social gatherings became more numerous and more enjoyable. The log- 
rollings, harvesting and husking bees; the occasional rifie matches for the 
men, and the quilting parties for the women, furnished frequent occasions 
for social intercourse. Hospitality in the olden time was simple, unaffected 
and unbounded, save by the limited means of the people. Whisky was in 
common use, and was furnished on all festive occasions. Those of the set- 
tlers who could aflbrd it, had a barrel stored away, and there were very few 
so poor that they could not have at least a jugful. The liquor at first in 
use was brought from the Monongahela country. It was the good old fash- 
ioned whisky — "clear as amber, sweet as musk, smooth as oil" — that the 
octogenarians and monogenarians of to-day recall to memory with an imc- 
tious gusto, and a smack of the lips, which entirely outdoes the descriptive 
power of words. A few years after the first settlements were made, stills 
•were set up in the lax-ge towns to supply the home demand, and corn whisky 
was manufactured, which, although not held in as high esteem as the "old 
Monongahela," was used in large quantities. 



310 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Commercial transactions were generally carried on without money, that 
is, by exchanges of commodities, called "barter" in the books. In this 
system, sometimes, considerable ingenuity was displayed. "When commod- 
ities were not even in value, ci'edit was given. But for taxes and postage 
neither the barter nor the credit dodge would answer, and often letters were 
suffered to remain a long time in the post office for want of the 25 cents in 
money demanded by the Government. With all this high price on postage, 
by the way, the letter had not been brought several hundred miles in a day 
or two, as now- a- days, and delivered within a mile or two of the person 
addressed; but it had been weeks on the route, and delivered, probably, at a 
post oflSce five, ten or twenty miles distant. Peltries came nearer being 
money than anything else, as it became the custom to estimate values in 
peltries; thus such and such articles were worth so many peltries. Even 
some Tax Collectors and Postmasters were known to take peltries and ex- 
change them for the money required by the Government. Orders on the 
store were abundant, and served as a kind of local money. When a day's 
work was done by a working-man, his employer would ask: "Well, what 
store do you want your order on V The answer being given, the order 
was drawn, which was nearly always honored. 

When the first settlers came into tbe wilderness, they generally sup- 
posed that their hard struggle would be principally over after the first year; 
but alas! they often looked for "easier times next year" for many years before 
realizing them; and then they came in so gradually and obscurely as to be 
almost imperceptible. The sturdy frontiei'smen thus learned to bear hard- 
ships like soldiers on duty. The less heroic would sell out cheap, return to 
their old homes East and spread reports of the hardships and privations on 
the frontier, while the sterner class would remain and also take advantage 
of these partially improved lands thus abandoned, and in time become 
wealthy. 

At one time, tea retailed at $2 to $3 a pound; coffee, 75 cents; salt, 
from $5 to $6 a bushel of fifty pounds; the coarsest calico, $1 a yard, and 
whisky, $1 to $2 a gallon, and all this at a time, too, when the poor pio- 
neers had no money to buy with, except the little they sometimes obtained 
for peltries. 

About 1837. a farmer would haul his wheat to Sandusky City, over 
swampy roads, requiring six to eight days to make the trip, and sell his 
grain for 60 cents a bushel. On returning, they brought out merchandise, 
at the rate of 50 cents a hundred weight. 

Flour, for some time, could not be obtained nearer than Zanesville or 
Chillicothe. Store goods were very high, and none but the most common 
kinds were brought here, and had to be packed on hoi'ses or mules from 
Detroit, or wagoned from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, thence floated down 
the Ohio River to the mouth of the Scioto, and then packed or hauled up. 
The freight was enormous, often costing |4 a ton. 

Bread, the "staff of life," was the most difficult of all to procure, as 
there were no mills in the country to grind the grain. The use of stump 
mortars and graters already referred to, were tedious and tiresome proc- 
esses. A grater was a semi-cylindrical piece of thickly perforated tin, 
fastened upon a board, and operated upon as is a nutmeg grater. The corn 
was taken in the ear, and grated before it got dry and hard. By and by a 
horse grist mill was put up here and there, and then water grist mills along 
the principal streams; but all these together could not keep pace with the 
demands of the rapidly growing settlements. When there was water 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 311 

enough to run the mills, the roads were too muddy and small streams too 
high for teaming and taking the grain to the mills. Horse mills were tuo 
slow, and thus the community had to plod their weary way along until 
steam flouring mills were introduced. 

The implements used by the first farmers in this State would, in this 
age of improvement, be great curiosities. The plow was of the wooden 
mold-board, bar-share pattern, difficult to describe. The reapers were the 
sickle and the cradle. Harrows, with wooden teeth, were simply brush 
heaps dragged over the ground. Hoes were almost as heavy as grubbing 
hoes. Threshing machines were flails, or the grain was trodden out by 
horses or oxen. A sheet or quilt, with a stout person at each end to swing 
it simultaneously, sometimes constituted the fanning mill; or sometimes the 
grain and chaff would be dipped up with a pail, held aloft and slowly 
poured out, while the wind was blowing. Handbreaks were used for break- 
ing flax, and hemp. 

When the earliest pioneer reached this Western wilderness, game was 
his principal meat, until he had conquered a farm from the forest or prairie. 
As the country filled up with inhabitants, game grew correspondingly 
scarce, and by 1840-50, he who would live by his rifle would have had but 
a precarious subsistence had it not been for "wild hogs." These animals 
— the descendants of those left by home- sick emigrants who had returned 
East — multiplied and thrived in a wild state, their subsistence being chiefly 
acorns, nuts, sedge stalks, and flesh of carcasses and small vermin. The 
second and third immigration to the country found these wild hogs an un- 
failing source of meat supply for a number of years. In some sections of 
the West, they became altogether too numerous for comfort, and the citi- 
zens met, organized and adopted measures for their extermination. 

Meanwhile, during all the early years of the settlement, varied with oc- 
casional pleasures and excitements, the great work of increasing the area of 
tillable lands went steadily on, and true, the implements, as already men- 
tioned, were few and of the most primitive kind, yet the soil which held in 
reserve the accumulated richness of unnumbered centuries, produced splen- 
did results. Although the development of the country and the improvement 
of individual condition was slow, nevertheless it was sure. Hence year 
by year, the log houses became more nvimerous, and the forest shrank 
away before the woodman's as. The settlers brought stock into the country 
as they became able, and each one had his horses, oxen, cows, sheep and 
swine. Among the earliest evidences of the reward of patient toil were the 
double cabins of hewed logs, which took the places of the earlier hut like 
structures. Then frame houses began to appear, and hewed-log barns, and 
later, frame barns were built for the protection of stock and the housing of 
the crops. Simultaneously with the earliest indications of increasing thrift, 
society began to form itself; the schoolhouse and the church appeared, and 
advancement was noticeable in a score of ways. 

Still thex-e remained a vast work to perform, for as yet only a beginning 
had been made. The brunt of the struggle, however, was past. The pio- 
neers had made a way in the wilderness for the advancing hosts of the army 
of civilization. 



312 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 



CHAPTER VL 
CIVIL HISTORY. 

This Region Prior to 1845— Organization, etc., ok Wyandot County— Act 
OF Congress Relating thereto— Public Sale of Town Lots in Upper 
Sandusky — Names ofPurohasers— Townships— Public; Buildings— No- 
table Proceedings of Courts- Results of Elections— Officers Elect- 
ed. 

A glance at this region prior to the formation op WYANDOT COUNTY. 

As already explained, the Wyandot Indians were the acknowledged owners 
of all this region prior to September 29, 1817. They then ceded (with 
the exception of some small reservations, also heretofore described) their land- 
ed possession to the United States Government, and agreed to retire to, and re - 
main within their reservations, with the privilege granted them, however, of 
hunting over any and all parts of the broad domain so lately theirs, until 
the same was requii'ed for actual occupation, and improvement by the 
whites. During the two or three years immediately succeeding this cession 
of lands, certain officials, styled Deputy Surveyor Generals, acting under the 
orders of 'the Surveyor General of the United States, ran out the township 
and sectional lines over a large portion of this, the new purchase. A region, 
wMch it appears, remained without the limits of civil jurisdiction, until by 
an act of the State Legislature passed February 12, 1820, to take effect on 
the Ist day of April following, a number of counties were erected from 
the new purchase, or what was then termed the "Old Indian Territory." 
Among them Crawford, Hancock, Hardin, Marion and Seneca. As these 
counties (except Seneca) originally embraced the territory now known as 
Wyandot County, we will glance at the their original dimensions. 

Hancock County, to include Townships 1 and 2 south, and 1 and 2 north, 
in Ranges 9, 10, 11 and 12. Hardin County to include all the last-men- 
tioned ranges, south of said second townships, and runfiing south with the 
range lines to the northern boundaries of the organized counties. Craw- 
ford County to include Townships 1, 2 and 8 south, in Ranges 13, 14, 15, 
16 and 17, and all that may lie between the same and the west line of Rich- 
land County. Marion County to include all of the last-mentioned ranges 
south of said third townships, and to run south with said range lines to the 
northern boundaries of the organized counties, and east with the township 
lines to Richland County line. 

By the provisions of the same act — the act passed February 12, 1820 — 
Crawford County was attached to Delaware for judi^'ial purposes. The 
former county in part then embraced all that portion of the present county 
of Wyandot designated Townships 1, 2 and 8 south, in Ranges 13. 14 and 
15 east, and it was while under the jurisdiction of the Delaware County 
officials, and by virtue of an order issued from the Court of Common Pleas 
of Delaware County, directed to the qualitied voters of Crawford Township, 
in (^rawford County, that the tirst election was held within the present lim- 
its of Wyandot County. Crawford Township then comprised the present 
townships of Crawford, Tymochtee and Sycamore. In pursuance of the 



HISTORY OF WVANDOT COUNTY. 31 cJ 

order of court, the electors assembled at the house of Henry Lish (who then 
operated a ferry over Tymochtee Creek in the present township of Tymoch- 
tee), on the 1st day of April, 1821. After the appointment of a Chairman, 
and the election viva voce of Ira Arnold and Seth Crocker as Clerks for the 
day, John Gordon, James Richards and James Whitehead as Judges, the 
legal voters present, tliirteen in number, proceeded to elect by ballot .the 
following named township officers: Ira Arnold, Clerk; John Gordon, James 
Richards and Ichabod Merriman, Trustees; Elijah Brayton and Rufus Mer- 
riman. Appraisers; Elijah Brayton, Listor; Thomas Leeper, Treasurer; 
Philip Peer and Henry Lish, Supervisors; Myron Merriman and James 
Whitehead, Fence Viewers; Isaac Walker, Constable, and Ciprian Stevens, 
Justice of the Peace. 

The county of Crawford remained under the jurisdiction of Delaware 
until by the passage of a legislative act of date December 15, 182B, to take 
effect May 1. 1824, Marion County was organized and Crawford was ordered 
to be attached to it for judicial purposes. During the same session, how- 
ever, by an act approved February 17, 1824, it was further ordered " that 
so much of the county of Crawford as lies north of the Wyandot Reserva- 
tion, including one tier of townships lying east and west, be, and the same 
is hereby, from and after the passage of this act, attached to the county of 
Seneca for judicial purposes, until the county of Crawford shall, be organ- 
ized." During subsequent years a few other changes in jurisdiction took 
place from time to time, but no alterations in boundary lines occurred 
(where Crawford, Marion, Hardin and Hancock Counties joined each other), 
until the erection of Wyandot County. 

FORMATION, ORGANIZATION, ETC., OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

By the provisions of an act of the State Legislature approved February 
3, 1845, entitled " An act to erect the new county of Wyandott,* and alter 
the boundaries of the county of Crawford," Wyandot was formed from parts 
of Crawford. Marion, Hardin and Hancock Counties. The sections of the 
act which have an especial reference to this (Wyandot) county read as fol- 
lows : 

Section 1. Be it enacted bj' the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, That 
such parts of the counties of Crawford, Marion, Hardin and Hancock, as are em- 
braced within the boundaries hereinafter described, be, and the same are hereby 
erected into a separate and distinct county, which shall be known by the name of 
Wyandott, and the seat of justice within and for said county shall be and is hereby 
fixed and established at, or in the immediate vicinity of Upper Sandusky to wit: Be- 
ginning at the southeast corner of Section 10, in Township 4 south, in Range 15, of the 
public survey of lands, in Marion County, and running thence north on the sectional 
lines, through Crawford County, to the north line thereof, between Sections 2 and 3, in 
Township 1 south, in Range 15, aforesaid; which line shall form the east boundary of 
said county of Wyandott, and the west line of Crawford County; thence west on the 
base line to the northwest corner of Section 2, in Township 1 south, of Range 12, in 
Hancock County; thence south on the sectional line to the northeast corner of Section 
22, in the township and range last aforesaid; thence west on the sectional line to the 
northwest corner of said Section 22; thence south on the sectional line to the south line 
of said township as originally surveyed, between Sections 33 and 34; thence west on 
said township line to the northwest corner of Section 5 in Township 2 south, of the 
range last aforesaid; thence south on the sectional line through said Township 2, to 
the south line thereof, at the northwest corner of Section 5, in Township 3 south, of 
the range last aforesaid, in the county of Hardin; thence east to the northeast corner 

* Before the organization of Wyandot County and the adoption of a county seal, this term had been 
written and printed in various ways as Wyandot, Wyandott and Wyandotte. Therefore, soon after the or- 
ganization, the qufstion of adopting a uniform style of spelling the county's title was considered by the 
first county officials, when at the suggestion of John D. Sears, Esq., the form of orthography still in use — 
Wyandot — was approved and so entered upon the records. 



814 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

of said Section 5; thence soutli on the sectional line to the southwest corner of Section 
9, in Township 4 south, in the range last aforesaid; thence east, to the northwest cor- 
ner of Section 13, in the township and range last aforesaid; thence south to the south- 
west corner of said Section 13; thence east on the sectional line to the southeast corner 
of Section 13, in Township 4 south of Range 13; thence north to the northeast corner 
of said last-mentioned Section 13; thence east, on the sectional line to the place of be- 
ginning: Provided, That the passage of this act shall not prevent the Mad River & 
Lake Erie Railroad Company from extending an arm from the main track of said rail- 
road to the town of Fiudlay in the county of Hancock, as was secured to said company 
in the original act of incorporation. 

*********** 

Sec. 4. That all Justices of the Peace, within those parts of the counties of Craw- 
ford, Marion, Hardin and Hancock, which by this act are erected into the county of 
Wyandott, and also within those parts of the counties of Richland and Marion, which 
by this act, are attached to the county of Crawford, shall continue to exercise the func- 
tions and discharge the duties of their respective offices, until their time of service shall 
expire, and their successors be elected and qualified, in the same manner as if they had 
been commissioned for the counties of Wyandott and Crawford respectively. * * * 

Sec. 5. That the legal voters residing within the limits of the county of Wyandott, 
shall on the 1st Monday in April, in the year 1845, assemble in their respective town- 
ships, at the usual place of holding elections (where the usual places of holding elections 
are within the limits of the county of Wyandott, and in cases of fractional townships, 
where the usual places of holding elections are not included within the limits of the 
county aforesaid, the voters residing in each of such fractional townships, shall assem- 
ble in the township immediatelj^ adjoining such fractional township, and lying toward 
the center of said county), and proceed to elect the different county officers in the man- 
ner prescribed in the act to regulate elections, who shall hold their offices until the 
next annual election, and until their successors are chosen and qualified. 

Sec. 6. It shall be the duty of the Commissioners of Wyandott County when elected 
and qualified, to make the most favorable contract or contracts with the Government 
of the United States, or with any person or persons for donations of land, town lots, 
moneys, or other property, for the erection of county buildings, either in the town of 
Upper Sandusky, or on land adjoining the same, as they may think most advantageous 
to the county of Wyandott; p7'oz)irfe(7 that the county buildings of Wyandott County 
shall not be erected at a greater distance than one-fourth of a mile from the State road 
leading from Columbus through Delaware, Marion and Upper Sandusky to Lower San- 
duskv *-»** ****** 

Sec. 8. The Commissioners of the respective counties from which territory is hereby 
taken, shall have power immediately upon the passage of this act, to attach fractionall 
townships to other townships in their respective counties, or to organize such fractiona 
townships into separate townships, as they may deem expedient, which power shall ex- 
tend to the counties of Crawford and Wyandott, for the purpose of disposing of frac- 
tions coming within the limits of said counties made by this act. 

*** *** ***** 

Thus, by a scrutiny of Section 1 of the act just quoted, it is ascertained 
that Wyandot County was formed from Townships No. 1, 2 and 3 south, in 
Ranges 13 and 14 east, and the fractional or western two-thirds of Town- 
ships 1, 2 and 3 south, in Range 15 east, of Crawford County; from frac- 
tional parts of Townships 1 and 2 south, in Range 12 east, of Hancock 
County; from fractional parts of Townships 3 and 4 south, in the range last 
mentioned, of Hardin County, and from fractional Townships 4 south, in 
Ranges 13, 14 and 15 east, of Marion County. 

In accordance with the provisions of Section 5 of the act above quoted, 
on Monday, April 7, 1845, the legal voters of the county assembled in their 
respective townships, at the several places designated for holding elections, 
and proceeded to the exercise of their rights as American freemen by voting 
for the various persons nominated to till the county offices. In the aggre- 
gate, 1,289 ballots were deposited, and as a result the following officers were 
in due time declared elected: William Griffith, Stephen Fowler and Ethan 
Terry, County Commissioners; Abner Jurey, Treasurer; Samuel M. Worth, 
Auditor; Lorin A. Pease, Sheriff; John A. Morrison, Recorder; Albert 
Bixby, Coroner; Azariah Root, Survej'or; and Chester R. Mott, Prosecuting 
Attorney. 



^a?'* 



'^w!^ 




(7'^^ ??^'^fy^y^--^^ <^^^^^ 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 317 

Concerning the political complexion of the oflScers first elected we learn 
that Griffith, Jurey, Pease and Root were Whigs, while Fowler, Terry, 
Worth, Morrison, Bixby and Mott were Democrats. These gentlemen at 
once attached their signatures to the required oath of office, filed their 
bonds uf indemnity, etc., and within two weeks after their election were 
prepared for the transaction of public business in such apartments in and 
about the new and straggling built-up town as were found most convenient. 
In describing the initial proceedings, which took place in their respective 
departments, we turn to the records for the following items. 

On the J 6th day of April, 1845 (nine days after their election), Stephen 
Fowler, William Griffith and Ethan Terry, Commissioners- elect of the 
County of AVyandot (the same having taken the i-equired oath of office 
before Abner Jurey, Esq.), first convened (the minutes fail to state where) 
for the transaction of business. Thereupon the bond of Samuel M. Worth, 
the Audi tor- elect, was presented and approved, with Zuriel Fowler, Joseph 
Shorb and Guy C. Worth as his sureties. The Commissioners then author- 
ized Guy C. Worth (who was then officiating as Clerk of the courts, by ap- 
pointment) to contract for the purchase of the necessary books and station- 
ery for the use of the different county offices; also to purchase an "iron 
press" for the Clerk's office, "if, in his opinion, it be advisable to obtain the 
same." On the same day the following resolutions were considered and 
approved : 

Resolved, That the proposition of Moses H. Kirby to transfer his possessory right 
to the Indian Council House at Upper Sandusky to the county of Wyandot be accepted, 
and the Auditor authorized to issue an order in favor of Col. Kirby for $30 in full pay- 
ment of his interest in said house. 

Resolved, That the different officers of Wyandot County be authorized to obtain 
the necessary cheap furniture for the use of their respective oflBces, and present their 
bill to the Board of Commissioners at the June session. 

Resolved, That the Auditor of Wyandot, County is hereby authorized to procure 
the necessary abstracts from the tax duplicates of Crawford, Marion, Hardin and Han- 
cock Counties, and that he procure, if need be, the services of the Auditors of the said 
counties respectively to assist him in obtaining the same. 

Resolved, That the Auditor cause such repairs to be made upon the upper part of 
the Council House as will be required for the accommodation of the county officers." 

The Commissioners then approved of the bond of Abner Jurey, Treas- 
urer-elect, with John Jurey, Benjamin S. Welch, Christian Hoover and 
Jacob S. Staley as his sureties, and adjourned to meet in special session on 
the 28rh day of April following. 

As determined, the Commissioners again met on Monday, April 28, 
1845, when it was ordered that the area of Jackson Township be increased, 
and Marseilles Township be erected. On the following day, their proceed- 
ings were far more important, and as follows: 

Upper Sandusky, Wyandot County, Ohio, April 29, 1845. 

The Commissioners of Wyandot County this day met, and after a due considera- 
tion of the proposition for the establishment of the seat of justice of Wyandot County 
at the town of Upper Sandusky, adopted the following preamble and resolutions: 

Whereas the Congress of the United States by an act* approved the 26th day of 

* COPY OF THE ACT OF CONGRESS. 

Chapter 23.— An act vesting in the County Commissioners of the county of Wyandot the right to cer- 
tain town lots and outlets in the town of Upper Sandusky in the State of Ohio. 

Section 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of .^^merica 
in Congress assembled, That the right to one-third part of the unsold town lots in the town of Upper San- 
dusky by the act entitled " An Act providing for the sale of certain lauds in the States of Ohio and Mich- 
igan ceded by the Wyandot tribe of Indians, and for other purposes," passed March 3, 184.3, directed to be 
laid out and surveyed, and to one-third part of the outlets of said town, be and hereby is vested in the 
County Commissioners of the county of Wyandot, in the said State of Ohio ; on condition, nevertheless, 
that said Commissioners, or other competent authorities of said State of Ohio, shall permanently locate and 
fix the seat of justice of the county at said town, and that the net proceeds of the sales of said town and out- 



318 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

February, A. D. 1845, have granted to the Commissioners of Wyandot County, one- 
third part of the inlots and outlots of the said town of Upper Sandusky, upon the con- 
dition that the said Commissioners should permanently locate and fix the seat of jus- 
tice of said county at the said town of Upper Sandusky. 

Be it therefore Resolved, That the seat of justice of said county of Wyandot be and 
hereby is permanently located and fixed at the town of Upper Sandusky. 

Resolved, That the Register and Receiver of the Land Office at Upper Sandusky be 
requested to advise the Board of Commissioners of Wyandot County what lot or lots 
in the town of Upper Sandusky embrace valuable improvements made by this Indian 
agency at Upper Sandusky. 

(copy.) 
Land Office Upper Sandusky, April 29, 1845. 
To THE Commissioners of Wyandot County: 

Gentlemen: The following resolutions passed by your board have this day been 
duly placed in our hands, to wit: '-Resolved, that tlie Register and Receiver of the 
Land Office at Upper Sandusky be requested to advise the Board of Commissioners 
what lot or lots in the town of Upper Sandusky embrace valuable improvements made 
by the Indian Agency at Upper Sandusky." In reply to which we have to state that 
Outlot No. 49f , embraces all the valuable improvements made at Upper Sandusky for 
the use of the Indian Agency. Very respectfully, 

Albur Root, Register, 
Moses H. Kirby, Receiver. 

Thereupon the following communication was prepared by the Commis- 
sioners, and at once sent forward, by mail, to the Secretary of the Treasury 

of the United States: 

Upper Sandusky, April 29, 1845. 
To the Honorable Secretary op the Treasury of the United States: 

Sir: We herewith transmit to you official information of the permanent location of 
the seat of justice for Wyandot County at the town of Upper Sandusky; and we are 
advised by the acompanying communication from the Register and Receiver of the 
Land Office at Upper Sandusky that Outlot No. 49 is the only one contained in the 
said town which embraces valuable improvements made by the Indian Agency at Upper 
Sandusky. And as it appears that this lot would not fall to the county by a selection 
of everv third lot in alternate and progressive numbers in pursuance of the second sec- 
tion of "^the act of Congress of the 26th of February, A. D. 1845, entitled " An act vest- 
ing in the County Commissioners of the county of Wyandot the right to certain town 
lots and outlots 'in the town of Upper Sandusky in the State of Ohio, no substitution 
will, therefore, have to be made. 

We would respectfully request the Honorable Secretary of the Treasury to make 
the selection in pursuance to the said law as soon as practicable and transmit the same 
to us. 

We remain very respectfully your obedient servants, 

Stephen Fowler, 
William Griffith, 
Ethan Terry, 

Commissioners of Wyandot County. 
Communication from the Commissioner of the General Land Office in reply to the fore- 
going: 

General Land Office, July 28, 1845. 
I, James Shields, t Commissioner of the General Land Office, do hereby certify, 
that the annexed is a true and literal exemplification of the original on file in this 
office, approved bv the Secretary of the Treasury, on the 12th day of July, 1845. 

In testimony whereof, I hereunto subscribed my name and caused the seal of this 
office to be affixed, at the city of Washington, on the day and year above written. 
Ja.mes Shields, Commissioner of the General Land Office. 

lots be applied by said Coiintv Commissioners, or other proper authorities, to the erection of public build- 
ings, and the improvement of public squares and public grounds in said town. 

Sec 2. And be it further enacted. That the town lots and outlots of said town of Upper bandusky, so 
to be granted and applied, shall be selected bv alternate and progressive numbers (every third town lot 
and every third outlot according to their numbers respectively, being granted and applied as atoresaid) 
under the direction and subject to the control of the .Secretary of the Treasury ; Provided, that nothing here- 
in contained shall be so construed as to grant to and vest in said County Commissioners any lot or lots 
heretofore appropriated to and used by the Indian agency at Upper Sandusky, and upon which there may 
remain anv valuable buildings, orchard, or other valuable improvement belonging to the United States, 
and if any'such town lot or outlot, so bv its progressive number selected, should be found to comprise and 
include anv such valuable building, orchard or other valuable improvement then the said Secretary of the 
Treasury is hereby authorized and directed to substitute some other lot or lots, of a fair and proportionate 
value. 

Approved, February 20. 1845. 

+The site of Fort Ferree. , , ^ , , „. > ^ c-u- u 

JAfterward known (during the Mexican war, and the war of the rebellion) as Gen. Shields. 



HISTORY OF WVANDOT COUNTY. 319 

List of town lots and outlots in the town of Upper Sandusliy, Ohio, selected under 
the provisions of the act of Congress entitled " An act vesting in the Commissioners of 
the county of Wyandot the right to certain town lots and outlots in the town of Upper 
Sandusky, in the State of Ohio, approved 36th of February, 1845." 

Town Lots numbered 3, 6, 9, 12, 15. 18, 31, 24, 27, 30. 33, 36, 39, 42. 45, 48, 51, 54, 
57, 60, 63, 66, 69, 73, 75, 78, 81, 84, 87, 93, 93. 96, 99, 103, 105, 108, 111, 114, 117, 130, 123, 
126, 129, 132, 135, 138, 141, 144, 147, 150, 153, 156, 159, 162, 165, 168, 171, 174, 177, 180, 
188, 186, 189. 193, 195, 198, 201, 204. 207, 210, 213. 216. 219, 223, 235, 228, 231, 234, 237, 
240, 243, 246, 249, 353, 255, 258, 261, 264, 267, 370, 373, 276, 279, 282, 285, 288, 291, 294, 
297, 300, 303, 306, 309, 312, 315, 318, 321. 334, 337, 330, 333, 336, 339, 343, 345. 348, 351, 
354, 357, 360, 363. 366, 369, 373, 375, 378. 

Out Lots numbered 3, 6, 9, 13. 15. 18, 31, 34. 37, 30, 33. 36. 39, 42, 45, 48, 51, 54, 57, 
60, 63, 66, 69, 72, 75, 78, 81, 84, 87, 90. 93. 96, 99, 103. 105, 108, 111, 114, 117, 130, 133, 
136, 139, 133, 135, 133. 141. 144. 147; 150. 153, 156. 159, 163, 165, 168, 171, 174, 177, 180, 
183, 186, 189, 193, 195, 193, 201, 204, 207, 210, 213,,216. 

At a subsequent meeting of the County Commissioners, held on the 
2d day of June, 1845. the boundaries of Pit , Crane and Antrim Town- 
ships were defined, and Eden, Ridge, Richland and Sycamore Townships 
were organized as separate townships. During the same session, it was 
further ordered that a tax of $1 be assessed upon each lawyer and physician 
practicing in the county. That a tax of four and one half mills on a dollar 
be levied for county purposes, also a tax of one and one-half mills on a 
dollar be levied for road purposes, and that the Auditor " be authorized to 
serve a notice upon John Shrenk* to leave the council house forthwith." 

The Commissioners again met for the transaction of business on Satur- 
day, July 26, 1845, and as the result of their deliberations, the following 
orders, etc., w^ere made a matter of recoi'd: 

Ordered, Tliat the lots vested in tlieir hands by the act of Congress, approved 
February 26, 1845, be exposed at public sale on the 2oth, 21st and 22d days of August, 
1845. 

Ordered, That 200 copies of sale bills be printed, and that the same be published 
in the Ohio Statesman, Ohio State Journal and Wyandot Telegraph. 

Ordered. That the Auditor procure a sufficient number of blank title bonds for 
such sale. 

Ordered, That the lots be sold for one-fourth of the purchase money in hand, 
one-fourth in one year, one-fourth in two years, and ihe remaining one-fourth in three 
years; the payments to be secured with notes bearing interest. 

Ordered, That Inlot No. 147 be reserved from sale, and that Lots No. 145 and 
146 be procured for the use of the countj^ to erect public buildings upon. 

Ordered, That Mr. Joseph McCutchcn be authorized to engage the services of Mr. 
Bishop, of Seneca County, as crier on the days of sale. 

Ordered, That Peter B. Beidler be employed to copy from the records of the 
counties from whicli Wyandot County was taken, such records, surveys and field notes 
as may be strictly necessary to have in this county, also to make a plat of the county 
of Wyandot. 

The following is a copy of the " sale bill" above mentioned: 

PUBLIC SALE OF TOWN LOTS AT UPPER SANDUSKY. 

The Commissioners of Wyandot Countj" will offer the following valuable town 
property for sale at Upper Sandusky, Ohio, upon the 20th, 21st and 23d days of August 
next, to wit: The in and out lots in the town of LTpper Sandusky vested in the said 
Commissioners by act of Congress approved February 36, 1845, being eveiy third of the 
in and out lots selected by alternate and progressive numbers, amounting to 126 inlots 
and seventy-two outlots. 

Upper Sandusky, a town laid out by the General Government, is delightfully situ- 
ated on the Sandusky River, near the center of the Wyandot Reserve, and the seat of 
justice of the new county of Wyandot has been permanently fixed at said town. 

Terms of Sale: One-fourth of the purchase money required in hand, the balance in 
three equal annual installments, secured by notes bearing interest. 

Stephen Fowler, 
William Griffith, 
Ethan Terry, 
[Attest] Commissioners of Wyandot County. 

Samuel M. North, Auditor. 

* Shrenk was the publisher of the Wyandot Telegraph, the first newspaper published in the county, and 
had occupied the council house as his printing house, from the middle of February, 1845. 



320 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 



The Commissioners then adjourned to the 11th of Auc^ust following, for 
the purpose of appraising the lots. At the time designated, Augvist 11, 
1845, the members composing the Board of Commissioners met, and made 
an appraisement of the value of each lot, varying from $25 for the lowest, 
to $500 for the highest. They again met on the 19th day of August, 1845, 
and agreed upon the following terms of sale for the lots advertised to be 
sold: 

One-fourth of the purchase money to be paid in hand, the residue in three equal 
annual payments, with interest, to be secured by promissory notes. 

The terms of sale to be complied with on the day thereof. A title bond to be 
given, conditioned for the making of a deed to the purchaser upon the payment of the 
notes. Delinquent bidders to be held subject to the liabilities and restrictions usual in 
such cases. 

Commissioners further order that Wyandot County orders and current bank papers 
of the Ohio banks be receivable in payment of the first installment. 

That the crops growing upon the outlets be reserved to the occupants putting them 
in, who are required to remove them bj' the 10th day of October next. 

Chester R. Mott, Et-q., was employed as assistant clerk during the sales, 
and David Bishop, of Seneca County, as crier. The sale commenced at 
10:30 o'clock A. M., on the 20th day of August, 1845, and continued three 
days. The following is a list of the lots sold, the names of purchasers, 
and the amount paid for each lot: 

[n Lot No. 3, Joseph McCutchen $ 26 

[n Lot No. 9, George Yenner 30 

[n Lot No. 13, Joseph Chaffee 37 

[n Lot No. 15, James McConnell 35 

In Lot No. 21, Stephen H. Sherwood 32 

In Lot No. 24, James McConnell 38 

[n Lot No. 30, Guy C. Worth 26 

En Lot No. 33. Guy C. Worth 25 

In Lot No. 36, John N. Reed 25 

[n Lot No. 39, Jacob Sell 55 

[n Lot No. 42, Lorin A. Pease 54 

[u Lot No. 48, Guy C. Worth 43 

InLot No. 51, Victor M. Griswold 34 

[n Lot No, 57, Samuel M. Worth 57 

[n Lot No. 60, Upton Flenner 141 

[n Lot No. 63, John Vandenburg 31 

[n Lot No. 66, Christian Huber 50 

[n Lot No. 69, James McConnell 48 

[n Lot No. 72, Abner Jury 30 

[nLot No. 75, Sanders A. Reed 46 

[n Lot No. 78, DavidLittle 185 

[n Lot No. 81. Upton Flenner 26 

[n Lot No. 84, Andrew Dumm 42 

[nLot No. 87. Samuel Miller 100 

[n Lot No. 93, Jaciob Rouk 60 

[nLot No. 96, Purdy McElvain 202 

[n Lot No. 99, Isaac C. Drum 29 

[n Lot No. 105, Isaac Ayers 125 

[n Lot No. 108, Chester R. Mott 35 

[n Lot No. Ill, John Mackey 115 

In Lot No. 114, John Shrenk 67 

[n Lot No. 120, John W. Senseny 262 

[nLot No. 129, N. P. Robbing 550 

[nLot No. 132, David Aj^ers 31 

[n Lot No. 138, Henry Houpt 48 

[nLot No. 141, David Ayers 200 

[n Lot No. 144, David Ayers 650 

[n Lot No. 150, David Ayers 252 

[n Lot No. 153, Joseph McCutchen 154 

[n Lot No. 156, Joseph McCutchen 134 

[n Lot No. 159, Jeremiah Miner 418 

[nLot No. 162, Jeremiah Miner 159 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 321 

In Lot No. 165, David Watson and John D. Sears 230 

In Lot jSTo. 174, Joseph McCutchen 300 

In Lot No. 180, David Epler '..".'."..'.'."..'."."'..'.".'! 61 

In Lot No. 186, James H. Drum 32 

In Lot No 189, Henry Mattocks ...............].... 167 

In Lot No. 192, Lemar Walton ."."..... 64 

In Lot No. 195, Robert Taggart 95 

In Lot No. 198, Daniel Tuttle '. 46 

In Lot No. 201. Samuel Roth .' .' " 33 

In Lot No. 204, Jerusha West ............" 27 

In Lot No. 207. Anthony Bowsher 84 

In Lot No. 210. Archibald Allen '...'.'.'.'.' 76 

In Lot No. 216. Christian Huber ' oqo 

In Lot No. 219, William Corbin .'...'.'. 113 

In Lot No. 228, Jackson B. Detray ' 46 

In Lot No. 131, Henry Mattocks I.55 

In Lot No. 234, Robert Taggart . " ' 39 

In Lot No. 237, Christian Huber 120 

In Lot No. 240, John Tripp '.'.'.'.'.'.'.'..'. 26 

In Lot No. 243, Abner .Jury 93 

In Lot No. 246, Michael Barnhart ...'....'.. 40 

In Lot No. 249, John Owens ." . . . " " 52 

In Lot No. 252, Thomas Hughes 33 

In Lot No. 255, John W. Mavis 31 

In Lot No. 261, David Watson [ 27 

In Lot No. 264, John Buckingham 21 

In Lot No. 267, John S. Rappe 35 

In Lot No. 270, John S. Rappe 28 

In Lot No. 276, Robert Lambert 23 

In Lot No. 285, James R. Remington . 25 

In Lot No. 288, William B. Stokely ' 44 

In Lot No. 291, John S. Rappe ."'".'".'.'." 24 

In Lot No. 294, John Stewart 20 

In Lot No. 300, George Hayman 26 

In liOt No. 303, Purdy and Andrew McElvain .'..'.'.'.'.*.''' 32 

In Lot No. 306, A. M. Anderson, J. B. Alden and G. C. Worth. . . 57 

In Lot No. 309, Robert Cuppals 22 

In Lot No. 315, William Shaffer " 61 

In Lot No. 318, Purdy and Andrew McElvain ' " ' .24 

In Lot No. 330, William Hill. . . ^23 

In Lot No. 338, Enoch B. Elkins . . 31 

In Lot No. 336, John Tripp * 25 

In Lot No. 342, Daniel Wright ......[...[.. .1...]. ..[...[ 54 

In Lot No. 345, Antoine Christian. . . ... 30 

In Lot No. 348, John Tripp 27 

In Lot No. 251, Joseph B. Eraser 26 

In Lot No. 357, Chester R. Mott 20 

In Lot No. 360, Antoine Christian ' 26 

In Lot No. 363, George Orth 43 

In Lot No. 369, William Mvers 21 

In Lot No. 375, Robert Taggart " ' ' 24 

In Lot No. 378, William Ayers '..['.'.'. y. '.'.".'. '.' ' 20 

Out Lot No. 3, Stephen H. Sherwood 57 

Out Lot No. 6, James McConnell B 79 

Out Lot No. 9. James B. Alden 134 

Out Lot No. 12, David Wilson . 306 

Out Lot No. 15, Eli P. Quaintance ....'. 200 

Out Lot No. 27, George Robinson .53 

Out Lot No. 30, Chester R. Mott ' . . "'58 

Out Lot No. 33, Jeremiah Miner 63 

Out Lot No. 36, James McConnell 51 

Out Lot No. 39, Anthonv Bowsher. . . 12 

Out Lot No. 42, R. W. Kinkead .* '. . * 56 

Out Lot No. 45, David Avres 50 

Out Lot No. 48, Christian Huber 115 

Out Lot No. 51, John S. Rappe ^ 53 

Out Lot No. 54, James McConnell 56 

Out Lot No. 69. Thomas B. Ferguson 52 

Out Lot No. 84, David Ayers (forfeited) 



322 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. , 

Out Lot No 87, Jacob Ronk 37 

Out Lot No. 90, Joseph McCutchen 32 

Out Lot No. 93, Chester R. Mott 35 

Out Lot No. 96, Chester R. Mott 36 

Out Lot No. 99, Joseph McCutchen 43 

Out Lot No. 102, Joseph E. Fouke 35 

Out Lot No. 105, William Bear 37 

Out Lot No. 108, William Ayers (forfeited) 

Out Lot No. Ill, Henry Kirby 36 

Out Lot No. 114, James B. Alden 43 

Out Lot No. 129, Amos Culver 33 

Out Lot No. 156, David Epler 30 

Out Lot No. 168, Hiram Flack 35 

Out Lot No. 171, Purdy McElvain 105 

Out Lot No. 174, John Kays 61 

Out Lot No. 177, Anthony Bowsher 25 

Out Lot No. 183, John Kays 65 

Out Lot No. 186, Joseph Mason 116 

Out Lot No. 189, Chester R. Mott 30 

Out Lot No. 201, Joseph Chaffee 30 

Out Lot No. 204, John W. Vandenburg 36 

Out Lot No. 210, Prudy McElvain 75 

Out Lot No. 213, Abraham Trego 45 

Out Lot No. 216, Joseph Chaffee 40 

Out Lot No. 207, Andrew Drum 30 

The total value of the lots sold during the three days amounted to 
),176. 50, upon which cash or its equivalent was paid to the amount of 
$2,626.87i 

On the 27th of August, 1845, the Commissioners again met, as per ad- 
journment, when it was ordered, ." That the lots remaining unsold shall be 
open for entry until the 23d day of September next, with 50 per cent add- 
ed to the appraisement heretofore put upon them by the Commissioners. 

Ordered, That Samuel M. Worth be authorized to receive applications and make 

sales of such lots. 

The following bills were allowed, as expenses arising from the sales of the town 

lots, viz. : 

John Shrenk, printing $6 31 

David Bishop, crier of sale 43 00 

Chester R. Mott, clerk during sales 12 00 

Stephen Fowler, Commissioner 20 00 

William Griffith, Commissioner 22 00 

Ethan Terry, Commissioner 20 00 

Samuel M. Worth, fees as Auditor 30 00 

$153 31 

*********** 

On Tuesday, September 23, 1S45 (as per order of the Commissioners), 
another public sale of town lots took place. The number of the lots, the 
names of purchasers, etc., being as follows: 

In Lot No. 6, Amos Colver $51 00 

In Lot No. 27, A. Montee 25 00 

In Lot No. 45, Robert Bowsher 34 50 

In Lot No. 54, Benjamin Chambers 30 00 

In Lot No. 102, John S. Rappe 63 00 

In Lot No. 168, Jesse Swan and Ezekiel Ervin 378 00 

In Lot No. 177, William Axt 131 00 

In Lot No. 183, Peter Ricker 33 00 

In Lot No. 225, Angelina Tannehill 26 00 

In Lot No. 258, George W. Cox 162 00 

In Lot No. 297, Michael Vangundy 22 00 

In Lot No. 324, A. Montee. . ^ 24 00 

In Lot No. 372, Samuel W. McDowell 37 50 

Out Lot No. 21, John March 32 00 

Out Lot No. 81, Michael Vangundy 51 00 

Out Lot No. 84, David Ayers 31 00 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 323 

Out Lot No. 108, Susannah Berry 33 00 

Out Lot No. 117, Christian Widman 43 00 

Out Lot No. 130, Hiram Pool 60 00 

Out Lot No. 180, Henry Backenstose 32 00 

Out Lot No. 192, Nathaniel C. Manley 21 50 

Out Lot No. 198, William Henry McKufe 35 50 

On the 2d of October. 1845, it was ordered by the Commissioners " that 
four hundred and ten dollars be appropriated out of the moneys received 
from the sale of lots to pay for In Lots numbered 145 and 146," which, 
with Lot No. 147, were set aside and designated as the site for the court 
house and county jail. The following day (October 3), additional lots were 
sold, as follows: 

In Lot No. 18, A. Montee |25 

In Lot No. 126, Daniel G. Weddle and A. Rice 105 

In Lot No. 171, John Lupfer 280 

In Lot No. 222, William W. Bates 229 

In Lot No. 273, Hugh Robertson 21 

In Lot No. 282, A. Montee 20 

In Lot No. 321, Alfred Randall 20 

Out Lot No. 18, Joseph McCutchen 81 

Out Lot No. 24, Chester R. Mott 40 

A number of the lots first sold were declared forfeited to the purchasers 
and reverted back to the county by reason of the non-payment of purchase 
monej according to the terms of sale, and were afterward resold to other 
parties as late as 1853. 

To June 11, 1853, the officials of the county had received in cash, for 
lots sold in the town of Upper Sandusky, the sum of $15,224.24, or in other 
words, the Govei'nment of the United States had donated to the county of 
Wyandot an amount sufficient to purchase sites, and to construct the pres- 
ent court house and jail building. 

TOWNSHIPS. 

Antrim — Was first organized as a township in Crawford County in 1822. 
It contains thirty-two sections, and was formed as it now exists June 2, 
1845, when the first Board of Wyandot County Commissioners ordered that 
the fraction (eight sections) detached from Township 4 south, of Range 
15 east, or Grand Prairie, in Marion County, be attached to it. 

Crawford — Was organized as a township in Crawford County in the year 
1821 Its nominal boundaries then included all, or at least nearly all, of 
that part of the former county now forming part of the county of Wyandot. 

The organization of Crawford County took place we believe, in the year 
1825, when Crawford Township was reduced to its present area — a full 
surveyed subdivision of thirty -six sections, known otherwise as Township 
No. 1 south, of Kange No. 13 east. 

Crane — We have not been able to ascertain when this township was so 
designated, though probably it was just prior to the formation of Wyandot. 
County. On the 2d of June, 1845, the Wyandot County Commissioners 
ordered that " the progressive numbers from Section 1 to 9 inclusive in 
Pitt Township be attached to Crane Township," and on the same day they 
likewise ordered, that "Sections 1, 12, 13, 24, 25 and 36 of the original 
surveyed Township No. 2 south, of Eange 14 east [Crane Township] be at- 
tached to Township No. 2 south, of Range 15 east." The same boundary 
lines prevail to-day, and thus Crane (it should be Tarhe) Township contains 
thirty-nine sections. 

Eden — The greater portion of this township was formerly part of 
Leith, a township which was formed by order of the Commissioners of 



324 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Crawford County, in March, 1838. On the 2d of June, 1845, Stephen 
Fowler, William Griffith and Ethan Terry, the first Commissioners of Wy- 
andot County, ordered that Sections 1, 12, 13, 24, 25 and 36, of the orig- 
inal surveyed Township No. 2 south, of Range 14 east, be attached to Town- 
ship No. 2 south, of Range 15 east, and called Ecle^i Township." The 
same boundaries have continued to the present time. It contains thirty 
sections. 

Jackson — Was organized as a township in Hardin County prior to 1840. 
By the organization of Wyandot County in 1845, the major part of the 
township became a portion of the new county, and for that reason, perhaps, 
it retained its original name. At a special meeting of the Commissioners 
of Wyandot County, held April 28, 1845, it was ordered " that Sections 3, 
4 and 9, in Township No. 4 south, of Range 12 east [Goshen Township] 
be attached to Jackson Township." The same boundary lines are still 
maintained, and the township contains twenty-seven sections. 

Marseilles — At a special meeting of the Commissioners of Wyandot 
County, held on the 28th day of April, 1845, it was ordered " that Sections 
1, 2, 10, 11, 12 and 13, in the aforesaid township and range [meaning 
Township No. 4 south, of RaDge 12 east], be attached to that portion of 
Township No. 4 south, of Range 13 east, taken from Grand Township, 
Marion County, and that the two fractional townships hereby attached shall 
constitute one township, and be called Marseilles." It will thus be observed 
that the present township consists of eighteen sections, or the northern half 
of the original township of Grand, Marion County, and six sections (1, 2, 
10, 11, 12 and 13) taken from Goshen Township in Hardin County. 

Mifflin — Although this township lay mostly within the Wyandot Reserva- 
tion, it was so named and organized as a township in Crawford County 
prior to 1840. AVe have not been able to ascertain the precise date of its 
organization. It is a full surveyed township of thirty-six sections, and is 
designated in the United States surveys as Township No. 3 south, of Range 
No. 13 east. 

Pitt — This township also lay mostly within the Wyandot Reservation, 
but it was known as a township in Crawford County before the beginning 
of the year 1840. Soon after the organization of Wyandot County, or on 
the 2d of June, 1845, the County Commissioners ordered "that the 

fractional part of Salt Rock Township [ Sections 1 to 12 inclusive, of 

Township No. 4 south, of Range 14 east, formerly part of Marion County] 
be attached to Pitt Township, and that the progressive numbers from Sec- 
tion 1 up to 9 inclusive, in Pitt Township, be attached to Crane Township. 
These boundaries are still maintained, and the township thus contains 
thirty-nine sections. 

Richland — Now comprising thirty sections of surveyed Township No. 
2 south, of Range No. 12 east, was organized as one of the divisions of 
Hancock County in 1835. Ten years later, the same township, with the ex- 
ception of the western tier of sections, became part of the then new county 
of Wyandot. On the 2d of June, 1845, the Commissioners of the last-men- 
tioned county directed " that Richland fraction be organized into a separate 
township and called Richland.'' 

Ridge — A fractional township of only fifteen sections, was detached 
from Amanda Township in Hancock County by the erection of the county 
of Wyandot. On the 2d of June, 1845, the first Board of Wyandot County 
Commissioners, ordered that " Amanda fraction be organized as a separate 
township, and called Ridge." 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 325 

Salem — This township comprises thirtv-six sections, or the whole of 
surveyed Township No. 2 south, of Range 13 east. It was largely embraced 
by the Wyandot Reservation and ^probably, was not organized and so 
named until just jjrior to the erection of Wyandot County. 

Sycamore — Containing twenty- four sections of surveyed Township No. 
1 south, of Range No. 15 east, was organized as a township in Crawford 
County in 1825. On the 2d of June, 1845, the first Board of Wyandot 
County Commissioners ordered " that the fractional township of Sycamore 
be organized into a separate township." 

Tymochtee — Embraces the whole of surveyed Township No. 1 south, of 
Range No. 14 east. Formerly attached to Crawford Township, it was or- 
ganized as a township in Crawford County, 1825. It was settled at an early 
day by an enterprising set of pioneers, and for a number of years was the 
most populous district in either Crawford or Wyandot Counties. 

PUBLIC BUILDINGS, ETC. 

The present court house and jail of the county stand upon grounds des- 
ignated in the original plat of the town of Upper Sandusky as lots No. 
145, 146 and 147. How these lots were acquired has already been shown. 
For several years the Indian council house was utilized for holding courts, 
etc., while the small block- house, known as the Indian Jail, answered for 
the incarceration of malefactors awaiting trial for or convicted of minor 
infractions against law and order. 

However, early in the autumn of 1845, it was determined to build a 
county jail. Thereupon, contractors and builders, through the public press, 
were invited to send in sealed proposals for the construction of the pro- 
posed building. On the 30th of October of that year, the Commissioners 
met, opened and examined the proposals sent in. It was then ascertained 
that eight proposals had been made as follows: Adam Bear, $3,800; 
Speelman & Donnell, $2,890; Vincent G. Bell, $4,000; John McCurdy, 
$2,740; Henry Ebersoll, $4,475; Sylvester Alger, $3,435; Kerr, Rambo & 
Osborn. $4,250; Jacob Ronk, $4,150. As McCurdy's bid was the lowest, the 
contract was awarded to him and he at once entered into an agreement, by 
which it was stipulated that he should complete the jail (the building still 
in use) on or before the 1st day of November, 1846. It appears that Mc- 
Curdy's contract was not a very good one — for him; for on the 9th day of 
March, 1848, he was allowed, by the Commissioners, " $500 over and above 
the contract price for building the jail." On the same day, too, that is, 
March 9, 1848, the following was made a matter of record: "Ordered, 
That the north bed-room in the back part of the jail, up-stairs, be appro- 
priated for the use of the Recorder for an office. That the Auditor be au- 
thorized to purchase stove and pipe for the use of the same, and that he 
engage Judge McCurdy to finish the room in a suitable manner for said 
purpose." 

On the 4th day of June, 1846, the first step was taken for the erection 
of the present court house. The County Commissioners then authorized the 
Auditor to cause a notice to be .published in the Democratic Pioneer. Ohio 
Statesman, and Ohio State Journal, offering $50 for the best draft and speci- 
fications for a court bouse building, to cost from $6, 000 to $9, 000. ' ' The 
draft and specifications to be forwarded to the Commissioners by the first 
Monday of August next, and the contract for building to be awarded on the 
10th day of September following." On the 11th day of September, 1846, 
an agreement was entered into between the County Commissioners and 



326 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

William Young, by the terms of which the latter agreed to build and com- 
plete a court house, on or before October 1, 1848 (according, to "a plan 
and specifications ") for the sum of $7,000. Young's sureties for the faith- 
ful performance of his contract were Andrew McElvain, David Ayres, John 
A. Morrison, Daniel Tuttle and T. Baird. However, in July, 1847, an- 
other agreement was made, relative to building a court house, between the 
County Commissioners and John W. Kennedy and John H. Junkins, which, 
after reciting that Young had assigned his contract to his sureties, who in 
turn had re-assigned it to Kennedy & Junkins, stipulated that Kennedy & 
Junkins should complete the structure according to the original contract, 
and for the original consideration of $7,000, less the amount already paid 
Young. Notwithstanding two separate agreements had already been made 
for the completion of the court house, and that nearly three years had 
passed since the work was commenced, the spring of 1849 found the last- 
named contractoi's still struggling under a non-paying, disheartening con- 
tract. The Commissioners then entered into a third agreement, and therein 
agreed to pay John H. Junkins for the completion of the building the 
sum of $9,800, less the amount already paid to Young, and Kennedy & 
Junkins. It is probable that the structure was finished during the last 
days of 1849, for on the 16th day of January, 1850, the Commissioners 
authorized the Auditor to sell the Council House (which to that time had 
served for holding courts, etc.), " for the sum of $250, and that the same 
time be given on the payments as other county lots." In October, 1851, 
John H. Junkins was allowed an extra compensation of $2,200 for work on 
the court house, thus making the total cost of the building, complete, 
$12,000. 

In October, 1870, A. H. Vanorsdall, to serve for three years; Tilman 
Balliet, to serve for two years, and George Harpei', to serve for one year, 
were elected as the first Infirmary Directors of the county of Wyandot. Soon 
afterward, the present Wyandot County Infirmary was established on the 
Carey road, four miles north of Upper Sandusky. To that time the poor 
were " farmed out," a most wretched and heartless mode of procedure, which 
had been abandoned in many localities for at least half a century before. 
The farm consists of 200 acres, bfting in part the property once owned by 
Noah Eby. It occupies a beautiful and healthful location, and is amply 
supplied with water by a branch of the Tymochtee Creek. In the rear of 
the buildings are a few laige apple trees, said to have been planted by the 
Wyandot Indians. The principal building is constructed of brick, with a 
length of eighty feet and a width of forty-five feet. It contains two large 
halls — one on the first and the other on the second floor — on each side of 
which are the dormitories occupied by the inmates. On the first floor are 
the large and well-arranged dining room and kitchen. Generally speaking, 
all of the rooms are spacious and well lighted, and during the winter are 
made comfortable by the use of steam. In summer, cozy porticos afford 
pleasant resting places for those who find here their only home on earth. 
Since its establishment, the infirmary has been well managed, and its farm 
and garden products, always of the best, largely supply the wants of its oc- 
cupants. / 

A FEW NOTABLE PROCEEDINGS OF COUKTS. 

The first court held within the county of Wyandot was a special term of 
the Court of Common Pleas. Its members — Abel Renick. William Brown 
and George W. Leith, Associate Judges — convened at the office of Moses H. 
Kirby, Esq., in Upper Sandusky, on Tuesday, April 8, 1845, or the day fol- 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 327 

lowing the lirst election for county officers, and after having appointed Guy 
C. Worth Clerk of Courts, ijro tempore, adjourned without day. 

The same Judges again met in special session on the 14th day of the 
same month and year, when a considerable and varied amount of business 
was transacted. Thus, the last will and testament of Adam AVeininger was 
admitted to probate; Jacob Smith, Aaron Welch and Charles H. Dewitt 
were appointed appraisers of the estate of Tobias Kneagel. deceased; Moses 
H. Kirby, Esq., Dr. Joseph Mason and John D. Sears, Esq., were appointed 
School Examiners* within and for the county of AVyandot, to serve for the 
term of three years; the bonds of Lorin A. Pease, Sheriff- elect, to the 
amount of $3,000, with William Griffith, Ransom Wilcox and Benjamin 
Knapp as his sureties, were approved; Chester R. Mott, Esq., Prosecuting 
Attorney elect, was sworn into office, and the bond of Albert Bixby, Coroner- 
elect, was also approved. 

However, the lirst regular term of the Court of Common PJeas, begin- 
ning July 1, iS-to, was held in the old Indian council house, which stood 
on the grounds now occupied by the old public school buildings, near the 
bluff, in the eastern part of Upper Sandusky. There was then present as 
officers of the court Hon. Ozias Bowen, Presiding Judge; Abel Renick, 
William Brown and George W. Leith, Associate Judges; Lorin A. Pease, 
Sheriff, and Guy C. Worth, Clerk, pro tempore. The court ordered that a 
' ' special venire be issued, commanding the Sheriff to summon forthwith 
fifteen good, true and lawful men. to serve the pi-esent term as grand 
jurors. Thereupon, the Sheriff returned into court the following panel:" 
Orrin Ferris, Enoch Thomas, Alvin J. Russell, Benjamin Knapp, Rodney 
Pool, John C. Dewitt. George W. Sampson, John Stokes, Hugh W^elch, 
Andrew M. Anderson, H. Montee, Joseph E. Eouke, William J. Clugston, 
John Gormley and William Jones. Subsequently, Daniel Tuttle was 
granted a license as auctioneer by the payment of $8. 

The first case brought before this court was entitled "Peter B. Beidler 
vs. Azariah Root, contested election of Surveyor for W^yandot County." 
The court decided that Beidler was entitled to the office, and that the con- 
testor should pay the costs. During the same term, the grand jury found 
true bills against some ten or twelve persons for keeping tavern without 
license, gaming houses, nine-pin alleys, assaults, etc. Before final adjourn- 
ment, Samuel Kenan, William J. Clugston, Daniel Straw, Moses H. Kir- 
by, John Houck, Reuben Savage and Andrew McElvain were granted per- 
mission to retail liquors, etc., by the payment of S2 each. 

Turning to the ■' Journal of the Supreme Court for the State of Ohio 
and County of Wyandot," we find the following as the first entries: 

The undersigned Judges of the Supreme Court, of the State of Ohio, do by these 
presents constitute and appoint Guy C Worth, f Esq.. of Wyandot County, Ohio, 
Clerk of the Supreme Court, for said county, until the lirst daj^ of the next term of said 
Supreme Court, and no longer. Before entering on the duties of his office under this 
appointment he is required to take the oath required bj' law, to give bonds in the sura 
of $10,000, conditioned as the statute requires, to the satisfaction of the County Audi 
tor, with two good and sufficient sureties, and deposit the same with the County Treas- 
urer and record tliis appointment on the journal of said court. 

Given under our hands in open court this 30th day of July, A. D. 1845. at Findlay, 
Hancock County, Ohio. 

[Signed.] Reubex Wood, 

M. BiRCHARD. 

It was proposed to hold a term of the Supreme Court at Upper Sandusky, 

*The same gentlemen served as School Examiners through several terms. 

fWorth was re-appointed Clerk of Courts from time to time, until July 22, 1S47, when he was appoint- 
ed Clerk for the full constitutional term of seven vears. 



328 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

commencing Monday, July 6, 1846, but when the time arrived it was ascer- 
tained that a quorum would not be present. Thereupon, the Clerk was 
directed by Hon. Matthew Birchard, one of the Judges present, to make an 
entry of the fact herein stated, and "that the said court stands adjourned 
without day." 

During the July term in 1847, the tirst case was acted upon in this 
court. It is made a matter of record, as follows: 
Elizabeth Whaley ) 

vs. j- In Chancery — Petition for Divorce. 

Thomas Whaley. ) 

On motion of tlie petitioner by Mr. Mott, her solicitor, the petition herein is dis- 
missed without prejudice." 

A glance at the records on file in the office of the Clerk of courts clear- 
ly indicates that during the nearly forty years which have pa.ssed by since 
the county was organized, a vast amount of business has been performed; 
that Wyandot has possessed its full share of those who apparently delight 
to indulge in litigation; yet to their credit be it said, the percentage of vio- 
lently vicious inhabitants seems to have been remarkably small. But a 
trivial number, comparatively speaking, have been placed upon trial 
charged with murder, mfinslaughter, or assault with intent to kill, and its 
residents have yet to witness the tirst public execution within the county 
limits. 

Among those, however, whose trial for murder excited much public in 
terest, we cite the cases of Henry Gammell, Mrs. Bowsher. and James 
Wilson. It appears that during the year 1849, Henry Gammell and 
another man named McMullen (both of whom lived in or near Crawfords- 
ville), drank whisky and played cards together. Finally they quarreled, 
and in the hand to hand struggle between them which followed, McMullen 
received a knife wound from the effects of which he died. Gammell was 
at once arrested and confined in the county jail. His case was continued 
through several terms, but finally ho was tried and acquitted on the plea of 
self-defense. 

At the February term in 1868, Mary L. Bowsher, a resident of Upper 
Sandusky, was indicted for the murder of William, Olive and Frances 
Bowsher, her children. Upon being arraigned, she pleaded not guilty. 
Thereupon it was ordered by the court that Robert McKelly and John 
Berry, Esqs., be appointed to assist the Prosecuting Attorney in the prose- 
cution of the case. During the May term, she was tried and acquitted on 
the tirst indictment — charging her with the murder of William Bowsher; 
but on the second indictment, charging her with the murder of Frances 
Bowsher, she was held to bail to the amount of $4,000, and on the third 
indictment, charging her with the murder of Olive Bowsher, she was also 
held to bail in the sum of $4,000. Finally, however, at the September 
term, 1868, a nolle prosequi was entered respecting the last indictments, 
and she was discharged "to go hence without day." It was supposed that 
she hastened the death of her children by administering poison. Her own 
death occurred recently. 

The murder of George W. Hite on the night of August 28, 1879, and 
the arrest, trial, conviction, and suicide of his murderer — Thomas Mc- 
Nurty, alias Patsey King, alias James Wilson — are events yet vividly im- 
pressed upon the minds of all present residents of the county. According 
to his confession. McNurty (he was tried and convicted under the name of 
Wilson), was a fair representation of a class so largely produced in the 
chief cities of our country — a class, usually direct descendants of foreign- 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 329 

born citizens, which takes to petty thieving, jockeying, gambling, drunk- 
enness, prize-tightiDg, burglary and murder as naturally as a duck takes 
to water. 

He was born in the city of New York in 1853. Ten years later, he was 
left to his own resources, and then began his career as a vender of news- 
papers, oranges, etc., in the city of his birth. His associations were of the 
vilest from the beginning, and it is probable that he could be termed a 
thief from the time he began to perambulate the streets of the great city. 
Next, he was known as a prize-package boy, on the lines of the Hudson 
River boats and railroad, then as a jockey rider at races, a brakesman on 
the New York Central Railroad, and a. hack driver at Niagara Falls. From 
thence he moved westward. Failing to get such positions as he wished, 
yet always stealing and fighting, he passed up and down the Mississippi 
Valley; thence to Omaha, and in the winter of 1873 and 1874, to San Fran- 
cisco, Cal. Returning from the las^-named place to Cheyenne, not many 
days elapsed ere he was at the Black Hills, and from that time until the 
spring of 1879 his life was passed on the frontier, or at various points 
from the Missouri River westward to Pike's Peak, Leadville, etc. Mean- 
while, he had continued his career of thieving and fighting, and had assisted 
in killing two or three men for their money, besides others out of mere 
revenge. 

Early in 1879, he returned to Chicago, and at that place engaged to 
work as a laborer on the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad. 
With some others, he was sent to Upper Sandusky, but, after a few weeks, 
railroad work became irksome, and he abandoned it to engage in farm work 
for John Sell, who resided some distance to the eastward of Upper San- 
dusky. On the morning of August 28, Wilson and Sell effected a settle- 
ment. The farmer endeavored to "drive a close bargain" with his late 
assistant. The latter knew that Sell had money in his house, and out of 
revenge determined to return the same night and secure it, even if murder 
were committed. However, Wilson took the pittance due him, proceeded 
to the town of Upper Sandusky, and with other companions indulged in 
drinking whisky throughout the day. During that time, he met George W. 
Hite, a farmer, who resided about two miles south of the town of Nevada, 
and the two men partook of refreshments together. The result of Wilson's 
visit to town and his casual acquaintance with Hite are told in his confes- 
sion, as follows: 

" I did see Hite several times that afternoon, and ate some crackers and 
cheese with him, when he blowed about his wealth. I led him out to talk 
about his money, but made up my mind before we parted that it was all 
wind. I had no intention of injuring Hite or attempting to find any money 
about him. I had seen Sell put some money away in his house, and I 
thought that there was a pretty good roll of it, and in the absence of some- 
thing better, I concluded to call on Mr. Sell that night. I got rid of Caw- 
thorn in the evening, and this was as I desired. I then went west on the 
railroad to see whether my pistol would refuse. The first trial was a sac- 
cess, and that one satisfied me. 

" At Julian's saloon I had talked trade, in the hope that it would enable 
me to test it then, but that failed. When I came in from trying my pistol 
on the railroad, I stopped at O'Donnell's saloon, and I think took a glass of 
beer and sat down, and while there Hite went west, but I don't recollect 
the talk related by the Agent Holdridge. My mind was engaged with John 
Sell, his family and his money. I thought that Sell and his family would 



330 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

not refuse me shelter for the night, and when once peaceably in the house, 
I felt sure that I could secure the money quietly some time in the night, but 
if I failed in this I intended to crowd matters, and if necessary, get away 
with the whole Sell family in order to get the money. 

'• I wanted then to get to Sell about 9 o'clock, so as to avoid suspicion, 
for I wanted them to receive me. So I was about O'Donnell's and along the 
railroad until about dark, when I took a big drink of whisky and went down 
to Main street, and when I passed Hunt's stable Hite had his horse out ready 
to start, but I paid very little attention to this, and went straight ahead to 
the next street, on which I turned east. My object then in leaving Main 
street was to avoid Cawthoi*n, or any one else who would likely want to de- 
tain me. I got out of town without being noticed, and got somewhere near 
the river bridge when Hite overtook me, and at once drew up and com- 
menced his gab. I was annoyed at this, and in view of what might take 
place at Sell's, I wanted no truck with anybody else on the road. I thought 
he was riding a livery horse, and told him so, and this seemed to nettle him, 
and he wanted me to understand that he had a lot of horses, and good ones, 
too. I inquired about the size of his farm and the quantity of his stock 
and of his business generally, and he gave me such good, square rich 
answers that I thought my first opinion of him was wrong. He volunteered 
to tell me about turning oft" stock, I think that day, and collecting bills that 
day, so that I made up my mind soon after we turned into the Nevada road 
to investigate the matter. I walked along by his side to keep him company, 
and tried to interest him, and gave him my coat to carry for me, because it 
was too warm to wear it with comfort, and I knew that he would not run 
away and leave me while he had it. We then talked no more about money 
matters, but confined our talk principally to fast walking, fast horses, etc., 
until we got down to the woods beyond Sell's, when I took his horse by the 
bit and stopped him. I presented my revolver and demanded his money. 
He had not dreamed of any trouble, and this sudden turn in aflairs com- 
pletely unstrung him. 

' ' We were both pretty drunk at the time. He trembled so that he could 
hardly get out his pocket-book, but he made no resistance, but handed it 
out at once, and spoke not a word. His purse was small, and I could tell 
from the feel of it that there was little or nothing in it. I was disappointed 
and vexed. Still holding the horse, I opened the purse to assure myself of 
about the amount, and when I saw so small a sum to reward me for all this 
trouble, I was mad. Of course this work was all done in a hurry. The 
moment I looked into the pocket-book, I said to Hite: 'You son of a b — h, 
is this all the money you've got? ' and he faintly said ' Yes.' Then I said: 
' You son of a b — h, take that,' and fired. 

" I held the horse by the bridle when I shot. I did not intend to kill 
him, and did not think of trying to avoid killing him. I fired without 
thinking of where I would hit him, and caring as little. I blame my 
drunken condition for this dreadful \y\ece of foolishness. The instant I shot, 
it struck me that I had hit him too hard. He tried to speak after I fired, 
and could not or did not. I slapped the horse under the belly and started 
him myself, and then jumped over into the woods and walked several rods, 
when I recollected that I had forgot my coat. Hite was still on the horse, 
and I began to hope that his injuries were not serious, but I dare not then 
attempt to recover my coat. He was nearing a house, and I withdrew deeper 
into the dense woods, and laid down. I had got a half pint of whisky in 
the evening, I think at Julian's, and I had about half of this left, which I 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 331 

drank, and threw the bottle away. I emptied the contents of the purse into 
my pocket and threw it away. I was not in sight of the house at this time, 
but I soon heard confusion over there, and I concluded that it was time to 
pull out. So I started I know not in what direction, but I reached an open 
field an<l came to the raih'oad, where I got the direction all right again, and 
started east at a five-mile gait. Before reaching the railroad, I heard a 
farm bell ringing back in the neighborhood of the trouble, and took it for 
the alarm.*' 

It appears that Hite was shot through the heart, at a point on the Nevada 
road about two miles east of the Upper Sandusky. He kept his seat in the 
saddle until near the residence of Henry Keller, where, from appearances, 
he fell to the ground and at once expired. At 10 o'clock A. M. on the fol- 
lowing day — Saturday, August 29 — two suspicious-looking characters 
were arrested in Nevada, taken to the county seat and lodged in jail. One 
of them proved to be McNulty alias Wilson. At September term of that 
year, the grand jury found a true bill against him, charging him witli the 
murder of George W. Hite. He pleaded not guilty, whereupon Hons. Chester 
R. Mott and Curtis Berry, Jr., were assigned as counsel for his defense. 
The trial came on at February term, 1880, before Judge Beer and a jury of 
twelve men, and at its conclusion Wilson was found guilty of murder in 
the first degree. The judge then delivered his sentence, and ordered that 
he be hanged by the neck until dead, on the 18th of June following. The 
death warrant was duly issued by the State Executive, and all preparations 
were completed for the execution of the decree of court. But the con- 
demned prisoner cheated the gallows and saved the county a little additional 
expense by committing suicide on the night of June 2, 1880. Cyanide of 
pottassi was found to have been the poison used, and a small vial contain- 
ing somoi of the drug was found on the stand in Wilson's cell. His body 
was buried in the southeast corner of the Old Mission Cemetery, but ghouls 
— those who delight in grave-robbery on the plea of science — carried it 
away before the dawn of the next day. 

RESULT OF ELECTIONS. 

Under this head will be found a resume of nearly all general elections 
which have taken place in the county since it was organized. When the 
county started out upon a separate state of existence, there were amoncr its 
early inhabitants many who cherished fond anticipations that it would prove 
to be a W^hig district. The first newspaper — Shrenk's — was an able expo- 
nent of Whig principles, and the times seemed quite propitious for an 
organization which could boast of such leaders as Webster, Clay, Corwin 
and a brilliant host of others; but, as it proved, too many of the "original" 
inhabitants had already been rallied under the lead of "Old Hickory;" they 
were fresh from Democratic victories under Polk and Dallas, a hickory 
cudgel was yet the symbol of true Democracy, and when the smoke from 
the first political battle-field in the county uplifted, young Wyandot was 
found in alignment with the Democratic counties of the State. She has 
ever remained a Democratic stronghold, although occasionally a popular 
candidate from the ranks of the Republican party manages to secure an 
election to a county office. 

Election Apeil 7, 1845. 
Commissioner — Charles Merriman, Whig, 635; Jonathan Kear, Whig, 
638; William Griffith. Whig. 643; Robert Stokely, Democrat, 567; Stephen 
Fowler, Democrat, 669; Ethan Terry, Democrat, 678. Griffith, Fowler and 
Terry were elected. 



332 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 



Treasurer — Abner Jurey, Whig, 662; David Ellis, Democrat, 588; 
Jurey's majority, 74. 

Auditor — Andrew M. Anderson, Whig, 618; Samuel M. Worth, Demo- 
crat, 668; Worth's majority, 50. 

Sheriff — Lorin A. Pease, Whig, 639; John Kiser, Democrat, 629; 
Anthony Bowsher, Whig, 9; Pease's majority, 10. 

Recorder — Joseph Chaffee, Whig, 578; John A. Morrison, Democrat, 
662; Samuel M. Worth, Democrat, 1; Mon-ison's majority, 84. 

Coroner — Albert Bixby, Democrat, 657; William Bevington, Whig, 624; 
John Ragon, Whig, 1; Bixby's majority, 33. 

Surveyor — Azariah Root, Whig, 638; Peter B. Beidler, Democrat, 616; 
Root's majority, 22. 

Prosecuting Attorney — Chester R. Mott, Democrat, 656; John D. Sears, 
Whig, 630; Peter B. Beidler, Democrat, 1; Mott's majority, 26. 

Election October 14, 1845. 
Commissioner — Silas Burson, Whig, 650; William Carey, Whig, 645; 
Jonathan Kear, Whig, 650; Stephen Fowler, Democrat, 678; Ethan Terry, 
Democrat, 693; William Bland, Democrat, 648. Terry, Fowler and Kear* 
were elected. 

Auditor— Moses H. Kirby, Whig, 614; Samuel M. Worth, Democrat, 
692; scattering, 14; Worth's majority, 78. 

Treasurer — Abner Jurey, W^hig, 660; George Harper, Democrat, 678; 
Harper's majority, 18. 

Sheriff — Lorin A. Pease, Whig, 658; Thomas Baird, Democrat, 660; 
Baird's majority, 2. 

Recorder — Joseph E. Fouke, Whig, 617; John A. Morrison, Democrat, 
683; Joseph Fouke, 1; Morrison's majority, 66. 

Survej^or — William Kiskadden, Whig, 640; Peter B. Beidler, Democrat, 
695; Beidler's majority, 55. 

Prosecuting Attorney — John D. Sears, Whig, 641; Chester R. Mott, 
Democrat, 680; Mott's majority, 39. 

Coroner — Peter Houk, W^hig, 633; Albert Bixby, Democrat, 693; Bix- 
by's majority, 60. 

Election October 13, 1846, for Oovernor. 



TOWNSHIPS. 



Crane. . . .f . 
Marseilles. . 

Mifflin 

Pitt 

Antrim 

Eden 

Sycamoref . 
Tymochtee 
Crawford . . 
Jackson. . . . 

Ridge 

Richland. . . 
Salem 



William 
Bebb. 



David 
Tod. 



Samuel 
Lewis. 



35 
11 
96 
54 
25 



23 
45 
33 
14 



89 
90 



7 
18 
21 



167 
97 
33 
41 
38 
10 



Totals 446 

Majority for Tod 



76 



* Kear and Burson had the highest and an equal number of votes ; it was decided by lot in favor of 
Kear. 

tThe vote in this township was not reported. 





<^ 



-/^. 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 335 

Congressman — Ely Dresbach, Whig, 428; Rodolphus Dickinson, Demo- 
crat, 516; Joseph Jackson, 4; John K. Miller, 7; Dickinson's majority, 88. 

Senator — John L. Green, Whig, 238; Heniy Cronise, Democrat, 343; 
Cronise's majority, 105. 

Representative — James McCracken, Whig, 237; George Donenwirth, 
Democrat, 247; John M. Mahan, 37; Donenwirth's majority, 10. 

Election October 12, 1847. 

Representative — Joseph E. Fouke, Whig, 696; Michael Brackley, Demo- 
crat, 741; Emery D Potter, 20; Brackley's majority, 45. 

Commissioner — Rodney Poole, Whig, 684; John Welch, Democrat, 757; 
Welch's majority, 73. 

Auditor — Abner Jurey, AVhig, 660; Samuel M. Worth, Democrat, 767; 
Worth's majority, 107. 

Treasurer — John Ragon, Whig, 642; George Harper, Democrat, 778; 
Harper's majority, 136. 

Sheriff — Simeon E. Tuttle, Whig, 661; Thomas Baird, Democrat, 762; 
Baird's majority, 101. 

Prosecuting Attorney — Moses H. Kirby, Whig, 664; Aaron Lyle, Demo- 
crat, 767; scattering, 2; Lyle's majority, 103. 

Coroner — Stephen Whinery, Democrat, 668; Albert Bixby, Whig, 760; 
Bixby's majority, 92. 

Election October 10, 1848. 

Governor — Seabury Ford, Whig, 833; John B. Weller, Democrat, 939; 
Weller's majority, 106. 

Congressman — Cooper K. Watson, Whig, 832; Rodolphus Dickinson, 
Democrat, 934; Dickinson's majority, 102. 

Senator — Charles O'Neal, Whig, 835; Joel W. Wilson, Democrat, 933; 
W^ilson's majority, 98. 

Representative — William Griffith, Whig, 824; Machias C. Whitely, 
Democrat, 937; Whitely's majority, 113. 

Commissioner — James M. Chemberlin, Whig, 818; Ethan Terry, Demo- 
crat, 951; Terry's majority, 133. 

Recorder — Ernest M. Krakau, Whig, 819; John A. Mon-ison, Democrat, 
943; Morrison's majority, 124. 

Surveyor — Azariah Root, Whig, 812; Peter B. Beidler, Democrat, 951; 
Beidler's majority, 139. 

Election October 9. 1849. 

Congressman — Amos E. Wood, Democrat, 847; Daniel B. White, Whig, 
180; scattering, 43; Wood's majority, 667. 

Representative — Silas Burson, Whig, 720; Machias C. Whitely, Demo- 
crat, 828; Whitely's majority, 108. 

Commissioner — Rodney Poole, Whig, 776; Isaac Wohlgamuth, Demo- 
crat, 823; Wohlgamuth's majority, 47. 

Auditor — George W. Beery, Whig, 712; Chester R. Mott, Democrat, 
864; Mott's majority, 152. 

Treasurer — John Ragon, Whig, 687; George Harper, Democrat, 904; 
Harper's majority, 217. 

Sheriflf— William H. Renick, Whig, 678; Curtis Berry, Jr., Democrat, 
906; Berry's majority, 228. 

Prosecuting Attorney — Moses H. Kirby, Whig, 792; S. R. McBane, 
Democrat, 783; Kirby's majority, 9. 

8 



336 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Coroner — Saunders A. Reed, Whig, 677; John N. Reed, Democrat, 908; 
Reed's majority, 231. 

Convention — For. 916; against, 190; majority for, 726. 

Election Apbil 1, 1850. 

Senatorial Delegate to Convention— John Ewing, Democrat, 764. 
Representative Delegate to Convention — John Carey, Whig, 809; Ben- 
jamin P. Smith, 689; Peter B. Beidler, 8; Carey's majority, 120. 

Election October 8, 1850. 

Governor — William Johnston, Whig, 797; Reuben Wood, Demoerafc, 
1,002; Edward Smith, 2; Wood's majority, . 

Congressman — John C. Spink, W^hig, 566; Frederick W. Green, Demo- 
crat, 999; Green's majority, 233. 

Senator — Abel Rawson, W^hig, 553; Michael Brackley, Democrat, 991; 
Brackley's majority, 438. 

Representative — Wilson Vance, Whig, 570; Henry Bishop, Democrat, 
996; Bishop's majority. 426. 

Commissioner — Rodney Poole, Whig, 576; John Welch, Democrat, 
982; Welch's majority, 406. 

ELECTION ALOPTING THE NEW CONSTITUTION. 

June 17, 1851, the State adopted the new constitution by 125,564 votes 
against 102,976 in opposition, and at the same time gave 104,255 votes for 
license, and 113,239 against it. In this contest Wyandot County gave 836 
for the constitution, 567 against it; and, 958 in favor of license, and 487 
against it. The aggregate votes on the new constitution do not contain 
the vote of Sycamore Township, the poll books of that township having 
never been returned. 

Election October 14, 1851. 

Governor — Samuel F. Vinton, Whig, 781; Reuben Wood, Democrat, 
987; Samuel Lewis, Abolitionist, 1; Wood's majority, 206. 

Supreme Judge — Allen G. Thurman, Democrat, 989; William B. Cald- 
well, Whig, 986. 

Common Pleas Judge — Cooper K. Watson, Whig, 777; Lawrence W. 
Hall, Democrat. 959; Hall's majority, 182. 

Senator — Abel Rawson, Whig, 781; Joel W. Wilson, Democrat, 968; 
Wilson's majority, 187. 

Representative — Ushler P. Leighton, Whig, 790; David Snodgrass, 
Democrat, 979; Snodgrass's majority, 189. 

Auditor — John Vanorsdall, Whig, 634; Chester R. Mott, Democrat, 873; 
Joseph E. Fouke, Whig, 209; Mott's majority, 239. 

Commissioners — Jonathan Kear, Whig, 856; William Irvine, Democrat, 
872; Irvine's majority, 16. 

Probate Judge* — Joseph Kinney, Whig, 840; Robert McKelly, Demo- 
crat, 840. 

Sherifif — William H. Renick, Whig, 791; Curtis Berry, Jr., Democrat, 
949; Berry's majority, 158. 

Treasurer — John Ragon, Whig, 566; George Harper, Democrat, 894; 
Joseph McCutchen, Democrat, 275; Harper's majority, 328. 

*Each candidate having an equal number of votes, it was decided by lot in favor of Kinney. 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 337 

Clerk of the Court— Guy C. Worth. Whig, 895; John A. Morrison, 
Democrat, 810; Worth's majority, 85. 

Recorder — Clark Glenn, Whig, 659; William B. Hitchcock, Democrat, 
1,088; Hitchcock's majority, 429. 

Surveyor— Ernest M. Krakau, Whig, 797; James Williams, Democrat, 
931; Williams' majority, 134. 

Prosecuting Attorney — Moses H. Kirby, W^hig, 893; Henry Maddux, 
Democrat, 796; Kirby's majority, 97. 

Coroner — John W. Senseney, Whig, 726; John N. Reed, Democrat, 
991; Reed's majority, 265. 

Election, October 12, 1852. 

Supreme Judge — Daniel A. Haynes, Whig, 784; William B. Caldwell, 
Democrat, 917; Caldwell's majority, 233. 

Congressman — George W. Sampson, Whig, 768; Frederick W. Green, 
Democrat, 909; Green's majority, 141. 

Probate Judge — Joseph Kinney, Whig, 940; Robert McKelly, Demo- 
crat, 753; Kinney's majority, 187. 

Commissioner — Jonathan Kear, Whig, 979; David Miller, Whig, 988; 
John Myers, Democrat, 765; Clark R. Fowler, Democrat, 651; Henry- 
Peters, Whig, 1; Kear and Miller were elected. 

Election October 11, 1853. 

Governor— William Medill, Democrat, 1,218; Nelson Barrere, Whig, 
774; Samuel Lewis, Free Soil, 58; Medill's majority, 444. 

Supreme Judge — Thomas W. Bartley, Democrat, 1,207; Franklin T. 
Backus, Whig, 806; Reuben Hitchcock, Whig, 28; Bartley' s majority, 401. 

Senator — Robert Lee, Democrat, 1,219; George W. Leith W'hig, 763; 
B. Kerr, , 1; J. W\ Vance, , 2; Lee's majority, 456. 

Representative— Peter A. Tyler, Democrat, 1,019; John Carey, Whig, 
939; John Halstead, , 2; Tyler's majority, 80. 

Auditor — James V. S. Hoyt, Democrat, 1,079; Joseph McCutchen, 
Democrat, 738; John Vanorsdall,Tndependent Democrat, 145; Hoyt's major- 
ity,341. 

Sheriff — George P. Nelson, Democrat, 1,175 ; Joel Bland, Whig, 659 ; 
Thomas Gatchell, Whig. 137 ; Nelson's majority, 516. 

Clerk of Court — Curtis Berry, Jr., Democrat, 1,082; James McLane, 
Whig, 816 ; Robert Keed, Democrat, 116 ; Berry's majority, 266. 

Treasurer — William W. Bates, Democrat, 1,099; Henry I. Flack, Whig, 
805 ; David Watson, Whig, 133; Bates' majority, 294. 

Commissioner — John Welch, Democrat, 1,086 ; Isaac Bryant, Whig, 
772 ; John R. Lupton, Whig, 160 ; Welch's majority, 314. 

Prosecuting Attorney — Nelson W. Dennison, Democrat, 1,078 ; Moses 
H. Kirby, Whig, 878 ; George W. Beery, Whig, 1 ; Harmon Bower, 1 ; 
Dennison's majority, 200. 

Coronei' — Thomas Baird, Democrat, 1,068 ; Jonathan Hare, Democrat, 
751 ; Clark Glenn, Whig, 160 ; Baird's majority, 317. 

Election October 10, 1854. 

Supreme Judge — Shepherd F. Norris, Whig, 724; Joseph R. Swann, 
Democract, 1,101; Swann's majority, 377. 

Congrcissman — Josiah S. Plants, Democrat, 694 ; Cooper K. Watson, 
Whig, 1,129 ; Watson's majority, 435. 



338 HISTORY OF AVYANDOT COUNTY. 

Clerk of Court — Curtis Berry, Jr., Democrat, 767 ; Thomas E. Grisell, 
Whig, 1,065; Grissell's majority, 298. 

Recorder — William B. Hitchcock, Democrat, 814 ; Henry J. Flack, 
Whig, 1,019 ; Flack's majority, 205. 

Surveyor — James H. Williams, Democrat, 702 ; E. M. Krakau, Whig, 
540 ; Andrew Reynolds, Democrat, 9 ; Williams' majority, 162. 

Commissioner — Samuel Kenan, Whig, 633 ; Jonathan Kear, Democrat, 
1,191 ; Kear's majority, 558. 

Election October 9, 1855. 

Governor — Salmon P. Chase, Republican, 1,143; William Medill, 
Democrat, 1,045 ; Allen Trimble, Free Soil, 61 ; Chase's majority, 98. 

Supreme Judge — (full term), Jacob Brinkerhoflf, Republican, 1,202 ; 
William Kennon, Democrat, 1,048 ; Brinkerhoff's majority, 154. 

Senator — James Lewis, Republican, 1,188; Warren P. Noble, Democrat, 
1,047 ; Lewis' majority, 147. 

Representative — Elias G. Spelman, Republican, 1,183 ; Samuel M. 
Worth, Democrat, 1,061; Spelman' s majority, 122. 

Auditor — Joseph McCutchen, Republican, 1,127; James V. S. Hoyt, 
Democrat, 1,064; McCutchen's majority, 63. 

Treasurer — James C. Pease, Republican, 1,097; William W. Bates, 
Democrat, 1,137; Bates' majority, 40. 

Probate Judge — Joseph Kinney, Republican. 1,199; Jonathan Maffett, 
Democrat, 1,045; Kinney's majority, 154. 

Sheriff — Daniel Hoffman, Republican, 1,088; George P. Nelson, Demo- 
crat 1,139; Nelson's majority, 51. 

Commissioner — Hiram H. Holdredge, Republican, 1,180; Clark R. 
Fowler, Democrat, 1,056; Holdredge's majority, 124. 

Prosecuting Attorney — Moses H. Kirby, Republican, 1,178; Nelson W. 
Dennison, Democrat, 1,042; Kirby's majority, 136. 

Coroner— Albert Mears, Republican. 1,178; D. S. McAlmon, Democrat, 
1,060; Mear's majority, 118. 

Election October 14, 1856. 

Supreme Judge (long term) — Josiah Scott, Republican, 1,188; Rufus 
P. Ranney, Democrat, 1,174; Daniel Peck, American, 102; Scott's major- 
ity, 14. 

Supreme Judge (short term) — Ozias Bowen, Republican, 1,167; C. W. 
Searle, Democrat, 1,175; Samuel Brush, American, 113; Searle's major- 
ity, 8. 

Congressman — Cooper K. Watson, Republican, 1,164; Lawrence W. 
Hall, Democrat, 1,176; W. T. Wilson, American, 113; Hall's majority, 12. 

Common Pleas Judge — Daniel W. Swigart, Republican, 1,195; Machias 
C. Whitely, Democrat, 1,213; scattering, 4; Whitely's majority, 18. 

Commissioner — Milton Morral, Republican, 1,200; John Welch, Dem- 
ocrat, 1,136; Jacob Juvinali, American, 135; Morral's majority, 54. 

Bank Charter — For, 1,114; against, 418; neutral, 70; majority for, 696. 

Election October 13, 1857. 

Governor — Salmon P. Chase, Republican, 1,136; Henry B. Payne, Dem- 
ocrat, 1,257; P. Van Lump, 64; Payne's majority, 121. 

Supreme Judge — Milton Sutliff, Republican, 1,127; Henry C. Whit- 
man, Democrat, 1,264; John Davenport, 66; Whitman's majority, 137. 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 339 

Common Pleas Judge — John C. Lee, Republican, 1,141; George E. 
Seney, Democrat, 1,288; Seney's majority, 147. 

Senator — George W. Sampson, Republican, 48; Guy C. Worth, Repub- 
lican, 1,140; Robert McKelly, Democrat, 1,241; McKelly's majority, 101. 

Representative — David Ayres, Republican, 1,067; Chester R. Mott, 
Democrat, 1,305; P. C. Barlow, 41; A. C.Clemens, 2; Mott's majority, 238. 

Probate Judge — William A. Knibloe, Republican, 1,152; Jonathan 
Maffett, Democrat, 1,281; Maffett's majority, 129. 

Auditor — F. W. Martin, Republican, 1,179; James V. S. Hoyt, Dem- 
ocrat, 1,271; Hoyt's majority, 92. 

Treasurer — John Ragon, Republican, 1,174; James H. Freet, Democrat, 
1,264; Freet's majority, 90. 

Sheriff — Joseph McCutchen, Republican, 1,170; Curtis Berry, Sr., Dem 
ocrat, 1,212; Berry's majority, 42. 

Clerk of Court~T. E. Grisell, Republican, 1,140; Curtis Berry, Jr., 
Democrat, 1,294; Berry's majority, 154. 

Recorder — Henry J. Flack, Republican, 1,229; William B. Hitchcock, 
Democrat, 1,194; Flack's majority, 35. 

Surveyor — Aaron Bradshaw, Republican, 1,103; Peter B. Beidler, Dem- 
ocrat, 1,346; Beidler's majority, 243. 

Commissioner — Sheldon Beebe, Republican, 1,126; John Baker, Dem- 
ocrat, 1,310: Baker's majority, 184. 

Prosecuting Attorney — Moses H. Kirby, Republican, 1,211; George 
Crawford, Democrat, 1,229; Crawford's majority, 18. 

Coroner — Albert Mears, Republican, 1,178; Benjamin Williams, Dem- 
ocrat, 1,252; Williams' majority, 74. 

Election October 12, 1858. 

Supreme Judge— W. V. Peck, Republican, 1,288; T. W. Bartley, Dem- 
ocrat, 1,141: Peck's majority, 147. 

Congressman — John Carey. Republican, 1,414; L. W. Hall, Democrat, 
962. 

Common Pleas Judge — J. D. Sears, Republican, 1,342; J. S. Plants, 
Democrat, 1,080; Sears' majority, 262. 

Probate Judge — Moses H. Kirby, Republican, 1,369; Jonathan Maffett, 
Democrat, 1,044; Kirby's majority, 325. 

Commissionei' — H. H. Holdridge, Republican, 1,250; D. H. Curlis, Dem- 
ocrat, 1,110; Holdridge's majority, 140. 

Election October 13, 1859. 

Governor — Rufus P. Ranney, Democrat, 1,390; William Dennison, Re- 
publican, 1,295; Ranney's majority, 95. 

Supreme Judge Whitman, Democrat, 1,386; Gholson, Repub- 
lican, 1,281; Whitman's majority, 105. 

Senator — Thomas J. Orr, Democrat, 1,368; J. M. Stevens, Republican, 
1,296; Orr's majority, 72. 

Representative — J. M. White, Democrat, 1,396; J. F. Henkle, Repub- 
lican, 1,287; White's majority, 109. 

Auditor — Peter B. Beidler, Democrat, 1,344; Samuel Kirby, Repub- 
lican, 1,308; Beidler's majority, 36. 

Treasurer — James H. Freet, Democrat, 1,463; Charles Norton, Repub- 
lican, 1,204; Freet's majority, 259. 



340 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUxMTY. 

Sheriff — James Culbertsun, Jr., Independent, 1,401; Alex Watson, 
Democrat, 1,243; Culbertson's majority, 158. 

Prosecuting Attorney — Henry Maddux, Republican, 1,384; George Craw- 
ford, Democrat, 1,279; Maddux's majority, 105. 

Commissioner — Milton Morral, Republican, 1,394; John Kisor, Demo- 
crat, 1,284; MorraPs majority, 112. 

Coroner — Benjamin Williams, Democrat, 1,381; Alex Shoemaker, Re- 
publican, 1,283; Williams' majority, 98. 

Election October, 9, 1860. 

Supreme Judge — Thomas J. S. Smith, Democrat, 1,624; Jacob Brinker- 
hoff, Republican, 1,569; Smith's majority, 55. 

Congressman- -Warren P. Noble, Democrat, 1,461; John Carey, Repub- 
lican, 1,738; Carey's majority, 277. 

Clerk of Court — Curtis Berry, Jr. , Democrat, 1,642; Joseph A. Maxwell, 
Republican, 1,544; Berry's majority, 98. 

Recorder— Henry Miller, Democrat, 1,681; C D. V. Worley, Repub- 
lican, 1,504; Miller's majority, 177. 

Commissioner— John Baker, Democrat, 1,616; Isaac Lundy, Repub- 
lican, 1,570; Baker's majority, 46. 

Surveyor — Andrew Reynolds, Democrat, 1,635; Aaron Bradshaw, Re- 
publican, 1,550; Reynolds' majority, 85. 

Election November, 6, 1860. 
President — A. Lincoln, Republican, 1,531; Stephen A. Douglas, Demo- 
crat, 1,617; Douglas' majority, 86. 

Election October, 8, 1861. 

Governor — David Tod, Republican, 1,384; Hugh J. Jewett, Democrat, 
crat, 1,562; Jewett's majority, 178. 

Supreme Judge — Josiah Scott, Republican, 1,379; T. J. S. Smith, 
Democrat, 1,568; Smith's majority, 189. 

Senator — W. C. Parsons, Republican, 1,364; William Lang, Democrat, 
1,545; Lang's majority, 181. 

Representative — F. F. Fowler, Republican, 1,354; Jonathan Maffett, 
Democrat, 1,549; Maffett's majority, 195. 

Auditor —George Crawford, Republican, 1,330; Peter B. Beidler, 
Democrat, 1,607; Beidler' s majority, 277. 

Treasurer— J. L. Cooke, Republican, 1,333; D. C. Murray, Democrat, 
1,588; Murray's majority, 255. 

Sheriff— C. P. Shurr' Republican, 1,327; William Marlow, Democrat, 
1,609; Marlow' s majority, 282. 

Probate Judge — M. H. Kirby, Republican, 1,550; John A. Morrison, 
Democrat, 1,345; Kirby's majority, 205. 

Prosecuting Attorney Plarrison, Republican, 1,349; John Berry, 

Democrat, 1,585; Berry's majority, 236. 

Commissioner— J, Edgington, Republican, 1,361; C. R. Fowler, Demo- 
crat, 1,586; Fowler's majority, 225. 

Coroner — William Irvine, Republican, 1,369; Benjamin Williams, 
Democrat, 1,559; William's majority, 190. 

Election October 13, 1863. 
Governor— John Brough, Republican, 1,666; C. L. Vallandigham, 
Democrat, 1,679; Vallandigham's majority, 13. 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 341 

Representative — Jonathan Mafifett, Democrat, 1,719; Samuel H. White, 
llepublican, 1.651; Maifett's majority, 68. 

Auditor — J. V. S. Hoyt, Democrat, 1,724; Frank W. Martin, Repub- 
lican, 1,647; Hoyt's majority, 77. 

Sheriff — Andrew W. Ingerson, Republican, 1,617 ; William Marlow, 
Democrat, 1,742; Marlow's majority, 125. 

Commissioner — John Kisor, Democrat, 1,730 ; Jesse Edgington. Repub- 
lican, 1,642; Kisor's majority, 88. 

Surveyor — Andrew Reynolds, Democrat, 1,725 ; James L. Cook, Repub- 
lican, 1,646; Reynolds' majority, 79. 

Treasurer — D. C. Murray, Democrat, 1,741; Addison E. Gibbs, Repub- 
lican, 1,641; Murray's majority, 100. 

Clerk of Court — Frederick Agerter, Democrat, 1,730 ; Henry Miller, 
Republican, 1,644; Agerter's majority, 86. 

Prosecuting Attorney — John Berry, Democrat, 1,726; Thomas E. Grisell, 
Republican, 1,641; Berry's majority, 85. 

Recorder — Simeon Inman, Democrat, 1,730; James K. Agnew, Repub- 
lican, 1,636; Inman's majority, 94. 

Coroner — Benjamin Williams, Democrat, 1,718; John Holloway, Repub- 
lican, 1,646; Williams' majority, 72. 

Election October 9, 1866. 

Congressman — William Mungen, Democrat, 1,925; Walker, Repub- 
lican, 1,734; Mungen's majority, 191. 

Common Pleas Judge — C. R. Mott, Democrat, 1,915; Cooper K. Watson, 
Republican, 1,722; Mott's majority, 193. 

Clerk of Court— Fred Agerter, Democrat, 1,932; S. S. Pettit, Repub- 
lican, 1,720; Agerter's majority, 212. 

Commissioner — John Ki^or, Demoei-at, 1,927; Roderick McKenzie, Re- 
publican, 1,731; Kisor's majority, 196. 

Recorder — Simeon Inman, Democrat, 1,943; Thompson, Repub- 
lican, 1,718; Inman's majority, 225. 

Election October 8, 1867. 

Governor — A. G. Thurman, Democrat, 2,183; R. B. Hayes, Republican, 
1,609; Thurman's majority, 574. 

Senator — C. Berry, Jr., Democrat, 2,188; John C. Leith, Republican, 
1,590; Berry's majority, 598. 

Representative — Samuel M. Worth, Democrat, 2,190; M. C. Gibson, Re- 
publican, 1,598; Worth's majority, 592. 

Auditor — J(mathau Maffett, Democrat, 2,198; J. K. Agnew, Republican, 
1,590; Maffett' s majority, 608. 

Treasurer — W. F. Goodbread, Democrat, 2,187; L. R. Seaman, Repub- 
lican, 1,596; Goodbread's majority, 591. 

Sheriff — William Michaels, Democrat, 2,192; D. Fishel, Republican, 
1,600; Michaels' majority, 592. 

Probate Judge— Peter B. Beidler, Democrat, 2,175; J. L. Cook, Repub- 
lican, 1,617; Beidler's majority, 558. 

Commissioner — J. Hollenshead, Democrat, 2,185; Isaac Mann, Repub- 
lican, 1,604; Hollenshead's majority, 581. 

Prosecuting Attorney — M. H. Kirby, Democrat, 2,170; Thomas E. Gri- 
sell, Republican, 1,597; Kirby' s majority, 573. 

Coroner — L. Gipson, Democrat, 2,192; J. Holloway, Republican, 1,597; 
Gipson's majority, 595. 



342 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Convention to Amend the Constitution — For, 1,487; against, 2,258; 
Majority against, 771. 

Election October 13, 1868. 

Congressman — William Mungen, Democrat, 2,138; Thomas E. Grisell, 
Republican, 1,620; Mungen's majority, 518. 

Commissioner — D. C. Murray, Democrat, 2,157; Isaac Walton, Repub- 
lican, 1,609; Murray's majority, 548. 

Surveyor — John Agerter, Democrat, 2,131. (No opposition.) 

Coroner — Levi Shultz, Democrat, 2,138; D. Fishel, Republican, 1,630; 
Shultz's majority, 508. 

Election October 12, 1869. 

George H. Pendleton, Democrat, 2,069 ; R. B. Hayes, Republican, 
1,561 ; Pendleton's majority, 508. 

Senator — A. S. Jenner, Democrat, 2,060 ; S. R, Harris, Republican, 
1,572 ; Jenner's majority, 488, 

Representative — John Kisor, Democrat, 2,002 ; R. A. Henderson, 
Republican, 1,604 ; Kisor's majority, 398. 

Clerk of Court — William B. Hitchcock, Democrat, 2,060; — Brown, 
Republican, 1,515 ; Hitchcock's majority, 545. 

Prosecuting Attorney — M. H. Kirby, Democrat, 2,047 ; Adam Kail, 
Republican, 1,563 ; Kirby's majority, 484. 

Sheriff — Henry Myers, Democrat, 2,005 ; — Rieser, Republican, 1,518 ; 
Myers' majority, 487. 

Auditor — Jonathan Maffetfc, Democrat, 2,031; J. L. Cook, Republican, 
1,583 ; Maffeti's majority, 448. 

Treasurer — J. S. Hare, Democrat, 2,059 ; John Greer, Republican, 
1,479 ; Hare's majority, 580. 

Recorder — Adam Stutz, Democrat, 1,905 ; — Pool, Republican, 1,626 ; 
Stutz's majoi'ity, 279. 

Commissioner — ^William Beam, Democrat, 1,983; S. Watson, Repub- 
can, 1,594; Beam's majority, 389. 

Election October 11, 1870. 

Supreme Judge — Richard A. Harrison, Democrat, 1,649 ; George W. 
McElvaine, Republican, 1,211 ; Harrison's majority, 438. 

Congressman — Charles N. Lamison; Democrat, 1,650 ; I. D. Clark, Re- 
publican, 1,214 ; Lamison's majority, 436. 

Probate Judge — Peter B. Beidler, Democrat, 1,373 ; Michael Brackley, 
lodependent, 1,253 ; Beidler's majority, 120. 

Commissioner — Thomas McClain, Independent, 1,639 ; Jacob Hollens- 
head, Democrat, 1,180; McClain's majority, 459. 

Infirmary Directors — A. H. Vanorsdall (3 years), 1,638 ; Tilman Balliet 
(2 years), 1,636 ; George Harper (1 year), 1,637. 

Coroner — Levi Shultz, Democrat, 1,628 ; Daniel Fishel, Independent, 
27. 

Election October 10, 1871. 

Governor — George W. McCook, Democrat, 1,915 ; Edward F. Noyes, 
Republican, 1,580 ; McCook' s majority, 335. 

Senator — A. S. Jenner, Democrat, 1,912 , U. F. Cramer, Republican, 
1.576. 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 343 

Representative — John Kisor, Democrat, 1,893 : no opposition. 

Common Pleas Judge — C. R. Mott, Democrat, 2,634 ; A. M. Jackson, 
Republican, 762 ; Mott's majority, 1,872. 

Sheriff — Henry Myers, Democrat, 1,917 ; John F. Rieser, Republican, 
1, 573 ; Myers' majority, 344. 

Commissioner — Henry Parker, Republican, 1,671 ; Milton Morral, 
Democrat, 1,811 ; Morral's majority, 140. 

Surveyor — JohnAgerter, Democrat, 1,800; James K. Agnew, Republican, 
1,659 ; Agerter's majority, 141. 

Infirmary Director — Michael Depler, Democrat, 1,897 ; Henry Davis, 
Sr., Republican, 1,562 ; Depler's majority, 335. 

Constitutional Convention* — For, 2,009 ; against, 1,346 ; majority for, 
663. 

Election October 8, 1872. 

Supreme Judge — Isaac B, Riley, Democrat, 2,105 ; Richard R. Porter, 
Republican, 1,776 ; Riley's majority, 329. 

Common Pleas Judge — James Pillars, Democrat, 2,101. No opposition. 

Auditor — Robert A. McKelly, Democrat, 2,034 ; Henry Miller, Repub- 
lican, 1.841 ; McKelly's majority, 193. 

Clerk of Court — William B. Hitchcock, Democrat, 2, 130; Samuel Lutz, 
Republican, 1,755; Hitchcock's majority, 375. 

Recorder — Adam Stutz, Democrat, 2,095; Daniel Hartsough, Repub- 
lican, 1,771; Stutz's majority, 324. 

Commissioner — William Beam, Democrat, 2,096. 

Coroner — Edward Christen, Democrat, 2,104; Moses Waggoner, Repub- 
lican, 1,779; Christen's majority, 325. 

Infirmary Director — Tilman Balliet, Democrat, 2,099; John McBeth, 
Republican, 1,789; Balliet's majority, 310. 

Election October 14, 1873. 

Governor — William Allen, Democrat, 2,039; Edward F. Noyes, Repub- 
lican, 1,364; Allen's majority, 675. 

Senator — John Seitz, Democrat, 2,052; David Harpster, Republican, 
1,345; Seitz' s majority, 707. 

Representative — L. A. Bruuner, Democrat, 1,934; John Markley, Re- 
publican, 1,250; Brunner's majoi-ity, 684. 

Probate Judge — Joel W. Gibson, Democrat, 1,985; William R. De 
Jean, Republican, 1,404; Gibson's majority, 581. 

Prosecuting Attorney — M. H. Kirby, Democrat, 2,071 ; Henry Maddux, 
Republican, 1,347; Kirby's majority, 724. 

Sheriff — Jacob Schaefer, Democrat, 1,934; H. P. Marshall, Republican, 
1,462; Schaefer's majority, 472. 

Treasurer — William Smalley, Democrat, 3,261. 

Commissioners — Thomas McClain, 1,949; Samuel M. Worth, 1,864; 
Benjamin F. Kennedy, 1,470; Michael Bretz, 1,456; McClain's majority 
over Kennedy, 479; Worth's majority over Bretz, 408. 

Infirmary Director — Abram H. Vanorsdall, Democrat, 2,052; Moses 
Kirby, Republican, 1,362; Vanorsdall' s majority; 690. 

Election October 13, 1874. 
Congressman — J. P. Cowan, Democrat, 1,687; W. Armstrong, Repub- 
lican, 1,173; Cowan's majority, 514, 

* For a full reconstruction of the Constitution of the State. 



344 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Common Pleas Judge — Thomas Beer, Democrat, 1,703; Josiah Scott, 
Republican, 1,164; Beer's majority, 539. 

Auditor— R. A. McKellv, Democrat, 1,732; J. D. Foucht, Temperance, 
930; McKelly's majority, 802. 

Commissioner — J. Yentzer, Democrat, 1,359; R. Bennett, Temperance, 
438: M. Morral, Independent, 1,055; Yentzer's majority, 304. 

Surveyor — J. Greek, Democrat, 1,705; James L. Cook, Temperance, 959; 
Greek's majority, 746. 

Coroner— Edward Christian, Democrat. 1,704; D. L. Kentfield, Tem- 
perance, 956; Christian's majority, 748. 

Infirmary Director — R. McBeth, Democrat, 1,764; H. Peters, Temper- 
ance, 934; McBeth' 8 majority, 830, 

Election Octobek 13, 1875. ' 

Governor — William Allen, Democrat, 2,305; R. B. Hayes, Republican, 
1,735; Allen's majority, 570. 

" For the Commission " — For, 1,998; against, 444; Majority for. 554. 

Senator— E. T. Stickney, Democrat, 2,287; William Monnett, Repub- 
lican, 1,734; Stickney's majority, 553. 

Representative — L. A. Brunner, Democrat, 2,256; Moses Gibson, Re- 
publican, 1,724; Brunner's majority, 532. 

Clerk of Court— R. D. Daram, Democrat, 2,238; R. M. Stewart, Repub- 
lican, 1,766; Dumm's majority, 473. 

Prosecuting Attorney— M.H. Kirby, Democrat, 2,279; Adam Kail, Re- 
publican, 1,715; Kirby's majority, 564. 

Sheriff— Jacob Schacfer, Democrat, 2,187; Lime, Republican, 

1,778; Schaefer's majority, 409. 

Treasurer — William Smalley, Democrat, 2,306; J. R. Swann, Repub- 
lican, 1,704; Smalley's majority, 602. 

Recorder — Simeon luman, Democrat, 2,236; John E. Goodrich, Repub- 
lican, 1,727; Inman's majority, 509. 

Commissioner -William Ayres, Democrat, 2,192; O. K. Brown, Repub- 
lican, 1.802; Ayres' majority, 390. 

Infirmary Director — Michael Depler, Democrat, 2,301; D. L. Kentfield, 
Republican, 1,743; Depler's majority, 558. 

Election October 10, 1876. 

Secretary of State — William Bell, Jr., Democrat, 2,483; Milton Barnes, 
Republican, 1,902; Bell's majority, 581. 

Supreme Judge — William E. Finck, Democrat, 2,489; Washington W. 
Boynton, Republican, 1.900; Finck's majority, 589. 

Congressman — Ebenezer B. Finley, Democrat, 2,490; Peter S. Gross- 
cup, Republican, 1,897;. Finley's majority, 593. 

Common Pleas Judge — Thomas Beer, Democrat, 2,491; no opposition. 

Probate Judge — Joel W. Gibson, Democrat, 2,475; David Harpster, 
Jr., Republican, 1872; Gibson's majority, 603. 

Auditor— John Agerter, Democrat, 2,332; Henry Miller, Republican, 
2,019; Agerter's majority, 313. 

Treasurer — George W. Biles, Democrat, 2,515; Edwin A. Gordon, Re- 
publican, 1,869; Biles' majority, 046. 

Commissioner — Peter Beam, Democrat, 2,519; Quincy A. Rowse, Re- 
publican, 1,841; Beam's majority, 678. 

Infirmary Director — Jacob Swartz, Democrat, 2,492; James C. Andrews, 
Republican, 1,907; Swartz's majority, 585. 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 345 

Coroner — Jacob Tribolet, Democrat, 2,459; Samuel Shepard, Repub- 
lican, 1.875; Tribolet's majority, 584. 

Election October 9, 1877. 

Governor — William H. West, Eepublican, 1,722; Richard M. Bishop, 
Democrat, 2,405; Bishop's majority, 879. 

Supreme Judge — William \V. Johnson, Republican, 1,734; John W. 
Okey, Democrat, 2,391; Okey's majority, 657. 

Senator — Lovell B. Harris, Republican, 1,711; John Seitz, Demo- 
crat, 2,391; Seitz's majority, 680. 

Representative — Isaac M. Kirby, Republican, 1,775; Willard D. Tyler, 
Democrat, 2,350; Tyler's majority, 575. 

Common Pleas Judge — Jacob F. , Republican, 1,735; Henry H. 

Dodge, Democrat 2.395; Dodge's majority, 660. 

Prosecuting Attorney — Miller B. Smith, Republican, 1,736; Moses H. 
Kirby, Democrat, 2,373; Kirby' s majority, 637. 

Sherifl' — John M. Houston, Democrat, 2,125; Joseph Hutter, Repub- 
lican, 1,819; Houston's majority, 306. 

Commissioner— Hiram J. Starr, Republican, 1,794 ; Jacob Yentzer, 
Democrat, 2,228; Yentzer' s majority, 494. 

Surveyor — William McDowell, Republican, 1,745; Jacob Greek, Demo- 
crat, 2,383; Greek's majority, 638. 

Infirmary Director — James H. Lindsey, Republican, 1,738; Robert Mc- 
Beth. Democrat, 2,396; McBeth's majority, 658. 

Free Banking Act — For, 605; against, 1,826; majority against, 1,221. 

Election October 8, 1878. 

Secretary of State — Milton 'Barnes, Republican, 1,907; David R. Paige, 
Democrat, 2,448; Paige's majority, 541. 

Supreme Judge — William White, Republican, 1,903; Alexander F. 
Hume, Democrat, 2,452; Hume's majority, 549. 

Congressman — E. B. Finley, Democrat, 2,354; Charles Foster, Repub- 
lican, 1,944; Finley's majority, 410. 

Clerk of Court — Robert D. Dumm, Democrat, 2,565; W. E. Benton, Re- 
publican, 1,787; Dumm's majority, 778. 

Auditor — John Agerter, Democrat, 2,119; Landline Smith, Republican, 
2,201; Smith's majority, 82. 

Treasurer — George W. Bates, Democrat, 2,525; Robert W. Pool, Re- 
publican, 1,831; Bate's majority, 694. 

Recorder — Simeon Inman, Democrat, 2,581; John E. Goodrich, Repub- 
lican, 1,766; Inman's majority, 815. 

Commissioner — William Ayres, Democrat, 2,042; Benjamin F. Ken- 
nedy, Republican, 1,992; N. Willoughby, Independent, 200; Ayres' ma- 
jority, 50. 

Infirmary Director — Elias Streby, Democrat, 2,450; James H. Lindsay, 
Republican, 1,899; Streby's majority, 551. 

Coroner — Jacob Tribolet, Democrat, 2,408; George W. Kenan, Repub- 
lic, 1,899; Tribolet's majority, 509. 

Election October 14, 1879. 

Governor — Charles Foster, Republican, 2,282; Thomas Ewing, Demo- 
crat, 2,812; Ewing's majority, 530. 

Supreme Judge — William W. Johnson, Republican, 2,261; William J. 
Gilmore, Democrat, 2,830; Gilmore's majority, 569. 



346 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Senator — Stephen R. Harris, Republican, 2,240; Moses H. Kirby, Dem- 
ocrat, 2,825; Kirby's majority, 585. 

Probate Judge — William R. De Jean, Republican, 2,206; Joel W. Gib- 
son, Democrat, 2,849; Gibson's majority, 643. 

Prosecuting Attorney — William F. Pool, Republican, 2,213; George G. 
White, Democrat, 2,860; White's majority, 647. 

Sheriff — John M. Houston, Democrat, 2,820; Henry Myers, Repub- 
lican, 2,156; Myers' majority, 664. 

Commissioner — Benjamin F. Kennedy, Republican, 2,446; William M. 
Baldwin, Democrat, 2,604; Baldwin's majority, 158. 

Infirmary Director — John Greer, Republican, 2,260; John Swartz, Dem- 
ocrat, 2,822; Swartz's majority, 562. 

Election October 12, 1880. 

Secretary of State — Charles Townsend, Republican, 2,316; William 
Lang, Democrat, 2,920; Lang's majority, 604. 

Supreme Judge — George W. Mcllvaine, Republican, 2,316; Martin D. 
Follett, Democrat, 2,921; Follett's majority, 605. 

Congressman — S. E. Fink, Republican, 2,315: George W. Geddes, 
Democrat, 2,925, 

Commissioner — John Greer, Republican, 2,412; Abraham Bope, Re- 
publican, 2.125; Henrv Herring, Democrat, 2,791; George Harper, Demo- 
crat, 3,012. 

Treasurer — John L. Lewis, Republican, 2,314; George W. Freet, Dem- 
ocrat, 2,913; F reefs majority, 599. 

Surveyor — Isaac M. Kirby, Republican, 2,568; Jacob Greek, Democrat, 
2,596; Greek's majority, 28. 

Infii'mary Director — David S. Bretz, Republican, 2,306; Reuben Low- 
master, Democrat, 2.865. 

Election November, 1^80. 

President — James A. Garfield, Republican, 2,398; Winfield S. Hancock, 
Democrat, 2,983*; Hancock's majority, 585. 

Election October 1], 1881. 

Governor — Charles Foster, Republican, 1,963; John W. Bookwalter, 
Democrat, 2.644; Abraham R. Ludlow, 184; John Seitz, 1; Bookwalter's 
majority, 681. 

Supreme Judge — Nicholas Longworth, Republicao, 1,979; Edward F. 
Bingham, Democrat, 264; Gideon T. Stewart, 174; Longworth's majority, 
1,715. 

Senator — Moses H. Kirby, Democrat, 2,628; Martin Deal, 9; Kirby's 
majority, 2,619. 

Representative — L. A. Brunner. Democrat, 2,574; Samuel Lutz, Re- 
publican, 2,144; Brunner's majority, 430. 

Common Pleas Judge — Thomas Beer, Democrat, 2,631. No opponent. 

Clerk of Court — Hiram H. Hitchcock, Democrat, 2,140; Avery Hender- 
son, Republican, 2,540; Henderson's majority, 400. 

Prosecuting Attorney — Robert McKelly, Democrat, 2,516; Robert Carey, 
Republican, 2,149; McKelly's majority, 367. 

Sheriff— Charles F. Schuler, Democrat, 2,545; V. O. Tuttle, Republican 
2,521 ; Schuler's majority, 24. 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 347 

Auditor — John Agerter, Democrat, 2,175; Landline Smith, Republican, 
2,521; Smith's majority, 346. 

Recorder — Simeon Inman, Democrat, 2,854; Hazard P. Tracy, Repub- 
lican 1,893; Inman's majority, 961. 

Commissioner — John K. Hare, Democrat, 2,623; Cyrus Griffith, Repub- 
lican, 2,096; Hare's majority. 527. 

Infirmary Director — Elias Streby, Democrat, 2,627; David L. Kentfield, 
Republican, 2,108; Streby's majority, 519. 

Election October 10, 1882. 

Secretary of State — Charles Townsend, Republican, 1,850; James W. 

Newman, Democrat, 2,347; Fred Schumaker, , 20; George L. Hafer, 

. 1; Newman's majority, 497. 

Supreme Judge — John H. Doyle, Republican, 1,844; John W. Okey, 
Democrat, 2,356: John W. Roseborough, 21; Lloyd G. Tuttle, 1; Okey's 
majority, 512. 

Congressman — Lovell B. Harris, Republican, 1,844; George E. Seney, 
Democrat, 2,336; scattering, 13; Seney's majority, 492. 

Probate Judge — John L. Lewis, Republican, 1,826; Darius D. Clayton, 
Democrat, 2,356; Clayton's majority, 530. 

Treasurer — Henry Kear, Republican, 1,821; George W. Freet, Demo- 
crat, 2,393; Freet's majority, 572. 

Commissioner — Isaac Norton, Republican, 1,811; A. H. Vanorsdall, 
Democrat, 2,386; Vanorsdall's majority, 575. 

Infirmary Director — Joseph Ellis, Republican, 1,849; Jacob C. Wentz, 
Democrat, 2,352; Wentz' s majority, 503. 

Coroner— I. B. Gibbs, Republican, 1,844; James N. Nelson, Democrat, 
2,370; Nelson's majority, 526. 

Election October 9, 1883. 

Governor — Joseph B. Foraker, Republican, 2,241; George Hoadley, 

Democrat, 3,056; Ferdinand Shumacher, , 21; Hoadley's majority, 

815. 

Supreme Judge (short term) — William H. Upson, Republican, 2,233; 
Martin D. Follett, Democrat, 3,068; Follett's majority, 835. 

Supreme Judge (long and unex])ired term) — John H. Doyle, Republican, 
2,234; Selwyn N. Owen, Democrat, 3,068; Owen's majority, 834. 

Senator — John H. Williston, Democrat, 3,062. No opposition. 

Representative — L. A. Brunner, Democrat, 2,984; Joseph A. Maxwell, 
Republican, 2,290; Brunner's majority, 694. 

Sheriff — Charles F. Schuler, Democrat, 3,137; Irvin Bacon, Republican, 
2,139; Schuler's majority, 998. 

Commissioner — George Harper, Democrat, 2,849; Benjamin Morris, Re- 
publican, 2,416; Harper's majority, 433. 

Surveyor — William C. Gear, Democrat, 3,130; O. E. Reynolds, Repub- 
lican, 2,158; Gear's majority, 972. 

Infirmary Director — Reuben Lowmaster, Democrat, 2, 992 ; Milton Rear, 
, 2,262; Lowmaster' 8 majority, 730. 

constitutional amendments. 
Judicial Amendment — For, 2,064; against, 1,357; majority for, 707. 
Regulation and taxation of the liquor traffic — For, 771; against, 2,351; 
majority against, 1,580. 



348 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 



Prohibition of intoxicating liquors — For, 2,674; against, 1802; majority 
for, 872. 

The following table shows the total vote in each township as cast at the 
October election of 1883: 



Antrim 135 

Nevada Village 4'^>'2 

Crane ^^51 

Upper Sandusky 870 

Crawford ! 581 

Eden 251 

Jackson 460 

Marseilles '/Ol 

Mifflin 2.G 



Pitt 313 

Richlatid 361 

Ridge 127 

Saleni 278 

Sycamore 825 

Tymochtee 386 

Total 5,336 



OFFICERS ELECTED. 

The following is a summary of those who have represented Wyandot 
County as United States, State and County ofiScers. 

CONGRESSMEN. 

John Carey, 1859-61; John Berry, 1873-1875. 



STATE SENATORS. 



NAMES. YEARS. 

Amos E. Wood 1845-46 

Henry Cronise 1846-48 

Joel W. Wilson 1848-50 

Michael Brackley 1850-51 

Joel W. Wilson 1852-54 

Robert Lee 1854-56 

James Lewis 1856-58 

Robert McKellv 1858-60 

Thomas J. Orr^ 1860-63 



NAMES. YEARS. 

William Lang 1862-64 

TJiomas J. Orr 1864-66 

Curtis Berry, Jr 1866-70 

Alexander E. Jenner 1870-74 

John Seitz 1874-76 

E. T. Stickney 1876-78 

John Seitz 1878-80 

Moses H. Kirby 1880-84 

John H. Williston 1884-86 



NAMES. 

Michael Brackley 

George Donnenworth. 

Michael Brackley 

M. C. Whitely 

Henry Bishop , 

David Snodgrass 

Peter A. Tyler 

Elias G. Spelman 

Chester R. Mott 



STATE REPRESENTATIVES. 

YEARS. NAMES. YEARS. 

. . . 1845-46 James M. White 1860-63 

. . . 1846-47 Jonathan Maffett* 1863-64 

... 1847^8 Parlee Carlin 1864-66 

. . . 1848-50 Samuel M. Worth 1866-70 

... 1850-51 John Kisor 1870-74 

... 1852-54 L. A. Brunner 1874-78 

. . . 1854-56 Willard D. Tyler 1878-83 

. . . 1656-58 L. A. Brunner 1883-86 

... 1858-60 



COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. 



NAMES. YEARS. 

William Griffith Spring, 1845 

Stephen Fowler Spring, 1845 

Ethan Terry Spring. 1845 

Jonathan Kear Fall, 1845 

Ethan Terry Fall, 1845 

Stephen Fowler Fall, 1845 

Isaac Wohlgamuth 1846 

John Welch 1847 

Ethan Terry 1848 

Isaac Wohlgamuth 1849 

John Welch 1850 

William Irvine 1851 

David Miller 1852 



NAMES. YEARS. 

Jonathan Kear 1853 

John Welch 1853 

Jonathan Kear 1854 

Hiram H. Holdridge 1855 

Milton Morral 1856 

John Baker 1857 

H. H. Holdridire 1858 

Milton Morral.^ 1859 

John Baker 1860 

C. R. Fmvler 1861 

John Kisor 1863 

John Kisor 1866 

J. Hollenshead 1867 



*R6-elected in 1864, but was contested and his seat given to Parlee Carlin. 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 349 

NAMES. YEARS. NAMES. yeaks. 

D. C. Murray 1868 Peter Beam 1876 

William Beam 1869 Jacob Yentzer 1877 

Thomas McClain 1870 William Avers 1878 

Milton Morral 1871 William M. Baldwin 1879 

William Beam 1872 Henry Herring 1880 

Thomas McChiin 1873 George Harper 1880 

Samuel M. Worth 1873 John K. Hare 1881 

J. Yentzer 1874 A. H. Vanorsdall 1883 

William Ayers 1875 George Harper 1883 

AUDITOKS. 
NAMES. YEARS. NAMES. years. 

Samuel M. Worth 1845-49 J. V. S. Hoyt 1863-65 

Chester R. Mott 1849-53 Jonathan Maflfett 1867-72 

James V. S. Hoyt 1858-55 Robert A. McKelly 1872-76 

Joseph McCutchen 1855-57 John Agerter 1876-78 

James V. S. Hoyt 1857-59 Landline Smith 1878-84 

Peter B. Beidler 1859-63 

TREASURERS. 
NAMES. YEARS. NAMES. years. 

Abner Jurey 1845 — J. S. Hare 1869-74 

George Harper 1845-53 William Smalley* 1874-76 

William W. Bates 1853-57 George W. Biles 1876-78 

James H. Freet 1857-61 George W. Bates 1878-80 

D. C. Murray 1861-66 George W. Freet 1880-84 

W. F. Goodbread 1866-69 

RECORDERS. 

NAMES. YEARS. NAMES. years. 

John A. Morrison 1845-51 Simeon Inman 1864-70 

William B. Hitchcock 1851-55 Adam Stutz 1870-76 

Henry J. Flack 1855-61 Simeon Inman 1876-85 

Henry Miller 1861-64 

CLERKS OF THE COURTS. 
NAMES. years. NAMES. years. 

Guy C. Worth 1845-54 Fred Agerter 1864-70 

Curtis Berry, Jr 1854-55 William B. Hitchcock 1870-76 

Thomas E. Grisell 1855-58 R. D. Dumm 1876-82 

Curtis Berry, Jr 1858-64 Avery Henderson 1882-85 

PROBATE JUDGES. 
NAMES. years. names. years. 

Joseph Kinney 1853-58 Peter B. Beidler 1868-74 

Jonathan Maffett 1857-58 Joel W. Gibson 1874-82 

Moses H. Kirby 1858-68 Darius D. Clayton 1882-8e 

SURVEYORS. 
NAMES. years. NAMES. years. 

Azariah Root 1845-46 J. H. Williams 1867-69 

Peter B. Beidler 1846-52 John Agerter 1869-75 

James Williams 1852-58 Jacob Greek 1875-83 

Peter B. Beidler 1858-61 William C. Gear 1883-8& 

Andrew Reynolds 1861-67 

PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS. 
NAMES. years. NAMES. years. 

Chester R. Mottf 1845-47 Henry Maddux 1860-62 

Aaron Lyle 1848-50 John Berry 1862-68 

Moses H. Kirby 1850-54 Moses H. Kirby 1868-80 

Nelson W. Dennison 1854-58 George G. White 1880-83 

George Crawford 1858-60 Robert McKelly 1882-84 



*Died and was succeeded in oiBce by J. S. Hale. 
fMoses H. Kirby was appointed May 22, 1847, vice Mott, resigned. 



350 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 



SHERIFFS. 



NAMES, YEARS. 

Lorin A. Pease 1845-46 

Thomas Baird 1846-50 

Curtis Berry Sr 1850-54 

George P. Nelson 1854-58 

Curtis Berry 1858-60 

James Culbertson, Jr 1860-62 



NAMES. 

William Marlow . . . 
William Michaels. . 

Henry Myers 

Jacob Schaefer 

John M. Houston . . 
Charles F. Schuler. 



NAMES. YE.4.RS. 

Albert Bixby 1845-50 

John N. Reed 1850-54 

Thomas Baird 1854-56 

Albert Mears 1856-58 

Benjamin Williams 1858-68 

L. Gipson 1868-72 



CORONERS. 

IRS. NAMES. 

Levi Shultz 

Edward Christen 

Jacob Tribolet 

Heym 

James N. Nelson. 



1862-66 

1866-70 
1870-74 
1874-78 
1878-82 
1882-86 



1868-72 
1872-76 
1876-80 
1880-82 
1882-84 




'Iji'i;;^ 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 353 



CHAPTER VII. 
THE BENCH AND BAR. 

Introductory — Early Judicial Proceedings in the Territory— The 
First State Constitution— Article IV,Constitution of 1851— Supreme 
Courts— District Courts— Courts of Common Pleas— The Judges of 
THE Same— Length of their Terms of Office— Biographical Sketches 
— Resident Members of the Bar— Brief Mention of Many of Them. 

introductory. 

THE part played by law in the organization of human society is that of 
an everacting force, a force essential to its very existence, and upon 
which human happiness and well-being are unceasingly dependent. With- 
out law, mankind would long ere this have perished, as no organization is 
possible without it. Upon the wise interpretation as well as the judicious 
framing of the laws, the well-being of a community is established as upon a 
rock-like foundation, whence it naturally flows as a consequence that the his- 
tory of those upon whom this duty devolves must form no unimportant 
portion of a work of this character. The whole superstructure of law is 
founded upon a few principles of natural justice, and, therefore, at its base, 
in its essential principles, "in its inmost bosom's core," law is the exponent 
of right and truth and justice; and, notwithstanding the efforts of the cun- 
ning and unscrupulous, it will still be found that on the whole law is on 
the side of right, and the popular prejudice against lawyers has its basis 
chiefly in ignorance of the true nature of a lawyer's functions, which are, to 
see that every one has the benefit of the privileges accorded him by the laws 
of the land, and that the forms of law are rigidly preserved, as upon their 
strict enforcement of these the stability of society depends. 

As the business of the lawyer is to deal with the daily affairs of men, 
and as these are becoming more and more complex and artificial, it is clear 
that where so many complex interests and counter-interests are to be pro- 
tected and adjusted, to the Judge and the advocate are presented problems 
that require the deepest research and the most trained intellects. As change 
follows change in modern society, without intermission. It is also evident 
that the laws and institutions of the past will not answer the requirements 
of the present. The blue laws of Connecticut would burst from the limbs 
of the modern Samson like the cords from the hero of old, and the gigantic 
Afrites that Aladdin saw from his lamp could not be returned to their nar- 
row prison house. The discoveries in the arts and sciences, the invention 
of new labor-saving contrivances, the enlargement of industrial pursuits, 
the unprecedented development of commerce, the founding of new commu- 
nities into cities and States, require that the science of law should advance 
pari passu, in order to subserve the wants and provide for the necessities 
of these new conditions. The true lawyer is the man of the hour, and upon 
his ability and integrity society is largely dependent. One of the profession 
has wisely said: 

" In the American State the gi*eat and good lawver must always be promi- 

9 



354 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

nent, for he is one of the forces which move and control society. Public 
confidence has generally been reposed in the legal profession. It has ever 
been the defender of popular rights, the champion of freedom regulated by 
law, the firm support of good government. In times of danger, it has stood 
like a rock and beaten the mad passions of the hour and firmly resisted 
tumult and faction. No political preferment, no mere place can add to the 
power or increase the honor which belongs to the pure and educated lawyer. 
The fame of Mansfield and Marshall and Story can never die. 'Time's 
iron feet can print no niin trace ' upon their character. Their learning and 
luminous expositions of our jurisprudence will always light our pathway, 
* * * Lord Bacon has said, ' Every man is a debtor to his profession;' 
and assuredly this is true of every lawyer. If worthy, it gives him an 
honorable character and high position. The lawyer should prize and honor 
his profession. He should value its past renown and cherish the memory 
of great men, whose gigantic shadows walk by us still. He should love it 
for the intrinsic worth and innate glory of the fundamental truths which 
adorn it." 

The paucity of material at the service of the historian as to those who 
have exerted so important an influence upon the county's welfare and prog- 
ress, is indeed a matter of surprise. We, however, present our readers 
with that which the corroding hand of time has left untouched. The greater 
portion of the story might, however, be unlocked to him who would pa- 
tiently study the strata of society, as the geologist studies the stony records 
of the earth's past history. 

Before entering upon the specific portion of our stox-y, we can truthfully 
premise that the bench and bar of Wyandot County has ever been distin- 
guished, and has ever stood prominently forward in comparison with the 
profession in the sister counties of the grand commonwealth of Ohio. Wy- 
andot has had names connected with her bar which have adorned the pages 
of our country's history; names of soldiers who did not shrink from taking 
up the sword in defense of their country; names that have adorned the 
halls of Legislation of the State; names that have adorned men not merely 
of learning and culture, superadded to native ability, but which also have 
united with these gifts and graces the proud title of honest men, the noblest 
work of God. 

THE BENCH. 

The earliest judicial government for the territory now constituting Ohio 
was vested in a general court composed of three Judges, provided by the 
ordinance of 1787. The first Judges were Samuel Holden Parsons, James 
Mitchell Varnum and John Cleves Symmes, the latter being appointed in 
place of John Armstrong, who declined to serve. They were to adopt only 
such portions of the laws of the original States as were deemed suitable to 
the condition and wants of the people, and were not empowered to enact new 
laws. In the autumn of 1787, the Governor and Judges Varnum and Par- 
sons met at Marietta and began the duty of legislating for the Territory, 
continuing in session until December. Contrary to the provisions of the 
ordinance, they enacted a number o' laws on different subjects and submitted 
them to Congress, as required. That body, however, did not approve them 
from their manifest illegality under the terms of the ordinance. After the 
assembling of Congress in 1789, vmder the new constitution, the appoint- 
ments made under the articles of confederation being deemed to have ex- 
pired, the following new Judges were appointed for the Northwest Territory. 
Samuel Holden Parsons, John Cleves Symmes and William Barton. The 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 355 

latter declined to serve and George Turner was appointed to till the vacancy. 
Judge Parsons soon afterward died, and in March, 1790, Rufus Putnam was 
appointed to fill the vacancy caused by his death. Putnam resigned in 
1796, to enable him to accept the oifice of Surveyor General, and Joseph 
Gilman, of Point Harmar, was chosen to fill the vacancy. Judge Turner 
left tbe Territory in the spring of 1796, and during his absence resigned 
his seat on the bench, which was filled by the appointment of Return 
Jonathan Meigs, in February, 1798. The Judges then in commission con- 
tinued to hold their seats uiitil the adoption of a State Constitution. 

Between 1790 and 1795, numerous acts were passed which did not re- 
ceive tbe sanction of Congress, as they were enacted rather than adopted, 
and finally in the summer of 1795, at a legislative session held at Cincin- 
nati, a code of laws was adopted from the statutes of the original States, 
which superseded the chief part of those p>-eviously enacted, that had re- 
mained in force in the Territory, regardless of their doubtful constitution- 
ality. This code of laws as adopted was printed at Cincinnati in 1795, by 
William Maxwell, and became known as the Maxwell Code; that was the 
first job of printing executed in the Northwestern Territory. But very 
little change was made therefrom uatil the first session of tbe General 
Assembly, held under the second grade of government, September 16, 1799. 

"The ordinance and the compact," says Judge Burnet, "which was the 
constitution of the Territory, contained but little specific legislation. It 
prescribed the rule of descents; the mode of transferring real estate, by 
deed of lease and release, and of devising or bequeathing it by will. It 
regulated the right of dower and authorized the transfer of personal prop- 
erty by delivery; saving always to the French and Canadian inhabitants, 
and other settlers who had before professed themselves citizens of Virginia, 
their laws and customs then in force among them, relative to the descent 
and conveyance of property. In addition to these provisions, the compact 
ordained that no pei'son demeaning himself in a peaceable manner should 
be molested on accoant of his mode of worship or religious opinions. It 
also secured to the inhabitants forever the benefits of the writ of habeas 
corpus, of trial by jury, of a proportionate representation of the people in 
the Legislatiue, and of jiidicial proceedings, according to the course of the 
Common Law." 

The courts of Common Law in the Territory assumed chancery powers 
as a necessity, as there was no tribunal in said Territory vested with such 
powers. Several necessary laws were passed at the first session of the Ter- 
ritorial Iiegislature at Cincinnati, but matters regarding courts and their 
powers were not satisfactorily settled until the adoption of the first State 
Constitution in 1802. The General Court provided for by the ordinance of 
1787 consisted, as before stated, of three Judges, "appointed by the Presi- 
dent with the advice and consent of the Senate, each of whom received a 
salary of $800 from the Treasury of the United States. It was the highest 
judicial tribunal in the Territory, and was vested with original and appel- 
late jurisdiction in all civil and criminal cases, and of capital cases; and 
on questions of divorce and alimony its jurisdiction was exclusive. It was, 
however, a common law court, merely without chancery powers, and it was 
the court of dernier ressort. It had power to revise and reverse the de- 
cisions of all other tribunals in the Territory, yet its own proceedings could 
not be reversed or set aside, even by the Supreme Court of the United 
States. It was held at Cincinnati in March, at Marietta in October, at De- 
troit and in the western counties at such time in each year as the Judges 
saw proper to designate." 



356 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

The travels of the Judges and members of the bar in those early years, 
to and from the places of holding courts — Cincinnati, Marietta and Detroit 
— were attended with difficvilties of the most serious nature. The distances 
were always great, settlements were scarce and the way was rough. Their 
journeys were made on horseback, and it was exceedingly necessary that 
the horses they rode should be good swimmers, for it was in the days before 
bridges had been thought of, and only the best fording places along the 
numerous streams were sought out by the tired travelei's. Judge Burnet, 
who knew from experience all the trials of the times, wrote of them as fol- 
lows : 

" The journeys of the court and bar to those remote places through a 
country in its primitive state, were unavoidably attended with fatigue and 
exposure. They generally traveled with hve or six in company, and with 
a pack-horse to transport such necessaries as their own horses could not 
conveniently carry, because no dependence could be placed on obtaining 
supplies on the route; although they frequently passed through Indian 
camps and villages, it was not safe to rely on them for asssistance. Occa- 
sionally small quantities of corn could be purchased for horse feed; but even 
that relief was precarious and not to be relied on. In consequence of the 
unimproved condition of the country, the routes followed by travelers were 
necessarily circuitous and their progress slow. In passing from one county 
seat to another, they were generally from six to eight, and sometimes ten 
days in the wilderness, and, at all seasons of the year, were compelled to 
swim every water-course in their way which was too deep to be forded; the 
country being wholly destitute of bridges and ferries, travelers had, there- 
fore, to rely on their horses as the only substitute for those conveniences. 
That fact made it common, when purchasing a horse, to ask if he were a 
good swimmer, which was considered one of the most valuable qualities of 
a saddle horse." 

Lynch law was liable to be adopted by the men of the border settlements, 
and one or two instances of its execution in the form of public whippings 
are known to have occurred; but in August, 1788, a law was published in 
Marietta, establishing a "General Court of Quarter Sessions of the Peace, 
and County Courts of Common Pleas," and these superseded the Lynch 
code before it had been in operation a year. Mr. McMillan was appointed 
the Presiding Judge of those courts in the county of Hamilton. 

The first Constitution of the State of Ohio, adopted November 29, 1802, 
contained in its third article the following provisions for the judicial gov- 
ernment of the State: 

Section 1. The judicial power of this State, both as to matters of law and equity, 
shall be vested in a Supreme Court, in Courts of Common Pleas for each county, in 
Justices of the Peace, and in such other courts as the Legislature may from time to 
time establish. 

Sec. 2. The Supreme Court shall consist of three Judges, any two of whom shall 
be a quorum. They shall have original and appellate jurisdiction, both in common 
law and chancery in such cases as shall be directed by law; Provided, That nothing 
herein contained shall prevent the General Assembly from adding another Judge to 
the Supreme Court after the term of five years, in which case the Judges may divide 
the State into two circuits, within which any two of the Judges may hold a court. 

Sec. 3. The several Courts of Common Pleas shall consist of a President and As- 
sociate Judges. The State shall be divided by law into tliree circuits; there shall be 
appointed in each circuit a President of the Courts, who, during his continuance in 
office, shall reside therein. There shall be appointed in each county not more than 
three nor less than two Associate Judges, who, during their continuance in office, shall 
reside therein. The President and Associate Judges in their respective counties, any 
three of whom shall be a quorum, shall compose the Court of Common Pleas, which 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 357 

court shall have common law and chancery jurisdiction in all such cases as shall be 
directed by law ; Prodded, That nothing herein contained shall be construed to pre- 
vent the Legislature from increasing the number of circuits and Presidents after the 
term of five years. 

Sec. 4. The Judges of the Supreme Court and Courts of Common Pleas shall 
have complete criminal jurisdiction in such cases and in such manner as maybe point- 
ed out by law. 

Sec. 5. The Court of Common Pleas in each county shall have jurisdiction of all 
probate and testamentary matters, granting administration, the appointment of guar- 
dians, and such other cases as shall be prescribed by law. 

Sec. 6. The Judges of the Court of Common Pleas shall, within their respective 
counties, have the same powers with the Judges of the Supreme Court, to issue writs 
of certiorari to the Justices of the Peace, and to cause their proceedings to be brought 
before them, and the like right and justice to be done. 

Sec. 7. The Judges of the Supreme Court shall, by virtue of their offices, be con- 
servators of the peace throughout the State. The Presidents of the Courts of Com- 
mon Pleas shall, by virtue of their offices, be conservators of the peace in their respect- 
ive circuits; and the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas shall, by virtue of their 
offices, be conservators of the peace in their respective counties. 

Sec. 8. The Judges of the Supreme Courts, the Presidents and the Associate 
Judges of the Courtg of Common Pleas, shall be appointed by a joint ballot of both 
Houses of the General Assembly, and shall hold their offices for the term of seveu 
years, if so long they behave well. The Judges of the Supreme Court and the Presi- 
dents of the Courts of Common Pleas shall, at stated times, receive for their services 
an adequate compensation, to be fixed by law, which shall not be diminished during 
their continuance in office: but they shall receive no fees or perquisites of office, nor 
hold any other office of profit or trust under the authority of this State or the United 
States. 

Sec. 9. Each court shall appoint its own Clerk for the term of seven years; but 
no person shall be appointed Clerk, except pro tempore, who shall not produce to the 
court appointing him a certificate from the majority of the Judges of the Supreme 
Court that they judge him to be well qualified to execute the duties of the offloii of 
Clerk to any court of the same dignity with that for which he offers himself. Tiiey 
shall be removable for breach of good behavior at any time by the Judges of the re- 
spective courts. 

Sec. 10. The Supreme Court shall be held once a year in each county, and the 
Courts of Common Pleas shall be holden in each county at such times and places as 
shall be prescribed hy law. 

Sec. 11. A competent number of Justices of the Peace shall be elected b}' the 
qualified electors in each township in the several counties, and shall continue in office 
three 5'ears, whose powers and duties shall, from time to time, be regulated and defined 
by law. 

Sec. 12. The st^de of all processes shall be " The State of Ohio; " all prosecutions 
shall be carried on in the name and by the authority of the State of Ohio, and all in- 
dictments shall conclude against the peace and dignity of the same. 

The new constitutioD of Ohio, adopted June 17, 1851, made various 
changes in the courts, and Article 4, providing for judicial matters in the 
State, is as follows: 

Section 1. The judicial power of the State shall be vested in a Supreme Court, 
in District Courts, Courts of Common Pleas, Courts of Probate, Justices of the Peace, 
and in such other courts, inferior to the Supreme Court, as the General Assembly may 
from time to time estaljlish. 

Sec. 2. The Supreme Court shall consist of five Judges, a majority of whom shall 
be necessary to form a quorum or pronounce a decision. It .shall have original juris- 
diction in quo warranto, mandamus, habeas corpus and procedendo, and such appellate 
jurisdiction as may be provided by law. It shall hold at least one term in each y^ar 
at the seat of government, and such other terms at the seat of government or elsewhere 
as may be provided by law. The Judges of the Supreme Court shall be elected by the 
electors of the State at large. 

Sec. 3. The State shall be divided into nine Common Pleas districts, of which the 
county of Hamilton shall constitute one, of compact territory and bounded by county 
lines; and each of said districts, consisting of three or more counties, shall be subdi- 
vided into three parts of compact territory, bounded by county lines, and as nearlj' 
equal in population as practicable, in each of which one Judge of Common Pleas 
for said district, and residing therein, shall be elected by the electors of said sub- 
division. Courts of Common Pleas shall be held by one or more of these Judges in 
every county in the district as often as may be provided by law; and more than one 
court or sitting thereof mav be held at tlie same time in each district. 



358 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Sec. 4. The jurisdiction of the C^ourts of Common Pleas and of the Judges there- 
of shall be tixed by law. 

Sec. 5. District Courts shall be composed of the Judges of the Courts of Common 
Pleas of the respective districts, and one of the Judges of the Supreme Court, any 
three of whom shall be a (}Uorum, and shall be held in each county therein at least 
once in each year; but if it shall be found inexpedient to hold such court annually in 
each county of any district, the General Assembly may, for such district, provide that 
said court shall be holden at three annual sessions therein, in not less than tluee places; 
Prodded, that the General Assembly may, b}^ law, authorize the Judges of each dis- 
trict to fix the times of holding the courts therein. 

Sec. 6. The District Court shall have like original jurisdiction with the Supreme 
Court, and such appellate jurisdiction as may be provided by law. 

Sec. 7. There shall be established in each county a Probate Court, which shall be 
a court of record, open at all times, and holden by one Ju Ige, elected by the voters of 
the county, who shall hold his office for the term of three years, and shall receive such 
compensation, payable out of the county treasury, or by fees, or both, as shall be pro- 
vided by law. 

Sec. 8. The Probate Court shall have jurisdiction in probate and testamentary 
matters, the appointment of administrators and guardians, the settlement of the ac- 
counts of executors, administrators and gutirdians, and such jurisdiction in habeas 
corpus, the issuing of marriage licenses, and for the sale of land by executors, adminis- 
trators and guardians, and such other jurisdiction in any county or counties as may be 
provided by law. 

Sec. 9. A competent number of Justices of the Peace shall be elected by the elec- 
tors in each township in the several counties. Their term of office shall be three years, 
and their powers and duties shall be regulated by law. 

Sec. 10. All Judges other than those provided for in the constitution, shall be 
elected by the electors'of the judicial district for which they may be created, but not 
for a longer term of office than five years. 

Sec. 11. The Judges of the Supreme Court shall, immediately after the first elec- 
tion under this constitution, be classified by lot, so that one shall hold for the term of 
one year, one for two years, one for three years, one for four years and one for five 
years ; and at all subsequent elections, the term of each of said Judges shall be for five 
years. 

Sec. 12. The Judges of the Courts of Common Pleas shall, while in ofllce, reside 
in the district for which they are elected; and their term of office shall be for five years. 

Sec. 13. In case the office of any Judge shall become vacant before the expiration 
of the regular term for which he was elected, the vacancy shall be filled by appointment 
by the Governor, until a successor is elected and qualified ; and such successor shall be 
elected for the unexpired term at the first annual election that occurs more than thirty 
days after the vacancy shall have happened. 

Sec. 14. The Judges of the Supreme Court and of the Court of Common Pleas 
shall, at stated times, receive for their services such compensation as may be provided 
by law, which shall not be diminished or increased during their term of office; but 
they shall receive no fees or perquisites, nor hold any otiier office of profit or trust 
under the authority of this Slate or the United States. All votes for either of them, 
for any elective office, except a judicial office, under the authority of this State, given 
by the General Assembly, or the people, shall be void. 

Sec. 15. The General Assembly may increase or diminish the number of the 
Judges of the Supreme Court, the number of the districts of the Court of Common 
Pleas, the number of Judges in any district, change the districts or the subdivisions 
thereof, or establish other courts, whenever two-thirds of the members el 'Cted to each 
House shall concur therein ; but no change, addition or diminution shall vacate the 
office of any Judge. 

Sec. 16. There shall be elected in each county, by the electors thereof, one Clerk 
of the Court of Common Pleas, who shall hold his office for the term of three years, 
and until his successor shall be elected and qualified. He shall, by virtue of his office, 
be Clerk of all other courts of record held therein ; but the General Assembly may pro- 
vide bylaw for the election of a Clerk, with a like term of office, for each or any other 
of , the courts of record, and may authorize the Judge of the Probate Court to perform 
the duties of Clerk for his court, under such regulaiions as m ly be directed bylaw. 
Clerks of courts shall be removable for such cause and in such manner as shall be pre- 
scribed by law. 

Sec. 17. Judges may be removed from office by concurrent resolution of both 
Houses of the General Assembly, if two-thirds of the members elected to each House 
concur therein ; f)ut no such removal shall be made except upon complaint, the sub- 
stance of which shall be entered upon the journal, nor until the party charged shall 
have had notice thereof, and an opportunity to be heard. 

Sec. 18. The several Judges of the Supreme Court of the Common Pleas and of 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 359 

such other courts as may be created, shall respectively have and exercise such power 
and jurisdiction, at chambers or otherwise, as maj^ be directed by law. 

Sec. 19. The General Assembly may establish Courts of Conciliation, and prescribe 
their powers and duties ; but such courts shall not render final judgment in any case, 
except upon submi.ssion by the parties, of the matter in dispute, arid their agreement to 
abide such judgment. 

Sec. 20. The style of all process shall be, "The State of Ohio;" all prosecutions 
shall be carried on in the name and by the authority of the State of Ohio, and all in- 
dictments shall conclude, " against the peace and dignity of the State of Ohio." 

SUPREME COURTS. 

From 1845, until the close of June term, 1851, the higher courts held 
at Upper Sandusky were designated the Supi'eme Courts of the State of 
Ohio, and Judges Reuben Wood, Matthew Birchard, Edward A.very, Nathaniel 
C. Reed, Peter Hitchcock, William B. Caldwell and Rufus P. Spalding, 
oflSciated here at various times in the order named. Then, by a change of 
the organic law — the adoption of the State Constitution of 1851 — district 
courts were established, and the phrase first mentioned (as applied in Sec. 
X. Art. 3, of the Constitution of 1802) was abandoned. 

DISTRICT COURTS. 

The first District Court (a special term) held in Wyandot County, con- 
vened for the first time at Upper Sandusky, October 5, 1852. There were 
present Hon. John A. Corwin, Judge of the Supreme Court, and Lawrence 
W. Hall and John M. Palmer, Judges of the Court of Common Pleas. The 
district was then denominated the Third Common Pleas District. Subse- 
quent terms of this court have been held at Upper Sandusky, as follows: 

1853 — August term, Allen G. Thurman, Supreme Judge; Lawrence W. 
Hall and Benjamin Metcalf, Judges Court of Common Pleas. 

1854 — September term, John A. Corwin, Supreme Judge; Lawrence W. 
Hall and Benjamin Metcalf, Judges Court of Common Pleas. 

1855 — September term, Lawrence W. Hall, John M. Palmer and Benja- 
min Metcalf, Judges Court of Common Pleas. 

1856 — September term, Jacob Brinkerhoff, Supreme Judge; Benjamin 
Metcalf and Lawrence W. Hall, Judges Court of Common Pleas. 

1857 — September term, A. Sankey Latta, Machias C. Whitely and Will- 
iam Lawrence, Judges Court of Common Pleas. 

1858 — September term, T. W. Bartley, Chief Justice of the Supreme 
Court; A. S. Latta and William Lawrence, Judges Court of Common 
Pleas. 

1859 — Third Subdivision of Tenth Judicial District, August term, Milton 
Sutliff, Supreme Judge; Machias C. Whitely, George E. Seney and Josiah 
S. Plants, Judges Court of Common Pleas. 

1860 — Same division and district, June term, William Y. Gholson, 
Supreme Judge; Machias C. Whitely, George E. Seney and Josiah S. Plants, 
Judges Court of Common Pleas. 

1861 — Same division and district, June term, Josiah S. Plants, Machias 
C, Whitely and George E. Seney, Judges Court Common Pleas. 

1862 — Same division and district, July term, Josiah Scott, Supreme 
Judge; Machias C Whitely and Josiah S. Plants, Judges Court of Com- 
mon Pleas. 

1863 — Third Judicial District, June term, Josiah S. Plants, Benjamin 
Metcalf and Machias C. Whitely, Judges Cotirt of Common Pleas. 

1864 — Same district, August term, Jacob Brinkerhoff, Judge Supreme 
Court; William Lawrence, A. S. Latta and Machias C. Whitely, Judges 
Court of Common Pleas. 



360 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

1865 — Same district, August term, Jacob Brinkerhoflf, Judge Supreme 
Court; A. S. Latta and O. W. Rose, Judges Coui't of Common Pleas. 

1866 — Same distrist, August term, Jacob S. Conklin, A. S. Latta and 
James McKenzie, Judges Court of Common Pleas. 

1867 — Same district, August term, Josiah Scott, Judge Supreme Court; 
Jacob S. Conklin, A. S. Latta, James McKenzie and Chester R. Mott, 
Judges Court of Common Pleas. 

1868 — Same district, September term, John Welch, Judge Supreme 
Court; Jacob S. Conklin, James Pillars and Chester R. Mott, Judges Court 
of Common Pleas. 

1869 —Same district, September term, William White, Judge Supreme 
Court; Jacob S. Conklin, James Pillars and Chester R. Mott, Judges Court 
of Common Pleas. 

1870 — No term. 

1871 — Third Judicial District, April term, A. S. Latta, James Pillars 
and Chester R. Mott, Judges Court of Common Pleas. 

1872— No term. 

1873 — Third Judicial District, March term, James Pillars, A. S. Latta 
and Abner M. Jackson, Judges Court of Common Pleas. 

1874 — Same district, April term, James Pillars, A. S. Latta and Abner 
M. Jackson, Judges Court Common Pleas. 

1875 — Same district, March term, A. S. Latta, James Pillars and Thomas 
Beer, Judges Court of Common pleas. 

1876 — Same district, April term, same Judges as above. 

1877 — Same district, April term, Thomas Beer, James Pillars and Sel- 
wyn N. Owen, Judges Court of Common Pleas. 

1878 — Same district, March term, same Judges as above. 

1879 — Same district, March term, same Judges. 

1880 — Tenth Judicial District, April term, John McCauley, John L. 
Porter and Henry H. Dodge, Judges Court of Common Pleas. 

1881 — Same district, March term, Henry H. Dodge, John McCauley and 
John L. Porter, Judges Court of Common Pleas. 

1882 — Same district, March term, Henry H. Dodge, John L. Porter and 
John McCauley, Judges Court of Common Pleas. 

1883 — Same district, April term, Thomas Beer, Henry H. Dodge and 
John McCauley, Judges Court of Common Pleas. 

1884 — Same district, March term, Thomas Beer, Henry H. Dodge and 
George F. Pendleton, Judges Court of Common Pleas. ' 

COURT OF COMMON PLEAS. 

Judge Ozias Bowens, of Marion, presided over the Common Pleas Courts 
of Wyandot County from July 1, 1845 (the date the tirst term of court 
began), until the close of November, 1851, when, by a change of the organic 
law of the State, his services as the presiding officer of the circuit, as then 
formed, were brought to a close. On the 28th of November, 1851, the fol- 
lowing proceedings took place at Upper Sandusky at a meeting of the mem- 
bers of the bar of the old Second Judicial Circuit of the State of Ohio: 

"This Jay Moses H. Kirby, Esq., on behalf of the members of the bar, 
appeared in open court and read the following proceedings of a meeting 
held by said members, which, on motion, is ordered to be entered upon the 
journal of the court, to wit: 

"At a meeting of the members of the bar of the Second Judicial Cir- 
cuit of the State of Ohio, in attendance upon the court of Common Pleas 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 3t)l 

of the November term 1851, sitting in Wyandot County. On motion, I\Ioses 
H. Kirby was chosen Chairman, and R. G. Pennington, Secretary. On mo- 
tion of C. K. Watson, a committee of five was appointed by the chair to 
draft and submit to the meeting resolutions expressive of the esteem in 
which the members of the bar of the circuit hold the judicial services and 
character of the Hon. Ozias Bo wen, Presiding Judge of said circuit, upon 
his retirement from the bench which he has occupied for the term of four- 
teen years, and also an expression toward the services of the associates who 
with him occupy the bench. C. K. Watson, J. P. Pillars, J. Plants, J. D. 
Sears and R. McKelly were appointed such committee, and who reported to 
the meeting, and which were unanimously adopted, the following preamble 
and resolutions: 

Whereas, By a change of the organic law of this State, the official services and 
duties of the Hon. Ozias Bowen, as President .Judge of this judicial circuit are about 
to close. Therefore, for the purpose of perpetuating the estimation which his judicial 
services have justly merited and received for a period of fourteen years from the mem- 
bers of the bar of his circuit. 

Resolved, That in the discharge of all his official duties, we recognize the character 
of an able, upright and impartial Judge. 

Rewlccd, That upon a survey of his judicial career, we find nothing to condemn, 
and in reluciantly parting Avith him, we indulge the hope that those who succeed him 
may successfully emulate so fair an example of judicial integrity and ability. 

^Resolved, That the Hons. Abel Renick, George W. Leith and Hugh Welch, As- 
sociate Judges of this county, have con.scientiously and faithfully discharged the 
duties of an honorable office, and will in their retirement bear with them the assurance 
of the respect and esteem of the community which has enjoyed the benefit of their 
services. 

Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be presented to the court with the 
request that the same be entered upon the journal, and also, that they be published in 
the several papers in this judicial circuit. Moses H. Kirby, 

Robert G. Pennington, Secretary. Chairman. 

Judge Lawrence W. Hall, the successor ol Judge Bowen, began his 
tirst term of court in Wyandot County March 15, 1852, and continuing 
through a full constitutional term of five years, terminated his labors here 
as a Jitdge at the close of November term, 1856. Hon. William Lawrence, 
of Bellefontaine, held the next Court of Common Pleas, beginning April 
21, 1857. Then came Hon. Machias C. Whitely, of Findlay, who, elected 
for a term of live years, in October, 1850, presided over the July session, 
in 1857, and thereafter until the close of April term, 1858. Subsequently, 
during the remainder of Judge Whitelys' term, Judges George E. Seney 
(the present member of Congress from this district) and Josiah S. Plants, 
of Bucyrus, alternately presided over courts held at Upper Sandusky. 
Judge Plants, however, appeal's to have performed more work here than 
either Whitely or Seney, and occupied the bench almost uninterruptedly 
from the latter part of 1858, until his death in August, 1868, when Judge 
Whitely again appeared as the presiding officer, and continued until the 
close of 1864. Then came Hon. Jacob S. Conklin, of Sidney, in May, 

1865, succeeded by Judge Whitely, who presided for one year, beginning 
with October term, 1865. 

Judge Chester R. Mott, of Upper Sandusky, was elected in Octolier, 

1866, and served a term of five years. Meanwhile, during the same term, 
Judges James McKenzie, James Pillars and E. M. Phelps, also presided at 
various Coiu"ts of Common Pleas held at Upper Sandusky. Judge Mott's 
successor, Hon. Abner M. Jackson, of Bucyrus, was elected in October, 1871. 
He served until the summer of 1874, when he resigned and removed to 
Cleveland, and afterward to Colorado. To fill out his unexpired term, the 
Governor appointed the present incumbent, Hon. Thomas Beer, also a resi- 
dent of Bucyrus. 



362 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Of some of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas mentioned in the 
foregoing paragraphs, we append the following biographical sketches. 

Hon. Ozias Bowen, who died September '26, 1871. was one of the giants 
of the Marion County bar. Born July 23, 1805, in Oneida County, N. Y. ; 
not much is known of his early cai'eer, but sufficient has been preserved to 
establish the fact that he was reared amid a community of outspoken, heroic, 
high-principled people, and these early surroundings gave a permanent 
basis for his moral character. When a youth of eighteen, he appeared in 
Ashtabula County, Ohio, where he studied law and was admitted to the bar, 
and where he also published a weekly newspaper. In 1828, he became a 
resident of Marion, Ohio, and after engaging in teaching and merchandiz- 
ing for a brief period, he resumed the practice of his profession, rising to 
the positions of Prosecuting Attorney, and Judge of the Court of Common 
Pleas, which last-named position he held with credit to himself and benefit 
TO the commiinity for fourteen years, his circuit extending at one time as 
far northward as Lake Erie. A seat on the bench of the Supreme Court of 
Ohio was also awarded to him. In whatever tended to advance the welfare 
of the people, he took a deep interest; education found in him its warm 
advocate; all churches alike shared his bounty, although the Presbyterian 
community claimed him as its especial member. The cause of the slave 
found in Judge Bowen an ardent advocate, and his associations were ever 
with the Republican party. He was the friend and coadjutor of such men 
as Salmon P. Chase, Columbus Delano and the like. His fine residence in 
the southern part of the town of Marion attested that his labors had met 
with their due pecuniary reward. In physiqiie, he was five feet and eleven 
inches in height, while his weight was nearly two hundred pounds, thus 
attesting that a vigorous body is ever the basis of a vigorous mind. 

Judge Bowen's profession and the practice of it made him a prominent 
and noticeable character, not only in the town and county where he lived, 
but throughout the State, and to him, as a lawyer, more attention should be 
given than to any other phase of his character. He was a leading lawyer, 
eminent and successful, the peer of any with whom he came in contact pro- 
fessionally. He was not a fluent or eloquent speaker, and brought to his 
aid none of the graces or tricks of voice or action of the trained elocution- 
ist. As an advocate he was reasonable, logical, plain, fair, direct and pow- 
erful, and although he could not sway or control a court or jury by bursts 
of eloquence, yet he had immense influence as a shrewd, argumentative rea- 
soner. He was a good judge of men and character, and had what has al- 
ways been the element or secret of success in every department of man's 
work — a vast amount of good, solid common sense. 

In his practice, he was fair, bold, fearless and dignified, always com- 
manding and securing the attention and respect of the court. 

He was exceedingly careful in giving advice and counseling in litiga- 
tion, always desiring to avoid and keep out of bad cases; but when he had 
determined to go on he entered upon the work of the preparation and trial 
of his cases with the determination to succeed, and no client could ever 
charge him with neglect or want of zeal. His many years of practice and 
his long experience as a judge made him exceedingly familiar with the law 
and especially rules of court and of practice. Yet even in his later years, 
he never went into court, in even the smallest of cases, without a brief, 
both of facts and of law. With good natural qualifications and long exper- 
ience, he put no especial dependence in either, but did depend on the re- 
sults of special preparation and labor in every case. His secret of success 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 363 

was indomitable energy and unremitting labor. He kept a common-place 
book, in which were noted the results of his investigations, and always 
ready and at hand; he had a brief when any subject came before him a 
second time Every trial in which he was engaged found him with a full 
and especially prepared brief, and every one was tried with a view of tak- 
ing it to a higher court if he did not secure on the first trial what he 
thought he ought to have, and his cases will show that even where he was 
beaten below, he was most likely to be successful in the end. He was a 
bold, hard fighter, and like every strong, uncompromising character, made 
some enemies, but the profession will always recognize him as one of the 
strongest men at the bar in Northern Ohio in his day. His thoroughness 
was remarkable and his attention to details equally so. His students will 
always remember one direction which he gave as to the conduct of trials, 
viz., '' Never omit to make every point in your case, no matter how trifling 
or small it may seem to you, for although it may look trifling, yet it may be 
the decisive point in the mind of the court or jury to which you are trying 
the case." This notice of Judge Bowen's professional character and career 
would not be complete if we failed to note one beautiful trait in that char- 
acter, and that is his uniform kindness and courtesy to the young men of 
his profession. All who were so fortunate as to practice with him will re- 
member this. No young man ever appealed to him for professional assist- 
ance in vain, when he was free and could give it. He gave the benefit of 
his experience and counsel willingly and joyfully, and always had a kind 
and eucouraging word to those who felt the embarrassment of inexperience. 
The young lawyers who were about him remember him gratefully. To do 
the life and professional chara-^ter of Judge Bowen justice, we cannot, 
probably, better sum up the whole matter than by saying, "He was a great 
lawyer. '' * 

Hon. William Lawrence resided at Bellefontaiue, Logan County. He 
was a well read lawyer, possessed remarkable industry and energy, and was 
a satisfactory Judge. Morally, he was religious and without blemish. He 
was always pleasant and affable, and was popular both with the people and 
the bar. He was a former resident of Morgan County, this State. At the 
opening of the court in May, 1861, when the people were excited about the 
war, he ordered the Sheriff to raise the national flag over the cupola of the 
court house in Marion, which order the Sheriff refused to obey. The 
latter was therefore brought into court and fined for contempt. He then 
hoisted the flag according to the original order. In 1862, Judge Lawrence 
went to the front as Colonel in command of a regiment of volunteers. 
While iu the service his salary as Judge continued, which he drew and dis- 
tributed to the school districts throughout his circuit. In the fall of 1864, 
he was elected to a seat in Congress, and resigned his position upon the 
bench to enter upon his new round of duties. Near the close of the term of 
President Hayes he was appointed First Comptroller of the United States 
Treasury, which position he now occupies. 

Hoa. Josiah S. Plants, of Bucyrus, was a gentleman of sterling worth 
and popular with all classes. In August, 1863, while hunting in Indiana, 
he was accidentally wounded by his own piece from the effects of which he 
died. He was then serving a second term as Judge of the Common Pleas 
Court of his district. 

Hon. Chester R. Mott, of Upper Sandusky, is mentioned in the article 
entitled "The Bar" of this volume, also in the history of the town of 
Upper Sandusky, to which readers are referred. 

* From an article prepured by J. F. McNeal, Esq. 



364 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Hon. Thomas Beer, of Bucyrus, was born in Wayne Couoty, Ohio, 
September 7, 1832. His literary course of studies was completed at the 
Vei-milion Institute, Hayesville, Ashland County, Ohio, and in 1848 he 
began teaching school. Having chosen law as a profession, he commenced 
its study with John C. Tidball. Esq., of Coshocton, in 1851, teaching school 
meanwhile to defray expenses, and remained with him until 1853. From 
1854 to 1858, he served as postmaster at Alliance, Ohio. In the latter 
year he became editor of the Stark County Democrat at Canton, Ohio, and 
in 1862, editor of the Craivford County F'oriim. He was admitted to the 
bar in 1862, and began to practice at Bucyrus, Ohio. In 18(53, he vras 
elected to represent Crawford County in the State Legislature, and was re- 
elected, thus serving through the sessions of 1864-66, 1866-68. He also 
served as a member of the Constitutional Convention held at Columbus and 
Cincinnati in 1873-4. On the 15th of August, 1874, he was appointed by 
the Governor, Judge of the Common Pleas Court, for the Fourth Subdivision 
of the Third Judicial District of Ohio, then comprising the counties of 
Wood, Hancock, Seneca, Wyandot, Crawford and Marion. In October, 
1874, he was elected to fill the unexpired term of Judge Jackson, who 
had resigned. In 1876, he was re-elected for the full term of five years, 
and in 1881, was again re-elected to serve until February 9, 1887. As a 
practitioner Judge Beer was fair and honorable. On the bench he is not. 
rapid in his decisions, but takes time to fortify himself with precedents, 
which practice leads the people to regard him as a careful, impartial and 
iipright Judge. 

Wyandot County is now, with Crawford and Manon, in the Second 
Subdivision of the Tenth Judicial District of the State. 

Prior to the adoption of the State Constitution of 1851, those who, as 
residents of Wyandot County, sat on the bench as Associate Judges, were 
Abel Renick. William Brown, George W. Leith, Joseph Chaffee, A. M. 
Anderson and Hugh Welch, all of whom were Whigs. 

THE BAR. 

Respecting those who, as resident attorneys, have practiced at the 
Wyandot County bar during the past forty years, the results of many 
hours of labor, passed in patient, diligent research, are placed before the 
reader as follows: It is first explained, however, that the names of those 
now practicing in the eount}^ are marked by an asterisk, and that more extend- 
ed sketches concerning many will be found in the biographical notes at- 
tached to the history of the town of Upper Sandusky. 

Jude Hall, Esq., who is mentioned as the first resident attorney at 
Upper Sandusky, ebtablished an office here for the transaction of legal 
business as early as the year 1843, and remained some three or four years 
thereafter. He is remembered and spoken of by the oldest inhabitants 
as a rather eccentric character, a hard worker in the cause of his clients, a 
ready debater, and could, when he deemed the occasion fitting, pour forih 
into the ears of lenient Judges, and wondering, almost awe-stricken jurors, 
stilted, grandiloquent rhetoric without stint. The following amusing 
reminiscences respecting Mr. Hall have been fiurnished us by his early 
cotemporary, John D. Sears, Esq. 

" The reminiscent first saw Jude Hall in 1844, during a term of 
the Common Pleas of Crawford County, where he defended a client, 
from the western part of the county who had been indicted for perjury 
in swearing to an answer in chancery. His principal ground of de- 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 365 

fense. and which was urged with great vehemence and much itera- 
tion, was, that there had been no intentional pei'jury, but that the un- 
lucky falsehood was "a mere discrepancy of the pen." The defendant 
was acquitted. At another term of the same court, hf>ld in the same year, 
our learned advocate was trying an action of trespass for hog-stealing, 
brought into court by appeal from Ci-awford Township. Among the adverse 
witnesses was the pettifogger who had been pitted against Jude before 
the Justice, and whom, in his argument to the jury, he demolished in the 
words and figures of speech following: ' Gentlemen of the jury, 
you may put one foot upon Hercules, and the other upon Jupiter, and lay 
your telescope, astraddle of the sun, and gaze over this wide creation, and 
you can't find as mean a man as John Smith." At another time, 
when trying a case in a Justice's court at Bucyrus, he attacked and 
overwhelmed the opposing counsel, with this pondrous climax: ''Why, 
your honor! He's a mere circumstance, a fabric, a ruta baga." The 
writer was present at a trial in the high court of Osceola, then presided 
over by Bishop Tuttle. when Hall was counsel for the defendant, and Col., af- 
terward. Judge Scott, represented the plaintiff. At the close of the plaintiff's 
testimony, the usual motion for a non-suit was made and argued, and Jude 
began his closing speech, in this crushing and magniloquent style: " The 
gentleman may roar like a salamander, but my positions are adamantine, 
and must prevail." With these few specimen bricks, we dismiss^this erratic 
genius, whose stay with us was as brief as it was brilliant. We never shall 
see his like a2ain, nor know we whence he came or whither went. Peace 
to his metaphors, his climaxes and his allegories." 

Hon. Chester R. Mott* was born in Susquehanna County, Penn., July 
15, 1813. Having obtained an excellent common school and academic ed- 
ucation, he engaged for a brief period in teaching at Erie, Penn. Subse- 
quently he studied law under the instructions of J. W. Riddle and William 
Lyon, of Erie, and in 1837 was admitted to practice. He continued at Erie 
until the spring of 1844, when he removed to the town of Upper Sandusky. 
He assisted in the organization of Wyandot County, and in the spring of 
1845, was elected its Hrst Prosecuting Attorney. He was elected County 
Auditor in 1849, and re-elected to the same position in 1851. In 1857, he 
was chosen to represent the counties of Hardin and Wyandot in the State 
Legislature. He was again elected Prosecuting Attorney of Wyandot in 
1865. The following year he was elected Judge of the Court of Common 
Pleas for the Fourth Subdivision of the Third Judicial District, composed of 
Crawford, Hancock, Seneca and Wyandot Counties, for the full constitu- 
tional term of five years. He has also served as Mayor of the town of Up- 
per Sandusky, and as an efficient member of the Board of Education. 

Hon. Moses H. Kirby,* who for many years has enjoyed the distinction 
of being the oldest member of the Wyandot County bar, was born in Hal- 
ifax County, Va., May 21, 1798. He graduated from the University of 
North Carolina in 1820, and returning to Hilisboro, Highland Co., Ohio (to 
which place his widowed mother had removed from Virginia, in 1815), at 
once began the study of law under Richard Collins, Esq Three years 
later he was admitted to practice, and the same year (1823) was appointed 
Prosecuting Attorney for Highland County, which office he held for seven 
years. In 1826, he was elected to represent Highland County in the State 
Legislature, and being reelected from time to time served in the same po- 
sition until 1831, when by a joint ballot of the Senate and House of Rep- 
resentatives, he was elected Secretary of the State for a term of three years. 



366 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

At the expiration of his term as State Secretary he resumed the practice of 
law at Cohimbns, Ohio. Subsequently he was elected and served as Prose- 
cuting Attorney for Franklin County, Ohio. In 1842, he was appointed by 
President Tyler Receiver of the United States Land Office at Lima, Ohio, 
where he remained until the summer of 1843, when the office was removed 
to Upper Sandusky. After the expiration of his term of service as Land 
Receiver, he once more resumed the practice of his profession in the town 
which has since been his continuous place of residence — Upper Sanduskj. 
He was appointed Prosecuting Attorney of Wyandot County in 1847, to fill 
a vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. Mott, and, in an alternate man- 
ner, has since served in the same capacity for a period of twenty years. In 
1858, he was elected Pi'obate Judge, serving two terms, and in 1879, the 
people of his district chose him as their Representative in the State Senate. 
He was re-elected to the same office in 1881, and concluded the term to the 
entire satisfaction of his constituents. 

Hon. John D. Sears,* a leading member of the Wyandot County bar 
since the county's organization, was box-n in Delaware County, N. Y., Feb- 
ruary 2, 1821. He became a resident of Crawford County, Ohio, in 1836, 
and soon after entered the Ohio University at Athens, where his literary 
studies as a student were completed. Afterward he studied law at Bucyrus, 
with Hon. Josiah Scott (since Chief Justice), and in 1844 was admitted to 
the bar. On the 3d of March, 1845, he settled in the town of Upper San- 
dusky, then a hamlet of less than a dozen buildings of all classes, and has ever 
since taken an active part in promoting its prosperity, as well as that of the 
whole county. He has not been an office-seeker, but has given his attention 
to the practice of his profession, in which he occupies a conspicuous place, 
being regarded as an able and sound attorney. However, in 1873, he was 
elected and served as a member of the Third State Constitutional Conven- 
tion which assembled at Columbus, Ohio. He served on the judiciary and 
other important committees, and was recognized as one of the ablest and 
most accomplished members of that body. He has also served as Mayor, 
and for many years as School Examiner, member of the Board of Educa- 
tion, etc., of the thriving town which has entirely grown up under his per- 
sonal observation. 

Hon. Robert McKelly* is another whose name stands out conspicuously 
in the history of Wyandot County. He was born in Lancaster County, 
Penn., April 8, 1815. He became a resident of Ohio in 1834, and after 
reading law under Henry B. Curtis, Esq., and Col. John K. Miller, was 
admitted to the bar in 1842. The same year, he began to practice his pro- 
fession at Bucyrus, where he remained until the summer of 1845, when he 
removed to Upper Sandusky, and assiimed the duties of Register of the 
United States Land Office, a position to which he had been appointed by 
President Polk, and which he held for three years. He became the first Pro- 
bate Judge of Wyandot County under the constitution adopted in 1851. 
In 1857, he was elected to represent the Thirty-first District, composed of 
Crawford, Seneca and Wyandot Counties, in the State Senate. He also 
served as Director and President of the Ohio & Indiana Railroad before its 
consolidation with other lines, under the title of the Pittsburgh, Fort 
Wayne & Chicago Railroad. He is the present Prosecuting Attorney of 
this (Wyandot) County. 

Capt. Peter A. Tyler was a resident of McCutchenville long before the 
organization of Wyandot County. About 1852, he removed to Upper San- 
dusky, where he continued to reside until his death. In April, 1861, he 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY, 367 

recruited a company of Wyandot County men and joined the Fifteenth 
Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving with that command as Cap- 
tain for a term of three months. Subsequently, he led into the field another 
company of Wyandot County Volunteers. (See Military Record in this 
work). Some time after the war he became involved in a personal difficulty 
at "Bucyrus, Ohio, which resulted in his being woiinded by a pistol shot, of 
which injury he died soon after at Upper Sandusky. 

William K. Wear, who is mentioned as an attorney at Upper Sandusky 
as early as the spiing of 1845, came here from Highland County, Ohio. 
Possessing neither transcendent abilities nor good looks (he had a stiff 
neck, carrying his head to one side, and was deaf in one ear), and prone to 
indulge in transactions not altogether reputable, he did not prove to be a 
success in this field. After tarrying here for a year or so, he left one day or 
night in a rather hurried manner, proceeding southerly, and breathing 
maledictions against John D. Sears, Esq., which are best repeated by the 
"Judge" himself. Wear was last heard from in California. 

Hon. George W. Beery, Sr., President of the Wyandot County Bank, 
was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, July 22, 1822. In June, 1847, he be- 
came a resident of Upper Sandusky, and, with Aaron Lyle as a partner, 
engaged in the practice of Jaw under the title of Beery & Lyle. This 
partnership continued for two years, when Col. Lyle started for California, 
dying en route. Mr. Beery, however, kept on in the practice of his profes- 
sion until the inauguration of the internal revenue system, during the late 
civil war, when he was appointed by President Lincoln Internal Revenue 
Assessor for the (then) Fifth Congressional District of the State of Ohio. 
After being relieved from the duties of that office by Andrew Johnson, he 
organized the Wyandot County Bank, of which flourishing institution he 
has been President since April 1, 1867, the date of its organization. Mr. 
Beery has ever been known as a man of great positiveness and strength of 
character — a most worthy and honorable citizen, and a public-spirited, 
noble-hearted gentleman. 

Col. Aaron Lyle, already mentioned as the law partner, for a brief 
period, of George W. Beery, Esq., also came to Upper Sandusky from 
Fairfield County, Ohio, in the summer of 1847. Soon after, he was elected 
Prosecuting Attorney, but he did not continue long in that position, for 
in April, 1849, accompanied by Col. A. McElvain and Editor William T. 
Giles, he started overland for the California gold fields. He died en route, 
and was buried far from the haunts of civilization. 

S. R. McBane, an attorney at law, came to Upper Sandusky about the- 
year 1848, but remained only a short time. Of his subsequent career we 
have derived no information. 

Hon. B. P. Smith was for some years a resident at Carey. He was an 
able attorney, and during his residence in this county served as a member of 
the State Constitutional Convention of 1850-51. He removed from Carey 
to Huron County, Ohio. 

B. F. Ogle and A. F. Anderson, attorneys at law, also resided at Carey 
years ago. 

Henry Maddux, a native of Somerset County, Md. , was born July 7, 
1819. He became a resident of Marion County, Ohio, in the spring of 
1836. In 1846, he came to Wyandot County. Subsequently he studied 
law, and at June term. 1851, was admitted to the bar. He was appointed 
School Examiner in 1853, which position he held until 1868, when he 
resigned and removed to Springfield, Ohio. In the spring of 1870, he 



368 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

returned to Upper Sandusky, and soon after was elected Prosecuting Attor- 
ney. Mr. Maddux was quite successful in the accumulation of worldly 
•wealth, and during the last years of his life served as a Director of the First 
National Bank of Upper Sandusky. His death occurred during recent 
years. 

Nelson W. Dennison, known to early residents of Upper Sandusky as 
an attorney at law, also as the publisher and editor of the Democratic 
Vindicator for a brief period, removed to Boonesboro, Boone Co., Iowa, in 
the summer of 1857. 

Col. Cyrus Sears, a brother of Hon. John D. Sears, was admitted to the 
bar in September, 1856. During the late civil war he rendered efficient 
service as Lieutenant of a battery of light artillery, and as Colonel of a col 
ored regiment. (See his biography, also Chapter 12, of this work). For 
about three years after the close of the war of the rebellion he practiced 
law with his brother before mentioned. He is now engaged in various 
business pursuits in this county, having abandoned the legal profession. 

Hon. John Berry was born in the region now embraced by Wyandot 
County April 26, 1833. After completing his literary studies at the Wes- 
leyan University, Delaware, Ohio, he began the study of law at Upper San - 
dvisky with Hon. Robert McKelly. Subsetjuently he attended the Cincin- 
nati Law School, graduated therefrom with honor, and was admitted to the 
bar in April, 1857. He then became identified with the interests of Upper 
Sandusky and resided here until his death. Although he was a gentleman 
possessed of much ability and widely esteemed, yet it appears that he pre- 
ferred the practice of his profession rather than office-holding. However, 
he served as Mayor of Upper Sandusky, and as Prosecuting Attorney for the 
county, and in 1872 was elected to represent the Fourteenth Ohio District 
in the United States House of Representatives, 1878-75. 

Hon. Curtis Berry, Jr.,* a brother of Hon. John Berry, was also "to the 
manor born," a native of the territory now known as Wyandot County. 
Having completed his literary course of studies at the Ohio Wesleyan Uni- 
versity, Delawarti, Ohio, he read law at Upper Sandusky under the instruct- 
ions of his talentel brother, and at June term, 1860, of the Wyandot County 
Court, was admitted to the bar. He has since served three terms as Clerk 
of Courts for Wyandot County. He also represented the Thirty-first Dis- 
trict, consisting of Seneca, Crawford and Wyandot Counties, in the State 
Senate, during the years 1866-68 and 1868-70. Mr. Berry, now an invalid, 
resides in the eastern part of the town of Upper Sandusky, on grounds ren- 
dered historic, as the place where Col. Crawford's men stopped to quench 
their thirst, at a spring, on their outward march in June, 1782; as the site 
of Fort Ferree, war of 1812-15, aod as the place where William Walker, of 
Wyandot Indian memory, resided. He has been known as a firm Demo- 
crat, a good attorney, and a forcible speaker. 

D. A. Harrison, who was chiefly employed while here as Superintendent 
of the Public Schools, at Upper Sandusky, now resides in the town of 
Springfield, Ohio. 

Henry A. Hoyt, who was associated with Hon. Robert McKelly for a 
brief period, is a present resident of the State of Iowa. 

George Crawford, Esq., known years ago as a young attorney at Upper 
Sandusky, also as a gallant soldier during the war of the rebellion, is the 
present publisher and editor of the Independent, at Marion, Ohio. 

George G. White,* Esq. , now and for a number of years past known as 
a resident attornev in active practice, was admitted to the bar in August, 
1867. 




r. Bintl Pat! C3 






.,^yt 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 371 

Thomas E. GriselJ,* Esq., a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, came 
to Upper Sandusky in 1852. In 1854, he was elected Clerk of Courts of 
Wyandot County, and served a term of three years. Besides attending to 
his law practice, he has found time to engage in other business pursuits, 
which have been conducted in a very successful manner. He is an able 
lawyer and highly respected as a citizen. 

Elza Carter,* a member of the present Wyandot County bar, is a part- 
ner of the gentleman above mentioned (Grisell). 

Hon. Darius D. Hare,* the present Mayor of the town of Upper San- 
dusky, was born in Seneca Couuty, Ohio, Januar}' 9, 1843. He completed 
his literary studies at the Wesley an University, Delaware, Ohio, in 1863. 
In 1864, he enlisted in the Signal Corps of the United States Army, in 
which service he continued till the close of hostilities. Subsequently he 
was detailed, in the same service, as Clerk at the headquarters of Gen. 
Sheridan at New Orleans, till discharged by Special Order of the War De- 
partment in 1866. He then entered the Law Department of the Michigan 
University at Ann Arbor, and after a thorough course of studies, was admit- 
ted to the bar by the District Court of Wyandot Couuty, in September, 
1867. He practiced at Carey for a brief period, but in 1868 located in 
Upper Sandusky, which has since been his place of residence. He has 
served as City Solicitor, as Mayor, and as a member of the Board of School 
Examiners for this county through several terms. Although one of the 
youngest members of the present bar, Mr. Hare has built up an extensive 
and lucrative practice, and is known as one of the ablest expounders of the 
law in Wyandot County. 

Allen Smalley,* Esq., was born December 26, 1841, in Ashland County, 
Ohio. With his father's family he became a resident of Wyandot County 
in 1854. In the spring of 1862, he enlisted in the Forty-ninth Ohio In- 
fantry, in which command he served nearly one year, or until discharged for 
disability. After recovering his health, he attended the Ohio Wesleyan 
University at Delaware, through two terms. In the spring of 1864, he 
again entered the service of the United States as a member of the Signal 
Corps. He was with Commodore Farragut's fleet at Mobile, Ala. After the 
close of the war he entered the Law Department of the Michigan University, 
and graduated from that institution in 1868. Soon after, he was admitted 
to the bar at Olney, 111., where he practiced until 1870. Subsequently he 
passed some months in the South. Next he taught school in Posey County, 
Ind., for five months. Then he returned to Wyandot County. Since 1874, 
besides practicing his profession, he has served as Justice of the Peace, and 
as an active member and oflficer of the County Agricultural Society. 

Hon. Peter B. Beidler,* was born in Berks County, Penn., December 
23, 1818. He became a resident of this region in 1842, was elected County 
Surveyor of Crawford County in 1843, assisted in the oi'ganization of 
Wyandot County in 1845, and after a close contest with Azariah Boot, was 
by order of court awarded the same position in the new county of Wyan- 
dot. Since that time he has served as County Surveyor through several 
terms. Also as Probate Judge for nine consecutive years, and as Mayor of 
the town of Upper Sandusky. He was admitted to the bar in 1874. 

George G. Bowman, Esq., now a successful attorney in the State of 
Nebraska, was a member of the Wyandot bar some ten years ago. 

Adam Kail, Esq. , a resident of the county from early boyhood, and who 
had served as a volunteer during the war of the rebellion, was also an 

10 



372 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

attorney of considerable ability. He died of consumption in Florida in 
December, 1881. 

Hon. Willard D. Tyler, a son of Capt. Peter A. Tyler, now resides in 
the State of Texas. He served one term as prosecuting attorney for Wyan- 
dot County, and represented the same county in the State Legislature during 
the sessions of 1878-80, and 1880-82. 

William F. Pool,* Esq., was born in Richland County, Ohio, July 23, 
1848. Having obtained a good English education, he began teaching at 
the age of nineteen, and continued in that occupation until 1872, when he 
began the study of law under the preceptorship of Henry Maddux, Esq., of 
Upper Sandusky. He was admitted to the bar in 1875, and at once began 
to practice in the Wyandot County courts. He was for a time associated 
with George G. Bowman, and subsequently with Adam Kail until the death 
of the latter. 

Judge Joel W. Gibson* was born in that part of Crawford County, Ohio, 
now known as Wyandot, December 19, 1842. His education was chiefly 
acquired in the public schools. In 1862, he enlisted in the One Hundred 
and Twenty-third Ohio Infantry, and with that gallant command partici- 
poted in numerous actions fought in the Valley of Virginia. He was severe- 
ly wounded in the right leg in the battle of Winchester, June 15, 1863, and 
fell into the enemy's hands. A few days later, an amputation of the wound- 
ed member was successfully performed. He was honorably discharged, and 
for a few years was engaged in various occupations. He has served as 
Revenue Collector, Justice of the Peace, and Probate Judge. In 1875, he 
was admitted to the bar. After retiring from the office of Probate Judge, 
in February, 1883, he formed a partnership for the practice of law with 
Hon. Robert McKelly. This firm still continues. 

Enoch D. Bare,* Esq., was born in Richland County, Ohio, September 16, 
1848. His education was obtained in the public schools, supplemented by 
a course of studies at the Northwestern Normal School of Ohio. He began 
teaching at the age of eighteen, and continued that occupation during the 
major portion of his time until 1874, when he commenced the study of law 
in the office of Hons. John and Curtis BeiTy, Jr., of Upper Sandusky. He 
was admitted to the bar in April, 1876, and at once entered upon the prac- 
tice of his profession at Upper Sandusky, his present place of residence. 

Darius D. Clayton,* Esq., the present Probate Judge of this county, was 
born in Pitt Township, Wyandot County, Ohio, February 19, 1850. His 
literary studies were completed in the Wesleyan University at Delaware, 
Ohio, and the Oberlin College of same State. He graduated from the last- 
named institution in 1876. In 1877, he began the-study of law under the 
instruction of Darius D. Hare, Esq., and November 8, 1878, was admitted 
to the bar at Columbus, Ohio. His term as Probate Judge began February 
12, 1883. 

Robert Carey,* Esq., was born in Ontario, Canada, February 17, 
1845. Having completed his studies in the Toronto Provincial Normal 
School, he early engaged in the occupation of teaching, and continued as 
an instructor in Canada and the United States, until 1877 when he began 
the study of law with D. W. Brooks, Esq., of Detroit, Mich. Subsequently 
he attended the Law Department of the Michigan (Ann Arbor) University, 
for one year. Then returning to Upper Sandusky, he still further pursued 
his law studies, under the instruction of Judge Mott, until May 5, 1880, 
when he was admitted to practice in the various courts of the State. 

Milton B. Smith * and W. T. Dickerson,* attorneys at law, are present 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 



37S 



residents of the town of Cai'ey, where they have been established for a num- 
ber of years. 

James T. Close,* Esq., the youngest member of the present Wyandot 
County bar, was born in Alexandria City, Va., October 27, 1856. He was 
educated at Alexandria, Va., Washington, D. C, and Whitestown Seminary, 
N. Y. In 1874, he began the study of law with Judge Michael Thomp- 
son, of Washington, D. C, at the same time attending lectures at the 
National Law University, and concluding a three years' course in the office 
of David L. Smoot, of Alexandria, Va, In 1877, he was admitted to prac- 
tice in the courts of Virginia and the District of Columbia. In 1878, he 
came to Wyandot Cou,nty, Ohio, and opened a law office in the town of 
Nevada. Subsequently he visited the South, and was also employed in the 
War Department at Washington, D. C. In September, 1882, he became a 
resident of Upper Sandusky, and in 1883, was appointed official stenog- 
rapher of the county of Wyandot for a term of three years. 




374 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 



CHAPTER VIII. 
THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 

A WuiTJER Confronted by Difficulties— Medical Makeshifts of the 
Early Settlers— One of the Oldest Describes the Ague— The Phy- 
sicians OF the County in 1845— Early and Present Physicians at 
Upper Sandusky— A Sketch of Dr. Fowler— Of Dr. Sampson, and of 
Dr. McConnell. 

UNDER this caption, it would be a pleasurable task to luention the 
names, locations, characteristics, etc., of all regularly educated physi- 
cians who have lived and practiced medicine in the region now known as Wy- 
andot County; but from the fact that, as a class, the gentlemen of the medi- 
cal profession lead a life more nomadic than their brothers of legal accom- 
plishments, that no reminiscences of Wyandot's early medical practitioners 
have ever been compiled, and that no medical association has ever been 
formed and perpetuated in the county, the work, at this late day, of com- 
piling a chapter in any respect complete, and within the time placed at our 
disposal, is wholly impracticable. 

The early settlers of this and adjoining counties were great sufferers 
from "fever and ague," and, occasionally, from another form of disease 
termed the "milk-sickness." But few of the people being acquainted with 
the last-mentioned disease, its effects, cure, or prevention, and having but 
few physicians among them, and those when they first came here were 
mostly unacquainted with the disease, a large percentage of these cases 
proved fatal. Some heads of families would obtain from distant towns 
supplies of jalap, calomel, "tartar mattix," etc., and dose their families 
and neighbors; others would boil a kettle full of butternut bark, and make a 
supply of butternut pills, or dig up a quantity of blue-flag, culver, may- 
apple and blood-root, pulverize and swallow them, or take them in pills or 
decoctions, just as might suit the fancy of the prescriber or patient. But, 
as an old resident has said, "We soon had plenty of doctors traversing the 
highways and byways so much, that any one who wished to be doctored 
could be so treated to his heart's content." 

Another early settler, in describing the fever now termed malarial, 
writes as follows: " One of the greatest obstacles to the early settlement 
and prosperity of the West, was the ague, ' fever and ague,' or 'chills and 
fever,' as it was variously termed. In the fall almost everybody was afflict- 
ed with it. It was no respecter of persons. Everybody looked pale and 
sallow, as though he were frost-bitten. It was not contagious, but was de- 
rived from impure water and malaria, such as is abundant in a new country. 
The impurities from them, combined with those which come from bad die- 
tetics, engorged the liver and deranged the whole vital machinery. By and 
by, the shock would come, and come in the form of a ' shake,' followed by 
a fever. These would be regular on certain hours every alternate day, 
sometimes every day, or every third day. When you had the chill you 
couldn't get warm, and when you had the fever you couldn't get cool. It 
was exceedingly awkward in this respect, indeed it was! Nor would it stop 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 375 

for any sort of contingency; not even a wedding in the family would stop 
it. It was tyranieal. When the appointed time came around, everything 
else had to be stopped to attend to its demands. It didn't have even any 
Sundays or holidays." 

After the fever went down, you still did not feel much better; you felt 
as though you had gone through some sort of collision, or threshing ma- 
chine, or jarring machine, and came out, not killed, but you some times wish 
you had loeen. You felt weak, as though you. had run too far after some- 
thing, and then didn't catch it. You felt languid, stupid and sore, and 
was down in the mouth and heel, and partially raveled out. Your back 
was out of fix; your head ached, and your appetite was crazy. Your eyes 
had too much white in them; your ears, especially after taking quinine, 
had too much roar in them, and your whole body and soul were entirely 
woe-begone, disconsolate, sad, poor and good-for-nothing. You didn't 
think much of yourself, and didn't believe that other people did, either ; 
and you didn't cax'e. You didn't make up your mind to commit suicide, 
but sometimes wished some accident would happen to knock either the mal- 
ady or yourself out of existence. You imagined that even the dogs looked 
at you with a kind of self-complacency. You felt that even the sun had a 
sickly shine about it. 

About this time you came to the conclusion that you would not accept 
the whole State of Ohio as a gift; and if you had the strength and means, 
you picked up Hannah and the baby and your traps and went back " yander 
to Ole Virginny," " Pennsylvany," Mai'yland, ISew York or the "Jarseys." 
You didn't sing, but you felt the following : 

"And to-day the swallows flitting 
Round my cabin, see me sitting 
Moodily within the sunshine, 
Just inside my silent door. 

" Waiting for the ' ager, 'seeming 
Like a man forever dreaming; 
And the sunlight on me streaming 

Throws no shadow on the floor; 
For I'm too thin and sallow 
To make shadows on the floor — 
Nary shadow any more \" 

The above is not a mere picture of the imagination. It is simply re- 
counting, in quaint phrase, what actually occurred in thousands of cases. 
Whole families would sometimes be sick at one time, and not one member 
scarcely able to wait upon another. Labor or exercise always aggravated 
the malady, and it took Gen. Laziness a long time to thrash the enemy out. 
And those were the days for swallowing all sorts of "roots and yarbs," 
and whisky, etc., with a faint hope of relief. And finally, when the case 
wore out, the last remedy taken got the credit of the cure. 

We have not learned who could justly claim the honor of being the first 
resident physician in the territory now known as Wyandot County, but it 
is altogether probable that Tymochtee Township could boast of the con- 
tinued presence of one of these disciples of Esculapius as early as 1825. 
In 1845, however, when the first Board of County Commissioners ordered 
that a special tax of $1 be levied upon each attorney and physician in the 
county, the physicians mentioned upon the tax lists were as follows : Crane 
Township, Joseph Mason and David Watson ; Ridge Township, Noah 
Wilson ; Kichland Township, David Adams ; Jacksou Township, William 
Cope ; Marseilles Township,* Wells Chisney and Orrin Ferris; Crawford 

* Dr. Westbrook, the first physician to locate at Marseilles Village, was there in 1835, also Dr. Hall. 



376 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Township, Howard Clark and John Foster ; Tymochtee Township, Alvin 
Bingham, John Free, Ziba A. Letson, Erastus Ranger, George W. Samp- 
son, and Dr. Dunn; Antrim Township, Augustus "W. Munson ; Pitt Town- 
ship, James H. Drum, Stephen Fowler and James B. McGill. 

Among other early physicians at Upper Sandusky, besides Joseph 
Mason, who died in 1852, and David Watson, were James McConaell, who 
eame in the summer of 1845 ; Madison Fletcher, who located here in 1846 ; 
Orrin Ferris and William Kiskadden, druggists and physicians, in 1848, 
and George T. McDonald, also in 1848. 

In the list of later and present physicians, we find the names of R. A. 
Henderson,* William Irwin, Dr. Ramsey, I. H. Williams, J. VV. Smalley, 
Dr. Thompson, Dr. Sigler, Dr. Kilmer, J. W. Barnes, J. W. White,* N. 
Hardy,* F. J. Schug, R. N, McConnell,* D. W. Byi-on,* Rudolph Heym, 
J. W. Rosenberger, Isaac N. Bowman,* W. K. Byron,* G. O. Masky, * L. 
P. Walter* and J, W^. Davis.* 

Dr. Stephen Fowler, one of the first physicians to locate within the 
limits of the present county of Wyandot, and who also servpd as one of 
Wyandot's first County Commissioners, died near Little Sandusky December 
26, 1847, in the fifty-ninth year of his age. 

He was born in Berkshire County, Mass., October 4. 1789. When quite 
young, his father removed his family to Rutland County, Vt., where the 
sons were trained as farmers. After attaining his majority, Stephen began 
the study of medicine. Having completed a thorough course of medical 
studies, he first began to practice, near the close of the war of 1812-15, in 
a United States army hospital at Burlington, Vt. He there gained great 
credit for his skill and success in treating patients suffering with an epi- 
demic fever then prevailing. 

Soon after the close of the war referred to, he determined to go South, 
and, in accordance with his plans, began a journey on horseback from Ver- 
mont toward New Orleans ; but when he had reached a point in Bradford 
County, Penn., he became quite ill. The settlers there, who were chiefly 
natives of New York and the New England States, then persuaded him to 
remain with them. He there married Miss Leefe Stevens, raised a large 
family of children, and obtained a large practice. Indeed, it has been 
related that his ride was so extensive in Pennsylvania that, during the 
prevalence of fin epidemic disease, he was compelled to keep relays of 
horses posted upon his circuit. In Pennsylvania, he accumulated quite a 
handsome competency, and remained there until 1827, when he removed to 
the "Sandusky Plains," and purchased the beautiful property which he 
occupied until his death. 

He had thought to abandon his profession when settling in Ohio, but he 
found the country new and unhealthful, and, more with the intention of 
endeavoring to alleviate the distress of his neighbors than the hope of pecu- 
niary reward, he again engaged in the practice of medicine and followed it 
in connection with farming with untiring energy until attacked by a dys- 
peptic disease which finally terminated his signally industrious and useful 
life. He represented the district composed of Crawford, Marion and Union 
Counties in the State Legfislature during the sessions of 1837-38 and 1838- 
39. When Wyandot County was organized in 1845, he was elected as one 
of its first County Commissioners, and was re-elected to the same office and 
served until October, 1847, when he positively declined another nomination. 
Dr. Fowler was ever courteous, affable, and unassuming to all men, and 

* Physicians now in practice. 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 377 

was highly respected throughout this quarter of the State. His widow still 
survives, and now resides in the town of Upper Sandusky. 

Dr. George W. Sampson settled in Tymochtee Township in the spring 
of 1828, and at once commenced the practice of medicine. In January, 
1830, he removed to and settled at McCutchenvilJe, where he has resided 
ever since. At the time of his arrival, the road from Upper Sandusky to 
Tiffin was the only one laid out in this part of the county. All traveling 
was accomplished by following the Indian trails. His practice extended to 
Melmore on the east, Little Sandusky on the south, ten miles beyond Find 
lay on the west, and to Tiffin on the north. Owing to the absence of bridges, 
he was compelled to ford or swim all streams, and often rode seventy 
and seventy-tive miles in a day and night during the sickly seasons. There 
are now more than fifty physicians in the same territory. 

His first patient was a Mr. Crane, who then lived upon lands now occu- 
pied by the town of Carey. A son, about eighteen years of age, came for 
him on foot, bareheaded, barefooted, and with only enough clothing to 
cover about onehalf of his person. He led the way to where they lived, 
and it required fast riding, the doctor says, to keep in sight of him. 

He practiced a great deal among the Indians, and still has the books on 
which are the accounts of Hicks, Summundewat, Sarrahos, Warpole, Mo- 
noncue, Squindecta, Peacock, Washington and Coon, chiefs among the 
Wyandots, and Steele, Wiping-stick, Half-John and Comstock among the 
Senecas. He had long experience and great success in treating "milk 
sickness," or "trembles." This disease prevailed on the prairies and 
along the streams, but says he never knew a case below the mouth of Ty- 
mochtee Creek. 

The Doctor is still engaged in the practice of medicine, and possesses 
considerable physical vigor and energy, although having performed bodily 
toil and endured mental anxiety sufficient to have worn out any ordinary 
man.* 

Dr. James McConnell was born in Huntingdon County, Penn., March 8, 
1802. As the name indicates, he was of Scoth-Irish origin, a descendant 
of a class of intelligent, hardy pioneers, who settled the central counties of 
Pennsylvania prior to the beginning of the Revolutionary war. During 
that war they were to a man known as stanch patriots, and as determined, 
successful Indian fighters. After completing a thorough course of literary 
and medical studies, Dr. McConnell began the practice of his profession at 
Lewistown, Penn., where he remained for a number of years. In the sum- 
mer of 1845, he became a resident of Upper Sandusky. Here he resumed 
practice, and for about a quarter of a centiiry thereafter, stood at the head 
of his profession. His professional services were in great demand, and 
though known as a genial, honest, large hearted man, he accumulated a 
handsome competency. He retired from the toils and anxieties of his call- 
ing in 1868, yet until within a very recent period his tall, lithe form, was 
daily one of the most familiaV objects to be seen upon the streets of Upper 
Sandusky. Pleasant in his manners and a fluent conversationalist, he was a 
gentleman well calculated to win and retain the esteem of the public. He 
died Saturday, April 12, 1884, after an illness of but seven or eight days' 
duration. 

Sketches of other gentlemen of the medical profession will be found in 
the respective town and township histories of this work. 

*rrom a sketch written in 1879. 



378 * HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 



CHAPTER IX 

THE PKESS. 

The Wyandott Telegraph— Extracts from its Columns— The Pioneer- 
Various Comments and Extracts— The Tribune— The Vindicator— 
The Herald— The Pioneer Changed to the Republican— The Chief — 
Biographical— Sketches of William T. Giles, Robert D. Dumm, Louis 
A Brunner, Pif.tro Cuneo, Henry A. Tracht, Frank T. Tripp— Carey 
Publications— The Nevada Enterprise— The Sycamore News. 

UPPER Sandusky's journals and journalists. 

THE following historical account of the newspapers of Upper Sandusky 
to 1871, are copied almost verbatim from a series of articles which, pre- 
pared by Hon. John D. Sears, of Upper Sandusky, were published in The 
Wyandot Democratic Union during the spring of the year above indicated: 

It is not designed to make an apology for the order or want of order in 
these notes; yet, if an excuse is needed for giving precedence to the subject 
of this chapter, it may be found in the well-known fact that one of the prin- 
cipal objects of the division of the State into counties is to afford an ade- 
quate supply of county printing. Our laws have in effect taken care that 
there shall be no county without its newspaper. 

The Act creating the county of Wyandot was passed February 3, 1815, 
and within two weeks thereafter the Wyandott Telegraph, our first news- 
paper, was established at Upper Sandusky, the new county seat. The date 
of its hrst issue is not known to the writer, as his earliest copy is No. 4, 
Vol. I, dated March 8, 1845. The editor and proprietor was John Shrenk, 
who had previously published a paper at Bucyrus, and more recently at 
Kenton, from which latter place he removed to Upper Sandusky. 

The politics of this first publication were Whig. " Terms of subscrip- 
tion, one dollar and fifty cents per annum, if paid in four weeks from the 
time of subscription; otherwise, two dollars will be charged." "Advertise- 
ments will be inserted at the following rates: One dollar for three inser- 
tions of each square, of twelve lines or less, and twenty-five cents for each 
subsequent insertion." It was a five-column folio, size, 20|x27| inches, 
and pretty well printed. 

Our earliest number of the Telegraph contains the proceedings of the first 
Whig county convention, held at Upper Sandusky on the 5th of March, 1845, 
and a call signed "Many Democrats," for a meeting of the Democracy on 
the 15th of March, to make nominations for county officers. There was also 
an announcement of Maj. Anthony Bowsher as an Independent candidate 
for Sheriff, and a communication from "A True Democrat," with some unfa- 
vorable criticisms of the Major's qualifications for the office, in the course 
of which the indignant writer says: " When such persons become fit for office, 
we may look for the end of time." Doubtless we may look for it, but we 
have elected many worse men, and still Gabriel forbears to blow. 

In the editorial columns appeared the following: "We have just received 
the important news from Washington that Congress has passed a law making 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 379 

a donation of town lots to the county of Wyandot. * * * * Jt donates 
one third of the iulots and one-third of the outlots to the county of Wy- 
andot, provided the county seat is established here, for the purpose of put- 
ting up public buildings, and improving the streets, public squares and 
public grounds. * * * * The donation is a noble one, and, if rightly 
managed and justly appropriated, our citizens will never be subjected to an 
onerous tax for public buildings. Few new counties have been so highly 
favored as Wyandot, and we predict for her an unexampled tide of pros- 
perity. * * * * The number of lots which the county will get by the 
provisions of this law will be 126 inlots and 72 outlots. The outlots contain 
two acres each. * * * " 

The only thing in this number of the Telegraph which looks like a local 
item, is a line at the foot of a column in which it is said. " The Sandusky 
River is still raising" — and that was not true according to our recollection. 

The advertising portion fills a little more than half a column, and is 
made up of a notice by Moses Dudley & William W^. Norton, warn- 
ing the public against purchasing certain notes made by them, payable to 
Thomas C. Theaker, and which they say they are determined never to pay, as 
they were obtained by deception and fraud; the professional card of Benja- 
min M. Penn, attorney at law, Kenton, Ohio; M. H. Kirby, attorney at law, 
Upper Sandusky, Ohio: Chester R. Mott, attorney at law, Upper Sandusky, 
Ohio; J. Lawrence & William K. Wear, attorneys at law, Kenton and 
Upper Sandusky; Scott (Josiah) & Sears (John D.), attorneys at law, 
Bucyrus and Upper Sandusky, and Thomas Spybey's advertisement of 
"Tailoring at Kirby's Hotel, shop upstairs." There were, besides, several 
prospectuses and a complimentary notice of Wistar's Balsam of Wild 
Cherry, which in the dearth of other matter, was duplicated and appears 
on both outside and inside of the paper. 

Among the news is an abstract of legislative proceedings as late as 
March 1, and a statement of the manner in which the new cabinet was to be 
composed, information of which was said to have been received by the 
Baltimore American, through the magnetic telegraph. 

Thei-e is also the following credited to the Urbana Citizen: "The way 
hungry expectants are crowding into Washington is a caution to honest peo- 
ple. On Wednesday morning last, sixteen stages, averaging nine passengers 
each, left Wheeling for the East, and the Times says that the number leav- 
ing daily for some time past, has varied from live to fifteen, all bound for 
Washington to see Polk inaugurated and gather up the crumbs that fall from 
his table." 

That would not be thought much of a shower in these modern days, 
when our great railroad facilities are scarce sufficient to accommodate the 
crusade of patriots seeking to serve the country for pay. 

The Telegraph was published in the Indian Council House until that 
building was taken possession of for county purposes, at which time Shrenk 
moved to the lot now occupied by the Methodist Church, and while his new 
office was getting ready for occupation worked off one number of his paper 
in the open air under an apple tree. 

Besides the number already described, our files contain No. 11, for May 
10, No. 12, May 17, No. 16, June 14, No. 28, August 9, and No. 29, for 
October 10, 1845. The missing numbers will probably never be found. 

Numbers 11 and 16 do not contain a paragraph of local news or a scrap 
of editorial. There is very little original matter in either of the other num- 
bei-s; the last being pretty well filled with that choice literature supposed to 



380 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

be so effective upon a pending election, and which is intended to remedy all 
deficiencies in the voter's qualifications to exercise the elective franchise. 
No. 23 contains an original poem, written for the Telegraph, by A. W. B. 
However, excepting of course the poetry, the most interesting and valua- 
ble portions of these old papers are the advertising columns. 

On the 10th of May, there are two road notices, an admiuisti-ator's no- 
tice, a Sheriflf's sale, on an execution from Marion County. Harvey & 
Fouke's advertisement of wool-caz*ding at Little Sandusky, the card of David 
"Watson, physician and surgeon, and timely warning by Samuel M. Worth, 
Auditor, of the action taken by the County Commissioners in reference to the 
act to improve the breed of sheep. On the 17th of May, there is a notice in 
chancery, by Robert McKelly, solicitor for the petitioner. On the 14th of 
June, Alexander Valentine calls attention to his new establishment for the 
manufacture of coffins and other cabinet ware; Joseph McCutchen announces 
that his new store is now opening in Upper Sandusky; Dr. A. W. Munson 
gives notice of his permanent location at Wyandot, for the purpose of at- 
tending all calls in the line of his profession; and Rowe & Tyler (Peter A.) 
attorneys at law. Marion and McCutchenvillt), advertise their readiness to 
attend to business iu Wyandot and surrounding counties. 

On the 9th of August, John Rummell advertises his fulling mill, in 
Tymochtee Township, operated by steam and water power. There is an 
estray notice from the estray book of Abraham Myers, J. P. of Crawford 
Township; an attachment notice from Richland Township; a tax notice by 
Abner Jurey, County Treasurer, giving the levy for 1845, in which the 
highest rate in any township is 19 mills on the dollar valuation, and 
a special notice in reference to road taxes, from Samuel M. Worth, County 
Auditor. This number of the Telegraph also contains a notice by Stephen 
Fowler, W^illiam Griffith and Ethan Terry, County Commissioners, of a 
public sale of town lots at Upper Sandusky, on the 20th, 21st and 22d days 
of August, 1845, at which time they will oflfer the in and outlots in said 
town, vested in the said Commissioners by Act of Congress approved Feb- 
ruary 26, 1845, being every third of the in and outlots selected by alter- 
nate and progressive numbers, amounting to 126 inlots, and 72 outlots. 
Terms of sale, one-fourth of the purchase money required in hand, the bal- 
ance in three annual installments, secu.red by notes bearing interest. Dan- 
iel Walker also announces to the public that he has commenced the tailor- 
ing business in Upper Sandusky, at the hotel of Col. A. McElvain. 

The last number of the Telegraph contains another Sheriff's sale; the 
Sheriff's proclamation of the forthcoming election; J. Duly's oflfer of 23 
cents, and no thanks, for the return of a runaway apprentice; a notice 
signed "Many Carpenters," requesting the carpenters and joiners of Upper 
Sandusky and vicinity to meet at the court house, to consult on matters of 
importance to the trade, and a notice from Samuel M. Worth, Auditor, that 
sealed proposals will be received until the 30th of October, for the erection 
of a jail in Upper Sandusky. The latter announcement affi)rd8 indisputable 
evidence of our rapid advance and great progress in civilization. 

We linger lovingly over this number, and part from it with regret, for 
it was the last issue of the Wyandott Telegraph which ever saw the light. 
Without warning, it was cut off in the flower of its youth. The Whigs 
didn't rally strong enough; the Democrats elected their entire county ticket, 
except one County Commissionei-, in the autumn of 1845, and there was no 
hope of sustenance from the county printing. These misfortunes and the 
effort of spelling Wyandot with two t's were too much for it, and it went 
out. 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 381 

Shrenk, the publisher and editor, was au industrious, energetic man, 
who did most of his own work. The mental labor, however, of getting up 
the paper was not excessive. 

In the Democratic Pioneer of November 7, 1845, we find this paragraph, 
which, with a courtesy belonging to the country editor of the old school, 
refers to its lately defunct contemporary, and which we insert as the obit- 
uary notice and epitaph of the Wyandott Telegraph: 

"The thing that decamped from this place, and took up his abode 
in Napoleon, Henry County, and is issuing a little filthy sheet, is said to be 
doing great service to the Democracy of that county, and the Democrats are 
returning their thanks to him. Good. We hope our friends in those 
regions will give him plenty of rope, and the consequence will be seen." 

The successful rival of the Telegraph was the Democratic Pioneer, the 
publication of which was commenced by William T. Giles on the 29th of 
August, 1815. This was a six-column folio, substantially of the same size 
as the Telegraph, but with narrower columns and less margin, printed an 
type that had seen much service, and edited by its publisher, a journeyman 
printer recently out of his apprinticeship. Giles was a young man of ex- 
cellent habits, industrious, persevering and frugal; in fact, very much like 
the late Benjamin Franklin, who made himself famous a hundred years 
ago by the exercise of qualities which, however common they have since 
become, were then something of a rarity. 

In mechanical execution the Pioneer suffered by contrast with its prede- 
cessor, and in literary excellence it had nothing to boast of; yet its editorial 
columns, filled with awkward English and bad grammar, were launched 
against the enormities of Whiggery with the courage if not the skill of 
veterans. There was, withal, a spice of independence of party dictation, 
as well as the rules of grammar, both of which find illustration in a single 
paragraph which we quote literally from the prospectus for the Pioneer : 

"It is the intention of the editor to be perfectly free and uncontrolled by 
any man or set of men, and always willing to receive the counsel of such 
as are desirous of promoting the good cause, for which it is published to 
vindicate, as the advice of many is likely to be more correct than the few." 

We wish also to copy another short article which is not only a fair 
specimen of the editorial style of the early Pioneer, but will recall to our 
older readex's a state of things verv characteristic of Upper Sandusky in the 
fall of 1845. 

"removing our office 

" While our office is rolling along the streets in Upper Sandusky to its 
future place of destination, we are sticking up these lines. Hereafter we 
may be found a little west of Mr. McCutchen's store, occupying a spot in 
the orchard, where at all times we will be happy to see and accommodate 
our friends. Our situation will be on the Wyandot avenue, in our opinion 
a very beautiful spot. 

" We can, with much truth, say Democracy is progressing, for we are 
now progressing up street at a pretty fair rate. We would be glad to have 
all the coons in Christendom here who deny that Democracy is progressing, 
for certainly when they would see us progressing they would have to ad- 
mit the fact." 

In the first number of the Pioneer, Robert McKelly announces himself 
as an attorney at law and solicitor in chancery, and D. Ayres&Co. advertise 
their new store, new goods and new prices, and inform the public that 
"their store may be found obliquely opposite Mr. Kirby's hotel." On the 



382 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

12th of September, John Sell notifies the public of his location in Upper 
Sandusky, where he will hereafter practice as an attorney at law and solici- 
tor in chancery, and J. & J. Myers announce the opening of a new grocery 
and bakery. 

The Pioneer continued under the management of its original proprietor 
until February, 1849. On the 16th of that month, the publisher announced 
the prospective winding up of his connection with the paper, and on the 
23d he published his valedictory, and announced the sale of the establish- 
ment to Josiah Smith and Elijah Giles. William T. Giles soon afterward 
started for California, and the Pioneer was conducted by the new publishers, 
under the name of J. Smith & E. Giles, and with no other very obvious 
change. Some time in 1850, Mr. Smith withdi-ew from the editorial chair, 
and the paper remained under the sole control of Elijah Giles, until the 
return of William T. Giles from California in 1853. 

It was during the eventful railroad campaign in the fall of 1850 that 
the memorable attack upon the liberty of the press in the person of the then 
editor of the Pioneer occurred. This event, though discreditable to the 
county, ought to be held in remembrance as a warning to all who may be 
disposed to imitate the outrage. For that purpose we reproduce, from per- 
haps the only copy in existence, Mr. Giles' own account of the trans- 
action: 

" AN ATTEMPT TO MOB US. 

" On the second Tuesday of October, — that ever-memorable day. when 
Ohioans exercise the rights of suffrage — -the first and best of all blessings 
that freemen are endowed with — gained and given to us b} our worthy and 
patriotic forefathers, whose names have been signed to the Declaration of 
Independence — thus preserving to us our liberties and the privileges that 
the God of Nature intended for us. On this great day, many of our fellow - 
citizens went to the different polls in the county ; and we among the rest, 
not dreaming that our country was infested with a cowardly mob of villains, 
went to Jackson Township. While there, six or seven bullies from Mar- 
seilles came for the purpose above named. One of them was sent into the 
house to meet and greet us as a friend, while the others were kept out, 
fearing mistrust of what was going on; and he had the audacity to carry 
it out with the impudence of old Satan. He approached us and spoke in 
the most friendly terms — 'How do you do, friend Giles?' We spoke in re- 
turn. He then said he wanted Lo talk privately, and asked us to walk out 
with him, which we unhesitatingly did. 

" Before getting off the porch, he said he had ' a crow to pick with us, 
to walk some distance with him;' all understood by his companions, that 
after getting us out from the house, they would surround us, so that we 
could not get to the house in such an emergency as this. When we -were led 
to the spot selected — distant from the house, so that our friends could not 
hear us in the hour of disti'ess, or come to our relief — they all jumped 
around us, as if to say — ' W^e've got you now.' 

" Their countenances boi'e the most corrupt design; their fiendish eyes 
gave expression that led us to believe that their hearts were so tickled with 
the ' old boy ' as to place our life in their brutal hands. At this moment 
our heart was full of agony, and almost bleeding to think there were men 
in the country who would thus take a lone stranger, and use him thus bar- 
bai'ously. 

" Directly after we were surrounded, the big little bully, McGavern, threw 
off his coat and declared he would whip us. What a great little brave fel- 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 383 

low he was, when he had live or six bullies to back him — swearing they 
would have a kick at us as we would fall! McGavern struck us several 
blows in the breast, swearing by all that was good and bad we had weapons, 
for he was told so at Brownstown. Did he suppose, if we had, that we 
would have stood and let such insults be heaped upon us? If we would 
have had weapons he would not have struck us so often, for if we ever in 
our life could have been or was aggravated to use anything of the kind, it 
was at that time. 

" While we were in this position, asking for quarter, one of our very 
special friends in the house heard us, and ran to our rescue. When he 
found we were being abused, he stepped between us and the man that was 
striking us, and told us to go to the house. When we started, up stepped 
Mr. Lewis Merriman (a man of notoriety, by the way), begging of our 
friend to let us be whipped, as, he said, we so richly deserved it. But our 
friend, a true-hearted man, would not swerve from the integrity and friend- 
ship existing between us, but said: 'Never- shall he be hurt as long as I am 
here.' A true friend in the time of need is really a true one; and his 
name and the names of those that befriended us in that houi' shall be sacred 
in our bosom the longest day we live. 

'' Had we been surrounded by Indians of the most savage character, and 
made the appeals that we did to those white savages, they would have 
shrunk from the scene, and not treated us half so bad. Could we tell our 
feelings, or describe the scene as it actually took place, it would be as an 
imaginary picture, untold of in the history of mankind. 

•'It is not necessary for us to make a long preface to this story at this 
time, as we expect co be called upon to notice it again, and make the 
names and characters of the individuals conspicuous." 

It need not be said that the sympathies of the entire pi'ess of the coun- 
try were aroused concerning this outrage, or that the expression of them 
was loud, frequent, and finally overpowering. 

In the spring of 1858, William T. Giles, having returned from Cali- 
fornia, resumed the control of the Democratic Pioneer, and soon after 
changed its name to the Wyandot Pioneer. 

Having thus hastily sketched the fortunes of the Democratic Pioneer, 
until the return of its founder and its change of name, we must now 
retrace our steps to notice other luminaries which from time to time arose 
and shone and went out. 

On the 18th of July, 1848, at Upper Sandusky, James S. Fouke & Co.* 
issued the first number of the Wyandot Tribune, a sheet of the same size 
as that on which the Pioneer was printed, but with only five columns to the 
page. The Tribune was like all other tribunes in those days — a Whig 
paper. It was well printed, was conducted with moderate ability, and as- 
sisted materially in the election of Taylor and Fillmore. 

However-, on the 17th of February, 1849, Fouke published his vale- 
dictory, in which, while declining to enumerate the reasons for his with- 
drawal, he gives one which is tolerably satisfactory, for he says: "The 
patronage of the office is not sufficient to meet our engagements, and hence 
the necessity of our leaving." At the same time, he announces the transfer 
of the paper to Mr. A. C. Hulburd, who is introduced as " a young man de- 
serving the encouragement and patronage of the Whig party. " 

On the 1st of December, 1849, Hulburd formed a partnership with M. R. 

*G. L. Wharton was Fouke's partner when the Iribune was established. lie sold out to the latter in 
December, 1S48. 



384 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Gould, and the Tribune was thenceforward conducted by Hulburd & Gould, 
until January 25, 1851, when it had reached the twenty-eighth number 
of the second volume. At the date last named, the publishers announced 
that they had found it necessary to suspend the publication of their paper 
for a time, in order to collect their outstanding accounts. As might have 
been inferred, this was the last appearance of the Wyandot Tribune. 

As before stated, William T. Giles, having assumed the publication of 
the Democraiic Pioneer, changed its name to the Wijayidot Pioneer, which 
was issued on the 23d of June, 1853, on an enlarged sheet, as a seven-column, 
paper, and printed on new type. With his increased experience, Giles pro- 
duced a paper which, held a very respectable rank among the country press, 
and which, although Democratic, was at the same time liberal and concilia- 
tory. He continued to publish it until September 2, 1854, when he sold 
out the establishment to one William Appleton, who ran it about a year. 
Under Appleton's management the paper was frequently referred to as a 
Know-Nothing organ. 

In January, 1855, Giles brought suit for an unpaid balance of the pur- 
chase money due for the newspaper, and swore out an attachment against 
Appleton as a non-resident. The press, types and fixtures were attached 
and appraised at $800. Shoi'tly afterward, some gentlemen of this place 
(Upper Sandusky) paid off Giles' judgment, and the Pioneer passed under 
the editorial control of Col. William T. Wilson, and became an exponent of 
the principles of the then new Republican party. 

The next change was in Jtily, 1856, when the Pioneer was sold to George 
W. Keen and Horatio N. Lewis,* who, the next year, July 2, 1857, trans- 
ferred the establishment to Charles G. Mugg, who, to use the language of 
his salutatory in the number for July 9, 1857, thenceforth became " editor, 
publisher and proprietor in his propria persona. " 

On the 29th of October, 1857, Mugg reduced the size of the Pioneer, 
making it once more a six-column paper, and on the 11th of February, 1858, 
having sold out to Col. Wilson, he retired from the "tripod" with some- 
thing of a flourish. It may be said that nothing in his editorial career be- 
came him like the leaving it, as witness this specimen brick from his vale- 
dictory : 

" Since we have been in the business, we have filled all sorts of positions 
— we have at the same time been editor, foreman, pressman, jour, and devil 
(by the way, the devilship suited tolerably well, as we were somewhat 
devilishly inclined before we went into the business), and have been com- 
pelled to labor day and night to get out our paper, and if any of our patrons 
think they could have done better than we have done, just let them 
invest $800 in a ' one-horse ' printing ofi&ce, and try the experiment. There 
are various reasons why we have not succeeded any better as a newspaper 
political editor; we were too honest to be a politician — too poor to be inde- 
pendent — too proud to beg — worth too much property to get our work done 
for nothing — drank too much lager for a temperance man — too little ' rot- 
gut' for the 'rummies' — too much of a moral man for the b'hoys — 
too much of a rowdy for the pharisaical part of the community — in tine, 
we had all the disadvantages, and but few of the advantages of oui' exalted 
position." 

Again we must go back to gather up the broken threads of our narrative. 

♦Horatio N. Lewis, then twenty-five years of age, died at Chicago, III , in September, 1857, from in 
juries received on the care of the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad, near Alliance, Ohio, in July 
1857. 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 385 

By the transfer of the Pioneer to William Appleton in 1854, the Demo- 
cratic party was left without an organ, a tolerable state of affairs, though 
not to be of long continuance, for on the 3d of November, 1854, Robert D. 
Dumm commenced the publication of the Democratic Vindicator, a hand- 
somely printed seven-column folio, of the same sized sheet then used by the 
Pioneer. About the close of the first volume, the new paper passed under 
the editorial control of N. W. Dennison, who conducted it until July 3, 
1857, at which date he bade the public farewell, and informed them that he 
was about to pitch his tent in the West. He soon after went to Boonsboro, 
Iowa, taking press and types with him, and thus did the Vindicator cease 
to vindicate. 

The gap was soon filled, however, for there was no lack of valiant men 
ready to spread buckets full of printer's ink on the least provocation or 
smallest chances of remuneration, and on the 20th of August, 1857, Nathan 
Jones and J. W. Wheaton issued the first number of the Democratic Union. 
As early as December 24, following, Mr. Jones had become sole editor and 
publisher, and on the 18th of February, 1858, he published to the world his 
farewell address, and Robert D. Dumm took control of the Union. As first 
issued by Jones & Wheaton it was a six-column folio. The office was par- 
tially destroyed by fire just before it passed into the hands of Jones. 

When Col. Wilson took charge of the Pioneer the second time, it was 
conducted for awhile as a neutral paper. It soon manifested Republican 
proclivities, and erelong became a decided political and party organ. 

Note. — With the most scrupulous investigation into the lives and deaths 
of the ephemeral newspapers of Wyandot County, we have omitted in its 
proper place to mention the short-lived Wyandot Herald. This paper was 
started after Elijah Giles had ceased to publish the Pioneer. It was con- 
ducted by "Charles Warner, editor and publisher," and its first number was 
issued April 19, 3853. It survived long enough to reach its sixth number, 
when it passed into the hands of W^illiam T. Giles, and No. 7 was issued 
by him on the 23d of June, 1853, as the Wyandot Pioneer. It was Demo- 
cratic in politics, and not otherwise remarkable. 

The Democratic Union, under the control of Robert D. Dumm,* and 
the Wyandot Pioneer, in charge of Col. William T. Wilson, were respec- 
tively the organs of the Democratic and Republican parties for a number of 
years, following the party banners and playing the party tunes with a 
faithfulness and devotion which, however undesirable in a newspaper, are 
indispensable qualifications for a party organ. 

On the 3d of May, 1861, Colonel, then Capt. AVilliam T. Wilson, left 
for the seat of war in Western Virginia, in command of a company of 
Wyandot County volunteers, then known as the "Wyandot Guards," and 
his estimable wife, INTrs. L. A. Wilson, was left in charge of the Pioneer. 
The newly-installed lady editor published three numbers, which were fully 
equal to those which preceeded and followed them uncler other manage- 
ment. The Pioneer then passed into the hands of Louis A. Brunner, a 
former resident of Maryland. On the 16th of September, 1864, Otho J. 
Powell became a joint proprietor of the paper, and the Pioneer was pub- 
lished by Brunner & Powell until August 23, 1865, when Mr. Brunner 
again became sole proprietor. A few months later, however, or on the 31st 
of January, 1866, the Pioneer again passed under the control of Col. Wil- 
son, who on the 27th of September, 1866, was succeeded by Pietro Cuneo, 

* In 1865, Mr Dumm introduced the first cylinder press run in this part of Ohio; several years, indeed, be- 
fore such a press was used in Titlin, Lima or Mansfield. 



386 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

the present editor and proprietor of that paper. On the 7th of January, 

1869, Mr. Cuneo changed the name of the Wyandot Pioneer, which since 
that time has been known as the " Wyandot County Rejmblicany He was 
the first Upper Sandusky publisher to introduce steam power. 

On the 12th of November, 1868, Robert D. Dumm took leave of the 
Union, and was succeeded by E. Zimmerman, who on the 1st of November, 

1870, was in turn succeeded by Louis A. Brunner. The latter continued 
as sole editor and proprietor of the paper until during the month of Aug- 
ust, 1873, when Mr. Dumm (who, as the senior member of the lirm of R. D. 
Dumm & Co., had been editing and publishing the Ft. Wayne, Ind., Senti- 
nel, a daily and weekly newspaper, from November, 1868). returned and 
purchased a one-half interest in the Union. The firm of Dumm & Brunner 
then continued until October, 1874, when they sold out to Charles L. Zahm. 
The last named individual continued in control until about the 1st of No- 
vember, 1877, when he transferred his interests to D. J. Stalter and R. D. 
Webster. The firm of Stalter & Webster only continued some six or eight 
months, when the junior member retired, leaving Mr. Stalter in sole control 
until November 27, 1879, when the Union again passed into the hands of 
Messrs. Dumm & Brunner, its present editors and proprietors, who erected 
for it the building on the corner of Main and Railroad streets, and put in 
steam power to run its presses. 

The old, and it may be added trite saying, that "tall oaks from little 
acorns grow," is quite applicable when reference is made to The Weekly 
Chief, Upper Sandusky's latest acquisition in the journalistic field. It ap- 
pears that in August, 1876, H. A. Tracht, then a youth of but fourteen 
years of age, purchased $6 worth of material and began printing 
cards. As his business increased he added more stock to his oSice, which 
was then located in the back part of his father's shoe store, and in May, 
1878, began the publication of a small monthly sheet, styled the Wyandot 
Chief, which was continued for one year. After the discontinuance of this 
paper, the youthful editor again increased his facilities for doing job work 
and secured the assistance of practical mechanics. 

On the 16th of August, 1879, he issued the first number of The 
Weekly Chief, which in size was a folio of 13x20 inches. In January, 
1880, it was made a six-column folio. Prosperity rendered another en- 
largement necessary, and on the 21st of May, 1881, it appeared as a seven - 
column folio, and io April, 1882, as an eight-column folio. In September, 
1883, it was changed to its present dimensions and style — a well-printed 
six-column quarto. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

It is a pleasing task to write of those connected with the early history 
of Wyandot, and certainly no one occupies a more prominent place in the 
recollection of our people than William T. Giles, our first Democratic 
editor. 

The subject of this sketch was born in New Lisbon, Columbiana County, 
Ohio, July 18, 1823. He attended the schools of that then quaint 
old town until he was about fifteen years old, when he went into the print- 
ing office of the Ohio Patriot to learn the business. The Patriot was then 
owned by Hetzell & Gregg, and young Giles remained with them until the 
office was sold to William Duane Morgan, brother of Gen. Morgan, and 
the last Democratic Auditor of State, prior to the election of Mr. Kisse- 
witter last October. He continued in the office with Mr. Morgan until 1843, 




V3^v 




• !>»W!^)-v% -Tynjl;^' 




0"-:^. 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 389 

when he went, to Bucyrus, holding a position on the Crawford County 
Democrat, then published and edited by T. J. Orr. Printing offices in 
Bucyrus those days were not the bonanzas they are now, and Giles could 
not get enough money from handsome Tom Orr to pay his board, which was 
$1.25 per week. Mr. Orr would rather sit on a store box all day than dun 
a subscriber, and consequently Tom's bank book was always a few loads of 
wood behind. Tom was an able writer, but could do nothing with more 
ease than any other man in America. The Craivford County Democrat 
was started some time early in 1845, but in Orr's hands it was a failure, the 
paper collapsed, and he urged Giles, his only employe, to buy the material 
and remove it to Upper Sandusky and commence the publication of a 
Democratic paper. Giles insisted that he neither had money nor experience 
as a writer, and did not feel like embarking in the enterprise. Orr, however, 
insisted, giving Giles to understand that unless some arrangement could be 
made, he could not pay him for labor due, and that he might be com- 
pelled to count imaginary railway ties on his way back to New Lisbon. 
After a good deal of persuasion, Giles, in company with a personal friend, 
the late lamented William M. Scroggs, visited Upper Sandusky, which at 
that time was a vex'y small place. The Democrats, Capt. S. M. Worth, R. 
McKelly, Col. A. McElvain, Col. Joseph McCutchen, Peter B. Beidler, C. 
R. Mott, George Harper, and in fact, all the Democrats urged the establish- 
ment of a Democratic paper, while the Whigs put in their words of dis- 
couragement, saying it could not live in so new a county; but Giles thought 
it was a case of necessity; he was like the fellow after the ground hog — he 
must have meat — and there was mighty little prospect of getting any out 
of Tom Orr; so he said, "Sink or swim, survive or perish, here goes." He 
returned to Bucyrus, informed Orr of his decision, in case they could agree 
upon terms. Orr wanted to know what proposition Giles had to make. 
Giles said, "If you sell me the material on eight months' time, taking a note 
for the amount over what is due me, and agree to take the material back in 
case payment is not made when due, and will then agree to pay me my 
wages, deducting ten per cent for use of materials, it is a go — otherwise 
not." Orr agreed to the proposition. Col. Scott, a very fine lawyer, drew 
up the contract and note, which were properly signed. 

Giles then returned to Upper Sandusky to seek shelter for his press and 
material, but could not secure a place, without buying a building — a small 
chair shop — that stood in the middle of Fourth street, in the vicinity of 
the present African Church. Now came the question, " How can I buy?" 
Giles related the condition of things to some Democratic friends, and the 
result was, the money was raised, the house bought and held for payment. 
The next move was to get the material from Bucyrus to Upper Sandusky. 
Giles borrowed Col. McKelly's horse, took an early morning start, rode over 
to Bucyrus, employed Frederick Fireing, loaded his wagon, and returned 
to Upper Sandusky the same day, without eating a bite until arriving at 
McElvain' s old log hotel, located where the brewery now stands. 

The publication of the Democratic Pioneer was begun under these embar- 
rassing circumstances, and all the difficulties did not stop here. Giles had 
to buy a lot to put his building on, as there was some law or restriction 
compelling the removal of all houses from the streets. At the time of the 
removal of the building bj Mr. Russel, Giles stood at the case, set up the 
notice of the removal, and headed it "Progressive Democracy," as can be 
seen by reference to the old files of the Pioneer, which have only been fully 
preserved in the county by Hon. J. D. Sears. 

1 1 



390 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Pay day came, and Giles owed more thau he did at the start, so he at 
once wrote T. J. Orr the following lines: 

Upper Sandusky, , 1846. 

T. J. Orr, Esq., Bucyriis, Ohio: 

Dear Sir — Unable to make the payment — ready to comply with the article. 

Respectfully yours, W. T. Giles. 

Mr. Orr was in the same condition — he could not pay — and in a longf 
letter urged Giles to go on and pay when and as he could. Giles took his 
advice and worked away. One evening, as Giles was passing Col. Mc 
Cutchen's store, he heard his name mentioned, and naturally felt inclined to 
hear what was being said, and to see who were in the store. He quietly 
approached the door, and in the dim candle light, saw Cols. Chaflfee, Mc- 
Cutchen and others, and heard them lamenting the condition of the young 
editor. They were "really sorry that the country was so thinly settled and 
the town so small, that the Pio«eer could not survive; that Giles was indus- 
trious, energetic, etc., but the fates were against him." After hearing their 
remarks, Giles said, "By the Eternal, if I burst it will not be my fault." 
He went home but did not sleep much that night. In the morning, he rose 
and resolved to board himself, and did for about sixteen months, on an 
average cost of 48 cents per week, earning and saving sufficient to pay all 
his debts. After free from d^bt, he boarded at Zimmerman's Blue Ball 
Hotel till 1849. 

During his struggle for existence, Giles was urged to " take the post 
office as it would help him to stem the tide." He refused for a long while, 
but finally consented. A petition was put in circulation, and Col. McElvain, 
who was then Postmaster, and had urged Giles to take the office, refused to 
sign the petition, remarking that " Giles could not get the office without he 
had other signers." This raised the Irish in Giles, and he " made a vow 
that he would have the office with just those names and none other, or not 
have it at all." He then wrote to the Hon. Henry St. John, who was then 
the Member of Congress from this district, giving a statement of facts, and 
sent forward the petition. Col. McElvain called upon Giles and wanted 
him to call a meeting, and let the meeting decide between them. Giles said: 
"No, I have done everything I am going to do in this matter, and you may^ 
call all the meetings you want." No meeting was called, but Giles became 
Postmaster, but only held the office long enough to see that it would not 
pay him. when he resigned, and had John A. Morrison appointed before any 
one knew of his resignation, excepting Mr. Morrison and a few friends. 

During the time Giles held the office, some malicious party sent a re- 
port to Washington that the mail matter wns turned upon the counter and 
every one who came in was Postmaster. This was false, as Giles never had 
a counter in his office, and would not let people in while changing the mail. 
A secret agent came along one cool morning, jumped from the coach (for 
this was the time of old stage coaches), and was going to rush into the 
office, when he was informed by Giles " that he couldn't come in," but that 
he could go into the printing-office. 

The agent did as ordei*ed, and when the mail was overhauled, reported 
to Giles his mission, and said, " I am glad to find the report about your 
office false. I will report you all right when I return." Giles said, " So 
far as the report goes, it is all false, but when you get back to Washington, 
you can tell them if they do not like the way this office is managed, they 
can take it and go to the devil with it." What report was made is not 
known, but Mr. Giles kept the office till he resigned. 

Giles often relates his mode of living, and laughs over early days at 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 391 

Upper Sandusky, and tells of the time several parties procured a license 
for an old couple, on conditions that they would mount some boxes in fi'ont 
of a store, and get married. Col. Kirby was then Justice of the Peace, and 
tied the knot. 

The Democratic Pioneer, in the face of all trials and tribulations, pros- 
pered in the hands of W. T. Giles up and until the spring of 1849, when 
he sold a part of the office to Josiah Smith, and gave the other half to Eli- 
jah Giles, his brother. Mr. Smith paid but a small amount down, and W. 
T. Giles gave the notes to Elijah, who bought Smith's interest, paying him 
with his own notes. When Giles started for California with Cul. Lyle, one 
of God's own noblemen, Col. A. McElvain, his sons William and Purdy, 
Messrs. Jones and Walker, he left the Pioneer well supplied with ink, pa- 
per, etc At the time of the departure. Col. Lyle and Giles were in poor 
health, and it was not supposed that either would live to get to St. Joseph, 
Mo. Their friends tried to persiaade them to give up the trip, but it was a 
useless effort. We well remember the morning they took teams and started 
for Carey, no railway running to Upper Sandusky at that time. At Carey 
they took the cars for Cincinnati, and a steamer thence to St. Louis, where 
a change of steamers had to be made for St. Joseph. Col. McElvain and 
his son, Purdy, took horses and money and went overland to St. Joseph to 
buy up cattle, with which to cross the plains. They bought seven yokes, 
or two teams. Giles, having some ready money, got more than his share in 
this purchase, but never got it out of the teams, for all the cattle died. On 
the way up the Missouri River, Mr. Walker, father-in-law of Henry 
Miller, took the cholera and died at St. Joseph, destitute, excepting what he 
received from Giles. Buck Kirby, a colored man, whom all the old settlers 
well remember, concluded to go to California with this party. Mr. Giles 
provided him with boots aad some clothing for the trip, and paid his bills 
at St. Joseph for some weeks till the teams arrived, and just before starting 
out of this city Giles was seized with cholera, and had to be taken from 
his horse and placed in a wagon. His recovery was very doubtful, but hav- 
ing lots of determination, had his party hitch up the cattle and drive on, 
saying, ''If I die, I will die as far out as I can get." The result was Giles 
got well, and soon Col. McElvain was taken with the same disease, and all 
thought would die, but he also recovered. 

In crossing the plains at that time it was necessary to go in large bodies, 
and a train of about thirty or forty teams formed a company and elected 
Col. McElvain Captain. The front team had to take the rear the following 
day. One day Buck Kirby, as he was called, was driving one of the teams, 
the last team in the train. Buck crawled into the wagon and went to sleep. 
One of the oxen became unyoked and strayed off, and the train traveled 
two or more miles before the discovery was made, and when Capt. McEl- 
vain heard of the lost ox, it is unnecessary to tell those who knew him, that 
he swore a blue streak. He threatened to shoot Buck if he should ever do 
such a trick again. The ox was found grazing, drove up, put in place, and 
the train moved on. Giles had been out hunting, and when he returned to 
the train he found Buck greatly alarmed, wanting to leave and go into a 
train, mostly from Marion, Ohio. Giles tried to persuade him out of the 
notion, but Buck insisted on going for fear that McElvain might shoot him 
in the absence of Giles. It was agreed that Buck might take the boots and 
clothes bought for him and go, which he did, and it was reported got through 
to California and died. No member of the party ever saw Buck after he 
went into the Marion train. 



392 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

A sad event took place at Fort Laramie to the party from Upper San- 
dusky. They arrived there and concluded to rest the teams and sun their 
clothes. Here they found Maj. Sanderson, of the regular army, in com- 
mand. Major was an "Ohio man," and acquainted with Capt. McElvain, 
who had boarded with him in Columbus, so he invited McElvain and his 
friends to dinner. Col. Aaron Lyle and Giles were great friends — always 
together at home, and never broke friendshijD on the plains. They slept 
together in a wagon. While lying at the fort they sunned their clothes, 
and that evening Colonel said he was very hungry, and Giles said, " Buck, 
Col. Lyle is hungry; get up a good supper." Colonel ate heartily, but he 
coughed severely. At night Giles had to go out on guard duty till 1 
o'clock, and did so, riding about two or three miles. When he returned to 
camp he was surprised to find Col. Lyle sitting up in the wagon. Colonel 
said, " Giles, will you bring me a canteen of water?" The reply was, 
'•Yes." Giles went to the Laramie River, brought the water; Colonel 
drank and lay down; Giles got into the wagon — put down the curtains, 
when Colonel remarked, "Please put it up, it seems so close." In the 
morning when Giles was called, he found the Colonel lying by his side 
dead! The shock given Giles can better be imagined than expressed. In 
fact, although the death was daily expected, yet all were surprised. He 
passed away easily, for his arms were resting across his breast as if he 
passed from earth without a struggle. After making a coffin, and burying 
Col. Lyle in the burying-ground belonging to the fort, the party left for 
California. They took in Salt Lake; heard Brigham Young preach three 
sermons. Here Giles, McElvain and one or two others boarded for several 
days Avith a prophet who had two wives. One of the wives wanted to go 
with the train to California, but it was not a safe thing at that time to 
meddle with the wives of Mormons. While at this city, Giles traded horses 
and bought one, and in company with seven other men, packed through to 
California, leaving the teams with McElvain and son and a Mr. Jones, 
whom they were taking through. Jones was a merchant in Upper San- 
dusky at an early day. What became of him after arriving in California, 
the writer does not know. Giles, on horse, and with his pack animal, 
arrived in California several weeks before McElvain and son, for it will be 
remembered William McElvain died at Independence, Mo., before going 
on the plains. Giles and his comrades who packed through bought a 
rocker, and made several hundred dollars each in the mines, in that many 
weeks. They sold their claim for a mule, for which Giles paid $85. This 
claim panned out about $100,000. Giles bought a few more animals at 
Sacramento City, packed them with provisions, and went up the Sacramento 
Valley to Lawson's ranch, where he found McElvain and son, nearly destitute. 
After some days' rest, Giles got some cattle, and the party hitched to a 
wagon and worked their way to Yuba City, where they opened a trading- 
post, and soon another at Shasta City. Shortly after Giles returned from 
Shasta City he was taken sick; and just at a time it was not certain whether 
he would live or die, McElvain took the money on hand and left for Ohio. 
Giles recovered, went to work, put up a large amount of hay, several thou- 
sand dollars' worth, and most of this was set on fire and burned. Then he 
had two teams and about $300 in money left. What was to be done he did 
not know, but it would not do to sit down and waste what little he had, so 
he loaned a mule to a friend who had also been a sufferer by fire, and the 
two went to the mountains to seek fortunes, but found nothing to suit 
them, and after spending some weeks in the mountains, returned to Yuba 



HISTORY OF WVANDOT COUNTY. 393 

City, and Giles went over to Marysville, and here he found his friend, 
Hon. J, W. McCorkle, the Member of Congress from that district, and also 
an "Ohio man." Mac said to Giles, "Where have you been? 1 sent 
over to your town for you, but got no informatiou of your whereabouts. 
Col. Kust was here — wants a partner to start a Democratic paper, and I 
referred him to you." Giles said, "Send Rust word I am here; come to 
Marysville, and I will meet him." Mac did as requested, and in a few 
days Rust came to Marysville, and arrangements were made to start the 
paper. Giles borrowed some money on his teams, and with Rust went to 
San Francisco, where they found a Mr. Gee, got him interested in the 
paper, and in a few weeks their presses and types were packed and shipped 
to Marysville, where on November 3, 1851, the California Express came out, 
published by Gee, Giles & Co., and edited by Col. Richard Rust. It was 
not long till Gee became discontented, and sold his third of the office to W. 
T. Giles, and the paper ran in the firm name of William T.Giles & Co. until 
about the 15th of July, 1852, when, through Col. Rust, Giles consented to 
take in other partners, and sold a portion of his interest, retaining one- 
fourth. Soon Giles found his mistake, hired John L. Mitchell to run his 
interest and went to San Francisco, bought presses and types, and went to 
Downieville, Sierra County, Cal., where on the 10th day of June, 1852, he 
put out the first issue of the Mountain Echo. He sold this paper after 
publishing it for some time, went back to Marysville, and ran his own 
interest for a short time in the California Express, and in the spring of 
1853, sold the entire interest in the establishment and returned to Ohio. 

After looking about and visiting for some time, Giles settled down, and 
resumed publication of the Wyandot County Pioneer. Soon after taking 
hold of the paper he went to Cincinnati, bought new types, press, etc., en- 
larged the paper, and made it one of the neatest as well as one of the best 
country papers in the state. Mr. Giles felt disappointed after he started 
this paper, for the promises made to him w^re not fulfilled as he thought, 
and he sold ovit, and in company with Irey Quaiiitance, went to Iowa, 
bought land and lots, returned here and wintered over 1854, and in the 
spring of 1855 he bought some teams, took. Elijah Giles and family, Henry 
Giles and another young man to Newtown, Jasper County, Iowa. In the fall 
of 1855 Irey Quaintance and W. T. Giles returned to Upper Sandusky and 
wintered. In the spring both married, Mr. Giles taking Miss Mary E. 
Scroggs, and Mr. Quaintance Livonia Trager. In the spring of 1856, the 
four returned together to Newton, Iowa, but W. T. Giles could not remain 
long out of the editorial harness. He sold-out in Iowa; went to Freeport, 
111., bought the Bulletin and published it for many years. He sold the 
Bulletin to his brother-in-law, J. R Scroggs, in 1864, and in that spring 
went by team to Virginia City, Montana Territory. Here he broke a leg, 
and spent two years and some money, and returned to Illinois; sold out 
there and removed his family to Council Bluffs, Iowa, where he owned and 
published the Bugle, and a German paper for a time. During the time 
Giles was in Council Bluffs, J. R. Scroggs died at Freeport, 111., and this 
left the Bulletin without an editor, and Giles returned and resumed charge 
of the paper. In a short time after this, he started the Lee County Demo- 
crat at Dixon, 111. , but soon sold that paper, and continued in the Bulletin 
for a long time, and sold it. Since then he started the Illinois Monitor, 
in Freeport, and published it over three years. He edited the Dakota 
Herald, at Yankton, Dakota Territory, for several months, and is now pub- 
lishing the Freeport Democrat. 



394 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

During Giles' early days in Upper Sandusky, we remember one incident 
that occurred to him and our friend J. G. Roberts. It was when Giles was 
keeping bachelor's hall. A show came along, and Giles being the only 
editor in this section, got a family ticket, so Roberts and Giles agreed to 
go, and each take two ladies. This was done; Giles sending all the family 
in tirst, and then passing the ticket, followed. The doorkeeper surprised, 
muttered out, "That fellow has a h — 1 of a family to keep bachelor's hall."* 

Robert D. Dumm, the senior member of the tirm of Dumm & Brunner, 
editors and propri^orrf of The Wyandot Union, was born in the city of 
Pittsburgih, Penn. , July 3, 1835, being the fourth son of Andrew and Mary 
(Shall) Dumm. His father served in the American Army during the war of 
1812-15, and his paternal grandfather, who was a native of Baden, Ger- 
many, served as a soldier during the Revolutionary struggle. His grand- 
parents upon his mother's side were of English origin. In 1842, with his 
parents, became to this part of Ohio, and settled at McCutchenville. Three 
years later he became a resident of the town of Upper Sandusky, and at 
the age of ten years entered the Pioneer printing-office as an apprentice 
under William T. Giles. He served with Mr. Giles four years, receiving 
during that time six months' schooling as per contract. During the year 
1849, in connection with J. Zimmerman, he published the Pioneer, with 
Elijah Giles as editor. In 1852, he pu.blished the paper alone, Elijah 
Giles still remaining as editor, and continued to be employed in that capa- 
city until 1853, when he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University as a student. 
In 1854, however, he was induced to leave school and start a new Demo- 
cratic newspaper at Upper Sandusky, termed the Vindicator, of which he 
was editor and publisher. This pvoceding was deemed necessary on the 
part of the Democratic leaders of the county, by reason of the fact that the 
old Pioneer had degenerated into a Know-Nothing organ. Mr. Dumm 
continued to publish the Vindicator about eisfhteen months, when he sold 
out to N. V\'. Dennison, and be^an the study of law with Hon. Chester R. 
Mott. In the winter of 1856-57, he attended the Cincinnati Law School, 
where he graduated with honor and was admitted to the bar. Soon after 
he located at Freeport, 111., where he remained nearly one year. He then 
returned to Upper Sandusky, married, and in February, 1858, purchased 
the then recently established Union, a journal wliich he conducted in a 
very successful manner for a period of eleven years. Having sold out the 
Union to E. Zimmerman, he removed to Fort Wayne, Ind., in November, 1 868, 
and during the succeeding five years edited and published the Fort Wayne 
Sentinel, — a daily and weekly newspaper — with unwearied and, we may add, 
marked ability. In August, 1873, he again returned to Upper Sandusky, 
purchased a one-half interest in his old paper, the Union (yet still retaining 
his share in the Sentinel), and with, L. A. Brunner as his partner, pub- 
lished the Union for a little more than one year, when Charles L. Zahm, by 
purchase, became the owner of the Union office. Subsequently Mr. Dumm 
disposed of his disastrous investment at Fort Wayne, and in the fall of 
1875 was elected by a very flattering majority to the office of Clerk 
of Wyandot County. In 1878, he was re-elected to the same position, 
and thus served for a continuous period of six years. On the 27th of 
November, 1879, the Union again passed into the hands of its present pro- 
prietors — Messrs. Dumm & Brunner. On the 1st of September, 1882, this 
firm purchased one-half of the Marion Mirror office, and during the political 

"Copied from an article which was pul)lished in the Wyandot Union in December, 1883. 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 395 

campaign of 1883 Mr. Damtn edited that paper with a vigor aad ability 
not easily surpassed. 

We have thus briefly outlined the active business career of a gentleman 
who has been closely identified with the interests of Wyandot County since 
its establishment. One who, although a strict party man, and a zealous 
worker for the success of the Democratic party, has ever bean consistent, 
and has so demeaned himself as to challenge the admiration of even the 
most bitter of his political opponents. His untiring efforts for the promo- 
tion of the material interests, and the general prosperity of his town and 
county, have also secured for him the gratitude and respect of Wyandot 
County residents in general, and to-day none stand higher in their estimate 
of character and true worth than Robert D. Dumm. As already shown, he 
has grown up, and has been educated in the printing office, and, probably, 
has done more to bring Wyandot County journalism up to its present proud 
position than all others combined. As an editoi'ial writer he has acquired 
a reputation truly enviable, and which, indeed, is not confined by State 
limits. Ever careful, vigorous, versatile, brilliant and facetious, his readers 
are never disappointed in the perusal of an article prepared by him. 

He was married on the 29th day of Decembei*, 1857, to Miss Sarah J., 
only daughter of Dr. R. A. Henderson, of Upper Sandusky. The results of 
this union are two sons, both of whom are young gentlemen of notable 
qualifications — William (jr., the present efficient Deputy County Clerk, and 
Frank E., who is now employed in the Union office. 

Hon. Louis A. Brunner is of German ancestry, and was born in Fred- 
erick City, Frederick Co., Md. He fully availed himself of the advantages 
of an elementary and classical education, and after a thorough course of 
theological study was licensed, in the summer of 1846, to preach at Colum- 
bus, Ohio. Su-bsequently, he entered upon the duties of the ministry, and 
served several Presbyterian congregations. In the spring of 1852, he was 
elected by the Presbytery of Marion, Ohio, Commissioner to the General 
Assembly, and attended the sittings of that body in Philadelphia, Penn., 
in May following. In I860, his nervous centers gave way, prostrating him 
to such an extent as to force him to relinquish his chosen profession. How- 
ever, having from a young boy dabbled in printer's ink, and being com- 
pelled to labor for a livelihood, he purchased a printing office, and took 
charge of the editorial department, and, while not engaged in the duties of 
the tripod, worked at the case sticking type. He has performed editorial 
work -on the Odd i^'eZ/ow, published at Boonsboro, Washington Co., Md. ; 
the Pioneer and the Union of Upper Sandusky, and the Ft. Wayne Daily 
Sentinel, an interest of which he owned in 1868 and 1869. He has resided 
in Wyandot County since 1849, excepting four years passed in Maryland, 
from 1856 to 1861. He has served on the Board of School Examiners of 
Wyandot County, as a member of the Village Council, and was elected a 
member of the Sixty-first, Sixty-second, Sixty-fifth and Sixty-sixth General 
Assemblies of the State of Ohio, occupying, during the session of 1883-84, 
the honored position of Speaker pro tem. In the Sixty-fourth General 
Assembly, he served as Clerk of the House, and his large experiences as a 
law-maker, and his peculiar fitness for clerical duties — the result of early 
training — made him one of the best clerks the Assembly ever had, and it 
was so acknowledged by the members of both parties. Hence, as a mark of 
recognition, embodying the admiration of members, he was presented at 
the close of the session with a costly gold watch and chain, which he still 
carries with pardonable pride. Mr. Brunner's first year in the General 



396 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Assembly was marked with ability«and true statesmanship, and although it 
is seldom the lot of a new member to take pi-ominence at the beginning, 
his experience was an exception, for before the close of the session he was 
the recognized leader of his side of the House, and this position he has 
ably and gracefully maintained during every term of his legislative career. 
His superior qualifications as a presiding officer attracted attention from all 
parts of the State, and in the Sixty-sixth General Assembly he was the 
almost unanimous choice of his party for Speaker, yet his usefulness upon 
the floor, and his own inclinations for activity amid conflict, induced him to 
decline the honor, and to accept at the demands of his party the position of 
Speaker pro tem. He is perhaps the finest parliamentarian in the State, 
and we cannot better expi-ess this opinion than to give an extract from a 
letter written by a newspaper correspondent during the session of 1883-84: 
"The VV^yandot Sachem, Brunner, as speaker pro tem., has demonstrated 
himself to be a superior presiding ofiicer, fit to have held the gavel of the 
Long Parliament of Cromwell's days, and whose legislative career has given 
his solid little Gibraltar (Wyandot County) a cameo-like prominence in the 
State's councils." 

In 1879, Mr. Brunner, in connection with Robert D. Dumm, purchased 
the Wyandot Union of D. J. Stalter, and by their united labors again made 
the old Union one of the best county newspapers in the State. It now en- 
joys a large circulation, and an enviable, widespread reputation. As an 
editor, Mr. Brunner has few superiors. He is logical, clear and very effect- 
ive, and has gained many admirers from his humorous touches of local inci- 
dents; but his great force and efficiency is as a campaigner, filling his well- 
rounded and emphatic periods in that direct and forcible manner, which 
leaves no room for effective reply. While a ready, spicy and able writer, 
he is equally as ready and effective as a speaker, which his prominence in 
the House, on all the important questions of state policy, has fully made 
clear. His polish as a gentleman, and his great tact in winning and 
retaining the admiration and esteem of his fellow-citizens is due to some 
extent to his genial nature, thorough education and wide range of informa- 
tion gained through the avenues of an extensive and careful study of books 
and men. In September, 1882, he, with his old partner, Mr. Dumm, 
bought a half interest in the Mirror, at Marion, Ohio, and although it proved 
to be a profitable investment, and their connection with the Democracy of 
Marion County highly acceptable and pleasant, after eighteen months they 
sold their interest to their partner. Col. J. H. Vaughan. A part of this time 
Mr. Brunner was editor of the papei', and in the memorable campaign of 1883 
gained a host of admirers for his efficient editorial work. 

Since the close of the legislative session of 1883-84, he has assumed a 
controlling interest and editorial charge of the ^Qnecn. Advertiser, one of the 
oldest and best newspapers published in Ohio, and he has fully made up his 
mind to make that city his future home. He still holds his connection with 
the Wyandot Union with Mr. Dumm, but undoubtedly in the near future 
will sever that relation and give his whole attention to the Advertiser, which 
will advance under his influence and enterprise, and rapidly become the 
leading county paper of the State. 

He was married in 1850 to Miss Jane Sherman, of Delaware, Ohio, 
who was a native of Watertown, N. Y. Their three children are Mary, 
now the wife of John W. Geiger, of Tiffin, Ohio; Addie, now Mrs. B. W. 
Holman, of Washington, D. C. , and Grace. 

Pietro Cuneo, the present editor and proprietor of the Wyandot County 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 397 

Republican, is a native of Pian de Cuni (a small village in Italy, wbicb is 
situated about twenty-five miles southeast of Genoa, and five miles east of 
Chiavari), where he was born September 29, 1837. His early life was passed 
amid scenes common to the peasant class of his native coiintry, and which 
are vividly portrayed by himself in his highly interesting lecture entitled, 
"Recollections of Italy." On the 6th of March, 1849, accompanied by his 
father, he bade adieu to his mother, sisters and brother, and en route to 
America set out on foot for the seaport town of Genoa. About the lOth of 
March, the ship upon which the father and son had secured passage sailed, 
and on the lOth of May, 1849. it safely landed its passengers at the city of 
New York. 

'' When I arrived in New York," says Mr. Cuneo, "I could not under- 
stand a solitary word of the English language, had no trade, and could not 
read nar write ray own name in any langiiage. I was, therefore, compelled 
to labor for very low wages, and I soon abandoned the hope of amassing a 
fortune. In about two years, in consequence of sickness, my father was 
compelled to return to Italy, and left me alone, with the expectation that I 
would also return in about two years more." After various discouraging 
trials and vicissitudes, young Cuneo obtained employment in the fall of 
1852* with Josiah Starn, a farmer, who lived three miles from Camden, 
N. J. At that time he purchased a spelling book aod endeavored to master 
the English alphabet, but after a few evenings he became utterly discour- 
aged and gave the book away. However, during the following winter he 
effected an arrangement with John Hinchman, who lived one mile east of 
Gloster, N. J., to woi'k f<;r his board and attend the district school. About 
the 1st of December, 1853, he started to school aud took his first lesson in 
learning the alphabet. "I tried hard to learn," says he, "and the teacher 
and pupils took particular pains to assist me. By the 1st of March, when I 
again commenced to work, I had progressed so far as to be able to read and 
wi'ite a little." 

The year 1854 found him in Chester County, Penn., where, after a long 
search for work, he met William Martin, who lived between Coatesville 
and Parkesburg, and who gave him employment through the winter of 
1854-55, and an opportunity to attend the Rockdale School. The next win- 
ter he became an inmate of William Hamill's house, situated two miles south 
of Parkesburg, where he also worked for his board and attended the public 
school. In September, 1856, he arrived at Canton, Ohio, almost penniless, 
and after a vain attempt to find work among the farmers in that vicinity, 
by mere chance, C. Aultman, of the firm of Aultman & Co., hired him to 
work as a laborer at 77 cents per day, board not included. Subse- 
quently he arranged to pass the winter with Christian Neisz, who resided 
near Canton, and there worked for his board and attended school. The fol- 
lowing spring he returned to the shops of Messrs. Aultman & Co., where he 
remained the major portion of the time for nine years, being promoted from 
time to time until his wages rose to $2.50 per day. He continued to study 
and work, frequently fourteen hours out of the twenty-four, and so im- 
proved that in the winter of 1858-59 he was able to teach school where he 
had formerly attended as a pupil. 

In 1865, he purchased a half interest in the Medina (Ohio) Gazette, but 
at the expiration of nine months sold out. He then removed to his present 
home — Upper Sandusky — where he purchased the Pioneer. He afterward 

*In the spring of 1852, he began to work with .John Cordray, near Milford, Del., at the rate of S3 per month 
and coulinued with the latter six months. 



398 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

changed its name to the Republican, and is still its proprietor and editor. 
Appointed and re-appointed by his firm, personal friend, Gen. U. S. Grant,* 
he served as Postmaster at Upper Sandusky, from May 10, 1869, to^ July 1, 
1877. As may be inferred, Mr. Cuneo is a stanch Republican, a Stalwart 
among Stalwarts, and a warm friend and admirer of Grant, Conkling, and 
their friends. 

He was married, December 2-4, 1861, to Miss Myra V. Miller, of Canton, 
Ohio, who, born in Sandyville, Ohio, in March, 1842, died at Upper San- 
dusky December 27, 1883. Of ten children born to them, four of whom 
were twins, five are still living — Laura T., Sherman A., Edward Noyes, Eva 
and Roscoe Conkling. 

Henry Albert Tracht, the founder and present editor and proprietor of 
the Weekly Chief, was born in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, August 26, 1862. 
His parents, Philip and Lucinda (Keil) Tracht, though of German descent, 
were both born in Crawford County, of this State. His education was ac- 
quired in the public schools of his native town, and at an early period in 
life too, for when only fourteen years of age he was compelled to give up 
his studies, by reason of an annoying and painful affection of his eyes. 
Some months later he established a small job printing-office, which proved 
to be a successful business venture, and fro u that modest beginning has 
grown up by degrees the present very creditable and successfully managed 
sheet, known throughout a wide region as the Chief. Mr. Tracht is still 
unmarried, and apparently has a bright future before him. 

Frank T. Tripp, eldest son of Franklin and Elizabeth (Bowsher) 
Tripp, was born in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, Septe nber 26, 1850. He ob- 
tained a common school education, and at the age of thirteen years began 
learning the printing business in the M'yandot Pioneer office, with Col. W. 
T. Wilson, who shortly after sold the paper to Pietro Cuneo. He remained 
with Mr. Cuneo six years, assisting him in the post office forthetermof two 
years. He was married, October 26, 1871, to Miss Irene M. Stevenson, 
youngest daughter of James N. and Susanna Stevenson, now deceased. By 
this union four children were born, viz., Harry J., May 20, 1872; Susan 
Edith, April 12, 1874; Anna Grace, November 28, 1880, and Sarah Maria, 
August 2, 1882. The first-born, Harry, died April 30, 1879, and Anna 
Grace, August 26, 1881. 

During the winter of 1872-73, he purchase! a one-third interest in the 
Wyandot Democratic Union, and was associated with L. A. Brunner and D. 
F. Druckemiller. He disposed of his interest three months later, and re- 
moving to Carey, Wyandot Co., Ohio, established the Carey Weekly Times. 
He conducted the business there for nearly four years, and then sold the same 
to Hon. L. A. Brunnor. When he became a resident of Carey he was 
elected Corporation Clerk, and served in that capacity until his removal 
back to Upper Sandusky in the fall of 1876. He was then emploved by 
Charles L. Zahm, who was then publishing the Union, as foreman and local 
editor. 

Since that time, Mr. Tripp has been connected with the press of Upper 
Sandusky, more or less, as local editor. Since November 27, 1879, he has 
been with the Union, foreman of its job rooms and assistant editor. He is 
a brilliant young journalist, and has a bright future before him. As a local 
writer of inindents and happenings he has few superiors. His style is fine 
and effective, losing none of the little details around which throngs the in- 

*Some two years ago, Gen. Grant sent a large photograph of himself to Mr. Cuneo, which is probably 
one of the best pictures of the great General in existence. 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 399 

terest of a recital. He is always ready, and gifted with a literary turn of 
mind which frequently sparkles in his graceful and well-rounded periods. He 
is a young man, yet his care and faithfulness in his profession has all the 
marks of experience and native thought. He rarely takes to the humorous, 
but when he does his writings are sure to contain a dash of the irresistible. 
His social qualities, though never pretentious nor obtrusive, are none the 
less of a high order, and few in our midst have more or warmer friends. 
Mr. Tripp has been a correspoadent for the Cincinnati and Eastern papers 
for several years, and his articles have attracted wide attention. 

CAREY PUBLICATIONS. 

The Carey Blade, Carey's first newspaper, was established by Franklin 
Dame, a young man only fifteen years of age, in December, 1872. It was 
a small four-column folio. After getting out four numbers, its publication 
was suspended, but young Dame conducted a job printing-office for several 
months thereafter. 

The Carey Weekly Times was established by Frank T. Tripp, Jr., of 
Upper Sandusky, now foreman of the Wyandot Democratic Union office, on 
the 8th of May, 1873. He continued its publication until August. 1876, 
when it passed under the control of Louis A. Brunner, of Upper Sandusky. 
In 1878, Mr. Brunner transferred his interests to Samuel M. Gillingham, 
who conducted the paper until January 1, 1880, when it was purchased by its 
present editors and publishers, George H. Tallman & Co., consisting of 
George H. Tallman and A. H. Balsley, editor of the Jeffersonian, of Find- 
lay, Ohio. This paper, known since it passed under the control of Gilling- 
ham as the Wyandot County Times, is a seven-column folio, has a circula- 
tion of 700 copies, and is neutral in political matters. 

George H. Tallman, the present editor of the Wyandot County Times, 
was born at Canal Winchester, Ohio, May 2, 1851. His parents. Hinton 
and Amanda (Thompson) Tallman, were natives of the State of Virginia, 
and his maternal grandfather was born in Scotland. When he was ten 
years of age, the parents of George H. removed to Delaware, Ohio, where 
he remained ten years, meantime passing two years as a student of the Ohio 
Wesleyan University at Delaware. In the spring of 1871, he proceeded to 
Fremont, Ohio, where he was engaged until 1873, as a salesman in a boot 
and shoe store. In July of that year he became a resident of Port Clinton, 
Ohio, where he remained until April, 1875, when he located at Findlay, 
Ohio, and soon after entered the office of A. H. Balsley, editor of 
the Findlay Jeffersonian, for the purpose of learning the printer's trade. 
There he remained until January 1, 1880, when he entered into a partner- 
ship with his former employer, Mr. Balsley, and with him purchased the 
Wyandot County Times, which paper he has since conducted in a very suc- 
cessful manner. 

His wife, Molly, a daughter of A. H. Balsley, was born in Pittsburgh, 
Penn. , October 10, 1853, and came to Ohio with her parents when two years 
of age. They have one daughter, named Neta. Mr. Tallman is a member 
of the organization known as the Knights of Honor. 

THE NEVADA ENTERPRISE. 

This publication, issued by Rev. A. B. Kirtland, made its first appear. 

, ance under date of January 1, 1872. Mr. Kirtland continued in contro 

until May 1, 1876, when Messrs T. H. & J. H. Harter became its owners 

On the 1st of January, 1879, J. H. Harter sold his interest to J. M. Wilcox 



400 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Harter (T. H. ) & Wilcox then conducted the paper until November 1, 1882, 
when Mr. Wilcox purchased Harters interest and remained sole editor and 
proprietor until November 1, 1883, when the present firm of Wilcox & 
Holmes was formed, by Frank Holmes purchasing a one-half interest. This 
paper is neutral in politics, has a circulation of eight hundred copies, and 
its annual gross receipts are from $2,500 to $3,000. 

Joseph M. Wilcox, editor of the Nevada Enterprise, was born in Mifflin 
County, Penn. , January 1, 1855. His parents were Christian and Sarah 
(Miller), Huflfnagle, but his father dying when our subject was a mere child 
and his mother soon after marrying H. S. Wilcox, the latter name was 
adopted and has since been retained. His father was born in Pennsylvania 
and died in that State January 18, 1861. His mother was a daughter of 
Thomas and Susan (Dorman) Miller, and was born in Union County, Penn., 
in 1823. Being left a widow in 1861, she moved to Ohio the same year and 
located at Bellevue, where she was married to H. S. Wilcox in 1863, and 
where she resided about two and one-half years. She then moved with her 
husband to Tiffin, and one year later to Millmore; two years after this, they 
located at Benton, Crawford County, and five years later at the present 
point of residence, Nevada. Our subject spent the first nineteen years of 
his life attending school, acquiring a good education. In 1874, he entered 
the Normal School at Ada, Ohio, and passed a thorough course in the art of 
book-keepiag, after which he spent one year in the wholesale millinery 
establishment of A. & E. Thompson, beginning January 1, 1875. May 
1, 1876, he entered the office of the Nevada Enterprise to learn the trade 
of printing, and January 1, 1879, he purchased a half interest in the office, 
whei-e he has since been engaged. He is well versed in the " mysteries " 
of his calling, aud publishes a spicy and newsy country paper. Mr. Wilcox 
was married, January 1, 1879, to Miss Celia Gillan, who was born in 
Petersburg, this county, December 23, 1856. Her parents are William K. 
and Eliza (Betzer) Gillan, and both reside in Nevada. Mr. and Mrs. Wil- 
cox have one child, Harry, born October 8, 1879. Mr. Wilcox is a member 
of the F. & A. M., and favors Republicanism in things political. His work 
is performed with ability and in all respects he is highly esteemed in his 
community. 

Frank Holmes, a son of Dr. Samuel W. and Sarah E. (Ensminger) 
Holmes, was born in the town of Upper Sandusky, Ohio, August 4, 1862. 
Until seventeen years of age he attended the public schools of his native 
town. He then worked one year in the Union office, and subsequently was 
engaged for six months in the office of the Marion Indejjendent. On the 29th 
of May, 1880, he assisted in getting out the first number of the Sycamore 
Star, under the firm name of S. W. Holmes & Son. He continued to be 
interested as editor and proprietor of the Star until May 29, 1883, when it 
was sold to the News Publishing Company. On the 1st of November, 1883, 
he purchased a one-half interest in the Nevada Enterprise, of which he still 
continues as part owner. He was mai'ried, December 25, 1883, to Ella, 
daughter of John and Ellen (McGlen) Turner, of Sycamore, Ohio. She 
was born in the city of Harrisburg, Penn., August 16, 1866. 

THE SYCAMORE NEAVS. 

This weekly journal was founded as the Sycamore Star May 29, 1880, 
by S. W. Holmes & Son. It started as a five-column quarto, and was man- 
aged by its founders until May 29, 1883, when the News Publishing Com- 
pany, consisting of William Corfman (who had been local editor from 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 



401 



October 1, 1882), C. C. Clark, R. J. Plummer and J. E. Goodrich (with C. C. 
Clark as raanager, and Corfman and Plummer as editors) became its owners. 
On the Ist of July, 1883, Corfman and I. E. Beery purchased the paper and 
managed it together until January 1, 1884, when Mr. Corfman retired, 
leaving Mr. Beery in sole control. On the 31st day of January, 1884, the 
latter changed the size of the paper to an eight-column folio. The present 
title was adopted on the 29th day of May, 1883. The Neivs is an independ- 
ent family newspaper, and has a wide circulation. 




402 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY, 



CHAPTER X. 
EDUCATIONAL INTERESTS— CLEEICAL PROFESSION. 

TiiE Days OF Log Schooliioises— Olden Times Mannek of Teachikg— Spell- 
ing Schools— Items from the School Hepoktof 1882— Present Examine 
ERs— The First Meeting of the \Vyandot Teachers' Association — 
Teachers' Institute of 1883— Early Modes of Religious Worship — 
Ministers of the Gospel, 1845 to 1851 Inclusive— Early" Poets and 
Poetry. 

educational interests. 

AS a sort of prelude to a topic which, treated at its best, possesses but 
little interest for the general readers,we insert the following pen- picture 
of the primitive log schoolhouse, and the manner of teaching school 
twenty- five and thirty years ago in this county, and, indeed, throughout all 
of the northern portion of the United States (with the exception of the 
large towns and cities), before the advent of teachers' institutes, the graded 
school system, uniform text books, and costly high school buildings. The 
truthfulness of this description will be recognized by the old and the 
middle-aged readers at a glance. 

The primitive log schoolhouse was erected in every neighborhood as 
soon as there were a dozen children to attend school. The general archi- 
tecture of this original academy of the wilderness was the same as that 
already described for the cabin; the difference being that the furniture of 
the schoolhouse consisted exclusively of benches for seats and a desk fas- 
tened to the wall on two sides of the room, behind the principal row of 
benches, on which the pupils did their writing and laid articles not used 
for the time being. These writing desks were simply rough slabs, resting 
upon pins driven inclined into the wall, and they extended nearly the 
whole length and width of the building. The fire-place averaged larger 
than those in dwellings. 

Imagine such a house, with the children seated around, the teacher on 
one end of a bench or in a chair, with no desk, and you have a view of the 
whole scene. The "schoolmaster" has just called "Books! books!" at 
the door, and the scholars have just run in, almost out of breath from 
vigorous play, taken their seats, and are, for the moment, hurriedly ' * say- 
ing over their lessons " in a loud whisper, preparatory to recitation. While 
they are thus engaged, the teacher is, perhaps, sharpening a few quill pens 
for the pupils, for no other kind of writing pen had been thought of as 
yet. In a few minutes, he calls up an urchin to say his A B C's. The 
little boy stands beside the teacher, perhaps leaning against him The 
teacher, with his pen knife (urchin wishes he owned such a knife), points to 
the first letter, and asks what it is. The little fellow remains silent, for he 
does not know what to say. "A," says the teacher; "A," echoes the urchin. 
Teacher then points to the next, when the same programme is carried out, 
and so on, with three or foitr letters a day, and day after day until the " boy 
has got all his ABC's by heart."' At the conclusion of these exercises, the 
teacher bids the " Major" to go to his seat and study his letters, and when 
he comes to a letter he doesn't know to come to him and he will tell him. 



HISTORY OF AVYANDOT COUNTY. 403 

Accordingly, he returns to his seat, looks on his book a little while, and 
then goes trudging across the floor to his master, pointing to a letter out- 
side of his lesson, and holds it up awkwardly in front of the teacher's face. 
He is told that that letter is not in his lesson, and he needn't study it now, 
and he trudges, sroilingly as he catches the eye of some one, back to his 
seat again; but why he smiled he has no definite idea, 

To prevent wearing the books out at the lower corner, every pupil was 
expected to keep a " thumb-paper" under his thumb as he held the book in 
his hand, which was then the custom, there being no desks in front of the 
scholars. Even then the books were soiled and worn through at this place 
in a few weeks, so that a part of many lessons were gone. Consequently, 
the request was often made, ' ' Master, may I borrow Jimmy's book, to git 
my lesson in? Mine hain't in my book; it's tore out." It was also 
customary to use book pointers, to point out the letters or words in study 
as well as in recitation. The black stem of the maiden-hair fern was a 
favorite material from which pointers were made. 

The a-b, ab, scholars through with, perhaps the second or third reader 
class >yoQld be called up, who would stand in a row in front of the teacher, 
"toeing the mark," which was actually a chalk or charcoal mark, or a crack, 
and, commencing at one end of the class, one would read the first "verse," 
the next the second, and so on round and round, Sunday school fashion, 
taking the paragraphs in the order they occur. Whenever a pupil hesi- 
tated at a word, the teacher would pronounce it for him. And this was all 
there was of the reading exevcise. 

Those studying arithmetic were but little classified, and they were, 
therefore, generally called forward singly and interviewed, or the teacher 
would visit them at their seats. A lesson, comprising several "sums," 
would be given for the next day to those in classes, while others would 
press forward without any regard to quantity. Whenever the learner came 
to a " sum he couldn't do," he would go to the teacher with it — unless he 
was a drone — and the teacher would do it for him. 

In geography, no wall maps were used, no drawing required, and the 
studying and recitation comprised only the '' getting- by- heart " names and 
places. The recitation proceeded like this : " Where is Norfolk?" " In 
the southeastern part of Virginia." "What bay between Maryland and 
Virginia?" "Chesapeake." "What is the capital of Pennsylvania?" 
" Harrisburg. " " Where does the Susquehanna River rise? " " In Now 
York." 

When the hour for writing arrived, the time was announced by the 
master, and every pupil learning the art would throw his feet over and 
around under the writing desk, facing the greased paper or glass window, 
and proceed to " follow copy," which was invariably set by the teacher at 
his leisure moments, not by rule, but by as nice a stroke of the pen as he 
could make. Blue ink and blue paper were both common, and a " blue 
time " the learner often had of it. 

About half past 10 o'clock, the master would announce, " School may 
go out," which meant, "little play-time," in the children's parlance, called 
in modern times "recess" or "intermission." Sometimes the boys and 
girls were allowed to have this intermission separately. Between play- 
times, the request, "Master, may I go out?'" was often iterated, to the 
annoyance of the teacher and the disturbance of the school. 

At about half past 11 o'clock, or a little later, the teacher would an- 
nounce, " Scholars may now get their spelling lessons," and then, in pros- 



404 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

pect of " big play-time " being near at hand, they would, with the charac- 
teristic loud whisper, " say over" to themselves the lesson a given number 
of times. "Master, I've said my lesson over four times," would sometimes 
be heard. A few minutes before twelve, the " little spelling class " would 
recite, and then the "big spelling class.'' The latter would comprise the 
larger scholars and the greater part of the school. They would stand in a 
row, toeing the mark in the midst of the floor, or standing with their backs 
against an unoccupied portion of the wall. One end of the class was the 
" head," the other the "foot," and when the pupil spelled a missed word 
correctly he would "go up," "turning down" all those who had missed it. 
The recitation done, the class would number, the head pupil numbering as 
at the foot, where he or she would take station next time, to have another 
opp'^rtunity of turning them all down. Before taking their seats, the 
teacher would say, "School's dismissed," which was the signal for every 
child rushing for his dinner, and enjoying the "big play-time." The 
same programme would also be followed on closing school in the afternoon. 

" Past the Pictures." This phrase had its origin in the pi'actice of pio- 
neer schools which used Webster's Elementary Spelling Book, toward the 
back part of which were a few reading lessons illustrated with pictures — 
as the mastiff, the stag, the squirrel, the boy stealing apples, the partial 
lawyers, the milk-maid's day dream, and poor Tray. Succeeding this illus- 
trated portion of the book were a few more spelling exercises, of a peculiar 
kind; and when a scholar succeeded in reaching these he was said to be 
' ' past the pictures," and was looked up to as being smarter and more 
learned than most other youths expected to be. Hence the application of 
this phrase came to be extended to other affairs in life, especially where 
scholarship was involved. 

Spellinsr and singing schools were held at night, at the schoolhonse, 
when a general frolic was had, and sometimes mischief was done by the 
"rowdies." On assembling for the spelling match, two youths would vol- 
unteer as "captains," to "choose sides" and have a contest. Various 
methods were adopted, even in the same neighborhood, for conducting this 
exciting exercise. Sometimes "tally" would be kept; at other times a 
system of cross-spelling would be followed, commencing at the head or at 
the foot, or they would spell straight around, or have a "word-catcher" ap- 
pointed for each side, or would "turn down," etc. After an hour's contest, 
an intermission was had, which was indeed a lively time for conversation. 
After recess, the practice was to have a regular spelling- down, sometimes 
the sides chosen at the first taking their places so as to carry on a sort of 
double contest, and sometimes taking all the assembly promiscuously. The 
audience dismissed, the next thing was to "go home," very often by a 
round-about way, "a-sleighing with the girls," which, with many, was the 
most interesting part of the evening's performance. 

The singing school was of later introduction, but afforded equal advan- 
tage for a jubilee. These occasions were looked forward to with great an- 
ticipation, even by the older folks. 

From the published reports are gathered the following items regarding 
the educational interests of Wyandot County, for the year ending August 
31, 1882, the report for 1883 having not yet been made public : 

Amount of school moneys received within the vear: Balance on hand 
September 1, 1881, $49,918.13; State tax, $ll'l75; irreducible school 
fund, $3,681.28; local tax for school and schoolhouse purposes, $45,258.73; 
received on sale of bonds, $1,745; fines, licences, etc., $350.35; total 
receipts, $112,128.49. 






i '1 











HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 407 

Expenditures: Paid primary teachers, $29,822.77; paid high school 
teachers, $2,370.25; for managing and superintending, $1,050; for sites 
and buildings, $22,703.19; for interest on or redemption of bonds, $509.11; 
for fuel and other contingent expenses, $6,386.42; total expenditures, $62,- 
841.74: balance on hand September 1, 1882, $49,286.75. 

Amount received by the county from the State Common School Fund, 
$11,175; amount paid by the county into the State Common School Fund, 
$10,935,81; excess of receipts over payments from this fund, $239.19; num- 
ber of youth between six and twenty-one years of age in the county, 7,616; 
amount received by the county as interest from the Section 16 school fund, 
$4,124.53. 

Number of unmarried youth in the county between the ages of six and 
twenty-one years: White boys, 3,991; white girls, 3,583; total, 7,574; 
colored boys, 25; colored girls, 17; total, 42; whole number between six 
and twenty-one years, 7,616; number between sixteen and twenty-one, 
1,937; population of the county in 1880, 22,401. 

Number of townships in the county, 13; number of subdistricts, 107; 
number of separate districts, 4; number of primary schoolhouses erected 
withia the year, 5; cost of the same, $6,955. 

"Whole number of primary schoolhouses in the county, 107; number of 
primary schoolhouses in separate districts, 5; total, 112; value of school- 
houses and grounds, $123,050. 

Number of school rooms, exclusive of rooms used only for recitation, 
127; number of teachers necessary to supply the schools, 133. 

Number of different teachei's employed: Gentlemen in township primary 
schools, 95; ladies in township primary schools, 113; gentlemen in separate 
district primary schools, 4; ladies in separate district primary schools, 16; 
gentlemen in high schools, 5; ladies in high schools, 1; grand total of 
teachers employed for the year ending August 31, 1882, 234. Number of 
teachers who taught the entire time the schools were in session, 40. 

Average wages of teachers per month: Gentlemen in township primary 
schools, $35; ladies, same, $22; gentlemen in separate district schools, 
$46; ladies, same, $33; gentlemen in high schools, $60; average number 
of weeks the schools were in session within the year: Townships, 26; sepa- 
rate districts, 32; high schools, 35; rate of local tax, in townships, 3.6; 
in separate districts, 6.5. 

Different pupils enrolled: Boys in township primary schools, 2,402; girls 
in township primary schools, 2,019; boys in separate districts, 602; girls in 
separate districts, 647; boys in high schools, 42; girls in high schools, 71; 
grand total, 5,783. Average daily attendance in all schools, 3,868. 

High School Statistics: Total receipts for school purposes within the 
year, at Upper Sandusky, $31,014.21; at Carey, $5,210.54; at Nevada, 
$6,414.17; total expenditui-es at Upper Sandusky, $15,073.80; at Carey, 
$2,358.60; at Nevada, $5,575.13. Number of schoolhouses at Upper San- 
dusky, 3; at Carey 1; at Nevada, 1. Number of schoolrooms at Upper 
Sanduskv, 11; at Carey, 4; at Nevada. 6 Value of school property at 
Upper Sandusky, $18,000;* at Carey, $7,000; at Nevada, $14,000. Num- 
ber of teachers employed at Upper Sandusky, gentlemen, 2; ladies, 10; at 
Nevada, gentlemen, 3; ladies, 4; at Carey, gentlemen, 1; ladies, 4. Aver- 
age wages per month paid, at Upper Sandusky, gentlemen, $80; ladies, 
$35; at Carey, gentlemen, $75; ladies, $35; at Nevada, gentlemen, $57; 
ladies, $31. Superintendent at Upper Sandusky, W. A. Baker; salary, 

* DoeB not include the elegant new school building which, at that time, was not commenced. 

12 



408 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

$900; Superintendent at Carey, J. S. Lewis; salary, $750; Superintendent 
at Nevada. D. E. Niver; salary, $600. Superintendents for the year 
1882-83, J. A. Pittsford, at Carey; D. E. Niver, at Nevada, and W. A. 
Baker, at Upper Sandusky. 

Tbe present County Examiners are D. D. Clayton, whose term expires 
August 31, 1884; M. M. Hollanshead, whose term expires August 81, 1884, 
and W. C. Gear, whose term expires August 31, 1885. 

The first meeting of the Wyandot Teachers' Association was held in the 
court house at Upper Sandusky — in the old Indian Council House — on Fri- 
day, August 25, 1848. At this meeting, Rev. Charles Thayer served as 
Chairman,- and C. P. Culver as Secretary. After adopting various resolu- 
tions, those assembled adjourned to meet at the same place on Saturday, 
September 5, 1848, at 1 o'clock, P. M. Since that date the teachers of the 
county have kept abreast of the times, and have almost annually met at the 
county seat, seeking by professional contact, to widen their sphere of knowl- 
edge and usefulness. 

At the Wyandot Teachers' Insr,itute, held at Upper Sandusky, for five 
days, commencing August 28, 1882, eight lecturers and instructors, and 
seventy male and female teachers were present. Of the $192. 16 received 
from the County Treasurer, from members and from other sources, to meet 
the expenditures of the occasion, $60 were paid lecturers and instructors, 
and $39.35 were paid for other expenses, leaving a balance on hand of 
$92.81. The cost of the institute per day was $19.87, and per member, 
$1.42. The lecturers and instructors present at this session of the institute 
were W. A. Baker, Robert Carey and D. D. Clayton, of Upper Sandusky; 
W. W. Hobbs, of Nevada; J. L. Lewis, of Pitt; M. Manley, of Gallon; J. 
A. Pittsford, of Carey, and H. M. Perkins, of Delaware. Of the $60 paid 
to lecturers, Manley received $50, and Perkins 



CLERICAL. 

EARLY MODES OF RELIGIOUS WORSHIP. 

Although matters relating to church organizations — the date of their es- 
tablishment, building of houses of worship, change of pastors, etc. — are 
treated at length in the separate township histories, yet we cannot forbear 
adding a paragraph or two in this connection, for the purpose of showing 
the manner of conducting religious worship at an early day, and also to men- 
tion the names of some of the early divines of the county. 

Says a writer, in speaking of early religious worship in this part of Ohio, 
"The Methodists were generally first on the ground in pioneer settlements, 
and at that early day were more demonstrative in their devotions than at 
the present time. Pulpit oratory was more full of action, and fraught with 
soaring flights, while the grammatical dress was thought of but little. Fam- 
ily worship, especially among the pioneer Methodists and United Brethren, 
partook of the zealous fervency of their more public devotions. AVe then 
had a most emphatic American edition of that pious old Scotch practice so 
eloquently described in Burns' 'Cotter's Saturday Night:' 

' ' The clieerf u' supper done, wi' serious f cace 

They round the ingle formed a circle wide ; 
The sire turns o'er wi' patriarchal grace, 

The big ha' Bible, once his father's pride. 
His bonnet rev'rently is laid aside, 

His lyart hafEerts wearing thin and bare. 
Those strains that ance did sweet in Zion glide, 

He whales a portion wi' judicious care, 

And ' Let us worship God,' he says wi' solemn air. 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 409 

"They chant their artless notes in simple guise; 

They tune their hearts — by far the noblest aim; 
Perhaps ' Dundee's ' wild warl)ling measures rise, 

Or plaintive ' Martyrs,' worthy of the name; 
Or noble ' Elgin ' beats the heavenward flame, 

The sweetest far of Scotia's hallowed lays. 
Compared wi' these, Italian trills are tame; 

The tickled ear nae heartfelt raptures raise; 

Nae unison hae thc3^wi' our Creator's praise. 

" The priest-like father reads the sacred page — 

How Abraham was the friend of God on high, etc. 

" Then kneeling down to Heaven's Eternal King, 

The saint, the father and the husband prays; 
Hope 'springs exulting on triumphant wing,' 

That thus they a' shall meet in future days; 
There ever bask in uncreated rays, 

No more to sigh or shed the bitter tear. 
Together hymning their Creator's praise. 

In such society, yet still more dear, 

While circling time moves round in an eternal sphere." 

The familiar tunes of pioneer worship were mostly in the minor key, 
and very pensive and solemnly inspiring, in striking contrast with the 
worldly sound of nearly all modern church music. As they are named in 
the old " Missouri Harmony " (who has seen this music book within the 
last thirty years ?), the characteristic standard tunes were such as Bourbon, 
Consolation, China, Canaan, Conquering Soldier, Condescension, DevotioQ, 
Davis, Fiducia, Funeral Thought, Florida, Golden Hill, Ganges, Green- 
fields, Greenville, Idumea, Imandra, Kentucky, Lenox, Leander, Mear, New 
Orleans, Northfield, New Salem, New Durham, Olney, Primrose, Pisgah, 
Pleyel's Hymn, Rockbridge, Rockingham, ReflectioD, Supplicntion, Salva- 
tion, St. Thomas, Salem, Tender Thought, Windham, etc., besides a great 
number known only by the first lines of the words, as " O, how happy are 
they," " Come, thou fount of every blessing," " O, for a glance of heavenly 
day," " Jesus my all, to heaven is gone," etc. 

Ouceor twice a da} — in the morning just before or after breakfast, and in. 
the evening just before retiring to rest — the head of the family would call 
to order, read a chapter in the Bible, announce the hymn and time by com- 
mencing to sing, when others would join, then he would deliver a most fer- 
vent prayer. If a pious guest was present, he would be called upon to take 
the lead in the religious exercises; and if, in those days, a person who 
prayed either in the family or in public, did not pray as if it were his very 
last on earth, his piety was thought to be defective. 

Numbers of other orthodox denominations also had their family prayers, 
in which, however, the phraseology was somewhat different from that of the 
Methodists, and the voices kept low and calm. 

EARLY MINISTERS OF THE GOSPEL. 

The following list embraces the names, denominations, etc., of the mia- 
isters of the Gospel who were licensed by the Court of Common Pleas dur- 
ing the years from 1845 to 1851, inclusive, to solemnize marriages in Wy- 
andot County: 

Benjamin Sager, Christian, April, 1846; Charles Thayer, Presbyterian, 
October, 1846; Nathan Evans, German Reformed, October, 1846; George 
Turk, Lutheran, November, 1847; Silas DeBolt, Predestinarian Baptist, 
May, 1848; James Milligan, Methodist Episcopal, November, 1848; Augus- 
tus Price, Baptist, November, 1848; Jacob Schaner, Evangelical Luthei'an, 



410 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

April, 184:9; John Casper Christian Voight, German Lutheran, July, 1849; 
Louis A. JBrunner, Presbyterian, November, 1849; Eobert Weeks, United 
Brethren, April, 1850; Philip Cole, Methodist Episcopal, July, 1850; 
James B, Oliver, Evangelical Lutheran, November, 1850; Frederick Dol- 
metsk, Lutheran, November, 1850; James P. Hastings, Bible Christian, 
July, 1851; Samuel Kelso, United Brethren, November, 1851. 

EARLY POETS AND POETRY. 

Wyandot County is better adapted to grass and corn than to poetry, 
consequently but little attention has been paid to the culture of the Par- 
nassian crop. 

The only specimen of aboriginal Wyandot poetry known to the writer 
is a hymn, of which a few verses are given, by Rev. James B. Finley, in 
his " Life Among the Indians." The first couplet reads as follows: 

" Yar-ro tawsa shre-wan daros 
Dii-saw shaw-taw tra-war-ta." 

The rest will be forthcoming when called for. 

The genial and simple-hearted Count Coffinberry, in his "Forest 
Rangers," has sung of the Sandusky Plains, and told how — 

" Crawford proved more fortunate, 
Fiir he escaped the public hate 
By being captured tliereaud dying, 
"When from the field his hosts were flying." 

He has also portrayed the gathering of Indian warriors, when — 

" Along Sandusky's verdant shore 
Did hosts of dusky natives pour." 

In a note to the passage first quoted, he informs his readers that the 
locality of Col. Crawford's torture is on the Tyamoherty, about four 
miles above its junction with the Sandusky River, and probably about ten 
miles in a straight line from his battle-ground on the Sandusky Plains. 

But we are keeping our readers too long from the earliest poem, which 
is justly entitled to consideration, as a product of Wyandot County, and 
which was written during our first summer for our first newspaper, and 
published in the Wyandott Telegraph on the 9th of August, 1845. We 
transcribe carefully from the only copy now known to be in existence: 



Land where the Indians love to roam — 
Where true patriots' blood has flown; 
Where freedom's sun has brightlj^ shone 

'Tis thee I love. 
There's beauty in thy naked soil, 
Bespeaking smiles of love; 
Thy rocks and blooming wilds proclaim 
Protection from above. 

Land where the Pilgrim fathers rest. 
Where no foe from us can freedom wrest; 
Of the bright and growing West 

'Tis thee I love. 
Where the eagle soars on pinions free, 
O'er the towering mountain's top; 
Thus proudly boasting of the liberty 
That bears her onward— up. 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 411 

Land where the people's voice is heard; 
Where on none are kingly powers confer'd; 
Where freedom is the boasted word; 

'Tis thee I love. 
Here no aristocratic lords 
Have power to bind us down, 
But freedom grants — that sacred word — 
Power to each and every one. 

Land of the patriot Washington; 
Of the. lamented Harrison; 
Of the Statesman Jefferson 

'Tis thee I love. 
Thou art as a brightly shining star. 
That is from every country seen; 
Whose rays shine brighter every year, 
Though clouded thou at times hast been. 

Land that is lashed by Atlantic's wave; 
Where monarchy soon found a grave; 
That our fathers fought to save; 

Tis thee I love. 
Thy cities great with crowded streets. 
Tell of a nation prosperous, free! 
Where every stranger kindness meets, 
While in this land of liberty. 

Land where the wrung soul may rest; 
Where each may alike be blest; 
Where the laborer is ne'er oppressed; 

'Tis thee I love. 
Yes, thou art the land I prize above 
All others known to me. 
Thou art the land so dearly loved, 
Sweet land of liberty! —A. W. B. 

McCuTCHENViLLE, July 26, 1845. 

Of this poet all the other works have perished, and of his name nothing 
remains but the initials. The poem itself will doubtless suggest to some 
of our readers a rather clear imitation of an ode which is sometimes sung 
in the churches. 

Next in order of time, is the remarkal>le poem which was published for 
the first and only time in the Democratic Pioneer for January 9, 1847, and 
which, with the editorial note that preceded it, we give entire. 

The followiug lines some may suppose to be borrowed, but Mr. Harris 
informed us that they are wholly original, no portion being selected. These 
lines contain something sublime and beautiful, as every one will admit upon 
a perusal. It is altogether in the author's own style, and without alteration 
or amendment: 

THE PKESENT AT PARTIKG. 

Elian dear, here is a book, 

To pick one for you great pains I took. 

And if I never do return, 

My heart for you will always burn. 

Elian dear, do not take it amiss, 

But take it with a parting kiss, 

And wherever you may be, 

When you look at this you will think of me. 

Elian dear, thou art a friend. 
On whom a person may depend. 
And with you and your good heart, 
I am sorrow that I have to part. 



412 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Elian dear, I must now go, 

I bear good will to friend and foe. 

The time has come, I now must I, 

Bid you, my dear, a long good by. 

— By J. A. Harris. 
"** Notwithstanding the doubts suggested in the preliminary note, we un- 
iiesitatingly pronounce the foregoing poem to be wholly original. There 
IS no question but that Mr. Harris made it entirely out of his own head, 
and had plenty of chips and blocks left. 

The rare and authentic specimen of original indigenous poetry appeared 
in the Pioneer of January 19, 1849. The author, Robert Taggart, was an 
Elder in the Presbyterian Church, whose pious aversion to the sinful 
amusement of dancing found or forced an utterance in the following song. 
The introductory note, and the song itself — with the exception of one verse, 
which, containing more truth than poetry, is especially liable to miscon- 
struction — are copied literally. 

" At the request of a friend, and in compliance with a resolution passed 
by a number of persons, we publish the following lines as written by Mr. 
Taggart : 

ORIGINAL SONG. 

You countries and cities, I pray you draw uear, 
A comical ditty you quickly shall hear, 
The boys about here they think to advance, 
By courting the girls and learning to dance. 
And its shame for them. 

The boys about here they think theirs the plan, 
You'll not say one word but you'll have it again ; 
And more they'll put to it, they will if they can. 
And many a boy sits up for a man. 
And its shame lor them. 

Their jackets \<* short as e're they can be, 
And in their bosoms they'll wear a gold key ; 
Their pantaloons they must have up to their chin. 
And they're buckled and strapped like a horse in a sling. 
And its shame for them. 

But now we leave off these sporting young lads. 
And go to the girls, they're ten times as bad ; 
They'll powder their hair and rowlers they'll wear. 
And just like an owl in the bufh they'll appear, 
And its fine fun for them. 

They'll go to the church and down they will sit, 
They'll laugh and they'll not know at what, 
They'll laugh and they'll point and they'll think themselves wise, 
And they can't get a man if they would lay down their lives, 
And its fine fun for them. 

Oh, when they go there, their box they'll pull out ; 
They Hit it a crack to make you look about ; 
They'll hand it to one, they'll hand it to two. 
Saying, Sir, won't you take it, or Madam won't you? 
And its fine fun for them. 

With ribbands and lace they toss oft" their head, 
And with a gauze veil they'll cover their face ; 
Their top-locks and lug-locks look wonderful ((ueer. 
And they hold up their head like a stitt'-bridled mare. 
And its fine fun for them. 

The following lines, which have a somewhat familiar sound, pui'port to 
have been "written for the Wyandot Tribune,^' and were published in that 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 413 

paper on June 30, 1849. That the greater portion of them had been 
written before for some other purpose is quite probable: 

NIGHT. 

I love the dark and gloomy night, 
When moon and stars are hid from sight ; 
When deafening thunders awful roll, 
And lightnings tiash from pole to pole. 

When Nature rests in silent awe, 
As if to scan some secret tlaw, 
Amid her vast and ponderous wheels, 
While all creation trembling reels. 

Thus when the elements contend, 

And lightnings with the darkness blend, 

I'd have some fair one by me then. 

To watch the tempest's gathering might. 

How grand the scene! how blest the choice 
Of such an one in such an hour ! 
The dismal heavens would form our bower, 
As blackning clouds around us lower. 
Upper Sandi-skt, June 30, 1849. — C. G. F. 

For a few years afterward Wyandot County struggled along as best it 
could, without a sacred or other poet, until C. Gr. Mugg took charge of the 
Wyandot Pioneer, and in the omnivorous spirit which marked his control 
of thatpapei'. became his own poet. As a fair example of his best style, we 
give the general reflections with which he concluded a lengthy poem on the 
subject of Col. Crawford's rather well-known mishap, published in the 
Pioneer of October 29, 1857, and entitled "Battle Island." After portray- 
ing the varying fortunes and final result of the fight, our poet continues: 

Long years have passed, and many a morn and eve, 
Time's changes on the face of nature weave; 
AVhere once the wigwam of the savage stood, 
Or where unseen in pathless solitude. 
Roamed the wild deer and beast of prey alone, 
By marshy fen, by reeds and grass o'ergrown. 
All these have passed away and in their place, 
' Are dwellings of a nobler, better race. 

Where once the Indian village decked the plain. 

Bright summer shows her fields of waving grain. 

Which in the spring and early summer bloom, 

Blossom alike o'er white and red — man's tomb. 

To thee, thou Battle Isle, changes but few have come. 

Since erst the Wyandot thy shade his home 

Had made. Now wave thy oaks as green as when 

Thou shelteredst in their need brave Crawford and his men. 

Though near an hundred years have fled, 
Thy shade still reaches o'er the slumbering dead. 
That sleep in one huge grave, by midnight fires 
Dug, for our murdered Anglo-Sixon sires. 
God rest them ! May their children ever keep 
Sacred the spot where their foretathers sleep. 
And may they make that mound, in years to come, 
A sacred shrine — a proud mausoleum. 

The same poet editor produced " A Lay of the Heart," which was given 
to the public in the Pioneer of January 14, 1858. The first of the four 
verses composing this lay is quoted as a fair example of its author's senti- 
mental poetry: 



414 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Fairest of earth's bri^^hl-eyeil ilaughters, 

Milder tbou than breath of tr.orn 
Gladsome as the chime of waters, 

O'er the wold at twiliorht borne. 
List the lay ot nne who loves thee, 

Vne but who lives in thy smile — 
Dearer far to him than any, 

Gem that gleams on Eastern isle. 

"The Upper Sandusky Bard," whose lengthy productions in poetry 
were published in several numbers of the Democratic Union, beginning 
with January, 1858, was another whose poetic efforts, perhaps, entitle him 
to some recognition in these pages, but as before intimated, his articles all 
verge upon the extreme of prolixity, and as space and time with us are 
valuable, we will cordially delegate the task of their reproduction to those 
possessing more appreciation and more leisure. 

Again turning to the last article contributed by Mr. Sears, we find him 
commenting upon the only poetess Wyandot County has produced as 
follows : 

"Though we disclaim any credit for so ordinary an act of politeness, we 
trust our readers will not overlook the fact, that the places of honor in these 
sketches have been reserved for our only poetess, the sweet and sentimental 
songtrebs, who gave to the world the gushiugs of her gentle heart, in a 
small 16mo volume, bound in muslin and modestly labeled, ' Lute's Poems.' " 

Turning to the title page, we are introduced with somewhat more for- 
mality to "Poems by Lute, respectfully dedicated to M. C. H:" 

let us seek some friendly isle, 

Far o'er the deep blue sea, 
Where none sive nature's own sweet smile, 

Will rest on you and me ; 
Where frowns we've met in other years, 

Will sink in Lethe's streams, 
Where pa- sing smiles and bitter tears, 

Will never haunt our dreams. 

"Printed for the author at the establishment of the United Brethren, 
at Dayton, Ohio, 1858." 

While the opening lines of the dedicatory strains above quoted remind 
us somewhat forcibly ot the fate of that unfortunate colt which was drowned 
in attempting to cross the river to get a drink, and although there are many 
other passages in the book where impulsive genius has set the rules of 
composition and grammar at defiance; yet it is our only printed volume of 
poetry — it may be the only one we shall ever have — and we are determined 
to make the most of it. Consider for a moment, in a proper spirit of thank- 
fulness, and without exulting over our less fortunate neighbors, how few of 
the eighty odd counties in Ohio have a printed volume of their own home- 
made poetry. 

" Lute's Poems " are the unassisted work of a young lady who was brought 
up in Wyandot County, whose intellectual training was the work of our 
common and other schools, and whose heart here received that education of 
love, hope and disappointment which finds full expression in the volume 
before us. 

Such selections as our space permits will be given for the benefit of our 
readers, the most of whom will never see ought more of the contents of this 
privately printed and already very scarce book. There are many religious 
poems, notable among which are Kedron, Jesus Wept, Jerusalem and The 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 415 

Reconciliation. The last-named is Miltonic, both in style and subject, and 
treats of Adam and Eve's criminations, recriminations and final reconcilia- 
tion after the ejectment from Eden. 

There are many pieces devoted to the perpetuation of the very laudable 
affections of the author as a sister and daughter, some obituary feeling offer- 
ings to departed friends, a few fancy sketches such as The Fairy^s Tale and 
The Aborigines, and also something philosophic, and didactic in reference 
to Homer and Napoleon; yet, among them all, we prefer those pieces which 
treat of the gentle passion, those outpourings of the heart, whose intensity 
might almost compensate the lack of genius. Our few extracts, which will 
be confined to this class, can have no more fitting introduction than the 
hymn to the god with plump cheeks, who with bow and quiver, and without 
trowsers, is worshiped openly or in secret, by all sentimental young ladies 
under the name of 

CUPID. 

Little, flying gleam of fancy, 

Little ray 
Chasing peace away, 
Every day, and every hour, 
Proves more absolute his ) oveer, — 
Habitant of every nation. 
Handed down through all creation, 

Here, there, everywhere, 
Making mischief where he can, 
In the heart of man. 

Little flying gleam of fancy, 

Little ray, 
Cbasinsi peace away, 
Styled by some a gift from heaven. 
Others say, whence unforgiven — 
Spirits dwell in blackest night, 
He has 'scaped and come to light. 

Loved by some, and scorned by others ; 
Still their hatred never smothers 
The bright fires whic& he starts, 
On the altar of our hearts. 

Another poem is addressed to some faithless swain, and entitled: 

YOU CANNOT QUITE FOKGET ME. 

You cannot quite forget me — 

Go leave me if you will — 
But lingering memories of me 

Will haunt your pathway still. 

The tears when we have parted, 

The smiles when we have met, 
The kindly words we've spoken, 

You never can forget. 

You cannot quite forget me, 

Although another shrine 
Mdy claim your priceless favor. 

You'll often think of mine. 

The smiles from some one fairer, 

Awhile may drown regret. 
But still our sunny mornings 

You never can forget. 



416 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

And then in a spirit of despondency, doubtless caused by that fellow's 
persistent efiforts to forget her, the fair songstress declared: 

I'll never love again. 

Yes, yes, the happy dream is past, 

To retain it I was fain ; 
But 'twas delusion now 1 know, 

And I'll never love again. 

0! may the past, the dreamy past, 

As the summer rose depart; 
And again I'll mingle with the gay, 

But with a heivier heart. 

For still fond memories of the past, 

I ever will retain, 
Remembering him I used to love, 

I'll never love again. 

Yet, despite the disappointment and deception, faithlessness and broken 
vows, true to the promptings and the destiny of the female heart, she con- 
tinues to love under all disadvantages, as evidence of which we cite the 
concluding poem in this volume, and with it close our sketch of the early 
poets and poetry of Wyandot County : 



They tell me, love, tbey tell me, 
That thou art sadly changed. 

That from the one that lived for thee 
Thy heart is now estranged. 

They tell me of thy baseness. 

To send a sickening dart, 
In thoughtless ease and trifling mood. 

Into a trusting heart. 

But this heart will never cherish 

One twitter thought of you, 
But live to love thy memory, 

Of time when thou was't true 

Thou was't not false — 0! no. 

Not ever false as now. 
Once truth was pictured in thine eye, 

And stamped upon thy brow. 

And though thou'st proved, basely false, 
And played a traitor's pan, 

Methinks that still an honor's gleam 
Must nestle in thine heart. 

They tell me to forget thee. 
And that at pleasure's shrine 

I may lose in oblivion, 

The love which still is thine. 



The following beautiful and expressive poem was written by Frank E. 
Dumm, who has gained considerable distinction as an elocutionist, and a 
very brilliant writer for one of his years. He was born in Upper Sandusky 
August 22, 1862, and is a son of R. D. Dumm, editor of the Wyandot 
Union : 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 417 



LENA S MOTHER. 



DECLAMATION. 



Where is your mother? Come, Lena dear, 
Stand close by my side, first wipe otf that tear. 
In a land far away — beautiful land — 
A maiden there lived — child, give me your hand- 
A blithe, happy maid, who played all day long. 
So sweet was her smile and bright was her song. 
That the boatmen who passed on the river below 
Would silence their oars e'er turning to go. 
The easel-bowed trav'ler would slacken his pace 
To gaze on the gems that shone in her face ; 
And turn as he passed to imprint on his mind 
The beauty and light he was leaving behind. 

So fair was this maiden, my Lena, child. 
So innocent, artless, so undetiled, 
That the country lads with much emotion. 
Spoke the burden of their heart's devotion ; 
But she loved one, and only one, and he ! 
Well, Lena, child, he was somewhat like me. 

She used to sing a plaintive song, so sweet, 
It mocked the river's rippling feet ; 
It was a mellow, mother's lullaby ; 
I'll sing it child, if you'll come nigh : 



Slumber as sweet as the breath of the roses, 

Close Lena's lids, protect Lena's sleep. 
For mau never knows what the morrow proposes, 
What snares on the land, what rocks in the deep ; 

Sleep, Lena, sleep. 

Angels will keep 

Ever by thee. 

Ever nigh thee. 
And lead you through dreamland's beautiful highways- 
Mansions and bowers and woodlands and by-ways — 

Sleep, Lena, sleep. 

DECLAMATION. 

Sweet lullaby, how it brings back to me 

The time, child, when you sat on my knee, 

With your soft white hands clasped closely in mine — 

A look on your face that was half divine ; 

And with tears in my eyes and drooping head, 

I gazed on the patient face of the dead. 

How sweet to my soul came that lullaby, 
And lightened the grief of both you and I — 

Sleep, Lena, sleep, 

Angels will keep 

Ever nigh you. 

Ever by you ; 
The smile on her face, the light in her eye. 
Spoke thro' the soul that ascended on high. 

Come, child, we'll sing your mother's lullaby. 
And softly, child, for her spirit is nigh; 
Sweetly, too, and let a tear dim the eye — 
Sweet, mellow, Lena's mother's lullaby. 

(^Repeat Lullaby.) 



418 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Heard you not, Lena, child, the voice that long 
Has been lost to oui- joys, echo the song ? 
Or heard you not flowers sighing to me 
From a grassy mound, far over the sea? 
Nor felt you the dread of silence that fell 
On the mystic life, o'er the mngic spell 
That bears each token of life's fitful ways, 
To the souls that revel in sun-lit days? 
Heard you not a step so soft and light, 
Falling as sweetly as rays of bright 
Golden sunbeams, and then gliding away — 
Leaving a shadow 'mid shadows to play ? 
That was your mother, Lena, watching nigh 
So softly echoing our lullaby. 



Slumber as soft as the breath of the roses, 
Close Lena's lid's, protect Lena's sleep. 
For man never knows what the morrow proposes. 
What snares on the land, what rocks in the deep. 

Sleep, Lena, sleep, 

Angels will keep 

Ever by thee. 

Ever nigh thee, 
And lead you through dreamland's beautiful highways. 
Mansions and bowers and woodlands and by-ways — 

Sleep, Lena, sleep. 




HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 



419 



CHAPTER XI. 

MATERIAL PROGRESS. 

Population of Towns and Townships by Decades— The Standing of 
Townships IN 1845— Teanspoktation Facilities— Indian Trails— Wagon 
Roads— Railroads— Post Offices and Postmasters— Agricultural 
Productions— Statsitics for the Year 1882— County Agricultural 
Society. 

IN the endeavor to show the gradual progress of the county of Wyandot 
during the past forty years (likewise its present resources), and for reasons 
which should be obvious to the general reader, we have here arranged under 
one general heading sundry topics, each of which, if treated independently, 
would not furnish sufficient material to form separate chapters. 

population. 

Wyandot County began its existence in the spring of 1845, with about 

5,000 white inhabitants; that its progress has been rapid with respect to 

population, is clearly shown by the following tabulated statement, which 

has been compiled with much care from the United States census reports: 



TOWNSHIPS and villages. 



Antrim Township, including the following villages 

Nevada* Village (part of). (See Eden Township.) ... 

Wyandot Village 

Crane Township, including the following villages 

Upper Sandusky Village 

Mononcue Village , 

Crawford Township, including the following villages 

Carey Village 

Crawfordsville Village , 

Eden Township, including the following villages.. 

Edenville Village 

Little York Village 

Nevada* Village (part of). (See Antrim Township). 
Jackson Township, including the village of Kirby , 

Kirby Village 

Marseilles Township, including the village of Marseilles... 

Marseilles Village 

MiflBin Township 

Pitt Township, including the following villages 

Fowler City Village 



TEARS. 



1880. 



Richland Township, including the village of Wharton .. 

Wharton Village 

Ridge Township 

Salem Township 

Sycamore Township, including the following village... 

Sycamore Village 

Tymochtee Township, including the following villages. 

Belle Vernon Village 

McCutchenville Village 

Mexico Village 

Tymochtee Village 



Total population by decades 22401 18553 



1676 
399 
639 

1548 

1058 
272 

1620 

112 

230 

115 

38 



1870. 



1061 



3876 
2564 



1860 
692 



1423 



I860. 1850. 



1245 



2877 
1599 



1626 



1247 



771 



603 
261 
866 
991 



1271 



581 

1103 

850 



1631 



603 



693 



870 
957 



1014 



583 

1070 

937 



1874 



15596 



756 



1544 
783 



1301 
"643 



395 



539 



570 
886 



599 



501 
738 
880 



1817 



11169 



* Total population of the village of Nevada, in 1880, lying in Antrim and Eden Townships, 1,036. 



420 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

THE STANDING OF TOWNSHIPS IN 1845. 

Antrim — Number of tax-pay ors assessed for personal property, 75; acres 
of land, 8,603|; value of lands, including houses, mills, etc., $25,995; value 
of town lots, including buildings, $738; horses, in number, 134: value, |5,- 
360; cattle, in number, 238; value, $1,904: merchants capital, and money 
at interest, $501; pleasure carriages, in number, 1; value, $40; total amount 
of taxable property, $33,639; State tax, $335.47; county tax, $218.65; road 
tax, $50.45. 

Crane — Number of inhabitants assessed for personal property, 57 ; horses 
in number, 85; value, $3,400; cattle, in number, 100; value, $800; mer- 
chant's capital, and money at interest, $1,950; pleasure carriages, in num- 
ber, 2; value, $100; total amount of taxable property, $6,250; State tax, 
$43.75; county and school tax, $40.62; poor tax, $31.25; road tax, $9.37; 
total amount of taxes assessed, $125. 

Crawford — Number of tax- payers assessed for personal property, 165 
acres of land, 17,830; value of lands, including houses, mills, etc., $38,868 
value of town lots, including buildings, $2,288; horses, in number, 252 
value, $10,080; cattle, in number, 690; value, $5,520; merchant's capital 
and money at interest, $2,185; pleasure carriages, in number, 9; value, 
$480; total amount of taxable property, $59,421; State tax, $415.94; coun- 
ty and school tax, $386.23; road tax, $89.13; total amount of taxes assessed, 
$891.31. 

Eden — Number of tax-payers assessed for pei'sonal property, 18; acres 
of land, 2,704; value of lands, including houses, mills, etc., $8,452; 
horses, in number, 26; value, $1,040; cattle, in number, 56; value, $448; 
pleasure carriages, in number, 2; value, $105; total amount of taxable 
property, $10,045; State tax, $70.31; county and school tax, $65.29; road 
tax, $15.06; total amount of taxes assessed, $150.67. 

Jackson — Number of inhabitants assessed for personal property, 48; 
acres of land, 15,686; value of lands, including houses, mills, etc., $20,352; 
horses, in number, 65; value of same, $2,600; cattle, in number, 145; value 
of same, $1,160; total amount of taxable property, $24,112; State tax, 
$168.78; county and school tax, $156,72; road tax, $36.16; total amount of 
taxes levied, $361.68. 

Mifflin — Number of inhabitants assessed for personal property, 60; acres 
of land, 6,162; value of lands, including bouses, mills, etc., $12,392; 
horses, in number, 86; value, $3,440; cattle, in number, 169; value, $1,352; 
merchant's capital and money at interest, $114; total amount of taxable 
property, $17,298; State tax,'$121.08; county and school tax, $U2.43; 
road tax, $25.94. 

Marseilles — Number of inhabitants assessed for personal property, 86; 
acres of land, 14,460; value of lands, including houses, mills, etc., $34,- 
496; value of town lots, including buildings, $2,889; horses, in number, 
126; value, $5,040; cattle, in number, 304; value, $2,432; merchants' cap- 
ital and money at interest, $7,925; pleasure carriages, in number, 2; value, 
$140; total amount of taxable property, $52,522; State tax, $367.65; coun- 
ty and school tax, $341.39; road tax, $78.78; total amount of taxes levied, 
$787.83. 

Fitt. — Number of tax payers assessed for personal property, 121; acres 
of land, 9,936; value of lands, including houses, mills, etc., $28,694; value 
of town lots, including buildings, $2,110; horses in number, 200; value, 
$8,000; cattle in number, 425; value, $3,400; merchants' capital and money 
at interest, $4,490; pleasure carriages in number, 6; value, $450; total 



HISTORY OF WYAiNDOT COUNTY. 421 

amouat of taxable property, $47,144; State tax, $300; county and school 
tax, $306.43; road tax, $70.71; total amount of taxes assessed, $707.16. 

Richland. — Number of inhabitants assessed for personal property, 62; 
acres of land, 17,279; value of lands, including houses, mills, etc., $30,959; 
value of town lots, including buildings, $36; horses in number, 79; value, 
$3,160; cattle in number, 165; value, $1,320; merchants' capital and 
money at interest, $139; total amount of taxable property, $35,614; State 
tax, $249.29; county and school tax, $231.49; township tax, $35.61; road 
tax, 124.64; total amount of taxes levied, $641.05. 

Ridge. — Number of inhabitants assessed for personal property, 67; 
acres of land, 9,678; value of lauds, including houses, mills, etc., $18,328; 
value of town lots, including buildings, $133; horses in number, 107; value 
of same, $4,280; cattle in number, 161; value of same. $1,288; pleasure 
carriages in number, 1; value $40; total amount of taxable property, $24,- 
069; State tax, $168,48; county and school tax, $156.44; road tax, $36.10; 
total amount of taxes levied, $361.03. 

Salem. — Number of inhabitants assessed for personal property, 34; 
acres of land, 5,114; value of lands, including houses, mills, etc., $9,420; 
horses in number, 53; value, $2,120; cattle in number, 131; value, $1,048; 
total amount of taxable property, $12,588; State tax, $88.11; county and 
school tax, $81.82; road tax, $18.88; total amount of taxes levied, $188.82. 

Sycamore. — Number of tax payers assessed for personal property, 123 
acres of land, 13,372; value of lands, including houses, mills, etc., $36,380 
horses in number, 230: value, $9,200; cattle in number, 446; value, $3,568 
merchants' capital and money at interest, $200; pleasure carriages in num- 
ber, 10; value, $535; total amount of taxable property, $49,903; State tax, 
$349.32; county and school tax, $324.36; township tax, $49.90; road tax, 
$74.85; total amount of taxes assessed, $798.44. 

Tymochtee. — Number of tax payers assessed for personal property, 260 
acres of land, 17,180; value uf lands, including houses, mills, etc., $47,518 
value of town lots, including buildings, $8,272; horses in number, 387 
value, $15,460; cattle in number, 636; value, $5,088; merchants' capital 
and money at interest. $7,919; pleasure carriages in number, 16; value, 
$^73; total amount of taxable property, $85,150; State tax, $596.05; county 
and school tax, $553.47; township tax, $42.57; road tax, $127.72; total amount 
of taxes levied, $1,319.82^. 

Grand Summary. — Number of inhabitants assessed for personal prop- 
erty, 1,176; acres of land, 138,005; value of lands, including houses, 
mills, etc., $310,954; value of town lots,* including buildings, $16,- 
066; horses in number, 1,830; value of same, $73,200; cattle in number, 
3,366; value of same, $29,328; merchants' capital and money at inter- 
est, $25,444; pleasure carriages in number, 49; value of same, $2,763; 
total amount of taxable property, $457,755; State tax, $3,204.28^; county 
and school tax, $2,975.40; township tax, $128.09; poor tax, $31.25; road tax, 
$757.86; total amount of taxes levied in 1845, $7,096. 89f 

TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES. 

Indian Trails. — The first white men to visit this region — the Indian 
traders, and the equally adventurous hunters and trappers — found their 
way from stream to stream, from prairie to prairie, and from one valley 
to another by following the trails or paths then in use by the Indians. 

* This summary does not include the town lots, etc., in the town of Upper Sandusky, nor the lands and 
value thereof in Crane Township, which were not mentioned in the assessment of 1845. 



422 HISTORY OF AVYANDOT COUNTY. 

The latter certainly displayed much astuteness, or, if we may use the term, 
engineering skill, in the choice of their routes of travel, for the same paths 
were pursued by the traders with their pack-horse trains. Next they were 
followed by the rude military roads hewed out by the axmen and pioneers 
attached to the American armies under Gen. Harrison and others during the 
war of 1812-15. Next came the highways, constructed under State au- 
thority. Then followed the ordinary wagon roads, and lastly, the railways 
of the present day. 

At this late day, and with no authentic evidence as a guide, it is impos- 
sible to describe the route of the various trails which led through this imme- 
diate region during its occupation by the Indians. It is a well-authenticated 
fact, however, that, from time immemorial, the Wyandots and other Indians 
used a broad and well-detined trail, which in its course northward from the 
head-waters of the Scioto River to Sandusky Bay, led directly over the 
site of the present town of Upper Sandusky. Another favorite route with 
the aborigines, termed the "Old "War Trace," intersected the trail just 
mentioned at Upper Sandusky, and thence led oflf in a southeasterly course 
through the present towns of Caledonia, Mount Gilead, Fredericktown and 
Mount Vernon, down Old Creek to "White Woman River. Doubtless many 
other minor trails crossed and led into the broad paths above referred to, 
but, as before intimated, it is now an impracticable task to even attempt to 
describe them. 

Wagon Roads, Ferries, etc. — Without a doubt, the first attempt at road- 
makinof by the whites in the territory now embraced by Wyandot County, 
took place during the year 1812. This route, called the " Old War Road," 
was cut out by Gen. Harrison's soldiers, and passed in a nearly north and 
south direction through Upper Sandusky and the central part of the pres- 
ent county. Some years after the close of the war of 1812-15, and by a 
treaty stipulation with the Wyandot Indians, a State road was marked out 
and somewhat improved, which led from Delaware to Upper Sandusky, and 
thence on to Lake Erie, via the towns now known as Tiffin, Fremont, etc. 
This road became well established, and for many years was the chief high- 
way leading into this region. However, as the country settled up, public 
highways became indispensable, and they were slowly and gradually made, 
simultaneously with the building of the log cabin residences and the 
development of farms. 

A number of roads were authorized to be laid out in this region by the 
authorities of Marion, Crawford, Hancock and Hardin Counties before the 
organization of Wyandot County. Since that time a large number of 
others have been opened, and a vast sum of money, in the aggregate, appro- 
priated to improve them. Yet the county cabnot yet boast of a mile of 
turnpike or macadamized road, and as a result of the peculiar character of 
the soil, the ordinary highways during certain seasons of the year are well- 
nigh impassable. 

By turning to the court records it is ascertained that in 1847 Joseph T. 
Torrey was denied the right to maintain a ferry over the Tymochtee Creek, 
on the State road leading from Upper to Lower Sandusky. In July of that 
year, however, Jacob Bugh and Daniel F. Hodge, under the firm name of 
Bugh & Hodge, were granted the privilege of keeping and maintaining for 
one year " a ferry over the Sandusky River where the road crosses the said 
river, east of McCutchenville;" and at November term, 1848, Michael Noel 
and Cornelius Shaw were granted a license for one year to keep and main- 
tain a ferry " at a point on the Tymochtee Creek, where the road leading 
from Upper Sandusky to McCutchenville crosses said creek." 



^ 



'■«^■. 






V .^ 




t: 



J^A,, (2^c^ 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 425 

Railroads. — Indianapolis, Bloomington & Western Railway Cora- 
pany. — The corporate history and the changes which have led to this title, 
are briefly stated as follows: By a special charter, granted January 5, 1832 
(O. L. 15), the Mad River & Lake Erii^ Kailroad Company was incorporated 
and vested with the right to construct a railway fi'om Dayton via Spring- 
field, Urbana, Bellefontaine, to or near Upper Sandusky, Tiffin and Lower 
Sandasky, to Sandusky, Huron County; also to construct branches to the 
seats of justice of any county through which the road may be located. 

Thereafter the following legislation furthering the interests of the cor- 
poration was had on the several dates specified; 

An act to authorize a loan of credit of the State of $200,000 to the said 
company, approved March 14, 1836 (34 O. L., ,570). 

An act to authorize the Commissioners of Logan County to subscribe for 
$25,000of the capital stock of the company, approved December 19, 1836 
(35,0. L., 7). 

An act to authorize the Commissioners of Hardin County to subscribe 
$30,000 to the capital stock of the company, and, in case the railroad is lo- 
cated through the town of Kenton, to make a donation to the company of 
any lots owned by the county in or near Kenton; approved March 16, 1839 
(37 O. L., 343). ' 

k.u act to authorize the Commissioners of Hancock County to subscribe 
to the capital stock of the Mad River & Lake Erie Railroad Company the 
sum of $60,000, or such sum as shall be sufficient to construct a railway or 
branch from the main track of said railway to the town of Findlay, and to 
pay such subscription; authorizes the said Commissioners to issue the bonds 
of the said county, bearing interest at not over six per cent per annum, pay- 
able to said railroad company, or any other person or body corporate, no 
bond so issued to be for a less sum than $1,000; approved February 19, 
1845 (43 O. L., 109). 

Under the last-mentioned act, and the authority of the charter of the 
Mad River & Lake Erie Railroad Company, the Findlay Branch Railroad 
was built fi'om Carey, Wyandot County, on the main line, to Findlay, the 
county seat of Hancock County, a distance of 15.54 miles, and has ever 
since been operated and held .as a part of the Mad River & Lake Erie Rail- 
road. 

On the 6th of February, 1847 (45 O. L., 65), an act was passed author- 
izing the town of Springfield to subscribe $20,000 to the stock of the com- 
pany, to be applied to construction between Springfield and Dayton; and 
two days later another act was passed (see 45 O. L., 87) authorizing the 
Commissioners of Clark County to subscribe, on behalf of said county, not 
exceeding $25,000 to the capital stock of the Mad River & Lake Erie Rail- 
road Company, payment therefor to be made by transferring to it certifi- 
cates to an equal amount of stock heretofore subscribed by said Commis- 
sioners in behalf of said county, to the capital stock of the Little Miami 
Railroad Company. 

In the spring of 1847, an effort was made in Wyandot County to secure 
railway connections with the Mad River & Lake Erie Railroad. Thus on 
the 21st of April, 1817, at a railroad meeting held in Upper Sandusky, for 
the purpose of inaugurating a movement looking to the building of a branch 
railroad from Upper Sandusky to connect with the railroad above mentioned, 
Dr. James McConnell was elected President; David Ayres, Vice President; 
and Samuel M. Worth, Secretary. Robert McKelly, Esq., then stated the 
object of the meeting. Whereupon Henry Peters, Moses H. Kirby, Robert 



426 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

McKelly, John McCurdy and Samuel M. Worth were appointed a commit- 
tee to ascertain the terras by which a raih'oad could be constructed from 
Upper Sandusky to intersect the Mad River & Lake Erie Railroad. How- 
ever, it appears that in view of certain difficulties attending the construc- 
tion of the proposed branch railroad, and the fact that the building of an 
east and west trunk line to pass through Upper Sandusky was already being 
agitated, all further efforts regarding the branch road were abandoned. 

The Mad River & Lake Erie Railmad Company located and constructed 
its road from Tiffin to Sandusky by way of Bellevue. In 1851, the Sandusky 
City & Indiana Railroad Company, which was chartered by act of Febru- 
ary 28 of that year (49 O. L., 434), proceeded to build a road from Tiffin 
to Sandusky via Clyde, and this route being deemed more favorable than 
the other, on December 1, 1854, the last-named company leased this road for 
the term of ninety-nine years, renewable forever, to the Mad River & Lake 
Erie Railroad Company, which has since operated the same as a part of its 
line, ultimately abandoning the other route. The organization of the San- 
dusky City & Indiana Railroad Company is kept up for the purpose of 
perpetuating the lease, the interest of the companies being identical, and 
the road having been built in the interest of and with means furnished by 
the Mad River & Lake Erie Company, one person acting as President of 
both corporations. 

On the Ist of June, 1854, the company leased the road of the Springfield 
& Columbus Railroad Company for the term of fifteen years, agreeing to 
stack and run the same out of the proceeds, paying first the operating ex- 
penses; second, the interest on the $150,000 outstanding bonds of the 
Springfield & Columbus Company, and the balance to the lessor. 

Subsequently, by a decree of the Court of Common Pleas of Erie County, 
of date February 23, 1858, the name of the Mad River & Lake Erie Rail- 
road Company was changed to Sandusky, Dayton & Cincinnati Railroad 
Company. See Record of Corporations, office of Secretary of State, No. 1, 
p. 446. At that time the road was in full operation on that part of the line 
passing through Wyandot County. 

On the 4th of February, 1865, a bill was filed by the trustee of one of 
the mortgages, covering the entire property, in the Court of Common Pleas 
of Erie County, against the company for foreclosure of mortgage and sale 
of the property ; and on the 13th of October following, O. Fol lett was appointed 
Receiver and Special Master Commissioner in the case, who operated the road 
under the orders of the court. 

While the suit was pending, various parties interested entered into an 
agreement for a capitalization of the stock and debts of the company, a sale 
of the road, and a re-organization under the proceedings for foreclosure; and 
in pursuance of this arrangement an order was issued by the court to sell 
the entire property, including the rights and franchises of the company, 
which, accordingly, on the 5th of January, 1866, was sold by the Receiver 
and Master Commissioner to three Trustees, who purchased the same in trust 
for the benefit of the parties to the agreement of capitalization, which in- 
cluded nearly all the persons representing the stock and various classes of 
debt. 

On the 2d of July, 1866, the certificate of re-organization, under the 
name of the Sandusky & Cincinnati Railroad Company, was filed in the 
office of the Secretary of State. See Record of Corporations No. 3, p. 518. 

This company, on the 8th of October, 1866, leased its road and property 
for the term of ninety-nine years, renewable forever, to the Cincinnati, 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 427 

Dayton & Eastern Railroad Company, but by mutual agreement of the two 
companies, January 9, 18G8, the lease was surrendered to the Sandusky & 
Cincinnati Railroad Company. 

Two days later, on January 11, 1868, there was filed in the office of the 
Secretary of State (see Record of Corporation, No. 4, p. 64) a decree of the 
Court of Common Pleas of Erie County, changing the name of the Sandusky 
& Cincinnati Railroad Company to the Cincinnati, Sandusky & Cleveland 
Railroad Company. 

This last-named company, on the 2Sth of June, 1870, leased for a period 
of ninety-nine years, from July 1, 1870, renewable forever, the road, prop- 
erty and rights of the Columbus, Springfield & Cincinnati Railroad Com- 
pany (successor to the Springfield & Columbus Railroad Company, hereto- 
fore named as lessors to the Mad River & Lake Erie Compaay), the latter 
agreeing to complete its line of road from London to Columbus by Septem- 
ber 1, 1871, and to keep and maintain its corporate existence and organiza- 
tion, the first party to have the privilege of issuing coupon bonds to the 
amount of $1,100,000, secured by mortgage or deed of trust on the prop- 
erty, and agreeing to maintain, use and operate the road from Columbus to 
Springfield, making such additions, etc., as the business may require, pay 
all running expenses, damages for loss or injury to property or persons, all 
taxes, etc., and to pay as rental, when in possession of the whole line be- 
tween Springfield and Col ambus, in equal quarterly payments, forty 
per centum of the gross earnings and income of the road between Spring- 
field and Columbus; provided that when the aggregate thus to be paid shall ex- 
ceed the sum of §120,000; the first-named company shall pay, and the latter 
be entitled to receive fifty per centum only of such excess in addition, the 
first party guaranteeing that the annual payment to the Columbus, Spring- 
field & Cincinnati Railroad Company shall not be less than $80,000 each 
year. 

The following in relation to the above lease is from the annual report of 
this company, June 30, 1872, to the Commissioner: " The lease has been 
modified so that this company, instead of paying forty per cent of the gross 
earnings of that road, guarantees the principal and interest of the bonds of 
the Columbus. Springfield & Cincinnati Railroad Company, and its stock, 
exchanged for stock of this company, share for share, is owned and held in 
trust by the Cincinnati, Sandusky & Cleveland Railroad Company." 

The company has made a perpetual lease of that ] ortion of its road 
extending from Springfield to Dayton, receiving therefor thirty-five per 
cent of the gross earnings, to the Cincinnati & Springfield Railway Com- 
pany, by whom it was transferred, together with a lease in perpetuity of its 
own railway rights, privileges and franchises, to the Cleveland, Columbus, 
Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railway Company. 

On the 8th of March 1881, this company, and the Columbus, Spring- 
field & Cincinnati Railroad Company, leased their roads to the Indianapo- 
lis, Bloomington & Western Raihvay Company, for ninety-nine years, 
renewable forever. 

This road afifords excellent facilities to the residents of the western part 
of Wyandot County, and running in a general northeast and southwest 
course, traverses, with sidings, 19.85 miles within the county limits. Its 
chief stations in Wyandot are Carey and Whartonsburg. 

Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway Company. — This company 
was organized in the summer of 1856, by the consolidation of the interests 
of the Ohio & Pennsylvania Railroad Company (which was incoi'porated 



428 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

February 24, 1848, by the Legislature of Ohio, and April 11, 1848, by the 
Legislature of Pennsylvania), the Ohio & Indiana Railroad Company (which 
was incorporated March 20, 1850, by the Ohio Legislature, and ratified Jan- 
uary 15, 1851, by the Indiana Legislature), and the Fort Wayne & Chicago 
Railroad Corapany, which was incorporated in Indiana September 22, 1852, 
by tiling articles of association with the Secretary of State, and in Illinois 
by an act of the State Legislature dated February 5, 1853. 

Turning to a report (dated at Pittsburgh, Penn., May 6, 1856), addressed 
to the stockholders of the three j-oads by George W. Cass, President of the 
Ohio & Pennsylvania Railroad Company, Robert McKelly, President pro 
tern, of the Ohio & Indiana Railroad Company, and Joseph K. Edgerton, 
President of the Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad Company, we find the 
following facts concerning the early history of those roads. 

The Ohio & Pennsylvania Railroad Company, as originally incorporated, 
was authorized to extend its road from Pittsburgh to the State line of Indi- 
ana, in the dii*ection of Fort Wayne. The company did not, however, deem 
it expedient to exercise the full power of its charter, and the present town 
of Crestline, a point on the Cleveland, Columbus & Cincinnati Railroad, 187 
miles west of tbe city of Pittsburgh, was established as the western termin- 
us of the Ohio & Pennsylvania Railroad. 

It was supposed in that early period in the history of the company, that 
the extension of the road westward from Crestline could be better carried 
on under the auspices of another and independent company. The road was, 
therefore, only constructed from Pittsburgh to Crestline, and was opened for 
business over its whole length on the 11th day of April, 1853. 

Pending the progress of the Ohio & Pennsylvania Railroad, and with a 
view to its western extension to Fort Wayne, the Ohio & Indiana Railroad 
Company was chartered and organized under the laws of Ohio and Indi- 
ana, and empowered to construct its road from Crestline to Fort Wayne. 
Liberal subscriptions were obtained from the counties aloDg the line of the 
road, and from private individuals, and in the spring of 1852 the work of 
construction was commenced. On the 1st of November, 1854, the road was 
opened from Crestline to Fort Wayne, a distance of 131^ miles. ' The 
Pennsylvania and the Ohio & Pennsylvania Railroad Companies had also 
aided largely in its construction by their means and credit, and in 1856 
owned about one-fourth of the road, its rolling stock, etc. 

The successful commencement and progress of the Ohio & Indiana Rail- 
road led to the organization in September, 1852, under the general railroad 
laws of Indiana, of the Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad Company, with 
power to build a railroad from Fort Wayne, Ind., the western terminus of 
the Ohio & Indiana Railroad, to the city of Chicago, 111. This organiza- 
tion was strongly encouraged by the officers of the road first mentioned in 
this paragraph. Indeed, the Ohio & Indiana and the Fort Wayne & Chica- 
go Companies were regarded as so strongly identified in interests that both 
were placed under the care of the same President, and obtained station 
grounds in common at Fort Wayne. 

The Ohio & Pennsylvania Railroad Company subscribed $100,000 of 
the stock of the Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad, and the Ohio & Indiana 
Company made a similar subscription to the amount of $213,550. 

The Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad was commenced in the summer of 
1853, and its completion by January, 1854, was confidently expected, but 
unavoidable delays, monetary depressions, etc., occurred, and at the time of 
the consolidation of the three roads in 1856, as the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 429 

& Chicago Railroad, only 20 miles of the 147 miles from Fort Wayne to 
Chicago were finished. 

The relative value of the stocks agreed upon at the time of consolida- 
tion were as follows: Ohio & Pennsylvania, 120; Ohio & Indiana, 100; 
Fort Wayne & Chicago, 100. 

Length of each road: Pittsburgh to Crestline, 187 miles; Crestline to 
Fort Wayne, 131 miles; Fort Wayne to Chicago. 147 miles. Air line dis- 
tances between the same points: Pittsburgh to Crestline, 146 miles; Crest- 
line to Fort Wayne, 12G miles; Fort Wayne to Chicago, 136 miles. 

Not deeming it pertinent to this work to follow further the history of 
the consolidated organization — to give an account of its litigations, trans- 
fers, leases, etc. — we invite the attention of the reader to a few mat- 
ters of local interest connected, with the history of this grand avenue of 
travel and commerce, now operated as a part of the great Pennsylvania 
Railroad system, which in passing through the centi-al part of Wyandot 
from east to west, having the towns of Nevada, Upper Sandusky and Kirby 
as its principal stations, has 24.44 miles of road bed in this county, includ- 
ing 4.20 miles of sidings. 

The jfirst action taken by the people of Upper Sandusky to secure rail- 
way facilities, or rather the route of the then proposed Ohio & Pennsyl- 
vania Railroad through their town, resulted in a meeting being held in the 
court house on the night of December 30, 1848. At that time Robert Tag- 
gart was elected President, and William King, Secretary. Various speeches 
were made, and a number of resolutions were adopted to further the end in 
view, but other details of the doings of this assemblage have not been 
preserved. 

In complying with the provisions of the thirteenth section of an act 
entitled "An act to incorporate the Ohio & Indiana Railroad Company," 
approved March 20, 1850, a majority of the votes polled at an election held 
in Wyandot County on the 8th day of October, 1850, were in favor of the 
proposition that the Commissioners of the coimfy subscribe to the capital 
stock of the said company $50,000. Two days later, however, a writ was 
issued from the Court of Common Pleas of the county, which enjoined the 
Commissioners from subscribing to the capital stock of the road. There- 
upon they (the Commissioners) refused to proceed in the matter, and re- 
tained Messrs. Berry, Sears, McKelly and Kirby, as attorneys in a suit in 
chancery brought by John Carey and others in the Common Pleas Court of 
Wyandot County. This case was continued until March term, 1854, when 
(considering the fact that the railroad in question was nearly completed 
without aid from Wyandot County*) the injunction, by the consent of both 
parties was made perpetual. 

The railroad buildings at Upper Sandusky and the railroad bridge over 
the river at the same place were built in the summer of 1853. On Friday, 
November 11, 1853, the completion of the Ohio & Indiana Railroad to 
Upper Sandusky was celebrated at the latter place by the tiring of cannon, 
with music, speeches, etc., and a grand supper at the Exchange Hotel. 
The first through passenger train from Pittsburgh reached Upper Sandusky 
on Friday, January 20, 1854. It here made connection with the Mad River 
& Lake Erie Railroad, Avhich led to Sandusky and Cincinnati. Mr. Mills, 
in 1854, became the first telegraph operator at Upper Sandusky. At the 
same time E. P. Copeland was known as the first freight and ticket agent. 

*The town of Upper Sandusky subscribed 815,000 to the capital stock of the Ohio & Indiana Railroad 
Company, which was paid. 



430 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

However, the latter was succeeded iu the course of a few weeks by Curtis 
Berry. 

Columbus & Toledo Railroad Comj)any . — This company was incor- 
porated May 28, 1872, under the general act of IMay 1, 1852, the corpora- 
tors being M. M. Greene, P. W. Huntington, B. E. Smith, \\. G. Deshler, 
James A. Wilcox and John L. Gill, of Columbus, Ohio, who were empow- 
ered to construct a railroad from the city of Columbus to the city of 
Toledo, through the counties of Franklin, Delaware, Marion, Wyandot, 
Seneca, Wood and Lucas, a distance of 123.7 miles. The capital stock 
named in the certificate of incorporation is $2,500,000, which by law is 
divided into shares of $50 each. On the 1st of July, 1872, subscription 
books were opened in Columbus and Toledo. During the succeeding three 
months, $270,000 having been duly subscribed, the corporators called a meet- 
ing of the stockholders, which was held in the city of Columbus on the 13th 
day of November following, and nine Directors were duly elected. On the 
same day the Directors met and organized the company, by the election of the 
proper officers. One year later — October 15, 1873 — the line of the road was 
permanently located through the towns of Delaware, Marion, Upper Sandusky, 
Carey and Fostoria. The bids for construction were opened August 4, 1875, 
and on the 16th of the same month a contract was concluded with Miller, 
Smith & Co. They commenced work the next day, and in November, 1876, 
the work upon the line from Marion to Columbus was suflQciently completed 
to justify the company in complying with the urgent solicitation of the 
stockholders and business men along the route to commence running trains. 
This was done at considerable cost in proportion to the amount of business, 
which was, necessarily, limited on so short a distance upon a new and incom- 
plete road. 

On the 9th of November, 1876, a contract was made with the Pennsyl- 
Tania Railroad Comj^any for joint use of the Toledo & Woodville road from 
Walbridge to Toledo, five and one half miles, including the bridge of that 
road over the Maumee River at Toledo, and its depots and other terminal 
facilities in that Q\tj. 

Early in January, 1877, the entire line was so far completed that through 
business was commenced, and regular trains were run between Columbus 
and Toledo, under an arrangement with the contractors, who were, how- 
ever, occupied for some time after that in finishing up the road, so that it 
was not fully completed and accepted by the company until July following. 
This road — 118.2 miles — was constructed, f ally equipped and pi'ovided with 
all the necessary and proper terminal accommodations in Columbus* and 
Toledo, at a cost of $3,338,507.54. 

In July, 1881, this road — the Columbus & Toledo Railroad — was sold to 
a syndicate, and the name was thereupon changed to the Columbus, Hocking 
Valley & Toledo Railroad. 

In passing through the central part of Wyandot County, in a northwest 
and southeast course, 24.40 miles of road bed, including 2.26 miles of sid- 
ings are required. The principal stations in the county are Fowler, Upper 
Sandusky, where it crosses the Pittsburgh, Ft. W^ayne & Chicago Railway, 
and Carey where it crosses the Indianapolis, Bloomington & Western Rail- 
way. 

POST OFFICES. 

Under this heading will be found a complete list of Wyandot County's 

*Iu Columbus, on the 22(1 of February, 1877, an arrangement was elleted with the Columbus & Hock- 
ing Valley Railroad Company, for the joint use of its terminal property. 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 431 

post offices and postmasters, which, through the courtesy of Hon. George 
E. Seney, the present Member of Congress from this district, and Hon. 
Louis A. Brunner, the present Speaker pro tern, of the Ohio House of Rep- 
resentatives, has been procured especially for this work from the books of 
the Post Office Department at Washington, D. C. 

Belle Vernon — (Late in Crawford County). 
Jacob Curtis, May 10, 1842; Ezekiel Eckleberry, Jr., September 11, 
1848; Ashford Stover, December 10, 1855; Seldon T. Payne, May 29, 1861; 
J. V. Stevenson, March 12, 1867; Jacob Staum, December 22, 1870; David 
Dubre, October 25, 1871; Daniel Pope, January 2, 1879; Daniel Bope, 
January 20, 1879; Marshal B. Snover, April 2, 1883. 

Big Turtle, 
Thomas Wolverton, May 29. 1854. Discontinued December 10, 1855. 

BowsHERViLLE — (Late in Crawford County). 
William H. Hunt, October 31, 1839; Albert Mears, October 17, 1845; 
Barnet Hughes, September 19, 1863. Discontinued April 17, 1865. 

CRAWFORD^(Late in Crawford County). 
George Ames, November 15, 1844; Abraham Myers, July 29, 1845. 
Name changed to "Carey," June 5, 1848. 

Carey — (Late Crawford P. 0. ). 
Abraham Myers, June 5, 1848; Samuel B. Turner, July 5, 1861; Ros- 
well Perry, December 4, 1865; David Jay, March 2, 1868; Robert Gregg, 
February 22, 1869; James W. Herndon, June 24, 1881. Re-appointed 
(Pres.) April 2, 1883; (President and Senate), December 20, 1883. 

Crawford. 
Joseph D. Baxter, June 5, 1848; George linger, June 27, 1848; William 
Parker, June 11, 1849; Reuben Savidge, November 17, 1851; Solomon 
Hare, April 6, 1855. Discontinued November 12, 1860. Re-established 
January 15, 1877, and McDowell M. Carey appointed. McDonough M. 
Carey, January 31, 1877. 

Deunquot. 

James Culver, June 3, 1880. 

KiRBY. 

James C. Culbertson, September 26, 1854; Franklin Hilliard, December 
15, 1855; Hugh H. Long, May 14, 1857; James Warren, September 27, 
1858; Perry Knox, July 26, 1861; Franklin Pope, E'ebruary 22, 1864; Or- 
mund W. Johnson, December 11, 1865; Silas S. DeBolt, October 4, 1869; 
Luzern E. Landon, May 2, 1872. 

Little Sandusky — (Late in Crawford County). 
Joseph E. Fouke, July 10, 1841; John Q. A. Worth, October 9, 1846; 
Joseph E. Fouke, November 8, 1849; William E. Hurxthal, November 1, 
1850; Joseph E. Fouke, February 16, 1852; John F. Myers September 5, 
1853; Robert W. Malone, March 14, 1855; John S. Fouke, July 22, 1856; 
Samuel M. Worth, April 25, 1801; Joseph Wilmith, December 31, 1864; 
James W'hittaker, November 4, 1880. 



432 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

LOVELL. 

Jonathan Z. Walborn, January 10, 1877; John E. Kirby, December 28, 
1878; Jonathan Z. Walborn, June 16, 1879; Jacob H. Foster, October 30, 
1882. 

McCuTCHENViLLE — (Late in Crawford County). 

Michael Brackley, August 8, 1840; Roswell Perry, July 24, 1845; Henry 
Freet, February 28, 1849; James M. Chamberlin, November 13, 1849; 
Henry V. Brinkerhoflf, May 1, 1851; John Myers, July 26, 1853; George 
W. Hoffman, December 9, 1856; David Hoffman. Jr., January 26, 1858. 

Marseilles — (Late in Marion County). 
Jasper Hunt. August 3, 1844; William M. Chesney, September 23, 
1845; James P. Maddox, September 28, 1847; Charles Merriman, February 
8, 1849; Lewis Merriman, December 30, 1851; John M. Chesney, July 29, 
1853; Robert H. Mitchell, September 19, 1861; William M. Thompson, 
September 16, 1865; Charles W. Gates, June 21, 1866; J. O. Studebaker, 
April 3, 1876; George W. Davis, January 16, 1882; Josiah Smith, July 3, 
1882; John W. Kennedy, March 30, 1883. 

Mexico— (Late in Crawford County). 

Nicholas S. McCullough, November 14, 1843; William Nowell, April 7, 
1846; Jacob H. Funk, September 24, 1851; Jared M. Hord, November 4, 
1853; Edward P. Marble, January 18, 1856; Henry C. Bogard, March 29, 
1859; Adam R. Ganter, May 4, 1863; B. A. Wright. February 22, 1864; 
John N. Biggs, March 21, 1864; Henry M. Nichols, June 24, 1867; William 
Carr, March 20, 1871; Levi Gault, March 8, 1876; Levi F. Gault. April 6, 
1876. 

Nevada. 

William McJunkin, July 18, 1854; Robert Dixon, June 1, 1857; Will- 
iam McJunkin, March 22, 1858; Emanuel Aurand, Janviary 29, 1859; 
Thomas J. Hinkle, August 9, 1860; William McJunkin, October 13, 1862; 
John Sheehy, January 10, 1867; Cyrenus De Jean, April 13, 1869; Thomas 
C. De Jean, October 19, 1874; William B. Woolsey, June 20, 1881. 

Pitt. 
Cyrus Sears, January 15, 1877. 

Pleasant Dale — (Late in Hardin County). 
Thomas Scott, March 23. 1846. Discontinued May 18, 1850. 

Seal. 
James F. Wadsworth, December 26, 1850; Andrew Giegg, October 13, 
1857; Elkanah F. Elliott, April 16, 1859; Philip Perdew, November 5, 
1864; Hugh McKibbin, April 13, 1866; Benjamin Ulrick, November 22, 
1867; John M. Lee, May 21, 1869; Levin D. Johnson, September 6^ 1872; 
James Culver, November 3, 1873; Arthur S. Andrews, June 18, 187 /. 

Sycamore — (Late in Crawford County). 

Samuel Hudson, October 19, 1831; Luther L. Pease, November 13, 1849; 

Alexander W. Brinkerhoff, November, 5, 1851; John Harper, January 21, 

1857; Pemberton C. Kitchen, June 28, 1861; Abram N. Gibbs, October 13, 

1862; John W. Reynolds, April 5, 1865; A. Saffelt, November 23, 1870; 



HISTORY OF WVANDOT COUNTY. 433 

Abram N. Gibbs, January 5, 1871; Frauk Babcock, November 9, 1875; 
Francis M. Babcock, November 24, 1875; Henry M. Byers, June 4, 1877; 
John E. Kitchim, April 23, 1879; Mrs. Mary King, May 9, 1881. 

Tymochtee — (Late in Crawford County). 
William Irvine, May 17, 1844; Samuel Kenan, May 24, 1845; Spencer 
St. John, September 13, 1847; Samuel B. Turner, April 9, 1850. Discon- 
tinued September 2(3, 1850. Re-established January 23, 1851, and James 
H. Williams appointed. Alfred Enninger, November 17, 1851; Ellis Car- 
ter, June 23, 1854; John Ringeisen, July 24, 1855; Joseph Sanders, Octo- 
ber 3, 1861; George W. Freot, April 24,' 1865; John A. Roberts, August 8, 
1866; George W. Freet, June 26, 1867; Philip Enders, April 18, 1875; 
Levi W. Speller, May 6, 1875; Henry Long, December 3, 1878. Discon- 
tinued September 20, 1881. 

Upper Sandusky (c. h.) — (Late in Crav^ford County). 
Andrew McElvain, October 12, 1844; Hiram Flack, August 12, 1845; 
William T. Giles, January 21, 1846; John A. Morrison. April 21, 1846; 
Josiah Smith, January 12, 1847; Austin C. Hubbard, June 12, 1849; James 
W. Brown, March 19, 1850; William McCandlish, March 12, 1857; Lewis 
R. Seaman, August 8, 1864; William A. Lovett. January 24, 1865; Moses 
H. Kirby, August 28, 1866; William B. Hitchcock (President and Senate), 
April 20, 1867; Pietro Cuneo, April 6, 1869. Re-appointed (President and 
Senate), March 20, 1873; re-appointed (President), May 24, 1877. William 
M. Thompson (President), June 25, 1877; (President and Senate), Novem- 
ber 8, 1877 ; re- appointed (President and Senate), January 12, 1882; John 
F. Rieser, February 26, 1884. 

WARPOLE. 

Daniel Straw, February 25, 1852. Discontinued August 2, 1858. Re- 
established May 15, 1862, and Ephraim Stansberry appointed. Discontinued 
December 13, 1870. Re-established August 17, 1874, and Jeremiah O'Neal 
appointed. Discontinued February 10, 1882. 

WHARTONSBURG. 

James E. James, July 20, 1852; Ira Bristoll, March 3, 1855; Adam De 
Brough, January 31, 1866; Charles Hostler, September 23, 1867; Hiram 
P. Marshall, December 18, 1867; Adam B. Houck, January 11, 1869; Syl- 
vanus R. Coats, August 9, 1869. Name changed to Wharton, July 21, 
1879, and SyJvanus R. Coats re-appointed. 

WYANDOT — (Late in Marion County). 
John Kirby, June 10, 1837; Augustus W. Munson, January 14, 1846; 
Samuel Kirby, July 19, 1850; James H. Reicheneker, September 23, 1850; 
Henry Flock, June 3, 1854; Joseph Turney, December 4, I860; Henry 
Flock, March 31, 1864; Daniel Flock, October 31, 1870: James G. Jun- 
kins, July 31, 1871. Discontinued September 23, 1872. Re-established 
July 11, 1873, and Daniel Flock appointed. 

AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIONS. 

Wyandot County has ever been famed for the natural fertility of its 
soil and its varied agricultural productions, yet, notwithstanding these ad- 
vantages, the cultivation of the ground and the raising of live stock was not 



434 HISTORY OF AVYANDOT COUNTY. 

the road to wealth for the pioneers of this region. The great embarrass- 
ment under which they labored was the difficulty of getting their products 
to market. Despite roots and stumps, sprouts and bushes, the newly- 
cleared land brought forth bountiful harvests; but the early wagon-roads 
were, at most seasons of the year, in an almost impassable condition; canals 
and railroads were entirely wanting, and the distance to large towns, and 
consequent markets was so great, and the route so difficult and hazardous, 
that the pioneer farmer had but little encouragement to burden himself with 
surplus productions. However, the completion of various railroad lines 
leading north, east, south and west, has wrought a wonderful change during 
the past twenty-five years. Values have I'apidly increased, and many farmers 
are now termed wealthy. 

The following facts concerning the farm products, live stock, etc., of 
Wyandot County for the year 1882, have been compiled from the reports of 
the Ohio State Board of Agriculture, published in 1883: 

Acres wheat sown, 34,674; bushels wheat produced in 1882, 467,841; 
average yield per acre, 13.49; acres sown for 1883, 31,450; cost of commer- 
cial fertilizers bought for crop of 1883, $62; acres buckwheat sown, 43; 
bushels buckwheat produced, 648; acres corn planted in 1882, 31,433; 
bushels corn produced, 1,314,606; acres oats sown, 6,299; bushels oats pro- 
duced, 193,998; average yield of same per acre, 30.79; acres rye sown, 142; 
bushels rye produced, 2,073; acres barley sown, 23; bushels barley pro- 
duced, 472; acres of meadow lands cultivated, 14,157; tons of hay produced, 
17,583; acres clover sown, 9,157; tons of clover produced, 7,872; bushels of 
clover seed produced. 4,328; acres clover plowed under, 1,184; acres of flax 
cultivated, 82; bushels of flax seed produced, 429; acres of potatoes culti- 
vated, 1,104; bushels of potatoes produced, 92,850; galloiis milk sold for 
family use, 56,589; pounds butter made in home dairies, 445,957; pounds 
butter made in factories and creameries, 24,600; pounds cheese made in 
factories, 77,000; acres tobacco cultivated, 4; pounds of tobacco produced, 
9,610; number hives of bees, 1,238; pounds of honey produced, 22,763; 
acres sorghum cultivated, 8; pounds sugar manufactured, 145; gallons syrup 
manufactured, 2,800; pounds maple sugar manufactured, 6,255; gallons 
maple syrup manufactured, 4,477; dozens eggs produced, 363,029; dozens 
eggs shipped beyond the State, 107.625; acres in vineyards, 16; pounds of 
grapes gathered, 56,165; gallons wine pressed, 407; acres occupied by or- 
chards, 3,160; bushels apples produced, 85,156; bushels peaches produced, 
3,823; bushels pears produced, 714; bushels cherries produced, 208; bushels 
plums produced, 42; bushels sweet potatoes produced, 98; acres land culti- 
vated, 119,359; acres of pasture, 52,384; acres of woodland, 49,334; acres 
lying waste, 2,430; total number of acres owned, 223,507; pounds wool 
shorn, 435,217; milch cows owned, 4,769; stallions owned, 28; total number 
of dogs, or hydrophobic generators owned, 1,663; sheep killed by dogs, 312; 
value of sheep thus killed, $1,299; sheep injured by dogs, 331; amount of 
damage to same, $738; domestic animals died of disease — hogs, 758; value 
of same, $5,118; sheep, 1,179; value of same, $3,820; cattle, 183; value of 
same, $4,499, horses, 132; value of same, $10,672; losses by flood — live 
stock, value, $626; grain, etc. , value. $2,381; houses, etc., value, $170; fences, 
etc., value, $6,215. 

The number of horses, cattle, sheep, hogs and mules owned in Wyan- 
dot County in 1883. according to the County Auditor's report to the State 
Auditor, was as follows: Horses, 6,888; cattle, 13,490; sheep, 84,244; hogs, 
23,733; mules 157. 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 435 

The following statement shows the inches of rainfall at Upper Sandus- 
ky, from January 1 to October 1, 1883: January, 1.14; February, 7.39; 
March, .48; April, 3.29; May, 6.58; June, G.21; July, 4.94; August, 1.13; 
September, 1.44. Total rainfall during the nine months indicated, 32.60 
inches. 

COUNTY AGRICDLTUKAL SOCIETY. 

The Wyandot County Agricultural Society was Organized at a meeting 
held in the court house at Upper Sandusky on the 3d day of January, 1852. 
One hundred and twenty-nine members wei-e then reported, and after the 
adoption of a constitution and by-laws, the following-named gentlemen 
were elected as officers to serve for the first term of one year: President, 
Hugh Welch; Vice President, Abel Renick; Secretary, John D. Sears; 
Treasurer, Henry Peters; Managers, John Gormley, Samuel M. Worth, 
John Kisor, Francis Palmer and Jonathan Kear. Subsequently, at a 
meeting of the Board of Directors of the society, held at the Treasurer's of- 
fice, May 29, 1852, George T. Frees, Henry Peters, A. J. Failor, Orrin 
Ferris and Eobert McKelly, were appointed a committee "to consult upon 
the ways and means of getting up an agricultural fair, to ascertain whether 
suitable ground can be procured, to recommend a list of premiums, and to 
report thereon to the next meeting of this board." It was fui'ther ordered 
that the proceedings of the meeting be published in the Democratic 
Pioneer. 

The next meeting of the Board of Directors was held at the coui't house, 
June 26 following, when the committee appointed at the last session re- 
ported that Chester U. Mott, Esq., had offered suitable grounds for the 
society's exhibition, and on motion this offer was unanimously accepted. 
At the same meeting, a premium list and various rules and regulations 
were adopted, and September 30 and October 1 following were named as 
the days for holding the first annual exhibition. 

As proposed, the first annual fair of the Wyandot County Agricultural 
Society was held in the vicinity of the "old council house," at Upper 
Sandusky, during the days above mentioned. It was well attended, and af- 
forded an indication of future success. The persons to whom premiums 
were then awarded were as follows: 

HORSES. 

Best blooded stallion, S. P. Fowler |4 00 

Second best blooded stallion, Teunis Ten Eyck 2 00 

Best draught stallion, John Felil 4 00 

Best brood mare and colt, S. P. Fowler 4 00 

Second best brood mare and colt, Isaac Jaqueth 3 00 

Second best draught stallion, John Bope 2 00 

Best three-year-old colt, Barnet Hughes 2 00 

Second best three-year-old colt, W. B. Hitchcock Diploma 

Best two-year-old colt, Andrew Clingman 2 00 

Second best two-year-old colt, Barnet Hughes Diploma 

Best yearling colt, Scott M. Fowler 2 00 

Second best yearling colt, William Parker Diploma 

Best span of matched horses, Charles Merriman 2 00 

Second best span of matched horses, Hugh Welch Diploma 

Best saddle horse, William E. Harxthol Diploma 

Best plow team, John Lupton <. . . . 2 00 

Second best plow team, D. H. Peterson Diploma 

Best horse for business, Dr. Orrin Ferris Diploma 

CATTLE. 

Best yoke of oxen. Henry H. Honer ^3 00 

Best twoyear-old bull, Abel Renick 3 00 



436 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Second best two-year-old bull, Henry Peters 1 00 

Best yearling bull, Howell Lundy 3 00 

Best bull calf, Henry Peters 1 00 

Best cow and calf, Abel Renick 3 00 

Second best cow and calf, Teunis Ten Ej'ck Diploma 

Best two-year-old heifer, Henry Peters 2 ijO 

Best yearling heifer. Henry Peters 1 00 

Best fat cow, Abel Renick 2 00 

Best three-year-old steer, Thomas V. Reber 2 00 

Best two-year-old steer, Abel Renick 1 00 

Best brood cow, William H. Renick 2 00 

SHEEP. 

Best short wool buck, Orrin Ferris $2 00 

Second best short wool buck, John S. Rappe Diploma 

Best six French Merino ewes, Alonzo Robbins 2 00 

Second best six French merino ewes, Orrin Ferris Diploma 

Best French merino buck lambs, H. H. Holdridge 1 00 

Second best French merino buck lambs, Alonzo Robbins Diploma 

Best French merino ewe lambs, H. H. Holdridge 1 00 

Second Best French merino ewe lambs, A. J. Tailor Diploma 

Best Leicester buck, John S. Rappe 2 00 

Second best Leicester buck, G. A. Cover Diploma 

Best Leicester buck lamb, G. A. Cover 1 00 

Second best Leicester buck lamb, Robert McKelly Diploma 

Best Leicester ewes, McKelly & Sears 2 00 

Second best Leicester ewes, John S. Rappe Diploma 

Best Leicester ewe lamb, John S. Rappe 1 00 

SWINE. 

Best boar, James G. Roberts $2 00 

Second best boar, G. R. Nelson Diploma 

Best sow, Virgil Kirby 2 00 

Second best sow, Virg'il Kirby Diploma 

Best sow and four pigs, Virgil Kirljy 2 00 

Best boar pig, James G. Roberts Diploma 

GRAIN AND FAllJI PRODUCTS. 

Best two acres of wheat, Hugh Welch $5 00 

Best bushel of wheat, Hugh Welch Diploma 

Best bushel of corn, Thomas Baird Diploma 

Best three squashes, Joseph Kemp Diploma 

Best lot of onions, Joseph Kemp Diploma 

Best lot of potatoes, George T. Frees Diploma 

FARMING IMPLEMENTS, ETC. 

Best wagon, John Kisor $2 00 

Best buggy, Charles Merriman 1 00 

Best plow" Gerhart Shultz 2 00 

Best cooking stoves, Anderson & McGill Diploma 

Best parlor stoves, Snyder & Waggoner Diploma 

Best hand cider mill, Solomon Hare Diploma 

FOWLS. 

Best lot of chickens, F. R. Palmer $1 00 

Second best lot of chickens, John D. Sears Diploma 

FRUIT. 

Best and greatest variety of apples, Hugh Welch $2 00 

Second best and greatest variety of apples, Gerhart Shultz.. . 1 00 

Best collection of grapes, Hugh Welch 1 00 

Best specimen of quinces, Mrs. P. B. Beidler Diploma 

Second best specimen of quinces, Mrs. H. Peters Diploma 

DOMESTIC AND MISCELLANEOUS. 

Best worked quilt, ^Mrs. John Holderman $1 00 

Second best worked quilt, Mrs. Solomon Hare Diploma 

Best hearth rug, Mrs. Leefe Fowler 1 00 

Second best hearth rug, Mrs. Dr. McConnell 50 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 



437 



Best pair fringe mittens, Mrs. Hite 25 

Best lamp mat, Mrs. J. S. Rappe 1 00 

Best stand cover, Mrs. Leefe Fowler Diploma 

Best ottoman cover, Mrs. John S. Rappe Diploma 

The society's diploma was also awarded with each cash pi'emiura. 

In April, 1853, the society leased lands for exhibition purposes of Dr. 
Orrin Ferris, which were occupied until 1856, when grounds were purchased 
from George Saltsman by a stock company, mainly composed of members 
of the society. In the spring of 1861, the original plat was enlarged by 
the purchase of four acres from Col. Joseph McCutchen, for which the sum 
of $200 was paid. In the autumn of 1875, the grounds were still further 
enlarged by the purchase of fifteen acres from Peter B. Beidler. At the 
present writing the lands owned by the society (comprising thirty acres) are 
fenced and furnished with the necessary buildings, etc., for a successful ex- 
hibit of all articles, animals, etc., brought forward. During the late war, 
when agricultural exhibitions were of little moment to a people struggling 
to maintain the best form of government on earth, one or two years passed 
by without an annual fair being held. Other than that, fairs have been 
held each year since the organization of the society, and usually have proved 
fairly successful. In the fall of 1883, the sum of $1,188 was awarded 
in premiums. The present members of the society are 519 in number. Its 
Presidents, Vice Presidents. Secretaries and Treasurers are and have been 
as follows: 



YEARS. 



1852. . 
1853. . 
1854. . 
1855. . 
1856. . 
1857. . 
1858. . 
1859. . 
1860. . 
1861.. 
1862. . 
1863. . 
1864. . 
1865. . 
1866. . 
1867. . 
1868. . 
1869. . 
1870. . 
1871.. 
1872. . 
1873. . 
1874. . 
1875. . 
1876. . 
1877. . 
1878. . 
1879. . 
1880. . 
1881.. 
1882. . 
1883. . 
1884. . 



PRESIDENT. 



Hugh Welch , 

Henry Peters. . . , 
George W. Leith, 
Henry Peters*. . . 

Gen. Myers 

Thomas V. Reber. 
Thomas V. Reber. 
Thomas V. Reber. 
Thomas V. Reber. 
Thomas V. Reber. 
Thomas V. Reber. 
Thomas V. Reber. 
Thomas V. Reber. 
Thomas V. Reber. 
Thomas V. Reber. 
ThomasV. Reber. 
John S. Rappe. . . 
John S. Rappe. . . 
John S. Rappe. . . 



McD. 
J. S. 
H.J. 
H.J. 
J. S. 



John 
L. B. 
L. B. 



M. Carey. 

Rappe 

Starr 

Starr 

Hare 

White . . . . 

Harris 

Harris . . . . 
Harris . . . . 
Harris. .. 
F. Curlis.. 
Harrisf . . . 
Harris 



VICE PRESIDENT. 



Abel Renick 

Abel Renick 

Findlay F. Fowler. 



A. J. Taylor 

Findlay F. Fowler. 
W. H. Renick. . . . 
W. H. Renick.... 

H. J. Starr 

H. J. Starr 

H. J. Starr 

H. J. Starr 

M. H. Gillett 



William Gibson. . 

J. Ayres 

Curtis Berry, Jr. , 

H. J. Starr 

Curtis Berry, Jr. . 



SECRETARY. 



Curtis Berry, Jr. . . 

S. H. White 

S. H. White 1 

S. H. White I 

G. W. Kenan i 

G. W. Kenan i 

Adam Kail ! 

B. Williams 

B. Williams 

B. Williams 

Charles S. Bradley. 

L. P. Walter 

J. A. Van Gundy. . 



John D. Sears 

John D. Sears 

A. J. Failor 

James G. Roberts. 
George W. Beery. . 

T. E. Grisell 

Curtis Berry, Jr. . . 
Curtis Berry, Jr. . . 
Curtis Berry, Jr. . . 
Curtis Berry, Jr. . . 
Curtis Berry, Jr. . . 

W. H. Jones 

W. H. Jones 

W. H. Jones 

W. H. Jones 

W. H. Jones 

H. A. Hoyt 

Adam Kail 

Adam Kail 

D. D. Hare 

D. D. Hare 

D. D. Hare 

D. D. Hare 

Allen Smalley 

Allen Smalley 

Curtis B. Hare. . . . 
Curtis B. Hare. . . . 
Curtis B. Hare. . . . 
Curtis B. Hare. . . . 

C. D. Hare 

C. D. Hare 

C. D. Hare .' 

C. D. Hare 



TREASURER. 



Henrj^ Peters. 
Orrin Ferris. 
M. H. Gillett. 
M. H. Gillett. 
M. H. Gillett. 
John D. Sears. 
A. J. Failor. 
A. J. Failor. 
A. J. Failor. 
A. J. Failor. 
A. J. Failor. 
Wesley Hedges. 
Wesley Hedges. 



J. A. Maxwell. 
J. G. Roberts. 
J. A. Maxwell. 
L. A. Brunner. 
L. A. Brunner. 
Jacob Juvinall. 
Jacob Juvinall. 
Jacob Juvinall. 
Jacob Juvinall. 
J. G. Roberts. 
J. G. Roberts. 
Ed A. Gordon. 
Ed A. Gordon. 
Ed A. Gordon. 
Ed A. Gordon. 
Ed A. Gordon. 
Ed A. Gordon. 
Ed A. Gordon. 
Ed A. Gordon. 



* Resigned in April, 185S, and W. W. Bates elected to fill vacancy. 

t Mr. L. B. Harris, for several years, has been one of the most active members of the State Board of 
Agriculture. 



438 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY, 



CHAPTER XII. 

THE COUNTY'S MILITARY RECORD. 

Allusion to Early Waks— War of 1S12-15— Mexican War— War of the 
Rebellion— .Sketch of the Fifteentic Infantry — Forty-ninth Infan- 
try — Fifty-fifth Infantry— Eighty-first I nfantry— Eighty-second 
Infantry — One Hundred and First Infantry— One Hundred and 
Twenty-third Infantry — One Hundred and Forty-fourth Infantry 
—Eleventh Ohio Battery— Mention of Many Soldiers Belonging to 
Various Commands. 

WHILE it is true that the "French and Indian War," the struggle 
for American independence, various desolating Indian wars, and the 
war of 1812-15 had all taken place long before the settlement, by the 
whites, of any portion of the territory now designated Wyandot County, yet 
many of the pioneers who located here were descendants of Revolutionary sires, 
while others among them had been active participants in wars of a later 
date. This region, too, had already gained prominence in history as the 
scene of Crawford's disastrous engagement with the Indians and their 
British allies in 1782, and as the point of concentration, during the war of 
1812-15, of a considerable body of American riflemen. Crawford's expe- 
dition, however, has already been treated at considerable length in another 
place, hence this chapter begins with a brief account of the operations 
^,„,jBtUl4jicted here during the last war with Great Britain. 

I In October and November, 1812, several battalions of Pennsylvania 

' Militia, mustered into the service of the United States for a term of six 
months, and under the command of Brig. Gen. Richard Crooks, marched 
from the southwestern counties of Pennsylvania — the region which had 
furnished men for Crawford's expedition thirty years before — towards 
what was then termed the " Northern" or " Canadian Frontier." Cutting 
out roads through the wilderness for the passage of their wagon trains and 
artillery, Gen. Crooks' command moved forward fi'om Pittsburgh via the 
sites of the present towns of Canton and Manstield to a point now occupied 
by the town of Upper Sandusky, intending to take part with the Kentucky 
volunteers in the reduction of British posts along the Great Lakes; but it 
appears that this body of Pennsylvanians proceeded no farther than this 
point — Upper Sandusky. Here they erected a work of defense termed 
""Fort Ferree, and here they remained through the following winter, or until 
their terms of service had expired. The locality chosen had certain ad- 
vantages in a military point of view, being at the junction of Gen. Harri- 
son's military road leading southward to the Ohio River, and northward to 
Lower Sandusky; besides, it commanded an extended view of the surrounding 
country, had a fine spring of pure limpid water gushing from the foot of 
the low bluff near by, and was a central place in the country of the friendly 
Wyandots, whose principal town was about four miles distant in a north- 
easterly direction. 

' Fort Fei'ree occupied grounds on the east side of the present town, 
or near the bluff about fifty rods northeast of the court house. 
It was a square stockade work, inclosed an area of about two acres. 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 489 

and had very substantially constructed block- houses at each of the four 
corners, one of which was standing as late as 1850. The troops, while sta- 
tioned at this place, were rather poorly supplied with camp and garrison 
equipage, provisions, and medical stores; a wilderness, hundi'eds of miles 
in extent, separated them from their base of supplies and their homes, and 
many sickened and died. The bodies of those who died here seem to have 
been buried where the present public buildings stand, and for some dis- 
tance to the westward of the same; for street gradings, and various exca- 
vations made in the vicinity mentioned, have brought to the surface, bones 
of the human body, buttons bearing the letters IT. S. stamped on their face, 
and rosettes of leather with the American eagle in brass tixed upon them. 

During the same war, Gen. Harrison made this point his headquarters 
for a brief period. At the same time, a number of companies of " light 
horse" encamped on "Armstrong's Bottom," two miles south of the fort. 
One mile north of Fort Ferree, near the river, Gov. Meigs encamped in 
August, 1813, with several thousand of the Ohio militia, then on their way 
to the relief of Fort Meigs. The place was called "The Grand Encamp- 
ment," and subsequently was chosen as the "Mission Farm." Receiving 
here the news of the raising of the siege of Fort Meigs, and the repulse of 
the British at Fort Stephenson, they prosecuted their march no farther,/ 
and were soon after permitted to return to their home§.__ -^ 

When the Mexican war began, Wyandot, as a county, had been in existence 
but a few months, yet many more men offered their services as volunteers than 
could be accepted. Thus, we learn, that during the last days of May, 1S46, a 
body of volunteers known as the " Sandusky Rangers," and commanded by 
Capt. John Caldwell, marched from Upper Sandusky to Cincinnati, Ohio. 
They were stationed at "Camp Washington," near that city (where one of 
their number, W. L. Stearns, died of disease), until the 19th of June fol- 
lowing, when, for some well-founded reason, they were mustered out of 
service. Immediately after their discharge, several of the " rangers ' ' re- 
enlisted in commands which were retained in service. Among those who 
thus joined the company from Tiffin were H. Miller, Jr., A. W. Coleman, 
W. L. Beard, T. D. Shue, A. Potter, John Stouffer, D. Nichols and C. 
West. 

At a war meeting, held in Upper Sandusky June 1, 1846, another 
company of volunteers was foi'med. Its officers were Andrew McElvain, 
Captain ; Moses H. Kirby, First Lieutenaut ; Christian Huber, Second 
Lieutenant; Thomas Officer, Ensign; and Purdy McElvain, First Sergeant. 
But this company also failed to be accepted for a term of service, and from 
that time all organized efforts to recruit volunteers at this point ceased. 
Subsequently, Capt. John Caldwell was apptnnted Commissary of a regi- 
ment of Ohio volunteers, and proceeded to Mexico in August, 1846. In 
June, 1847, Lieut. H. Miller, Jr., and other Wyandot County volunteers 
returned home from Mexico. 

•' Ah ! never shall the land forget 

How gushed the life-blood of her brave — 
Gushed, warm with hope and courage yet, 
Upon the toil they fought to save." * 

Immediately after the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the 
United States, the rebel leaders of the South began making preparations 

From Bryant's " Battle Field." 



440 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

for secession and war. During the closing months of Buchanan's adminis- 
tration, State after State in the slave-holding portion of the Federal Union 
had passed ordinances of secession, officers were commissioned, companies 
and battalions were organized, and long before Lincoln's inauguration, all 
was in readiness to seize every vestige of Government property in their 
midst — navy-yards, forts, arsenals, mint, revenue cutters, and the thousands 
of stands of arms, cannon, ammunition, etc., so conveniently placed at their 
disposal by the traitor Floyd. They had erected batteries on Morris and 
James Islands, on Stono Inlet and Cumming's Point, all looking to the 
bombardment and capture of Fort Sumter and a repulse of all Federal 
attempts to re-enforce or retake it. 

At last, after too long pursuing a halting policy, which looked much 
like connivance at treason. President Buchanan, aroused to a sense of duty 
by the murmur of the loyal people, decided to re-enforce and re-victual the 
threatened fort. Accordingly, on the 5th of January, 1861, the steamer 
Star of the West, chartered by the Government, left the city of New York 
with 250 troops, their ammunition and accoutrements, and started for Fort 
Sumter. On the morning of the 9th of January, as she slowly steamed up 
the bay, a masked battery on Morris Island, manned by rebels, opened lire 
upon her. There and then ivas fired the first gun in the fearful life and 
death struggle since known as the war of the rebellion. The " star- 
spangled bauner" was floating over the steamer. She continvied on her 
course some ten minutes, the batteries belching forth their shot, flame and 
smoke, when it was found impossible to execute the order, as it was neces- 
sary to pass close under the guns of the battery on the island ; also near 
Fort Moultrie, ere she could make for Sumter. Capt. McGowan, the 
officer in charge, turned her down the channel and returned to New York. 
Fort Sumter was doomed. 

Thus passed the hours until the 4th of March, 1861, when the Nation 
changed its rulers. James Buchanan retired and Abraham Lincoln as- 
sumed the administration of the National Government. The interest mani- 
fested by the people, both North and South, was painfully intense. The 
people of the North awaited with anxious solicitude the publication of his 
inaugural address, for in that they were to know the fate of the nation — 
whether its dignity, its rights and power would be upheld and vindicated 
or the Southern oligarchy be permitted to subjugate its power, humiliate 
its flag, and forever destroy the existence of the great American Republic. 

President Lincoln's inaugural was received with joy by the mass of 
the people at the North. At the South it was accepted as a declaration of 
2var, and they rejoiced that such a shallow pretense was afl'orded them. The 
policy of both sections now rapidly assumed shape, and preparations were 
made for war. The object which was to bring on the ii'on storm loomed 
up heavily in the Southern horizon. That object was Fort Sumter. Every 
day proved that the rebels of South Carolina intended to capture the fort. 
On the 11th of April, Gen. Beauregard demanded of Maj. Anderson 
its surrender. The Major replied that his sense of honor and his obligations 
to his country prevented his compliance with it. Other correspondence 
followed during the night of the 11th of April, but unsatisfactory to the 
rebel authorities. Maj. Anderson remained loyal to the " old flag, '" and 
evinced so strong a determination to maintain it, that it was resolved to 
reduce the fort. Hardly had the first gray of dawn, on the 12th day of 
April, revealed Sumter, ere a shell was thrown from a battery on James 
Island, which burst directly over the works. All Charleston people were 




9^.0^- ^/€<j^^A^ 



HISTORY OF AVYANDOT COUNTY. 443 

out on their housetops or high eminences to witness the terrible scene, 
and one young female rebel, in a letter written that morning at Charleston, 
to her mother in Columbia, S. C, began as follows: "Dear Mama — 
The cannons are now whizzing through the air. Cousin George thinks the 
Yankees will soon all be killed, or compelled to surrender. All of our 
friends are out to see the fun. It is just grand. " * 

The die was now cast. Civil war was now inaugurated. Fort Sumter 
fell on the 13th of April, after a terrific bombardment of thirty-four hours' 
duration. This was the commencement of the grand tragedy speedily to 
follow. On the 15th of April, 1861, President Lincoln called by procla- 
mation for seventy-live thousand volunteers to suppress the insurrection. 
He also called an extra session of the National Congress, to convene on the 
coming 4th of July. The very next day the rebel government issued a call 
for thirty-two thousand volunteers, which, with their former force, equaled 
that of the National Government. These troops were rapidly equipped 
and put into the field. Departments were organized and Generals commis- 
sioned and assigned commands. Washington at once became the rallying 
point of the larger portion of the Northern volunteers. 

Nowhere throughout the loyal North did the President's proclamation, 
calling for seventy-five thousand volunteers to serve for a period of three 
months, create more patriotic enthusiasm, or meet with a more cordial re- 
sponse in the immediate tender of men for service in the armies of the United 
States than in the county of Wyandot. For a brief period all business, 
apparently, was suspended, and naught was seen or heard in the streets of 
her towns but the display of National colors, groups of excited men in 
earnest discussion, small parties of volunteers marching in cadence step, 
or to the drum beat, and the voices of impassioned orators, who, though 
usually able and active workers — at home, were seldom to be seen or heard 
in the fore-front of battle. As a result, hardly had the wires ceased to 
click the call for men ere three full companies of Wyandot County volunteers, 
under the command of Capts. "Wilson, Kirby and Tyler, were in readi- 
ness to move forward where ordered. From that hour until the close of the 
war, the loyal and patriotic people of the county never lagged when called upon 
for men, material, or money, and her sons, sufficient in number to form nearly 
two regiments, performed valiant service upon all the great battle fields of the 
rebellion. As a means, therefore, of perpetuating their names and their deeds 
to the latest generations, the remainder of this chapter will be devoted to 
brief accounts of the various battles, marches, etc., in which they were 
conspicuous participants. 

FIFTEENTH OHIO INFANTEY. 

This regiment was among the first to respond to the President's call for 
75,000 men for three months' service, and on the 4th of May, 1861, it was 
organized at Camp Jackson, Columbus, Ohio. Four days later it moved 
to Camp Goddard, near Zanesville, Ohio. Here it passed abotit ten days 
in preparing for active duty in the field. It was then ordered into AVest 
Virginia, and crossing the Ohio River at Bellaire, it was employed for some 
time in guard duty on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, advancing as far 
as Grafton. Subsequently it was engaged in the rout of the rebels under 
Gen. Porterfield, at Philippi — June 13 — and afterward took part in the 
movements around Laurel Hill and Carrick's Ford. The Fifteenth per- 
formed a large amount of marching and guard duty and rendered valua- 

* Extract from a letter picked up by the writer, near a deserted mansion, during Sherman's march 
through the Caroliuas in 1865. 

14 



444 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

ble service to the Government in assisting to stay the progress of the enemy, 
vyho were endeavoring to carry the war into the North. Having served its 
term of enlistment, it returned to Columbus, Ohio, and was discharged about 
the 1st of August, having lost but two men — one killed and one died of dis- 
ease. Three of its companies during the three months' service — C, G and I 
— commanded respectively by Capts. William T. Wilson, Peter A. Tyler 
and Isaac M. Kirby, were recruited in Wyandot County. 

Immediately after the disbandment of the three months' organization, 
Col. Moses R. Dickey and Lieut. Col. William T. Wilson, assisted by Maj. 
William Wallace and Capts. Cummings, McClenaban, Miller, Kirby, 
Askew, Glover, Dawson, Cummins, Gilliland and Holloway, began the re- 
organization of the regiment for the three years' service. Recruiting pro- 
gressed rapidly, many of the original members re enlisted, and ere the lapse 
of many days at "Camp Mordecai Bartley," near Mansfield, Ohio, the ranks 
of the Fifteenth Regiment were again filled. Of its ten companies, D, 
Capt. Isaac M. Kirby in command, represented Wyandot County. 

The regiment left Camp Bartley for Camp Dennison September 26, 1861, 
and after a few days detention at the latter place, in obtaining arms, equip- 
ments, etc., it proceeded to Lexington, Ky. A few days later it was trans- 
ported by rail to Louisville, and from there to Nolins Station, where it was 
assigned to the Sixth Brigade (Gen. R. W. Johnson), Second Division 
(Gen. A. McD. McCook), of the Army of the Ohio, then commanded by 
Gen. William T. Sherman, subsequently by Gen. Buell. It thereafter par- 
ticipated in the movements of Buell's army, without sustaining any losses 
worthy of mention until in the second day's battle at Pittsburg Landing, 
where it lost six men killed and sixty-two wounded. With its division the 
regiment remained in the vicinity of Corinth, Miss., until the middle of 
June, when it marched away with Buell's army, and after moving from 
point to point in the States of Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky, arrived 
at Nashville, Tenn., November 7, 1862, as part of Gen. Rosecrans' command, 
the latter having succeeded Gen. Buell on the march from Louisville to 
Nashville. 

In the battle of Stone River the regiment was heavily engaged, losing 
eighteen killed, and eighty-nine wounded. Subsequently it took part in 
the advance movements which resulted in the occupation of Chattanooga. 
After "Crossing the Tennessee River the regiment remained on the extreme 
right flank of the army until the morning of the 19th of September, 1863, 
when it marched for the battle-field of Chickamauga, a distance of thirteen 
miles, and was engaged soon after its arrival. In that battle the regiment 
lost one officer and nine men killed, two officers and sixty-nine men wounded 
and forty men mi.ssing. The regiment bore its share in the arduous labors 
and privations of the siege of Chattanooga, and on the 25th of November 
participated in the brilliant assault of Mission Ridge, capturing a num- 
ber of prisoners and some artillery. On the 28th of November the regi- 
ment, then behmging to the First Brigade, Third Division, Fourth Army 
Corps, marched with the corps io the relief of Burnside's troops at Knox- 
ville, Tenn., arriving on the 8th of December. 

On the 14th of January, 1864, the greater portion of the regiment 
having reenlisted for another term of three years, it started for 
Columbus, Ohio, via Chattanooga, for veteran furlough. It arrived at 
Columbus with 350 veterans on the 10th of February, and on the 14th of 
March its members re-assembled at Camp Chase to return to the field, 
numbering, with recruits, more than 900 men. On returning to the 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 445 

front the train conveying the regiment was thrown from the track near 
Charleston, Tenn., by which accident twent}' men were more or less 
injured. In the Atlanta campaign, which began the first week in May 
and terminated September 1, the Fifteenth Regiment, as part of the Fourth 
Army Corps, was an active participant. At Rocky Face Ridge, Resaca, 
Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain, Chattahoochie River and Atlanta the regiment 
won imperishable honors. 

When Hood's rebel army began its march northward, the regiment 
formed a portion of the army under Gen. Thomas, which was sent to thwart 
the plans of the enemy. It did not participate in the battle at Franklin, 
Tenn., but at Nashville the gallantry of its members was conspicuous. 
The pursuit of Hood's defeated army was continued into Northern Alabama, 
where the regiment remained until the middle of March, 1865, when it was 
ordered to move into East Tennessee. After performing the duties assigned 
it in that region, the recjiment was ordered to Nashville, and reached the 
last-named point about the Ist of May. On the 16th of June it was ordered 
to proceed to Texas. 

With a good degree of cheerfulness the men turned their backs once 
more upon their homes, went to Johnstonville and thence by boats to New 
Orleans. Moving down a short distance below the city they bivouacked on 
the old Jackson battle grounds until July 5, when they embarked for Texas. 
The regiment arrived at Indianola July 9, disembarked, and in order to 
obtain a sufficient supply of water marched the same night to Green Lake, 
a distance of about twenty miles. Remaining there just one month, on 
the 10th of August it marched for San Antonio, a distance of 150 miles. 
The scarcity of water, the extreme heat, the want of suitable rations, to- 
gether with inadequate transportation, all combined, made this one of the 
most severe marches the regiment ever endured. It reached the Salado, a 
small stream near San Antonio, un the 21st of August, and remained at 
that point until October 20, when it was designated to perform post duty 
in the city, and continued to act in that capacity until November 21, when 
it was mustered out of service and ordered to Columbus, Ohio, for final dis- 
charge. The regiment left San Antonio on the 24th of November, and 
marched to Indianola, proceeding thence by way of New Orleans and 
Cairo, to Columbus. Ohio, where it arrived December 25, and was finally 
discharged from the United States service December 27, 1865. Thus, as a 
regiment, the Fifteenth had been in service about four years and eight 
months. It was among the first to be mustered in and one of the last to be 
mustered out. 

Following are the names of officers and men who served in the regiment 
from Wyandot County: 

Three months' men — Field and Staff — Surgeon, Orrinj^Ferris; served 
full term. 

Company C — Capt. W^. T. Wilson. 

First Lieut. F. W. Martin. 

Second Lieut. H. C. Miner. 

Orderly Sergt. D. S. Brown. 

Privates, H. Aneshensley, I. L. Barger, Paul Berleen, D. P. Blaser, 
Thomas Boyle, J. W. Brandenburg, J. W. Brewer, O. K. Brown, Henry 
Carr, J. S. Chapin, George A. Clark, Thomas Clark, Jacob dinger, D. 
Cover, George Crawford, Joseph DeLong, Samuel Dunn, John Ebersole, 
Peter Fernwalt, R. B. Ferris. Enos Goodman, J.jHalstead, G. 'Hardin, W. 
Helsel, W. Holmes, J. Huey, John Keller, J.j;A.^Kerr,* John] Keys, A. B. 



446 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Lindsay, ^\. P. Mabon, J. G. McClaiu, J. McClaiy, H. McLaughlin, A. T. 
Mitchell, Elias Morris, G. C. Myers, H. B. Nichols, Nicholas Ratz, M. 
Ragon, W. Reichman, O. Reed, D. Reynolds, Henry Reynolds, J. Reynolds, 
J. F. Rose, John Sahn, S. C. Sahn, Henry Schidigger, A. Smith, J. A. Smith, 

C. Stevens, F. A. Stevens, B. E. Stevpart, J. Stevrart, J. Stofer, Noah Stoker, 
J. H. Stoner, J. Straw, D. Swartz, J. H. Swinehart, D. S. Terry, A. P. Troup, 
H. D. Vroman, J. Wamus, J. A. White, J. D. Williams, C. Wilt, Levi 
Willoughby, W. H. Woodcock, H. Wuscher. 

Company G — Capt. P. A. Tyler. 

First Lieut. William H. Kilmer. 

Second Lieut. Samuel Harper. 

Orderly Sergt. R. W. Morris. 

Privates, Fred Agerter, S. F. Anno, W. F. Atherton, George Babbitt, 
J. J. Basom, W. F. Basom, Isaac Blackburn, Conrad Bope, J. Boyer, F. 
Brobst, W. Bryant, Henry Campbell, Abraham Conger, John Conger, C. 
Copier, S. Cooper, A. Covill, M. Cowgill, H. Demming, J. Dipprey, W. Dip- 
prey, J. L. Durbin, R. J. Earp, H. H. Eggleston, E, Ekleberry, E. P. Em- 
erson, W. Eyestone, J. Frank, J. Grunditsch, O. Hall, D. Hartsough, G. W. 
Haw^k, Lewis B. Henry, G. Howell, S. F. Hughes, J. R. Ingerson, A. J. King, 
J. C. Kitchen, T. Laux, M. B. Layton, E. Longabaugh, R. M. Lundy, D. Maloy, 

D. Mays, S. Mays, H. McCormick, Jacob Mellon, P. R. Moore, F. Mvers, L. 
Peterson, W. Picket, R. W. Fool, J. E. Reed, J. F. Reidling, J. W. Reynolds, 
H. Rinebarger, J. G. Risterpher, W. Rummell, A. J. Shaner, F. Sneringer, 
S. Spalding, E. Spencer, William Spencer, J. Spoon, W. Spoon, J. Surplus, 
H. Trowbridge, W. D. Tyler, W. Vanchoik, T. A. Van Gundy, G. Waggoner, 
D. Walton, M. Walton, Levi White, B. F. Willoughby, M. Willoughby, 
L Wood, H. Yager, J. Yeager. 

Company I — Capt. I. M. Kirby. 

First Lieut. — D. J. Culbertson. 

Second Lieut. — Samuel Bachtell. 

Orderly Sergt. -J. S. Start. 

Privates, James R. Ahlefeld, Charles D. Allison, David Allison, Moses Al- 
lison, J. B. Bibby, P. Bloom, James Boroff, James Bowers, Hudson Breese, 
JohnByers, A. J. Caldwell, B. F. Culver, Oscar David, S. DeJean, Martin A. 
Ditty, R. W. DruckmiJler, E. P. Dumm, John Estle, John M. Ewing, Mat- 
thew Ewing, Fred Forney, Peter Forney, Wm. L. Foy, Mathias Free, 
David Galbraith, D. A. Geiger, J. B. Getchel, David Gilliland, W. Goodin, 
R. T. Gormam, A. M. Gunder, H. D. Gunder, Hugh Guthery, D. E. Hale, 
Leonard Hartle, W. H. HefHebower, W. Hefflefinger. W. M. Hesser, Rush 
Holloway, Harrison Horick, James Irvin, David James, Henry Jaqueth, 
Albert Jewell, J. R. Jurey, John A. Kerr. C. E. Livenspire, Marvin Ijum- 
bard, W. H. Maffett, W. H. Mulford, E. S. Munger, Stephen Murphy, 
Michael Myers, William O'Brien, George P. Price, Hugh, Reinhard, J. S. 
Renshaw, Lewis Ridling, G. W. Rockwell, Marion Rockwell, Dr. C. J. 
Rodig, Alonso N. Sawyer, D. J. Shay, Hiram Storm, T. M. Straw, John 
Warner, Harrison Washburn, Z. Welch, John Welk, James Woller, W. H. 
Welsh, J. B. White, W. S. White, David Whitmore, S. W. Wolf, 
Ephraim Yerk. 

Recruits, W. H. Ashbrook, Edmund Basely, E. Blow, Peter Blow, John 
Burn, W. H. Cone, J. H. Corning, D. W. Doughty, W. S. Dumm, J. B. 
Graham, Richard Gwin, D. Hagerman, A. H. Hazen, M. Howell, Thomas 
Irvine, Wesley Kerr, W. J. Kuntz, West McClain, Ellis Quaintance, Will- 
iam Roberts, Benton Sell, A. D. Snider, George Spayth, John Spooner, 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 447 

James Westenholm, John Whinnery, William AYhipple, A. S, Woi'raley, 
Wood, William Young. 

Three Years' Men— Field and Staff— Lieut. Col. William T. Wilson, 
commissioned August 7, 1861; resigned August 11, 1862. 

Surgeon, Orrin Ferris, commissioned October 21, 1861; resigned March 
15, 1862. 

Company C— Corp. Julius Straw. 

Privates, Henry Carr, Jerome Kennedy, West McClain, N. McFarland, 

C. Stevens, George Spayth. 

Company D, First Term — I. M. Kirby,* Captain; D. J. Culbertson, 
First Lieutenant: Samuel Bachtell, Second Lieutenant; S. S. Pettit, Orderly 
Sergeant; William H. Mulford, Second Serg'eant; Robert T. Oorman, Third 
Sergeant; T. M. Straw, Fourth Sergeant; William Palmer, Fifth Sergeant; 
John Caldwell, First Corporal; Ambrose Norton, Second Corporal; Lowry 
Leith, Third Corporal; John Sheehy, Fourth Corporal; James Weller, Fifth 
Corporal; William O'Brien, Sixth Corporal; George Kirby, Seventh Cor- 
poral; George T. Renshaw, Eighth Corporal. 

Privates, John S. Albert, O. C. Brown,?John Burke, William H. Camp- 
bell, William Carr, Francis A. Carter, William H. Cavins, J. A. Clark, 
Thomas Coffaild, Myron Conger, Dennis Conroy, William Conroy, J. W. 
Corwine, John Crouse, Oscar Davis, Jerry Driscol, J. T. Duly, Nelson Ellis, 
E. G. Emptage, James M. Ewing, John M. Ewing, James Fowler, David 
Galbraith, Christopher Gay, James A. Gorman, O. E. Gravell, John Hahn, 
John H. Harder, Lorenzo D. Harkem, John Hart, Leonard Hartle, A. J. 
Hazen, Fred Hensel, John W. Hensel, John Hesser, J. D. Higginbotham, 
John Hollowell, Mathias Howell, Charles H. Huffman, John A. Inglehart, 
Silas Jones, James O. Keller, Newton Kennedy, Orville Kerr, A. B. Keyes, 
Edward Kightlinger, Emanuel Lambright, Adam Ijautzenhiser, Moses B. 
Layton, Daniel Logan, Marvin Lumbard, John Martin, Wesley McCor- 
mick, A. S. Miller, George W. Myers, Christian Nafzgar, John Osborne, 
Eli Ragon, Thomas Ragon, Butler Reamy, Adam Reish, Cornelius Rex, 
Henry Schriver, T. L. Shaw, Royal Sherman, Joseph Sims, Joseph Snyder, 
Alexander Sproat, E. H. Stevens, George W. Tucker, Daniel Van Gundy, 
James Van Gundy, David, Vroman, J. N. Welsh, William R. White, Daniel 

D. Williams, John Williams, C. W. Williamson. Joseph Wilson, William 
Wolford, Jacob T. Wood, Nathan A. Worley, William W^orley, Bela B. 
Zimmerman, John W. Zook. 

Company D (at a later period)— Capts. David J. Culbertson, commis- 
sion revoked; Samuel S. Pettit, resigned, April 28, 1864. 

First Lieut. Samuel Bachtell, promoted to Captain April 7, 1863; re- 
signed as First Lieutenant September 1, 1861; Charles J. Rodig, killed 
September 16, 1864. 

Sergts. Ambrose Norton, John Sheehy, E. H. Stevens, Daniel Williams, 

Corps. William H. Worley, J. C. Rasey, Daniel Van Gundy. 

Privates, Charles Baldwin, J. A. Brewer, Henry Campbell, W. P. Carr. 
M. B. Conger, Oscar Davis, Edward Davis, L. D. Harkum, Nelson Ellis, J. 
M. Ewing, James M. Ewing, M. V. Ewing, J. A. Inglehart, Frederick Hensel, 
John W. Hensel, J. E. Hesser, James Keller. Newton Kennedy, OrvillKerr, 
A. B. Keys, George Kirby, Henry C. Nagel, A. Lautzenheiser, William Mahon, 

E. Lambright, Henry Schnooer, Marvin Lumbard, Ed Kightlinger, Adam 
Risby, John Osborn," A. E. Miller, James Van Gundy, Leonard Hartle, T. 
R. Walker, Peter Worley, Royal Sherman. 

♦Resigned May 4, 1862. 



448 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Company G — Musician, T. A. Van Gundy. 

Privates, Conrad Bope, William Cummings, Jacob Grunditsch, J. C. 
Kitchen, William Spencer. 

Company H — Private, Thomas J. Finnell. 

Company I — Privates, Alexander Ash, A. J. Hazen, William Ash, R. 
M. Druckemiller, J. L. Gilliland, Andrew Larick, Stephen Murphy, Hugh 
Rinehart, G. W. Rockwell. 

Company K — Privates, Samuel Yencer, Gabriel Hardin. 

Of companies not reported — Joseph Henderson, C. E. Livonspire, Rich- 
ard Loder, E. S. B. Speucer, J. R. Jurey. Jessup Yencer, J. A. Simmons, 
Frank Simpson, William Soon, Charles Hoffman, Peter Hoffman, William 
Holden, E. P. Emerson, William Emptage. 

FORTY-NINTH OHIO INFANTRY. 

The Forty-ninth Ohio Infantry was recruited in the counties of Craw- 
ford, Hancock, Seneca, Sandusky and Wyandot during the summer of 1861. 
The latter county was represented in all of its companies, but more largely 
in Company D than any other. The regimental rendezvous was estab- 
lished at Camp Noble, near Tiffin, Ohio, where an organization was com- 
pleted on the 5th of September. Five days later, the regiment left its ren- 
dezvous and arrived at CampDennison, Cincinnati, on the 11th of that month, 
where it received arms and equipments. On the 20th of September, it em- 
barked on the cars for W^estern Virginia. After waiting an hour or so, this 
order wa.s countermanded, and the regiment directed to report to Gen. 
Robert Anderson, at Louisville, Ky. , where it arrived on the 21st of Sep- 
tember, thuH gaining the proud distinction of being the first Union Regi- 
ment to occupy Kentucky soil, other than Gen. Rousseau's small command 
of loyal Kentnckians, which organized on the Indiana side of the river, at 
the falls of the Ohio, had marched though Louisville three days before, and 
taken position at Muldraugh's Hill, thus foiling the rebel Buckner in his 
plan to seize and occupy Louisville. 

The reception of the Forty-ninth in Louisville was cordial in the ex- 
treme. It was not known outside of military headquarters that the regi- 
ment was on its way from Ohio. Hence, as the two boats transporting the 
command, lashed together, neared the wharf (the regimental band perform- 
ing national airs) and as the regiment landed, the people of the city — 
wrought UD to a high state of excitement by the stirring events of the two 
or three days immediately preceding — received it with enthusiasm, formed 
in its rear and marched with it through the principal streets to the head- 
quarters of Gen. Anderson. The hero of Sumter appeared on the balcony 
of the hotel and welcomed the regiment in a short address, to which Col. 
Gibson responded in his happiest vein. These ceremonies over, the people 
of Louisville turned out en masse, improvised a magnificent dinner at the 
Louisville Hotel, and the men of the regiment had a hilarious time, while 
the officers dined with Gen. Anderson. In the evening the regiment pro- 
ceeded by rail to Shepardsville, and thence to the Rolling Fork, where it 
joined Gen. William T. Sherman's command — the "Louisville Legion," and 
detachments of other troops under the command of the chivalrous Col. Lov- 
ell H. Rousseau. The next morning (September 23), in company with 
Rousseau, the regiment moved forward, wading the Rolling Fork waist- 
deep, drove a small body of rebel troops from Elizabethtown, and then, 
supperless, bivouacked for the night. On the 11th of October, it moved to 
Nolin Creek, and established Camp Nevin, and in December following was 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 449 

here assigned to the Sixth Brigade (composed of the Fifteenth Ohio, Col. 
Moses R. Dickey; Forty-ninth Ohio, Col. William H. Gibson; Thirty-second 
Indiana, Col. August Willich; and Thirty-ninth Indiana, Col. Thomas J. 
Harrison) in command of Gen. Richard W. Johnson; Second Division, 
Gen. A. McD. McCook in command. Army of the Ohio. 

On the 14th of February, 1862, the regiment, with its brigade and di- 
vision, advanced toward Bowling Green. After some delay in crossing the 
river, it marched in the direction of Nashville, reaching that city on the 3d 
of March. On the 16th of the same month, it marched with Buell's army 
to join Grant's forces at Pittsburg Landing, arriving there in the evening 
of the first day's battle — April 6. It participated in the engagement of 
the 7th of April, and contributed its full share of work in driving the enemy 
from the field. Thereafter, as part of Baell's army, the Forty-ninth en 
gaged in all the battles, marches, reverses, etc., which characterized Buell's 
command during the spring, summer and early autumn of 1862. Subse- 
quently it fought with Rosecrans at Stone River, Liberty Gap andChicka- 
mauga; under Thomas at Missouri Ridge, and with Sherman during the 
Atlanta campaign. 

"When Gen. Rosecrans, then in command of the Army of the Cumber- 
land, commenced his movement on Murfreesboro on the 26th of December, 
1862, the Forty-ninth moved out of Nashville on the Nolinsville Turnpike 
with the right wing under Gen. McCook, and after constant skirmishing 
iound itself in line of battle on the extreme right of the Union army before 
Murfreesboro on the evening of the 30th. At 6 o'clock the next morning. 
Kirk's brigade, to the left and front, was furiously assailed, and, giving 
way, was thrown back on the Forty ninth, which at once became engaged, 
and was borne back by overwhelming numbers a mile and a half to the 
Nashville Turnpike, which it reached after an incessant conflict of nine 
hours. On the following morning, the regiment was sent to reconnoiter on 
the right and rear of the main army. Rejoining its brigade, it operated 
during the remainder of the day on the extreme right of the army, in con- 
nection with Stanley's cavalry. On Friday, January 2, 1863, it was held 
in reserve until late in the afternoon, when, upon the repulse of Van Cleve's 
division on the left, it was ordered, with its brigade, to retrieve the fortunes 
of the day in that part of the field. It joined in a magnificent bayonet 
charge, which resulted in recovering the lost ground and a severe defeat to 
the enemy. 

At Chickamauga, the Forty- ninth held a position in the morning of the 
first day, on the extreme right of the Union forces, forming part of Gen. 
Richard W. Johnson's division. Before being engaged, however, the divi- 
sion was shifted to the extreme left of the army and joined Thomas' corps. 
At 2 o'clock P. M., the regiment became engaged with the enemy's right, 
posted in a dense woods. A charge was made, the enemy driven, and two 
guns captured by the Forty- ninth. This charge occurred between 3 and 4 
o'clock P. M. At dusk, the enemy having been re-enforced, made a charge. 
The enemy gained a point directly in front of the brigade, delivered a 
withering volley, and with their accustomed yell rushed forward with the 
bayonet. Although on the alert, the Union forces were staggered and gave 
some ground. They quickly rallied, however, and repulsed the rebels. 
During the second day at Chickamauga the regiment was constantly engaged 
in various parts of the field, and with the Fifteenth Ohio and Goodspeed's 
battery, accomplished a brilliant exploit. The enemy had broken through 
the X^nion left and were exultingly charging for the center, when the Forty- 



450 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

ninth faced to the rear and poured into the enemy a withering fire. From 
the other side of the circle, Goodspeed's battery and the Fifteenth Ohio 
poured a destructive, unceasing tire, and the rebels were checked and sent 
back flying to their main body. The brigade of which the Fifteenth and 
Forty- ninth Ohio formed part, was the last to leave the field of Chicka- 
mauga. It halted at Rossville one day, aud the following night retired to 
Chattanooga. 

By the consolidation of the orginal Twentieth and Twenty -first Army 
Corps in October, 1863, into the organization known during the remainder 
of the war as the Fourth Army Corps, the brigade* of which the Forty- 
ninih Ohio formed part, was transferred to the Third Division of the Fourth 
Corps. As part of the last mentioned command, the regiment fought on 
many other fields and always maintained the high reputation its gallant 
members had attained from the beginning of their service. At Mission 
Kidge, it was one of the first to plant its colors on the summit of that 
mountain. Immediately after this success, the regiment moved with 
Granger's corps to the relief of Burnside's forces at Knoxville. This 
campaign was one of the most severe that the regiment had ever been called 
upon to endure. The weather was intensely cold, with snow on the ground, 
the men almost naked and without shoes, and the rations exhausted. The 
march of the relieving army over the mountains of East Tennessee was 
literally marked by bloody foot-prints. Yet the soldiers of the West did 
not grumble, but were ever eager to be led against the foe. In the midst 
of this campaign the men of the Forty-ninth, in common with those of 
all other regiments, were called upon to re -enlist for another term of three 
years; a majority of them responded favorably to the summons, and at the 
conclusion of the march proceeded homeward on veteran furlough. 

In the Atlanta campaign the regiment participated in the battles at 
Rocky Face Eidge, Resaca, Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain, Chattahoochie 
River, and the series of engagements around Atlanta. Also in the move- 
ments that resulted in the battles at Jonesboro and Lovejoy Station. When 
Sherman began his march to the sea, the regiment and corps went back with 
Gen. Thomas to attend to the rebel Hood in Tennessee. The subsequent 
movements of the regiment are told in the sketch relating to its companion 
regiment, the Fifteenth Ohio Infantry. It proceeded to Texas in June and 
landed at Victoria early in July, 1865. After remaining at San Antonio 
for some weeks, it returned to Victoria where it was mustered out of service 
on the 30th day of November, 1865. 

The whole number of names borne upon the rolls of the regiment 
is fifteen hundred and fifty-two. Eight officers were killed in battle, 
and twenty wounded (six mortally). Of the enlisted men, one hvmdred 
and twenty-seven were killed in battle, seventy-one were mortally wounded, 
one hundred and si sty -five died from disease, seven others died in rebel 
prison pens, and six hundred and sixteen were discharged on account of 
wounds or disability. 

Among the Wyandot County men who served in this regiment, were the 
following: 

Company A — Capt. Daniel Hartsough. 

First Lieut. John K. Gibson, died of wounds. 

Sergts. John James, Cyrug DeWitt. 

Corps. J. Bartison, D. H. Grindle, J. S. Grindle, Henry Stevens. 

Privates, A. WMllever, Allen Wilkins, C. K. Nye, Jerome Nye, James 

♦First Brigade, Second Division, Twentieth Army Corps. 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 451 

Thompson, Gfiorge W. Piatt, L. Lambert, M. B. Haro, W. B. Leeper, Wil- 
liam C. Gear, John Greek, Jacob Moyer, John I. Grindle, Dory Jack- 
man, P. Grubb, S. T. Biles, Alfred De Witt, Salamas Bowlby, Solomon 
Bachar. 

Company B — Second Lieut. Sheldon P. Hare. 

Corp. James Burk, 

Privates, Theodore Gibson, C. C. Conaghan, J. L. Bliss, H. H. Anderson, 
Job Baker, D. A. Bennett, A. F. Conaghan, A. P. Havens, Samuel Mays, 
David Mays, George Wagner, George Pancoast. 

Company C — Capt. John Green. 

Sergt. John Reiger. 

Privates, John G. Markley, S. Bland, Sylvester Bowlby. 

Company D — Capts. James Ewing, George W. Culver, George W. Pool. 

First Lieut. M. Cowgill, J. Mosier. 

Sergts. Samuel Bretz, Silas Barnhiser, W. R. Bliss, D. L. Kentfield, 
Charles Ho}t, Robert Gregg, James W. Ingle. 

Corps. Joseph Battenfield, N. D. Bunn. S. S. Laird, Robert Cavit, 
Enos Goodman. 

Drummers, W. H. Shuler, Jacob Funk. 

Privates, William Updegraff, John Updegrafi", Edward Marble, Martin 
Marble, Jesse Rifner, Henry Lowmaster, C. Morgan, B. Jewel, T. B. Haw- 
kins, Kenry Kestner, Nathan Karr, David Hitchew. Fred W. Hine, George 
W. Greer, Otis S. Goodman, Anthony Kestner, J. B. Fox, Alfred Hitchew, 
David Cramer, John Bope, Jac Allion, Jr., Francis Beck, W. S. Karr, 
B. F. Bunn, Frank Babcock, James Barnhiser, S. W. Barnhiser, 
Samuel Burk, Fleming Ewing, Isaac Burk, Jacob Everhart, S. A. Dur- 
boraw, J. Enerson, Jesse De Long, W. W. Greer, H. L. Freet, William 
Hitchew, Lewis Corfman, William Rice, William Burk, P. Tracy, James 
Nye, Jesse Paulin, Levi Pennington, William Fruit, James Fruit, J. 
Young, Isaac Fruit, G. W. Mullholand, F. Roberson, Perry Rice, Sylvester 
Pontius, I. M. Winters, J. B. Weber, Charles Wigloy. Jerome Williams, 
Benjamin Whetsel, Allen Smalley, John Rock, C. Shireman, E. S. 
W^illson. 

Company E-^Private David Goodman. 

Company G — Capt. Samuel M. Harper. 

Sergts. J. S. Gibson, Walton Weber, ^. J. Weber, Lewis Miller. 

Corps. John Caldwell, P. C. Kitchen. 

Wagoner, J. C. Kitchen. 

Privates, John Solley, John Ingerson, F. M. Babcock, Seymour Culver, 
B. F. Culver, M. G. Clapsaddle, J. R. Ingerson, J. R. Lowry, Abner Will- 
son, W. B. Kitchen, Ross Ingerson. 

Company F — First Lieut. J. F. Harper. 

Company H — First Lieut. James J. Zint. 

Company I — Second Lieut. William F. Gibbs. 

Corp. W. J. Louder milch. 

Privates, J. S. Thompson, E. C. Warner, John Stump, D. D. Armstrong, 
D. D. Cole, J. A. Bell, Joseph A. Liles, Thomas Petty, J. A. Petty. 

Company K — Privates David Jacob, Rezin De Bolt, H. Bland, H. L. 
Eyestone, H. Badger, George DeBolt, Silas De Bolt, William Cummings, A. 
J. Miller, H. P. Jaqueth, D. R. Martin, Henry Jacoby, O. Lannon, G. P. 
Ogg, C. AVhittem. 

Attached to Companies not known — G. W. Sherwood, William John- 
son, Ezra Phelps, Sergeant ; Frank Johnson, James Stoner, W. M. Thomp- 



452 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

son, Seth Kear, Willson Long, William Cowgill, Jackson Carter, Martin 
Heistand, Jackson Anderson, Conrad Bope, William Boyer, William 
Emerson, Bradford Dunn, George Inman, John Anderson, R. Baun, 
Joseph Barnhiser. 

FIFTY-FIFTH OHIO INFANTRY. 

This regiment was organized at Norwalk, Ohio, about the middle of 
October, 1861. On the 25th of January, 1802, it left Norwalk for Western 
Virginia, and soon after its arrival on the field of action was attached to 
Gen. Schenck's brigade. It participated in many minor movements against 
the redoubtable rebel leader — " Stonewall" Jackson — during the early part 
of that year, with varying success. When the " Army of Virginia" was 
organized in June, the Fifty-fifth was brigaded with the Twenty-fifth, 
Seventy-third and Seventy-fifth Ohio Regiments, and attached to Gen, 
Schenck's division. 

On the 7th of July, the corps of which the regiment formed part, began 
a march to Sperryville, Va. After a few days' rest at that point, it again 
marched forward, and on the 1st of September, had passed through the 
various marches, skirmishes and battles, which marked Gen. Pope's brief 
but disastrous campaign. A re-organization of the army now took place, 
and in the many changes made, the Fifty-fifth was assigned to the Eleventh 
Army Corps. Subsequently, in the fall and winter of 1862, it engaged in 
the movement under Burnside, which was abruptly terminated by heavy 
rains and bad roads. 

In the Chancellorsville campaign under Hooker, in May, 1863, the 
regiment lost heavily. It (with the entire Eleventh Corps), was driven in 
confusion from the field, and sustained a loss of 153 men killed, wounded 
and missing. About the middle of May, 1863, it was attached to the Sec- 
ond Brigade of the Second Divisi<m, and remained in the same brigade 
during the remainder of its term of service. At Gettysburg, the regiment 
lost in killed and wounded, about fifty men. 

On the following 24th day of September, the Eleventh and Twelfth 
Army Corps took cars at Manassas Junction, Va. , and moved over the 
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, and through Columbus, Indianapolis, Louis- 
ville and Nashville to Bridgeport, Ala., arriving on the 80th. The Elev- 
enth Corps moved to Chattanooga on the 22d of November. In the battle 
of INIission Ridge, the corps formed line to the left and front of Fort Hood, 
and moving forward rapidly, drove the rebel line beyond the East Tennessee 
Railroad. Immediately after the termination of the Union victories in 
the vicinity of Chattanooga, the regiment entered on the Knoxville cam- 
paign, and returned again to Lookout Valley on the 17th of December. 
This campaign was made over mountain ranges, amid the frosts and snows 
of winter, many men shoeless, and all without tents or blankets. On 
the 1st of January, 1864, 319 men of the Fifty-fifth re-enlisted. They 
started for Ohio on the lOth, and arrived at Norwalk on the 20th; on the 
22d of February, the regiment re-assembled at Cleveland, and on the 4th of 
March it was again encamped in Lookout Valley, Ga. About this time 
the Eleventh and Twelfth Army Corps were consolidated, and denominated 
the Twentieth Corps (Gen. Hooker in command), and the regiment was 
attached to the Third Brigade of the Third Division. 

During the Atlanta campaign, the regiment participated in all the move- 
ments, battles, etc., in which the Twentieth corps was engaged. At Resaca, 
on the 15th of May, it lost more than ninety men killed, wounded and 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 453 

missing. It was also engaged at Gassville, Dallas, New Hope Church, 
Kenesaw Mountain, and in the series of engagements around the city of 
Atlanta. It left Lookout Valley May 2, 1864, with about 400 men, and 
during the campaign of four months' duration had lost over 200. 

On the 15th of November, the regiment and corps began the march, with 
Sherman's armies, from Atlanta to the sea. It entered Savannah on the 
21st of December. On the 29th of January, 1865, the command got fairly 
started from Savannah on the march northward through the Carolinas. 
No incident worthy of particular notice occurred until the 16th of March, 
when at the battle of Averysboro, or Smith's Farm, N. C. , the Fifty-fifth 
lost thirty-six men killed and wounded. The regiment was again epgaged 
at Bentonville, N. C, on the 19th of March, and lost two killed, twenty-four 
wounded, and seven men missing. ^V'ith Sherman's forces, it finally reached 
Washington, D. C, and paraded in the grand review May 24. 

Upon the disbanding of the Twentieth Corps, the Ohio regiments be- 
longing to it were organized into a Provisional Brigade, and assigned to the 
Fourteenth Corps. They proceeded to Louisville, Ky., starting on the 10th 
of June, where, on the 11th of July, the Fifty-fifth was uiustered out of 
service. It was paid and discharged at Cleveland, Ohio, on the l9th of 
July. 

Following are the names of ofl&cers and men from Wyandot County who 
served in this regiment: 

Field and Staff — Maj. Rudolphus Robbins, killed at Resaea, Ga. , May 
15, 1864; commissioned Second Lieutenant January 20, 1862; Captain, De- 
ceoiber 20, 1862; Major, May 25, 1863. 

Adjt. Frank W. Martin, commissioned June 22, 1862; promoted to 
Captain April 22, 1868; resigned June 6, 1863. 

Company A— Capt. Robert W. Pool, resigned August 29, 1864. 

Company B — Private. Joseph Earp. 

Company C— Capt. Henry Miller, resigned September 28, 1864. 

Privates, Philip Brewer, W. A. Gibson, George Hawk, William Thomas. 

Company D — Private, W. H. Brewer. 

Company F — This company, when first organized, was composed of the 
following members: 

Captain, David S. Brown, resigned March 6, 1863. 

First Lieutenant, Jacob Thomas, resigned July 17, 1862. 

Second Lieutenant, Leander M. Craun. 

Sergeants, Charles D. Robbins, promoted to Captain, resigned March 
29, 1864; John S. Shaner, William H Ashbrook, Butler Case (who subse- 
quently became First Lieutenant, and resigned as such April 10, 1864), and 
J. Hallabaiigh. 

Corporals, J. R. Burkhart, J. Rumbaugh, William Rook, David Green, 
J. B. Gatchell, Martin Thomas, William J. Craun and Jacob Gatchell. 

Drummer, Urias Swank. 

Teamster, P. McLaughlin. 

Privates, John H. Andrews, Samuel Adams, Anson Brewer, George W. 
Boyd, Amos Bowsher, John Byers, Moses Brown, J. W. Betz, John Burk- 
hart. Samuel Cannon, Henry Casper, William B. Craven, R. W. Coots, E. 
P. Cole, William Clark, William Cupp. Henry Cowley, Noah Doll, Clark 
Edgington, William F. Edwards, Samson B. Flinchbaugh, Taylor Filson, 
Abraham Fulk, Abraham Freeae, L. Fulmer, William Harley, J. Harley, 
Henry Hoppwood, John Henry, S. Hackenberger, George Hallabaugh, J. A. 
Kittle, James Kine, David Koble, John Lambright, C. Long, William C. 



454 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Law, Wesley Lane, Isaac Lambrigbt, William Likins, William P. Mahon, 
George W. Michael, Benjamin Myers, John K. Myers, Levi Martin, J. Mc- 
Bee, J. McPherson, J. Malon, John O'Brien, Dorris Pike, Jeremiah Pisel, 
John Pierce, J. Robertson, Albert Roberts, Leander Riesenberger, Henry 
Ream, Andrew Robenalt, David Raymond, Israel Spoon, Adam J. Shaner, 
I. Smith, J. Saul, J. G. Sharp, J. Shuster, Michael Spout, Jacob Sprout, 
William Stoffulmyer, M. Tress, William C. Thomas, J. H. Vail, Hugh M. 
Van Wagoner, William H. Waters, S. Waggoner. Subsequently the fol- 
loging additional names appeared upon the rolls, Jacob Spoon, Thomas 
Corbin, Washington Michaels, A. J. Shannon, Fredrick Sipher, J. W. Sul- 
liger and Anson Edgington. 

Company K — First Lieut. J. F. Rieser; Sergts. Benjamin Welsh, 
H. W. Kramer; Corps. George Rice, Isaac Dippy, Christian Wise, W. 
H. Cole, Hugh Guthrie. 

Privates, John Brand, M. C. Crass, Nuss, Fred Althauser, Joseph 

Hoover, H. J. Compton, W. H. Edgington, Hiram Gantz, Jacob Grunditsch, 
Levi Kotterman, Christian Gottier, Oscar Midlam, Curtis Hoff, George Har- 
nian, Jacob Yeager, William Winich, Edward McFarland, Henry Little, 
Aaron McCoy, George Lott, Peter Marquart, H. Huffman, Henry Carr, 
Jacob Shuler, Henry Vaughn, John Webb, George Wisenbarger, Henry 
Yeager, John Keller, Adam Wiswasser. 

Company H — Sergt. W. B. Conger. Corp. G. W. Ragon. Privates, 
Adam Beer, James H. Cram, C. Linn, Samuel Stom. Z. W. Ahlefeld, 
J. G. Armstrong. 

Company not reported — Capts. Augustus M. Wormley, Jesse Bowsher; 
First Lieut. Pliny E. Watson; Second Lieut. James K. Agnew; Privates, 
John Emerson, Patrick Laughrey, G. W. Price, R. Rolson, Isaac Price. 

EIGHTY-FIRST OHIO INFANTRY. 

The command first known as '• Morton's Independent Rifle Regiment," 
but soon afterward designated the Eighty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, 
was recruited to the number of eight companies in the summer of 1861. 
The fourth Company (D), Capt. Peter A. Tyler in command, was composed 
almost entirely of Wyandot County men. Benton Barracks, near St. Louis, 
Mo., was the rendezvous in which the regiment entered upon its first mili- 
tary duties. 

The regiment marched out of Benton Barracks September 24, 1861, and 
from that time until about March 1, 1862, was employed on the Northern 
Missouri Railroad, and its vicinity, in keeping the region free from bands 
of cowardly, yet murderous and destructive Missouri guerrillas. It was 
then ordered to report at St. Louis. It was armed with short Enfield 
rifles, was embarked on board the steamer Meteor, and about midnight of 
the 17th of March it disembarked at Pittsburg Landing. A few days later, 
the regiment was assigned to the Second Brigade (Col. McArthur in com- 
mand) Second Division (Gen. C. F. Smith) of the Army of the Tennessee, 
then commanded by Gen. U. S. Grant. 

During the battle of Pittsburg Landing, which was fought on Sunday 
the 6th and Monday the 7th days of April, 1862, the Eighty-first behaved 
most gallantly. Its members were ever ready to confront the enemy, many 
rebels fell lifeless before the furious and unceasing fire of their Entields, and 
during the second day, in a wild and impetuous charge, the regiment 
captured many prisoners and a full battery of artillery. Until the early 
part of the following October, the regiment performed the various duties 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 455 

assigned it in West Tennessee and Northern Mississippi; but, after the 
evacuation of Corinth by the rebels, its actions were unimportant. How 
ever, in the battle of Corinth, fought October 3 and 4, the regiment, 
then part of the brigade commanded by Gen. Dick Oglesby, and the division 
commanded by Gen. Davies, was hotly engaged, losing eleven men killed, 
fourty-four wounded and three missing. This was one of the most fiercely 
contested fields of the war — one, where about eighteen or twenty thousand 
Union men, without reserves or intrenchments, defeated, pursued and 
scattered more than double their numbers. 

As part of Gen. Dodge's commaad, the Eighty-first continued to cam- 
paign in the northern parts of Mississippi and Alabama, and the middle 
and western parts of Tennessee, until the latter part of April, 1864. It 
was then moved forward to Northern Georgia, and on the 5th of May was 
advanced to Lee & Gordon's mills, where, with the great army there assem- 
bled Gen. Sherman was just beginning the Atlanta campaign. There- 
after, until the final victory at Jonesboro and the occupation of Atlanta by 
the Union foi'ces, the history of Gen. Dodge's command is the history of 
the regiment. " In the battle on the 22d of July (the day McPherson was 
killed), the Eighty-first, with three companies in reserve, was the second 
regiment from the rjght of Sweeney's division. The command stood like a 
rock, and never was there made a more daring or more eifective resistance. 
At an opportune moment, the Eighty-first Ohio and Twelfth Illinois moved 
forward in a resistless charge, carrying everything before them. The Eighty- 
first captured a number of prisoners and three battle-flags. Later in the day, 
Gen. Logan called on Gen. Dodge for re -enforcements to assist the Fifteenth 
Corps in recovering its works. Mersey's brigade, which included the 
Eighty-fifth, was sent. It marched on the double-qviick nearly two miles, 
and joined in a charge by which the lost lines were recovered. The Eighty- 
first furnished a detail to assist Capt. De Gress in serving his guns on the 
retreating rebels. Later, at night, Mersey's brigade was moved to Bald Hill, 
and there the Eighty-first Ohio and Twelfth Illinois built a perfect labyrinth 
of works."* 

In September, 1864, the regiment was assigned to the Fourth Division 
of the Fifteenth Army Corps. With that command, it made a march to 
Savannah, and northward through the Carol inas and Virginia, to Wash- 
ington, D. C. It participated in the review of Sherman's army at the 
National capital, May 24, 1865. Early in June, it proceeded to Louisville, 
Ky. , via the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad to Parkersburg, W. Va., and thence 
by the Ohio River. The regiment remained at Louisville until July 13, 
when it was mustered out. It immediately started for Camp Dennison, 
where its members were paid in full and discharged July 21, 1865. 

The Wyandot County men who served in this regiment were as follows: 

Company D — Capts. Peter A. Tyler, Noah Stoker. 

First Lieut. W\ D. Tyler. 

Second Lieut. J. W. Post; killed at Pittsburg Landing April 7, 1862. 

Sergts. Noah M. Stoker, R. J. Earp. 

Corps. Henry Hardly, David Agerter, David Hagerman, Benjamin Ellis, 
William D. Earp, Charles H. Willard. 

Privates, Patrick Downey, James Anderson, Samuel Down, C. J. Fogle, 
Franklin Kating, J. P. Berry, Jacob Albert, J. R. Hagerman, H. H. Haw- 
kins, William Helsel, Charles Caldwell, John Bushong, Henry Down, An- 
son Jones, Napoleon Grouse, David Dysinger, George Devine, William 

* Whitelaw Reid. 



456 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Davis, J. A. Atkinson, W. K. Heffelfinger, M. W. Kimmell, Ephraim Hoy, 
T. M. Blake, H. T. Carlisle, Jacob Lime, C. S. Keys, J. K. Hagerman, 
Stephen Healy, Levi Keller, James Gillin, J. C. Groff, John Finau, J. W. 
Gillin, J. B. Graham, Patrick Kelly, Martin Lipp, Elijah Longabangh, 
J. Mankin, Jared Mills, Henry Miller, Jacob Miller, J. M. Nelson, Jerome 
Kennedy, Patrick Mulhauser, William Stamford, W. A. Reed, R. M. Reed, 
William Mankin, J. L. Mills, J. H. Long, John Rose, O. H. P. Reed, J. P. 
Rose, J. V. Reidling, James Stol, Benjamin Stewart, W. Quaintance, M. 
Pendergast, Elias Stevens, James Surplus, Henry Stomb, J. F. Rose, Law- 
rence Smith, William Sanford, W. F. Savidge, J. E. Reed, Anderson Sulli- 
van, A. H. Tyler, J. A. Yanorsdall, P. Whinery, Robert Whinnery, John 
Thompson, John Wilson. 

Other companies. 

B— John Albert. 

C— William E. Reed, William Van Marter. 

Company not repoi'ted — Fred Agerter, Fii*st Lieutenant; Henry Down- 
ing, W. C. Keller. 

EIGHTY- SECOND OHIO INFANTRY. 

This command was recruited during the months of November and De- 
cember, 1861. It was mustered into service at Kenton, Ohio, its regimental 
rendezvous, December 31, and it proceeded toward Western Virginia on the 
25th of January, 1862, where it was assigned to Gen. Schenck's brigade. 
Under Gens. Fremont and Sigel, the regiment performed arduous service and 
considerable lighting in the region mentioned. Subsequently it was attached 
to Gen. Milroy's Independent brigade (of Sigel's First Corps), and led by that 
officer, performed many gallant deeds. In September, 1862, Sigel's Corps 
was denominated the Eleventh, and was assigned to the Army of the Poto- 
mac. Thereafter, the Eighty-second engaged in all the movements of the 
Eleventh Corps in Virginia, Georgia and Tennessee. Finally, as already 
shown, the old Eleventh and Twelfth Corps were consolidated as the Twen- 
tieth Corps, and iinder Hooker and Slocum campaigned with Sherman 
through Georgia, the Carolinas and Virginia to the National capital. The 
regiment made a brilliant record throughout, and, mustered out of service 
at Louisville, Ky. , July 25, 1865, was paid and discharged at Columbus, 
Ohio, on the 29th of the same month. 

Among its members were the following Wyandot County men: 

Company A — Sergt. Henry Robinson. 

Privates, Joseph E. Johnston, J. Shever, Robert Couples, J. H. Robinson. 

Company B — VV. H. Hollinger, Isaac P. Adams, William Ginther, J. A. 
Hollinger. 

Company C — Second Lieut. TMorgan Simonson. 

Sergt. A. D. Snyder. 

Privates, C. P. Taylor, Francis Taylor. Thomas Ash, Sr., J. B. Dean, 
Samuel Garrett, Matthew Morrison, N. E. Sibert, J. E. Kirby, William 
Kii-by, E. L. Ross, Ephraim Shever, Joseph C. Snyder, E. L. Ross. 

Company G — Private. Philip Winslow. 

Company I — Corps. J. C. Chadwick, John Holloway. 

Privates, Charles Spencer, W. F. Williams. 

Company K— Privates, Isaac H. Cole, Samuel Brown, W. H. Cole, Jon- 
athan Harshbarger, George Eatherton, William Martin, Henry Martin. 

Company not reported— Alfred Tracy, William Snyder, John Williams, 
F. J. Studebaker, Isaiah Williams, Caleb Dougherty, John Morrow. 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 457 

ONE HUNDRED AND FIRST OHIO INFANTRY. 

This organization was recruited in the counties of Erie, Huron, Seneca, 
Crawford and Wyandot, in the dark days of 1862. Its companies rendez- 
voused at Monroeville, Ohio, where the regiment was mustered into the 
United States service on the 30th day of August. Capt. Isaac M. Kirby's 
command in this regiment, afterward designated Company F, left Upper 
Sandusky for Monroeville, on Thursday morning, August 21, 1862. It was 
then stated that the company was composed of the flower of the young men 
of the county, with a commander who had withstood the fiery ordeal at 
Pittsburg Landing. The members of the company, as then published, were 
as follows: 

Captain, Isaac M. Kirby; First Lieutenant, Franklin Pope; Second 
Lieutenant, Jacob Newhard; privates, Hubert Bixby, Theophilus D. 
Gould, John M. McLaughlin, C. J. Harris, Edwin Nye, David E. 
Carney, Aaron C. Shinely, A. H. Turner, Amos K. Slade, Frederick 
Ludwig. John H. Wells, W. J. Carney, William Shell, Edward W. 
Shaw, James M. Briggs, Alfred De.witt, C. S. Vredenberg, Levi Shoe- 
maker, Noah Sterm, Peter Sipes, George S. Myers, William H. Wel- 
ter, Michael Stump, Amos Strycker, Levi Price, F. M. Sterling, S. H. 
Brown, James H. Herndon, W. H. Carothers, Cornelius J. Sibei't, J. Lou- 
dermilch, William Stevens, F. G. Hill, James E. Barker, George Mann, 
John Liles, Joseph Harsh, William Swearingen, Elijah White, Thomas A. 
Clark, John Krider, William Carmichael, John Scott, Walter Foyer, John 
Shepard, Russel Shepard, S. F. Troup, Thomas Hollanshead, Josiah Shoaf- 
stel, C. Martin. Garret Taylor, George GouJdsby, Thomas Barry, Calvin J. 
Cutler, George Lawrence, J. W. Norton, J. W. Smith, William H. Kilmer, 
George W\ Hale, David E. Hale, S. R. Myers, S. S. Waggoner, H. H. 
Lacy, Samuel Martin, John J. Gerstenstager, David Allison, James Stew- 
art, John Hutter, A. A. Spafford, G. F. Spafford, J. D. Rex, W. J. Law- 
rence, William Good, James Reeves, Shepley H. Link, John A. Kerr, Will- 
iam Hallowell, R. Park, James H. Corning, H. H. Dixon, Christian H. 
Glazer, Andrew McElwain, H. D. Vroman, Franklin Culver, August Wise, 
August Sickfelt, Daniel Good, J. McAnderson, William Nichols, Oliver Bo- 
lander, David Good, Levi Scwartz, David Miller, John Grossell, Benjamin 
Ream, Jacob H. Flickinger, Jacob Good, Marcus L. Lowell, John H. 
Swinehart. 

On the 4th of September, the regiment left Monroeville and was hurried 
by rail to Cincinnati, and thence to Covington, Ky. , to assist in repelling a 
threatened attack by Kirby Smith. Remaining at Covington until Septem- 
ber 24, it was sent by rail to Louisiville, Ky., and there attached to Gen. 
William P. Carlin's brigade of Gen. Robert B. Mitchell's division, Buell's 
army. When that army again moved southward, the battle of Perry vi lie 
resulted, and in this, its first action, the regiment behaved handsomely. At 
Nashville, Gen. Jeff C. Davis took command of the division (vice Gen. 
Mitchell assigned to the command of the post of Nashville), and on the 26th 
it marched with the Army of the Cumberland, Gen. Rosecrans command- 
ing, to battle with the rebel forces under Bragg in front of Murfreesboro. 

The afternoon of the same day (December 26), the enemy was met and a 
line of battle formed. Gen. Jeff C. Davis' Second Brigade, consisting of 
the Twenty-first (Gen. Grant's original command in the rebellion) and 
Thirty-eighth Illinois, Fifteenth Wisconsin, and One Hundred and First 
Ohio Regiments of infantry and the Second Minnesota Battery, soon en- 
gaged the enemy with spirit, sustaining a sharp tire until he was dislodged. 



458 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Although the day was fast drawing to a close, and little was known of the 
precise nature of the ground over which the armies were moving, Gen. Davis 
resolved to follow up his advantage. The enemy retreated about two miles 
to a rugged hill, the road passing through a defile known as Knob Gap. 
Deploying on either side of the road, with one section of their artillery in 
the defile and other pieces on the crest of the hill, they waited another en- 
counter. In the short, sharp action which ensued, Carlin's brigade per- 
formed its work most gallantly. The eaemy was driven from his position 
and two bronze field pieces were captured from him on that part of the line 
covered by the One Hundred and First. 

Four days later (December 30), Carlin's brigade was the first of the 
Union army to arrive on the battle-field of Stone River (a small, limpid 
stream named after a Pennsylvanian named Stone, who, with a party of 
three or four others, first discovered it about the year 1760). It at once 
engaged the enemy's outposts, and drove them back on his main line, and 
just at night became briskly engaged. The regiment lay on its arms 
through the night, and was fully prepared to receive the shock of battle 
that came with daylight on the following morning. The brigade stood 
firm, repulsing every attempt to break it, until Johnson's division and 
Post's brigade of the First Division on the right being driven fi'om their 
positions, the enemy appeared on the right flank and rear of the brigade, 
when, in obedience to orders, it fell back and took up a new position, hold- 
ing tne enemy in check until he again threw a force on the flank and rear. 
The regiment continued in the hottest of the fight, taking up six difl'erent 
positions, and stubbornly maintaining them during the day. Col. Leander 
Stem was killed, and Lieut. Col. Wooster was mortally wounded while re- 
spectively leading the One Hundred and First on to victory. The regiment was 
held on the front line on the right of the army until the afternoon of Janu- 
ary 2, 1803. When disaster was threatening the left of the Union forces, 
it was one of many regiments transferred to that part of the field, and with 
the bayonet helped to turn the tide of battle. During the series of actions 
termed the battle of Stone River, the regiment lost seven commissioned 
officers, and 212 men killed, wounded and missing. 

During the remainder of the winter, the regiment was constantly en- 
gaged on expeditious through the regions surrounding Murfreesboro, suffer- 
ing very much from 'fatigue and exposure. " It was no uncommon thing," 
says a writer, " to see as many as fifty men of the regiment marching with- 
out shoes on their feet,* and so ragged as to excite both the sympathies and 
risibilities of their companions. This marching up and down the country, 
the purposes or utility of which were oftentimes wholly' unknown, lasted 
until April, when the regiment was allowed to go into camp at Murfreesboro 
for rest." 

When the Tullahoma campaign was inaugurated during the last days of 
June, 1863, the One Hundred and First moved with that portion of the 
army that demonstrated in the direction of Liberty Gap, and was engaged 
with Cleburne's rebel division for two days at that place. It followed the 
fortunes of the army up to Chattanooga, and at the close of that campaign 
was with Davis' division at Winchester, Tenn. On the 17th of August, the 

*We deem the imagination of Reid's informant too vivid in this statement. We were there, and we 
never saw fifty, nor even one man marching without shoes at or in the vicinity of Murfreesboro during the 
winter of 1862-63. True, some ragged men might occasionally be seen, or rather men wlio had stood or 
slept too near their camp fires and thus scorched and burned their garments, but there was no need at that 
time for men to marcli without shoes, for the armv was near its base of supplies, and supplies of all kinds 
were issued in abundance. Besides, it is a well-known fact no general oflScer in the Union army was more 
thoughtful and zealous in seeing to it that his men were well supplied with food, clothing and equipments 
than Gen. Rosecrans. 




lyjjf-^ 




I'Tl'^ 




44l^i^''^^-^ 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 461 

regiment marched on the Chattanooga campaign, crossing the Tennessee 
River at Caperton's Ferry. From thence it marched over Sand and Look- 
out Mountains to near Alpine, Ga. It then countermarched over Lookout 
Mountain, up Will's Valley, and re-ci'ossed Lookout Mountain to the field 
of Chickamauga, where it participated in that battle on the 19th and 20th 
of September, displaying great coolness and gallantry. During the second 
day, the l9th, the regiment re-took a Union battery from the enemy, fight- 
ing over the guns with clubbed muskets. 

After retiring to Chattanooga, the army was re-organized, and the One 
Hundred and First Ohio became a part of the First Brigade, First Division, 
Fourth Army Corps. On the 28th of October, this brigade was ordered to 
Bridgeport, Ala., and thus missed taking part in the fighting at Mission 
Ridge and Lookout Mountain. 

On the 3d of May, 1861, it marched with Gen. Sherman's armies on the 
Atlanta campaign, and from that time until the first days of September 
following was almost constantly engaged in marching and fighting. After 
the federal occupation of Atlanta, and in the sudden change of tactics 
adopted by the rebel Gen. Hood, it was actively employed with other Union 
fox'ces in pursuing, fighting, and heading off the enemy in his designs on 
the railroad communications of the Union troops. It marched with the 
Fourth Corps from Atlanta to Pulaski, Tenn. , and from there on to Nash- 
ville. At the battle of Franklin, which took place during the execution of 
the last-mentioned movement, just at nightfall, the One Hundred and Fii'st 
was ordered to retake a position held by the enemy, which it did at the point 
of the bayonet, and held the position until 10 o'clock P. M. , notwithstand- 
ing the fact that the rebels were almost within bayonets reach during all 
that time. 

The regiment was engaged in the battle of Nashville December 15 
and 16, and participated in the assault on the enemy's center on the 15th. 
After the battle and rout, it followed in pursuit of Hood to Lexington, Ala., 
and marched thence via Athens to Huntsville, where it went into 
camp. It remained at that place until June 12, 1865, when it was mus- 
tered out of service. It was sent home by rail to Camp Taylor, near Cleve- 
land, Ohio, where its members received final pay and discharge papers. 

Among the officers and men mentioned at the close of the war as havinsr 
served in this regiment from Wyandot County, were the following : 

Field and Staff — Colonel and Brevet Brig. Gen. Isaac M. Kirby, who was 
mustered out with the regiment. 

Company F — Capts. Franklin Pope, resigned January 28, 1863; William 
H. Kilmer, killed at battle of Chickamauga; George W. Hale, mustered out 
with regiment. 

Second Lieut., Jacob Newhard, resigned December 23, 1862. 

Sergts. F. G. Hill, J. W. Herndon, G. S. Myers, John Kerr, William 
Stevens, Harmon Lacy, C. N. Martin, David E. Hale, George F. Mann. 

Corps. Joseph Lowdermilch. Andrew McElwain, Willam Hallowell, 
R. H. Parks, John Scott, Levi Price, Elijah White, John Shepherd, Alfred 
De Witt. 

Privates, W. I. Lawrence, David Allison, Oliver Bolander, James N. 
Briggs, James M. Anderson, S. H. Brown, H. H. Dixon, C. P. Cutler, 
William Carothers, J. H. Corning, T. A. Clark, Walter Foyer, William 
Good, Herbert Bixby, August Lickfelt, Samuel Martin, David Good, John 
Liles, George Lawrence, William Carmichael, John McLaughlin, John 
Hutter, John Krider, C. J. Harris, Theopholis Gould, Joseph Harsh, P. 



462 HISTORY OF AVYANDOT COUNTY. 

Heller, Thomas HoUanshead, S. H. Lint, Benjamin Ream, Fred Ludwig,. 
Clandius Martin, J. P. Gastenslager, John W. Norton, William Nichols, S. 
R. Myers, C. H. Glasser, Daniel Good, Russell Shepherd, George Quaint- 
ance, Amos K. Slade, S. S. Waggoner, Levi Shoemaker, Levi Swartz, F. 
Culver, William Shell, A. H. Turner, A. Strieker, A. A. Stafford, F. M., 
Sterling, C. J. Sibert, David Miller, August Wise, W. H. Welter, J. D, 
Rex, J. H. Flickenger, H. G. Vroman, John A. Wells, C. S. Vredenberg, 
Ellis Quaintance, Samuel F, Troup, Peter Sipes, J. A. Stewart, Noah 

Stinn, William Swearingen, Josiah Shaffstall, Edward Shaw, Spaf- 

ford. 

Company A — Privates, Abel Thompson, Thomas Thompson. 

Company D — George Miller. 

Company E — Sergt. Enos B. Lewis. 

Privates, J. Y. Good, Michael Stump. 

Company H — Private, H. C. Cross. 

Company I — Corp. John Salyers. 

Privates, D. Funk, Joseph Funk, Valentine Wisebaker, P. Heckman,. 
Christain Funk, S. P. Renisderfer. 

Company K — Private, M. W. Shumaker. 

Company not reported — Samuel Snyder, J. L. Miller. 

Brev. Brig. Gen. Isaac M. Kirby, whose name has already been men- 
tioned in the foregoing sketch of the One Hundred and First Ohio Infan- 
try, is a son of Moses H. Kirby, Esq., of Upper Sandusky, and was born at 
Cobumbus in 3834:. In April, ]861, he was elected Captain of a company^ 
of W^yandot County volunteers, and with that command (afterward known 
as Company I, of the Fifteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry) served 
during its term of three months. When the Fifteenth Ohio Infantry was 
reorganized for a three years' term, Capt. Kirby again took the field in 
command of Company D. He served with that regiment in Western Vir- 
ginia and then in Buell's Army of the Ohio. He marched with it tO' 
Pittsburg Landing and participated in the second days' battle there, assist- 
ing Maj. Wallace in commanding the regiment. He resigned his position 
in the Fifteenth Regiment May 4, 1862. In July, of the same year, he 
recruited another company of volunteers for the One Hundred and 
First Ohio Infantry, of which he was (for the third time) commissioned Cap- 
tain. The regiment soon after joined Buell's army in Kentucky, and in 
October, 1862, Capt. Kirby was promoted Major of that organization. 

Early in the morning of the first day's fight at Stone River, Col. Stem, 
commanding the One Hundred and First, was killed, and Lieut. Col. Woos- 
ter, of the same regiment, was mortally wounded. Maj. Kirby thus suc- 
ceeded to the command of the regiment during the remainder of the battle. 
On the 27th of January, 1863, he was commissioned Colonel, to take rank 
fi'om the date of Col. Stem's death — December 26, 1862. He continued in 
command of the regiment until the early part of the movement against At- 
lanta, when he was designated as the commander of the First Brigade, 
First Division, Fourth Army Corps, which he led throughout the cam- 
paign. Col. Kirby was now recommended by superiors in official reports, 
for promotion. He commanded the brigade during the movement of Gen. 
Thomas' army from Northern Georgia to Nashville, and through the battles^ 
of Franklin and Nashville. In the latter, he led the first assault on the 
enemy's main line of works. He was now again recommended for promo- 
tion, and he finally received a commission as Brevet Brigadier General. 

Gen. Kirby continued in command of the First Brigade, First Division^ 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 463 

Fourth Array Corps, until the close of hostilities. He was mustered out 
of service with his regiment in June, 1865. At the present time, he is en- 
gaged in the sale of hardware, etc., etc., in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, a 
town which has been his place of residence during the past forty years. 

ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-THIRD OHIO INFANTRY. 

The military organization thus designated was recruited during the 
summer and early autumn of 1862. Its place of rendezvous was Monroe- 
ville, Ohio. On the 16th of October, it moved to Zanesville, whence it was 
.taken down the Muskingum River to Marietta, thence by rail to Belpre, 
and across the Ohio River to Parkersburg, Va., thence by rail to Clarksburg, 
reaching that place October 20. From that time until early in January 
following, the command was constantly engaged in marching, and skirmish- 
ing with small parties of the enemy in Western Virginia. 

On the 10th of January, 1863, the regiment left Mooretield for Romney. 
It arrived on the 12th, and remained about six weeks, engaged almost con- 
tinually in scouting duty in that vicinity, protecting the line of the Balti- 
more & Ohio Railroad. While at this place, one whole company of the 
One Hundred and Sixteeath Ohio, of the brigade, and a small detail from the 
One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio, were captured by McNiel's rebel cav- 
alry, and the train in their charge burned. The men were at once paroled 
and sent back into the Union lines. On the 1st of March, the regiment was 
ordered to Winchester, Va., arriving at that place on the 4th. From that 
point it made several raids up the Shenandoah Valley, going as far as New 
Market. 

Nothing farther of interest occurred until the 13th of June, at which 
time Lee's entire rebel army, then on its March to Pennsylvania, surrounded 
W^inchester. On the after Qoon of that day, the One Hundred and Twenty- 
Third, with its brigade, under Brig. Gen. Elliott, had an engagement with 
Early's corps, in which it lost in killed, wounded and missing 105 men. 
On the 14th the Union forces were driven into their fortifications and hardly 
pressed by the overwhelming numbers of the rebel army. That afternoon 
they were under a severe artillery fire for two hours, during Avhich time 
Gen. Milroy, the division commander, directed operations from the Crow's 
nest of the flag staff as coolly as if on parade. The outworks being carried 
by the enemy, it was then determined to evacuate the place. The troops 
marched out of the works in silence at 2 o'clock in the morning, leaving 
the heavy artilleiy in position, but spiked. At a point about four 
miles out on the Martinsburg road, at 4 o'clock in the morning, the rebels 
were found in position, and further retreat was cut ofif. In attempting 
to cut their way through, the regiment lost in killed and wounded about 
50 men. In this affair, the regiment made three distinct charges, but to 
little purpose. While it was forming for a fourth charge, Col. Ely, of the 
Eighteenth Connecticut, then in command of the brigade, surrendered to 
the enem)', and the whole brigade, except Company D, of the One Hun- 
dred and Twenty-third, were made prisoners and marched away to 
Richmond, where the major portion of the officers of the One Hun- 
dred and Twenty-third, remained in Libby Prison about eleven months. 
Lieut. W. A. Williams and Capt. D. S. Caldwell made their escape. Col. 
William T. Wilson and Lieut. Beverton were exchanged and sent home. 
The remainder of the officers, after eleven months' confinement in Libby 
Prison, were sent to Macon, Ga., thence to Charleston, S. C, and placed 
under fire— by their inhuman captors — of the Union siege guns. Subse- 



464 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

quentiy they were taken to Columbia, S. C. From that point several officers 
made their escape, among whom were Capts. J. F. Randolph, Alonzo 
Bobbins and Oswell H. Rosenbaum; Lieuts. B. T. Blair, Frank B. Col- 
ver, Thomas W. Boyce, George D. A(!ker, J. B. Pumphrev and V. R. Davis. 
Capt. Randolph made his escape, with a number of the officers belonging to 
other States, in a wood-scow, down the Congaree and Santee Rivers, where 
they boarded the Union gunboat Neipsic. The remaining officers of the 
One Hundred and Twenty-third made their way successfully to the Union 
lines in Tennessee. Col. Wilson, Lieut. Col. Hunter, Capt. Chamberlain, 
Lieuts. Schuyler, M. H. Smiih, Frank A. Breckenridge and Charles 
H. Sowers were exchanged. Capt. Charles H. Riggs died in Charleston, S. 
C. , on the 15th of September, 1864, of disease contracted in prison. Capt. 
William H. Bender also died at Columbia, S. C, of yellow fever. The 
privates of the regiment were exchanged within a few months, and sent to 
the parole camps at Annapolis, Md. , and Camp Chase, Ohio. 

Maj. Kellogg, who was wounded and made his escape from the enemy 
at Winchester, collected the stragglers of the regiment at Martinsburg, Va., 
where the paroled men of the regiment, after exchange, joined him, about 
the 1st of September, 1863. At this place the regiment was newly armed 
and equipped; but being deficient in officers, it was engaged mainly in 
provost and picket duty until March 1, 1864, when it was distributed as 
guards along the line of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad between Harper's 
Ferry and Monocacy Junction. 

About the 1st of March, however, the regiment was collected together 
at Martinsburg, and, with the Army of West Virginia, began one of the 
most remarkable campaigns, without adequate results, performed during 
the war of the rebellion. First under Gen. Sigel, and subsequently under 
Gen Hunter, this army was marched up and down the valleys, and from 
mountain range to mountain range throughout the northwest quarter of old 
Virginia. As pursuers or pursued, they visited, en route, Winchester, New 
Market (on the 15th of May, where, in a fight with Breckinridge, the regi- 
ment lost eighty men in killed and wounded), Woodstock, Port Republic, 
Staunton, Lexington, Buckhannon, Liberty, Lynchburg, Salem, Gauley 
Bridge, Camp Piatt, Charleston, Parkersburg, Cherry Run, Martinsburg, 
Harper's Ferry, and many other points. The regiment started on the 
Lynchburg raid with Hunter, with seven hundred men, and at the expira- 
tion of two months and a half it returned with two hundred and fifty present 
for duty. 

However, a new era now dawned upon the Shenandoah Valley. Gen. 
Sheridan was placed in command of the Union troops assembled on the 
Upper Potomac, and with them he pressed forward to a round of victories. 
At Berry ville, Winchester, Strasburg, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek, the 
enemy were signally defeated, and ei'e the close of October, 1864, the 
Shenandoah Valley was cleared almost entirely of rebels in arms. This 
had not been accomplished without great loss of life, and in the One Hun- 
dred and Twenty-third alone about one hundred and fifty brave spirits had 
either been killed or severely wounded. 

In December, the regiment, with other troops, was ordered to report to 
Gen. Butler, commanding on the north side of the James River near Ber- 
muda Hundred, and attached to the Twenty-fourth Army Corps, Gen. Ord 
commanding. It arrived at Deep Bottom on the 27th of December, 1864, 
where it remained until the 25th of March, 1865, at which time it broke 
camp and moved to the Chickahominy to aid Sheridan across that stream. 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 465 

The Twenty- fourth Corps was then sent to the sonth side of the James, ^to 
the extreme left of the Union lines, on Hatcher's Run. On the 30th of 
March, an advance was made on the rebel works, and skirmishing continued 
until the morning of the 2d of April, when a general charge was made, 
and the rebel works wej'e carried. The regiment during this time was for 
three days and nights on the skirmish line, without relief, and their rations 
had to bo carried to them by Regimental Quartermaster, Lieut. Brown — a 
most dangerous duty. The loss of the regiment was quite severe while en- 
gaged in this long skirmish. It captured two battle-flags and a number of 
prisoners. The rebels were followed toward Petersburg, their forts on the 
way being captured, excepting at one or two points, where a sturdy resist- 
ance was made. On the 3d of April, the whole Union army marched in 
pursuit of Lee's rebel army toward Danville, the regiment reaching Burke's 
Junction in the night of the 5th, at 12 o'clock. At this point, the One 
Hundred and Twenty-third was included in a force sent on an expedition 
to burn High Bridge, fifteen miles in the advance, on the South Side Rail- 
road. Within half a mile of the bridge, just as the regiment was opening 
a tight with a brigade of rebel home guards, the rebel cavalry, in advance of 
Lee's army, came on in their rear, and, after a fight of three or four hours, 
duration, with heavy loss on both sides, the Union command, including the 
One Hundred and Twenty-third, ivas captured. Capt. Randolph, of the reg- 
iment, was shot through the right lung in this light, and Gen. Reed, the 
commander of the expedition, was killed. The One Hundred and Twenty- 
third, being a second time prisoners of war, was marched along with Lee's 
army to Appomattox C. H. At that point, the rebel army surrendered to 
the Union forces under Gen. Grant, and the prisoners were thus rescued. 

Immediately after the surrender, the i-egiment proceeded to City Point; 
thence it embarked on transport for Annajjolis, Md., and finally was sent to 
Camp Chase, Ohio, where its members remained until June 12, 1865, 
when they were mustered out of service. 

Following is an almost complete list of the Wyandot County men who 
served in this regiment: 

Field and Staff. — Col. and Brevet Brig. Gen. William T. Wilson, 
mustered out with regiment. 

Maj. John W. Chamberlain, mustered out with regiment as Captain. 

Surgeon Orrin Ferris, resigned November 10, 1864. 

Assistant Surgeon J. H. Williams, resigned January 25, 1864. 

Chaplain, Charles G. Ferris, resigned June 9, 1864. 

Company A — Capt. J. W. Chamberlain. 

First Lieut. J. B. Pumphrey. 

Second Lieut. A. P. Ingerson. 

Sergts. F. M. Anderson, J. H. Boroflf, William F. Basom, J. P. Bear, 
Jac dinger, D. D. Terry, Joseph Roll, H. S. Katey, John Wentz. 

Corps. D. L. Baker, W. S. Rifenberrv, B. R. Revnolds, D. W. Nichols, 
S. A, McKenzie, W. H. Egeston, L. M.'Zeigler, J. H. Ellis, D. P. Demar- 
est, F. Egeston, T. C. Thompson. 

Musicians, John Emerson, R. W. Lundy; A. S. Thompson, teamster. 

Privates, Jacob Switzer, David Thompson, O. R. Torrey.E. H. Van Buren, 
John Thompson, Byal Tracy, W. Walters, Silas Wood, A. Davis, L. L. 
Wilcox, George B. Smith, George W^ Smith, J. Suber, H. Stansberry, 
McKendree Smith, J. R. Cross, L. L. Wilson, Jacob Teal, John Davis, G. 
W. Davis, R. J. Craglow, E. P. Cozier, W. H. Crites, John Ellis, William 
Ellis, W\ M. Ellis, R. J. Ewart, Elijah Emptage, George W. Finnell, R. 



466 HISTORY OF wyandot county. 

L. Ewart, A. Corwin, C. B. Drum, D. E. Gibson, Eli Frost, A. Debaugh, 
Albert Frost, D. Gipson. David Gibson, F. M. Harris, James Haner, W. J. 
Hildreth, H. Hunter, Edgar Haner, G. P. Hoysington, James Gregg, E. G. 
Emptage, D. H. Inman, A. Ingerson, Welcome Inman, J. W. Kemp, I. B, 
Kemp, W. K. Humbert, H. W. Karr, J. O. Heckathorne. \V. Inman, A. 
Kennedy, C. M. Kinj,^ H. P. King, Frank Leeper, S. C. Heckathorne, 
Hiram Long, J, W. Bower, Coonrod Hufford, David Mincer, H.M. McMil- 
lan, Isaac Michaels, H. Perrin, S. M. Parsons. J. H. Niebel, B. O. Neal, 
T. A. Miller, I. Price, Henry Palmer. John Parlet, L. Rickenbach, N. L. 
Eobinson, E. S. Rummell, E. V. Eummell Jedediah Sears, J. Shannon, F. 
Robinson, R. W. Smith, J. C. Bear, Alexander Carothers, S. C. Gole, J. S. 
Anderson, John S. Anderson. 

Company F — Capts. Curtis Berry, Sr., resigned January 31, 1863; 
Alonzo Robbins, mustered out with regiment. 

First Lieuts. M. W. Willoughby, mustered out with regiment; James H. 
Gilliam, died in service. 

Sergts. A. N. Sawyer, Eli Maskey, M. F, Allison, W. G. White, B. F. 
Willoughby, JamuelDunn, S. K. Cook. 

Corps. F. Blond, Thomas Clark, W. R. Willoughby, William K. Fry, 
John Keys, G. G. White, N. McFarland, A. L. McBride. 

J. B. Willoughby, John Swinehart, Eli Smith, musicians; J. P. Dry, 
color bearer; J. Gephart, teamster; N. B. Brisbine, hospital steward. 

Privates, Isaac Van Doran, J. A. Smith, A. B. Smith, N. D. Young, 
Ezra Snyder, C. Washburn, Joseph Williams, L. P. Willoughby, J. Whin- 
nery Levi Woodling, John Snyder, N. Cowgill, C. Cooper, R. B. Craig, J. 
Cook, E. L. Dunn, D. W. Dougherty, M. M. Gipson, David Galbreath, W. 
H. Fisher, David Hall. W. A. Gipson, Joel W. Gibson, Samuel Henley, 
W. H. Hefflebower, S. Hoffman, A. D. Hesser, Jacob Hayman, E. B. Holly, 
H. Hough, G. W. Hufford, Simon Huffman, Robert Irvin, C. H. Kiehl, J. 

A. Hefflebower, LaFayette Lee, Benjamin Kriechbaum, Peter J. Lott, John 
Mackey, W. L. Maurice, Lewis Corfman, George Mackey, E. W. McJenkins, 
R. N. McConnell, M. O. McClaiu, A. H. McClain, David McClain, S. R. 
Cook, John H. Miller, J. L. Milum, William Mitchell, D. McClain, J. G. 
Norton, Levi Noll, A. P. Reardon, H. B. Ragon, C. E. M. Oliver, J. B. 
Oliver, M. P. H. Oberlin, B. C. Rummell, I. H. Cathright, George Seager, 
O. J. Scott, J. S. Barclay, H. L. Simmons, Nelson F. Bowsher, R. Bulun, 
David Bowsher, N. Chambers, R. Cathright, A. Cay lor, Peter Altvater, 
David Stalter, Charles Bolyard, Lewis Blond, Reuben Berleen. 

Company D — Sergt. Thomas Parkin. 
Corp. H. H. Pennington; Elias Osborn, musician. 

Privates, C. C. Roberts, James Kenan, Isaac C. Stalter, Pitt Stevens, 
Peter Swartz, Geoi-ge Hatfield, B. Delapline, J. A, Heckman, B. L. Hoover, 

B. Kinney, W. A. JNEitten, G. W, Naugle, D. C. Moron, Henry Reynolds, 
J. G. Reynolds, Gilbert Richmond, B, W. Moore, A. Folkner. 

Company E — Privates, LaFayette Dunn, John Halsey, Calvin Dunn, 
Isaac Holden; John Loder, Corporal. 

Company H — Capt. V. R. Davis, mustered out with regiment. 
Privates, James Culver, Conrad Haas, G. W. Eyestoue, W. L. Foy, J. 

C. Andrews, Charles Hotelling. Lewis Foy, Lewis Rank. 

Company K— Privates, P. Hennessy, A. L. Ragon, William Montee, 
Isaac Nutter, G. R. Marvin, Thomas Irvin, Benjamin Spittle, W. Costoloe, 
W. Straub, Leonard Zent, Jacob Switzer, C. Simmon. 

Other Companies: 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 467 

First Lieut. E. D. Ferris, resigned March 12, 1863; T. C. Burnet. 
:Samuel Hayman, William Hoover, J. H. Dunlap. 

Brevet Brig. Gen. William T. Wilson, who served throughout its term of 
service as Colonel of the One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio Infantry, was 
one of the most prominent residents of Upper Sandusky during what has 
been mildly termed " the late unpleasantness." He was also known both 
before and subsequent to that period as the publisher and editor of the 
Wyandot Pioneer, a Republican newspaper. 

In April, 1861, he was commissioned Captain, and led into the field one 
of the three Wyandot County companies, which served in the Fifteenth Ohio 
Infantry during its first term of three months. Soon after its muster out, 
the same regiment was re-organized to serve for a period of three years. 
Many C)f the original members of the old organization returned to the front 
with the new, and among them was the Upper Sandusky editor, now the 
second officer in rank in the regiment. He was commissioned Lieutenant 
Colonel August 7, 1861, and served with credit until August 11, 1862, 
when he resigned and returned home, Like his townsman, Gen. Kirby, 
however, he could not remain in the rear while his country needed his serv- 
ices, and on the 26th day of September, 1862, he was appointed Colonel 
of the One Hundred and Twenty third Ohio Infantry, with which regiment 
he served until it was mustered out June 12, 1865. Toward the close of 
his term he was commissioned Brevet Brigadier General, to take rank from 
March 13, 1865. He now resides in the city of Columbus, Ohio. 

ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-FOURTH OHIO NATIONAL GUARDS. 

This regiment was formed by the consolidation of the Nineteenth Bat- 
talion Ohio National Guard, of Wyandot County, and the Sixty -fourth 
Battalion Ohio National Guard, of Wood County, at Camp Chase, on the 
11th of May, 1864. The regiment was ordered to report without delay to 
General Wallace, at Baltimore, Md. 

Upon its arrival in that city, Companies G and K were detached for duty 
in the fortifications, and the remainder of the regiment reported to Gen. 
Morris at Fort McHenry. From there, Company E was ordered to Wil- 
mington, Del.; Company B, to Camp Parole, near Annapolis, Md. , and 
Company I to Fort Dix, at the Kelay House. On the 18th of May, the reg- 
iment was relieved from duty at Fort McHenry, and was ordered to the Re- 
lay House, where it enjoyed comparative quiet until the 1st of July, when 
the rebel Gen. Early came down the Shenandoah, threatening Balti- 
more and Washington. Companies B, G and I were in the engagement at 
Monocacy Junction, and suffered severely, losing in killed, wounded and 
prisoners about fifty men. On the 13th of July, the regiment was ordered to 
W^ashington, D. C. , and from there moved toward Winchester, Va., passing 
through Leesburg. It was halted at Snicker's Gap, and after a day's delay 
was moved back toward Washington; but it was again faced toward the 
Shenandoah Valley, moving via Harper's Ferry, under the command of 
Maj. Gen. Wright. 

At daylight on the 13th of August, a portion of the regiment, while 
guarding a train near Berryville, Va. , was attacked by Moseby's command, 
with two pieces of artillery. Some confusion was caused by the first fire, 
but the men soon rallied, drove back the enemy and saved the train. The 
detachment lost five killed, six wounded and sixty captured. The men of 
the One Hundi-ed and Forty- fourth were much fatigued and worn by the 
arduous service performed, but they never complained. 



468 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

On the 3]st of August, 1864, the regiment was mustered out of service, 
having lost during its term of a little more than one hundred days, about 
one hundred and twenty-five men killed, wounded and captured. Many of 
those taken prisoners were intentionally starved to death at Andorsonville 
and other rebel prison pens. 

The Wyandot County men who served in the regiment were as follows: 

Field and Staff— Col. Samuel H. Hunt. 

Adjt. Jonathan Aver.-;. 

Chaplain, J. G. Baughman. 

Company A — Capt. Henry H. Ragon. 

First Lieuts. William McFee, James S. Leith. 

Second Lieut. E. B. Ragon. 

Sergts. Levi Shults, J. S. Bowers, H. J. Pool. 

Corps. E. Pool, Benjamin Morris. 

Privates, Fred Kinley, William Kurtz, Isaac Blackburn, John Black- 
burn, Hugh Mason, Isaac Ayres, John Gatchell, Jesse Smalley, H. J. Hunt, 
Leonard Cole, Charles Copier, A. R. Hunt, D. J. Hale, J. M. Pool, Henry 
Brown, H. C. Bowen, V. L. Obenchain, George Hayman, William Parker, 
E. Stansbery, John Walton. 

Company C — First Sergt. H. M. Cunningham. 

Company D — Capt. Asa Brayton. 

First Lieut. F. R. Bavungardner. 

Second Lieut. Amos Stetler. 

Sergts. D. S. Nye, A. E. Gibbs, Byron Kear, W. H. Grindle, John W. 
Lime. 

Corps. Oliver Brayton, Amos Bixby, Amos Nye, David Lindsay. 

Privates, W. Plott, William Berry, John Battentield, J. Barnhiser, J. S. 
Foster, J. J. Brunning, E. Goodman, W. Lowery, James McGarvey, Henry 
Kimmerly, Harrison Kimball, James Clark, M, A. Clark, A. A. Carothers, 
A. Carothers, A. S. Gear, S. J. Keeler, Lewis Bacher, J. A. J. Lang, W. 
Hurd, W. B. Hurd, J. W. Conn, Thomas Bliss, Gibson Busch, W. H. Davis, 
J. Duddleson, John Deardoff, Alonzo Ellison, James Myers, C. Humphrey, 
H. H. Hoysington, A. H. Hoysington, M. D. Grossell, W. H. Karr, L. D. 
Karr, J. H. Karr, J. C. Ish, J. E. Jones, C. L. Parker, J. W. Crum, C. R. 
McKenzie, E. H. Sage, James, Ritchie, O. P. Robinson, D. Sipes, Land- 
line Smith, W. K. Nye, L. E. Nye, George A. Nye, A.. Harshberger, J. D. 
Shireman, Elkanah Sherman, E. Sherman, E. H. Shellhouse, D. Shell, 
Joseph Shane, Wellington Nesbaum, S. C. Williams, S. Y. Williams, H. 
Straham, Luther Stone, S. Harpster, O. Whipple, J. W. Harpster, B. F. 
Swartz, W. H. Straw, W. H. H. Williams, G. F. Wonder, D. Wonder, A. J. 
Wonder, S. R. Wohlgamuth, S. Wohlgamuth, S. A. Wisner, Asa Wiener. 

Company E — Private, E. Young. 

Company F — Privates, Jacob Baldwin, Robert Lindsay, Miles Bowsher, 
William Bowsher, Andrew Baldwin. 

Company G--Capt. William Frank. 

First Lieut. Howard Kennedy. 

Second Lieut. S. H. White. 

Corps. G. W. Clark, John Shrank, Allen Parker, R. L. Willard, 
bugler. 

Privates, Thomas Emptage, James Emptage, S. B. Cook, Irvine Straw, 

J. W. Atkinson, J. W. Bowers, Theodore Kellogg, McGha, Jerry 

O'Neal, John J. Inglehart, Orrin Long, John Runels, T. B. Mount, Mar- 
shall Cozier, S. D. Holland, R. Pafks, E. L. Parker, Joseph Worthington, 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 469 

Jacob Williams, Theodore Uncapher, D. H. Walker, W. A. Butler, John 
Campbell, D. D. Hildreth, William Hildreth, Robert Mitchell. 

Company H — Capt. James A. Gibson. 

Sergts. Samuel Phillips, T. B. Armstrong. 

Privates, Clay Miller, John Milligan, J. W. Little, A. C. Hunt, J. W. 
Stinchcomb, W. H. Case, Alfred McCauley, Noble Emerson, G. W. Horrick, 
George H. Heistand, J. W. Shaflfer, James Hibbins, Alva Bunn, T. A, Van- 
Gundy, G. W. Baldwin, Lewis Lupton, George Wilson, Benjamin Pontius, 
W. L. Ciingman, J. O. Welty, H. C. Welty, T. C. Wood, C. C. Pancoast. 

Company K — Corp. W. D. Cook, private Joseph Seager. 

Company not reported — Jeremiah Kitchen, Captain; Aaron Kennedy, 
Sergeant; John Woessner, P. B. Oliver, Henry Karr, J. F. Myers, Ashford 
Nail, N. K. Eyestone, Vincent J. Flack. Wai-ner Osborne, W. O. Phillips. 
W. J. Wilcox, P. P. Wilcox. C. Henry, William Hoffman, T. J. Frazer, 
L. Bloom, Aaron Price, J. R. W^illson, Levi Willson, D. Shafer, John Mid- 
lam, J. Puffenberger. 

ELEVENTH OHIO INDEPENDENT BATTERY. 

The men who composed this battery were enlisted at Cincinnati, and 
from Athens, Butler, Hamilton, Vinton aad Wyandot Counties, in August 
and September, 1861, and rendezvoused at St. Louis Arsenal, Mo., where 
they were mustered into service on the 27th day of October, 1861, with 
one hundred and fifty-one men, rank and file. 

The battery consisted of two six-pounder rified guns; two six-pounder 
smooth-bore guns, and two twelve -pounder field-howitzers, with gun car- 
riages and caissons complete, and battery-wagon and blacksmith shop. 
The uniforms for the men were made to order, from actual measurement, of 
the best material, and each man was furnished with a pair of superior buck 
gauntlets in addition to the regular uniform. The non-commissioned offi- 
cers, in addition to their regulation saber, were ai'med with Beal's patent 
revolvers, and the privates with saber-bayonets. 

On the 26th of October, the battery marched to department headquar- 
ters, and was reviewed by Maj. Gen. Fremont, then commanding the Western 
Department, and was there presented by Mrs. Fremont with an elegant 
silk guidon. A few days later, the battery proceeded to Tipton, Mo. Sub- 
sequently it marched to Otterville, where a few weeks were passed; thence to 
Boonville and St. Charles. From there it was taken on transports to Commei'ce, 
Mo., where it joined a portion of Gen. Pope's Army of the Mississippi, then or- 
ganizing for operations against New Madrid and Island No. 10. It partici- 
pated in the Union victories at those points, and then moved with Gen. 
Pope's command to the I'e-enforcement of Grant's and Halleck's forces in 
front of Corinth, Miss. During the siege, and in the battles and skir- 
mishes resulting in the occupation of Corinth the battery bore its full share. 

With other troops, it remained in the vicinity of Corinth throughout the 
spring and summer of 1862, participating in the Ripley expedition under 
Gen. Rosecrans meanwhile. It was during this summer that the following 
incident occurred as narrated in a letter written by Lieut. Cyrus Sears at 
"Camp three miles beyond Corinth, Miss., July 2, 1862," to his brother, 
John D. Sears, Esq., of Upper Sandusky. " * * * Early Saturday 
morning last, Charles Rhodes and Robert Swegle, privates of our battery, 
were walking through the abandoned rebel camp, when having strayed in- 
cautiously too far, they suddenly came upon a couple of ' Secesh ' sentinels 
armed with loaded double-barreled shot guns. Our men being unarmed 



470 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

were very unceremoniously taken prisoners and marched off toward the 
enemy's camp. Their captors proving very incautious, or mistaking the 
character of their prisoners, soon allowed them to get close along side. 
No sooner did they do this, than little Charley called out to Swegle to 'go 
in,' and suiting his actions to the words he grappled the gun of his man 
with one hand and, giving him a right-hander with the other, floored him. 
Meanwhile, Swegle, who is a big fellow, served his man in the same style, 
and disarmed him in shoi't meter, and came to the rescue of Charley, who was 
having it rough and tumble, with his customer, among the bushes. The 
tables were now turned, and the 'Butturnuts' were marched into camp and 
turned over to Gens. Buford and Hamilton, who declared that it was the 
best and bravest incident that had come under their notice, and that it should 
be properly mentioned. * * * " 

About the 1st of August, the battery with Gen. Hamilton's division 
moved to Jacinto, Miss., where it remained until 3 o'clock A. M., of the 
16th of September, when it moved forward with the forces of Gen. Rose- 
crans, for the purpose of co-operating with Gen. Grant against the rebel 
Gen. Price at luka. Gen. Grant, with Ord's division, did not arrive in 
time. As a result, Gen. Rosecrans' command of about eight thousand men, 
after a march of nineteen miles, met Price, who had 12,000 men 
posted on a densely-wooded hill just southwest of the town of luka, at 4 
o'clock P. M., of the 19th of September, and fought him single-handed. 
This battle, for the numbers engaged, was one of the most hotly contested 
and sanguinary fought during the war. The steady blaze and roar of mus- 
ketry, as the opposing forces struggled to obtain and hold the crest of the 
hill, continued unceasingly until 9 o'clock P. M. During the remainder 
of ihe night, Rosecrans was engaged making his dispositions to seize some 
adjacent heights at daybreak for his artillery, and replenishing his ammu- 
nition. He had the men called to arms at 3 o'clock, and at daylight was 
moving. But meantime. Price had learned of the proximity of Ord's 
column of 6,000 men, and had hastily retreated, leaving his dead un- 
buried, and his wounded either on the field or in hotel buildings, 
churches and dwellings in the town. The enemy's loss in this engagement 
was 1,078 prisoners, dead and wounded, left on the field, with 350 more 
wounded estimated to have been carried away. The Union loss was 782 
killed, wounded and missing. 

The Eleventh Ohio Battery went into this action 102 strong (three com- 
missioned officers and ninety-nine enlisted men), under the command of 
First Lieut. Cyrus Sears. During the engagement, it was charged on three 
different times, suffering a loss of two officers and fifty-five men killed or 
wounded, eighteen being killed on the field and others dying afterward. 
Not a man flinched, and numbers were killed or wounded after the rebels, 
in their .advance, had passed the muzzles of the guns, some of them nobly 
dying in the attempt to spike their pieces. More than sixty of the horses 
belonging to the battery were killed or disabled daring the action, with the 
entire loss of harness and equipments. The assaulting rebel column 
suffered terribly, having received over a hundred rou.nds of canister and 
other shot, while moving forward less than a hundred yards. They (the 
rebels) made several attempts to drag off the guns by hand, but were 
thwarted each time by the hot tire of musketry poured in upon them by the 
Union regiments. 

AUhough the battery suffered severely in the battle at luka, in the loss 
of men and equipments, it was, in a very short time again ready for the 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 471 

field, and took a promiDent part in the battle of Corinth on the third and 
fourth days of October following (a battle in which eighteen thousand 
Union troops, under Rosecrans, signally defeated more than twice their 
number of rebels) nobly maintaining its reputation for efficiency and gal- 
lanty. On the_ 4th, after the first line in the center had given way, and 
when the rebels flushed with temporary success were pressing the second 
line with exultant shouts, the battery poured a destructive and continuous 
fire upon the advancing rebels, who, although coming within fifty yards, 
could no longer withstand the murderous discharge of canister from scores 
of Union guns, but broke and fled. 

Subsequently the battery participated in various movements in Northern 
Mississippi and West Tennessee. In January, 1863, it was moved to Mem- 
phis, where its corps — the Seventeenth, under Maj. Gen. James B. McPher- 
Hon— was preparing for the Vicksburg campaign. After a futile effort to 
reach the immediate vicinity of Vicksburg via the Yazoo Pass, the com 
mand to which the battery was attached steamed down the Mississippi to 
Milliken's Bend, Louisiana, wbere it remained a short time, and then 
started with the army, under Gen. Grant for the rear of Vicksburg. In 
the battles of Raymond, Clinton, Jackson, and Champion Hills, the battery 
bore a prominent part. Also throughout the siege of Vicksburg. 

In the many changes consequent upon the re-organization of the army 
after the capture of Vicksburg, the battery was transferred from its old 
command — Seventh Division, Seventeenth Ax*my Corps — to a provisional 
division, and soon after moved with its new command to Helena, Ark. 
Marching with Maj. Gen. Steele's command — the Army of Arkansas — from 
Helena, about the middle of August, for Little Rock, the battery passed 
through all the vicissitudes of a long and tedious campaign. In a short 
but decisive engagement fought near the capital of Arkansas on the 9th of 
September, 1863, the battery expended about one hundred rounds of am- 
munition, and both officers and men received the commendations of the 
General commanding for the ability with which the guns were handled, and 
for accurate tiring at both long and short range. With this battle the 
active campaigning of the battery may be said to have ceased. It remained 
at Little Rock until the spring of 1864. About the 1st of April, with other 
troops, it proceeded to Pine Bluff, Ark., intending to co-operate with Banks in 
the Red River expedition, but Banks was defeated, and a portion of Steele's 
forces were halted at Pine Bluff, where the battery remained until its 
departure for Ohio, to be mustered out. It arrived at Columbus aboiat the 
Ist of November, 1864, and on the 5th of that month its members were 
mustered out of service. 

Lieut. Sears, already mentioned in the foregoing sketch, was, several 
months before the battery's term expired, appointed Colonel of a colored 
regiment. The men whom he enlisted at Upper Sandusky, and with whom 
he proceeded to St. Louis in September, 1861, joining "Constable's," soon 
afterward known as the Eleventh Ohio Independent Battery, were named 
as follows : 

M. D. Butler, H. C. Worley, J. W. Bibby, C. Miller, Ira C. Swazze, 
M. N. Worly, John Crocheron, James Dewine, James B. Mitchell, M. V. 
B. Hall, Milo Allen, J. S. Barger, John Ettle, Jerome Woolsey, Lewis 
Ridling, Henry McLaughlin, Oscar Carpenter. Sherlock Stofer, John F. 
Hefflebower, John Holland, F. Welch, J. F. Hoover, J. B. Brooks, James 
W. Towers, J. B. Mowry, S. D. Welch, H. M. Welch, John R. Jury, J. W. 
Brewer, Stephen Trimble, W. H. Woodcock, AV. H. Swazze, Louis B. 



472 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Henry, Elias Bringman, John Bringman, Amos B. Alger, D. Baugbman, 
Theodore Allen, Matthew Free, Jacob Everhart, Zachariah Welch. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

Besides the companies and regiments of which mention has already been 
made, there were many others containing Wyandot County men whose 
record is equally as brilliant. But from the fact that these men served in 
organizations in each of which the county had but very few representatives, 
it is an impracticable task to do otherwise than to arrange their names in 
classified lists as follows : 

OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY REGIMENTS. 

Second — Company F, John Pausch. 

Third — Company I, J. K. Waltermire ; Company — , E. Cowgill 

Fourth — Company D, N. Gr. Case, Charles Case, Philip Wickiser; Com- 
pany H, Joel Straub, Charles Warner, William Burns; Company G, John 
F. Myers, A. W. Napers. 

Sixth — Company I, John C. Lynch. 

Eighth — Company A, Sergt. L. Snover, D. G. Watson, John Beatty, J. 
H. Nichols, Hiram B. Brown. 

Ninth — Company A, Jonas Wohlgamuth ; Company F, Buell D. Chap- 
man, Corporal ; Charles Moessner, private Company H, J. H. Warner. 

Eleventh — Company A, William Reiber. 

Fourteenth — Company — , Joseph Snider. 

Sixteenth — Company G, Thomas Hanna. 

Eighteenth— Company H, J. M. Huflf, Fifer. 

Twentieth — Company K, D. B. Einehart, First Lieutenant ; Company 
A, R. B. Conant, Sergeant ; Company B, C. O. Oldfield ; Company — , 
Henry Inman. 

Twenty -first — Company C, O. L. Cleveland; Company H, J. W. Daish, 
Corporal. 

Twenty-third — Company G, J. A. Brown ; Company F, Robert Ewart. 

Twenty-fourth — Company K, Joseph Lehman. 

Twenty-fifth — Company D, Sergt. T. A. Van Gundy ; Privates, Jonas 
Kamble, G. W. Long, W. H. Mann, Joel Milum, George W. Bogart ; Com- 
pany G, Sergt. G. W. Kriling, Private J. K. Hawk. 

Twenty-sixth — Company B, Francis Dawson, Barton Dawson. 

Twenty-seventh — Company A, R. I. Murphy. 

Thirty-second — Company I, Daniel Stam; Company H, J. S. Van Mar- 
ter. Second Lieut. 

Thirty-third — Company A, Jacob Reuter ; Company C, Jacob Stam ; 
Company D, Milton Tong ; Company K, D. W. McConnell. 

Thirty fourth — Company E, Edward Quaintance, Corporal; George W. 
Rex, G. W. Eckert, John Lumberson. 

Thirty-sixth — Company D, J. E. Goodrich, Sergeant; A. G. Barger. 

Thirty-seventh — Asst. Surg. A. Billhardt. 

Company F — First Lieut. M. W. Blucher. 

Sergt. Jacob Schneider. 

Privates, Henry Wuscher, Sebastian Glamser, Fred Fahrni, Peter 
Fahrni, John Michelfetter, J. Altenberger, Jacob Bastel, William Buehrle, 
Fredrick Waechter. 

Other companies: 

A— E. G. Bates. 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 473 

K — Henry Gerster, John Keller, Oswald Voegel, Nicholas Volker. 

Thirty-eighth— Company C, C. Stury. 

Thirty-ninth — Company K, Joel Cole. 

Forty fifth — Company B, W. R. Ramsdell; Company I, William Earp, 
George Morrison, George H. Morrison, J. W. Wickiser, William Wick- 
iser; Company K, Adam Lambert, Jesse Lambert, Isaac N. Lane, A. G. 
Straw. 

Company D — Nathan Rovert, Oliver Robinson. 

Fifty-first — Company A, John Bart. 

Fifty-third — Company H, H. W. Gillingham. 

Fifty-fourth — Company G, Privates David Dysinger, David Kauble, 
Samuel Stalter, Oregon Kerr. 

Company K — Capt. William H. Hunt; Private William Brown. 

Fifty-seventh — Company F, Privates, Lewis Morehart, Leander Tong, 
Isaac Wohlgamuth, Lewis Switzer, Jerome Propes, James Switzer, Isaac 
Switzer, Joseph Glick, Joseph Newel, Andrew Amrine, Marion Esterly. 

Other Companies in Fifty -seventh: 

B — Sergt. J. F. Kemmel; Private Jacob Rumple. 

C — Private George A. Gibbs. 

D — Capt. David Avres, Jr. 

G— Capt. E. A. Gordon. 

I — Private Samuel Gordon. 

Fifty-eight — Company D, Christ. Woessner. 

Sixty-first — Company K, Sergts. A. Bope, J. W. Brewer; Corp. Matthew 
Walton; Privates J. C. Spencer, Isaac Lott, H. Keller, Samuel Longabaugh, 
Jacob Greek, Nicholas Mott, P. H. Brewer. 

Company G — Sergt. Israel Walterhouse. 

Jac. Ludwig, Jacob Eckleberry. 

Sixty-second — Company K, John Kriechbaum; Company A, Jacob Ken- 
nedy; Company D, Emmanuel Bowlby. 

Sixty-fourth — Company A, Joseph Haupt; Company B, Joseph Rich- 
mond, E. B. Messenger; Company — , O. E. Fox. 

Sixty- fifth — Company D, Privates, George W. Finn ell, S. Perry, Theo- 
dore Stubbs, F. F. DeTray; Company C, Privates, J. C. Miller, George 
Zabriska. 

Sixty-sixth — Company B, M. A. Parlet; Company E, Isaac Wood; 
Company H, S. H. Strieker; Company K, John Burk. 

Sixty-seventh — Compauy C, J. C. Dutfield. 

Sixty-eighth — Company K, H. C. Kime. 

Seventy-first — Company C, Jacob McPike; Company not known, John 
DeBolt, S. Barnhiser. 

Seventy-second — Comj^any C, A. P. Kelley; Company D, Orsin Bower, 
Corporal. 

Seventy-third — Company A, Thomas Dawson. 

Seventh-sixth — Company K, John McMullen. 

Seventh-eighth — Company C, Rush Hollo way; Company G, I. Hart, N. 
Willoughby, L. W. Scott. 

Eightieth— Company A, Peter D. Newell. 

Eighty-seventh — Company G, Theodore Dame. 

Ninety-sixth — Company C, C. O. Oldfield, First Lieutenant; Company 
E, Thomas H. Carter; Company F, J. E. Breese. 

One Hundredth — Company G, Patrick Farley. 

One Hundred and Second — Company C, Samuel Miller; Company G, 
Chester Bowsell; Company D, Samuel Lutz. 



474 HISTORY. OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

One Hundred and Sixth — Company I, F. Shrank. 

One Hundred and Seventh — Company D, John Russell; Company F, 
Frederick Bush. 

One Hundred and Ninth — Company G; William Van Marter. 

One Hundred and Thirteenth — George W. Kemp, Assistant Surgeon. 

One Hundred and Twentieth — Company B, W. W. Chew. 

One Hundred and Twenty-first — Company E, E. G. Bartram; Company 
G, Job Hoffmire. 

One Hundred and Twenty -second — Company F, McDonald Savage. 

One Hundred and Twenty-sixth— Company A, Titus Lowmiller, John 
Whittaker. 

One Hiindred and Twenty- eighth — Company C, M. M. Starr, Sergeant; 
George \V. Starr; Company D, F. M. Brown. 

One Hundred and Thirty-second — Company A, William Plott. 

One Hundred and Seventy-fourth — Company H, W. E. Webber, First 
Lieutenant. 

One Hundred and Seventy-fifth — Company I, Sergt. J. H. Plott; Corp. 
William Bakery Privates, Elias Wentling, J. D. Wickiser, David Spoon, 
Daniel Spoon, G. H. Carey, A. J. Shellhouse, W. H. Kimmell, Jesse Edg- 
ington. Henry Cram, L. A. Cole. 

One Hundred and Seventy-sixth — Company B, G. Spitzer. 

One Hundred and Seventy- seventh — Company B, S. B. Bechtel. 

One Hundred and Seventy- eighth — Company G, W. Lundy; Company 
F, James Williams. 

One Hundred and Seventy -ninth — Peter Grubb, Lieutenant Colonel; 
Company B, Privates, B. F. Smith, T. C. De Jean, John Keller, G. W. 
Gregg, G. S. Barber, Joseph Ralston, William Washburn, W^illiam Lim- 
berson, L. Wilson; Company G, Corp. E. Mutchelknaus; Company H. Ja- 
cob Hawdenshield; Company I, Privates, Uriah Bechtel, F. Caldwell, F. H. 
Chatlain. 

One Hundred and Eightieth — Company C, Privates, E. Reynolds, Reu- 
ben Inman, J. E. Healey, Martin Inman; Company E, Private Samuel Bare; 
Company G, Corp. Frederick Scheufler; Company K, Privates, Jacob Opp, 
drummer, S. D. Blue, Simon Kachly, P. J. Liles, W. H. Moore, William 
Robey, Thomas M. White. 

One Hundred and Eighty-second — Company K, E. R. Earp; Company 
I, S. G. Liles, Second Lieutenant; Company — , A. P. Inman. 
One Hundred and Eighty-seventh — Company G, C. Wilt. 

One Hundred and Eighty-eighth — Company G, Alfred Epley. 

One Hundred and Ninety-second — Privates, Company E, John J. 
Mayer, John Tirey, J. L. Barick, John Weaver; Company H, Private G. 
W. Halsay; Company I, Privates, Isaiah McCleary, John Loubert, Theodore 
Henry, J. P. Berleen. 

One Hundred and Ninety-fifth — Company B^ Park Ludwig, John Wise, 
A. Hemrick; Company — , C. S. Sherwood. 

One Hundred and Ninety-seventh —Company B, W. H. Spore; Com- 
pany E, Kosea Tong. 

One Hundred and Ninty-eighth — Company A, Robert Gerster, J. J. 
Gerster. 

OHIO NATIONAL GUARDS, ONE HUNDRED DAYs' SERVICE. 

One Hundred and Thirty-fifth — Company — , Charles Wooley ; Compa- 
ny I, L. E. Landon. 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 475 

One Hundred and Thirty-sixth — Company C, Wilbur Brown; Company 
E, Robert Seaton. 

One Hundred and Fifty-fifth — Company F, Henry W. Peters. 

One Hundred and Sixtieth — Company G, L. Chilcote. 

One Hundred and Sixty third — Company C, Wesley Cashel, First Lieu- 
tenant. 

One Hundred and Sixty-fourth — Company C, C. W. Longwell, Corporah 
Company G, H. Dwire. 

Regiment not known — Company E, John Freet. 

OHIO VOLUNTEER CAVALRY REGIMENTS. 

Second — Napoleon B. Brisbine, Surgeon; Company D, F. A. Sinorer. 

Third— Company E, T. P. Miller; Company G, A. J. Caldwell,°J. F. 
Gregg; Company L. Perry Roswell, Sergeant; G. M. Wisner, Corporal; 
Ashley Bixby, William Hewing. E. A. Nye, John L. Martin, Andrew Nye, 
S. A. Shepherd; Company M, J. S Chapin, Firnt Sergeant; L. C. Chapin, 
John Lindsey, Sergeants; Daniel Clinger, C. H. Bradley, John Warner, 
Reese Hunter, Jacob Payne, W. H. Smith, Sergeant; William Young, 
Sims Irwin, G. B. Harness, William Hollanshead. 

Company not known — Nelson Wilkins, Albert Harvey, Henry Lear. 

Fourth — Company A, Henry Dodge. 

Fifth— R. J. Brennen. 

Eighth — Company L, J. M. Henry, First Lieutenant. 

A. Fitzgerald, James Fitzgerald, J. Fitzgerald. 

Ninth — Company F, L. C. Moody, Sergeant; H. W. Karr, John Karr, 
H. K. Inman, J. W. Holloway, J. C. Graham, Enos Gatchell, Jacob Gat- 
chell, William J. Gatchell, William H. Branyeu; Company — , Joseph 
McCutchen, Captain; George Sherman. 

Tenth — Company B, John Venter; Company H, Daniel Dubbs. Ser- 
geant; Company L, S. T. Jaqueth, Corporal. 

Eleventh — Company H, Henry A. Hoffman. 

Twelfth — Company A, Abraham Conger, F. M. Wert. 

Thirteenth — Company — , S. A. Woriey. 

Thirtieth — Company L, Frank Kurtz. 

, — Company A, J. W. Lilley. 

OHIO ARTILLERY COMMANDS, VOLUNTEERS. 

First Ohio Heavy Artillery — David Gatchell, William Moore. 

Second Ohio Heavy Artillery — Henry Larick. 

Sixth Battery, Light Artillery — Second Lieutenant, Lemuel Kjisher. 

OTHER STATES. 
INDIANA. 

Fifth Infantry Battery, John Kennedy, H. C. Woriey. 

Eighth Infantry — Company H, John Reiger. 



Seventy-seventh Infantry — Company B, J. A. Poyers. 
One Hundred and Seventh Infantry —Company C, E. B. Norris. 
One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Infantry — Company H, Joseph Coon> 
Daniel Williams. 

Ninth Cavalry — William W" alters. 



476 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

Eleventh Cavalry — Company M, Irvin Bacon, Captain. 
Seventeenth Cavalry — Company A, J. M. Walterhouse. 
Fifth Artillery — Company B, John Andrews. 

NEW YORK. 

First Infantry — Company G, W. M. C. Durbarow. 
Fifth Infantry — Company C, W. H. Spore. 
Ninth Infantry — Company I, A. J. Shuler. 
Thirty-second Infantry — Company H, George W. Cypher. 
Thirty-fifth Infantry — Thomas Shuler. 

Forty-second Infantry — Company H, J. M. Crawford, Sergeant, 
Fifty-eighth Infantry — Company E, G. W. Nibloe, First Lieutenant. 
One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Infantry — Company I, P. J. Van 
Marter. 

Third Artillery — Company H, George W. Cypher. 
Thirteenth Artillery — Company E, Christian Birk, Sergeant. 
First Light Artillery — Company C, Edgar Ingerson. 
Twenty-fourth Cavalry — Company A, James Morrison. 

IOWA. 

Fourth Infantry — Company D, John Swinehart. 
Thirty- fourth Infantry — Company H, David Sheldon. 
Thirty-first Infantry — Company D, Edward Brown. 

MASSACHUSETTS. 

Twenty-first Infantry — Company H, W. T. Durlow. 

Fifty-fifth Infantry — Company E, I. W. Brickney, Color Sergeant. 

MICHIGAN. 

First Infantry — William High. 

Third Infantry — Rolando Freet. 

Eighth Infantry — Company D, Theodore Freet. 

Second Cavalry — Company A, Alfred Foy. 

Eleventh Cavalry — Company B, Willis Baker, First Sergeant. 



Twelfth Infantry — Company E, Christian Birk, 

Second Cavalry — Company C, J. B. Pool, Second Lieutenant. 



First Infantry — Company H, T. B. Armstrong. 
Seventh Cavalry — Company A, George W. Kenan. 

CALIFORNIA. 

First Infantry — Company A, A. F. Smith, Captain. 
Third Infantry — Company I, C. S. Swank, Sergeant. 

NEW JERSEY. 

Second Cavalry — Company M, George W. Karr. 

MARYLAND. 

Second Infantry — Company F, E. Thomas, 




'A 




HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 479, 

VIRGINIA. 

Infantry — Samuel Hart. 

LOUISIANA. 

Second Infantry — Company A, Christian Birk, Corporal. 

COLORADO. 

First Infantry — John E. Shepherd. 

UNITED STATES. 

Eighteenth Infantry — Company F, John Leslie. 

Forty-ninth Colored Infantry — Cyrus Sears, Colonel. 

Seventh Cavalry — Edward Emptage. 

United States Signal Corps — E. P. Shepherd, W. Sfcrahan, M. B. 
Smith, Allen Smalley, J. W. McKenzie, Thomas C. McKenzie, A. McLeod, 
George Litle, J. L. Kaley, Nathan Jackson, C. B. Hare, D. D. Hare, 
Elijah Brayton, Ira J. Baker, John Carothers, Fred Harpster. 

United States Engineer Corps — C. V. D. Woi'ley. 

Hospital Surgeon — John A. Royer. 

James W. White, Surgeon of the United States. 

Navy— Robert Bovard, John Reilly, W. H. Morris, R. S Mullholland. 

The following soldiers whose regiments and companies wei'e not reported 
were also accredited to Wyandot County : 

G. B. Kelley, D. H. Walton, James F. Rich, I. B. Cross, P. Brashares, 
Page Blackburn, Peter Parsoll, S. C Anderson, W. S. Bowers, Martin 
Snyder, J. A. Dumm, William Sweet, Frank Switzer, Murray Switzer, J. 
A. Ankrum, J. O. Studebaker, J. G. Hanei-, John Kerr, Nathan Kimball, 
A. M. Johns, D. H. Young, E. W, Ekleberry, George Bowers, James M. 
Beam, James Miller. 

We conclude this article by addifig that Messrs. J. G. Roberts, Samuel 
H. Hunt, John D. Sears, S. H. White and T. E. Grisell, composed the 
county military committee during the last years of the war. That from 
1861 to 1865 inclusive, the county received credit for one thousand live 
hundred and forty five men, of whom only nineteen were drafted. That the 
total of all quotas called for amounted to one thousand five hundred and 
fifty; thus a deficit of five men was marked against the county at the close. 
However, thirty-five of the sixteen thousand non-enlisted "Squirrel Hunt- 
ers" who hastened toward Cincinnati in August and September, 1862, at 
the time that city was threatened by the rebel forces under Kirby Smith — 
were Wyandot County men. 




16 



PAKT IV. 



TOWNSHIP HISTORIES. 



TOWNSHIP HISTORIES. 



CHAPTER I. 

TOWN OF UPPEE SANDUSKY— CRANE TOWNSHIP. 

Location— Reference to Preceding Chapters— Original Plan of the 
Town as Surveyed— Its Streets— Lots— Points of Interest in the 
Indian Town of Upper Sandusky— Its First White Residents— Made 
THE County Seat— The Residents of 1845— Early Festivities— Col. 
McCutchen's Pen Picture of the Town in 1846— Population at Dif- 
ferent Periods— Gradual Progress to Date— Reminiscences of Early 
Inhabitants — Corporate History— Banks and Bankers— Manufact- 
uring Interests— Secret Associations, Etc. — Church Organizations 
— Wyandot County Bible Society — Wyandot Sabbath School Union 
—Oak Hill Cemetery— Early School Teachers— Present Schools. 

XTPPER SANDUSKY, a town which has an altitude of 287 feet above 
J the surface of Lake Erie, and which for the past thirty- nine years 
has been known as the seat of justice of Wyandot County, is pleasantly 
located on the west or left bank of the historic Sandusky. Its wide, well- 
shaded avenues, laid out in the true direction of the cardinal points of the 
compass, are graced by many handsome public buildings, churches and 
private residences, and its inhabitants, about 4,000 in number, are appar- 
ently in the full enjoyment of an enviable degree of comfort and pros- 
perity. 

Respecting its early history, we will state here, parenthetically, that 
throughout all of the chapters of Part III of this work, frequent and 
pertinent allusions will be found, especially in Chapters III to XI in- 
clusive. We have there shown how and when the lands upon which it is 
built came into the possession of the Wyandot Indians. That in later 
years it was the grand rallying point of the hostile Northwestern tribes during 
their wars against the Americans; that its site was visited by Col. Crawford's 
command of Pennsylvanians in June, 1782; that during the war of 1812- 
15 it again became prominent in National afifairs and history, by reason of 
the assemblage here of large bodies of American troops under Gen. Harri- 
son and Gov. Meigs, and as the site of Fort Ferree; that in 1817 it was 
made the central point of the chief Wyandot Reserve, and it thus con- 
tinued as the seat of their council house, church, store, jail, etc., until 
181:3, when they, the Wyandots, removed, in accordance with treaty stipu- 
lations, to a region lying west of the Missouri River. Therefore, to avoid 
an unnecessary repetition, we commence our historical sketch of the town 
of Upper Sandusky with the year 1843 — the date its site was surveyed and 
platted under the provisions of an act of Congress. 

A copy of the original "plan of Upper Sandusky, surveyed under the 



484 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

provisions of the act of Congress of March 3, 1843, ' for the sale of cer- 
tain lands in the States of Ohio and Michigan, ceded by the "Wyandot 
tribe of Indians, and for other purposes,' " is before us. From it, we learn 
that the original survey of this town was made by Lewis Clason, D. S. , 
some time during the year 1843; that "the inlots fronting on Wyandot 
avenue are eighty-three and one-third links front by 300 links in depth. 
All the other inlots are 100 links front by 250 links in depth, and contain 
one-fourth of an acre. The dimensions and contents of the outlots * are 
inserted therein. All alleys are 25 links in width." U]3on this plan, 
which is neatly drawn on a scale of five chains to an inch, other notes and 
explanations appear as follows: "The above map of the town of Upper 
Sandusky, situated in Township No. 2 south of Range No. 14 east, First 
Meridian Ohio, is strictly conformable to the field-notes of the survey thereof 
on file in this office, which have been examined and approved. Surveyor 
General's Office, Cincinnati, January 8, 1844." "Secretary of State's 
Office, Columbus, Ohio — correct copy. April 10, 1863." "Received No- 
vember 23, and recorded December 3, 4, 5 and 6, 1863, H. Miller, Recorder 
of Wyandot County, by William B. Hitchcock, Deputy, Fee, $10." 

Originally, including outlots, the town lots extended from the west bank 
of the Sandusky River westward to Warpole street, and fi'om Church street 
on the north southward to the south line of the fourth tier of outlots lying 
south from Crawford street, or to the point now termed South street. The 
inlots, however, being 380 in number, were bounded on the north by Bige- 
low street, on the east by Front street from Bigelow to Walker street, and 
by Spring street from Walker to Crawford street, on the south by Crawford 
street, and on the west by Eighth street. 

According to the plan, the original streets and their width were as fol- 
lows: Streets running east and west — Church, 100 links; Elliott, 80 links; 
Gutherie, 100 links; Bigelow, 125 links; Finley, 125 links; Walker, 125 
links; Wyandot avenue, 150 links; Johnston, 125 links; Hicks, 125 links,, 
and Crawford, 125 links. Streets running north and south — Front, 125 
links; Second, 125 links; Third, 125 links; Spring, 50 links; Fourth, 125 
links; Fifth, 125 links; Sandusky avenue, 150 links; Seventh, 125 links; 
Eighth, 125 links; Hazel on the south, and Garrett on the north, both be- 
ing on the same line, 62i links, and Warpole oq the western border, also 
62J links wide. Water street extended along the bank of the Sandusky, 
from the foot of Walker to the foot of Bigelow street. 

This plan also indicates the exact location of various points of interest 
in old Upper Sandusky, which, with the exception of the " graveyard " and 
the William Walker house, which still stands on the southwest corner of 
Walker and Fourth streets, have long since entirely disappeared from view. 
Thus on Outlot No. 49, f which is bounded on the north by Walker street, 
east by Third street, south by Wyandot avenue, and west by an alley or the 
continuation of Spring street, stood the ruins of Fort Ferree. Upon the 
same lot, and directly northeast from the fort, stood the Indian jail, which, 
constructed of hewn timbers, and standing upon the point of the bluff, jut- 
ted beyond the street line into Third street. The council house stood upon 
Inlot No. 90. Directly north of it is shown the graveyard, which occupying 
the crest and slope of the bluff, and a space equal to four inlots or one acre, 
is bounded on the west by Fourth street, north by an alley, east by Spring 

*The outlots were 216 in number, and generally contained about two acres each. 

fA house which was occupied, a year or so later, by those connected with the laud office, etc., also 
stood upon Outlot No. 49. 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 485 

street and south by Johnston street. The inclosure contains the remains of 
members of the Walker, Garrett, Williams, Armstrong, Clark, Hicks and 
Brown families, besides those of many others, a majority of whom were 
either part or full-blooded Wyandot Indians. Again glancing at this map 
of the town, we find that William Walker's I'esidence stood upon Inlot No. 
211, or near the southwest corner of Walker and Fourth streets. His store 
was south from his house, and occupied a portion of Inlot No. 193. Clark's 
house rested in the center of Walker street, near the west line of Third. 
"Garrett's tavern," which stood near the northeast corner of W^yandot 
avenue and Fourth street, occupied portions of Inlots 159 and 160, as well 
as Fourth street. Hicks' habitation* rested partly on Inlot No. 70 and 
Fifth street. Brown's cabin was directly south from the council house, on 
Inlot No. 19, and Armstrong's dwelling stood near the center of Outlot 
No. 12. Other buildings, though probably they were not of much value, 
were standing in ]843, upon Inlots No. 56, 106, 156, 165, 212 and 217, but 
the names of the original owners or occupants are not given. It will thus 
be observed that the first residents of this locality — the Indians and their 
friends of mixed blood— chose the most dry and picturesque positions as 
sites for their council house, jail and dwellings. 

Having explained how, when and by whom the town was laid out, we 
will now glance a^/^some of its early white inhabitants. 

The Indians departed in July, 1843, and their old haunts were soon 
after occupied by a number of those who became permanent settlers, though 
by reason of the fact that these lands, or lots were not placed upon the 
market until two years later, they were for a brief period only " squatters." 
In October, 1843, the United States Land Office was removed from Lima, 
Ohio, to Upper Sandusky, and when at the same time Col. Moses H. Kirby 
as Receiver, and Abner Root as Register, came on and established their 
offices in the old council house, they found that those who had preceded 
them here as residents were Andrew McElvain, his brother Purdy McEl- 
vain,j and Joseph Chaflfee. Andrew McElvain was the proprietor of a log 
tavern, which, standing on the grounds now occupied by the brewery had 
but very limited capacities for the entertainment oi men and beasts. Col. 
Purdy McElvain had been here for a number of years, employed as United 
States Indian Agent, while Col. Chaffee was engaged in farming and land 
speculations. He had a considerable portion of the original town plat 
sown to wheat in the fall of 1843. At the same time, George Garrett, whose 
wife was one-q uarter Wy andot, and who was the father of Joel Garrett, 
kept the " Garrett Tavern. " Col. Kirby also remembers that the town was 
surveyed by Lewis Clason, of Cincinnati, Ohio, in November or December, 
1843. At that time William Brown was engaged in surveying the reser- 
vation which had been vacated by the Indians dui'ingthe preceding summer. 

Jude Hall, Esq., Upper Sandusky's first lawyer, was numbered among 
the residents in 1844, also Chester R. Mott, Esq. , Wyandot's first Prosecut- 
ing Attorney. During that year, too, October 12, Col. Andrew McElvain 
was commissioned as the first Postmaster of the town. 

Wyandot County was erected in February, 1845, and soon after Upper 
Sandusky was chosen as the county seat. Then began a lively boom for the 
new town. In their anxiety to secure good locations, lawyers, merchants, 

♦Hicks' house, William Walker's house and the council house, were the only frame buildings in the 
town while it was occupied by the Indians. 

tCol. Purdy McElvain, then Receiver of the Land OfiBce, died at Upper Sandusky in April, 1848. The follow- 
ing month the office was removed to Defiance, Ohio. 



486 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

doctors, artisans, liotel-keepers, shop-keepers, speculators, etc., etc., hastened 
here by the score, and ere the close of that year, hundreds of town lots had 
been sold (see Chapter VI, Part III of this work); the town could boast 
of two newspapers, numerous stores and shops, and a population of from 
three to four hundred. 

The names of all the tax-payinj^ inhabitants of the town for each year 
since 1845 are yet accessible, hence, as a means of pointing out those who 
were the first residents of Upper Sandusky, we here insert the names of all 
who were assessed for personal property in Crane Township in the spring 
or early summer of 1845. The names of those who then resided outside of 
the village limits are printed in italics, all others are presumed to have been 
residents of the town proper: James B. Alden, Andrew M. Anderson (after- 
ward Associate Judge), Anthony Bowsher (a merchant), Saul Bowsher, Jesse 
Bowsher, Robert Bowsher, William Blain, Susanna Berry, James Boyd 
(colored), Joseph Cover, Hanson Cover, Joseph Chaffee, James H. Freet, 
George T. Freet, George Garrett (tavern-keeper), Michael Grossell, Ersin 
Goodman, David Goodman, Jonathan Gaddis, David High, John Hamlin, 
John Johns, Samuel Johnson, Moses H. Kirby (Receiver of Land Office and 
attorney at law), Moses Kirby, George Larick, Samuel Landis, Andrew Mc- 
Elvain (Postmaster and inn-keeper), Dr. Joseph Mason (practicing physician), 
James McLain, John Mayhee, James Morris, William Morris, Joseph Mc- 
Cutchen (a merchant), Chester R. Mott (attorney at law), George Orth (mer- 
chant), Joseph Parker, Hiram Pool, Michael Rugh, John Rummell, James 
Rankin (a half-breed Wyandot), John D. Sears (attorney at law), Samuel 
Smith, John W. Senseny, Daniel Stoner, Jesse Snyder, Nathan Sayre, Elias 
Sickefoos, Ezra Tucker, Abraham Trager, David Wilson, Dr David Wat- 
son (a practicing physician), William K. Wear (attorney at law), Timothy 
Young, George Young, Lemuel Young and Cornelius Young. 

In November, 1845, David Ayres & Co. and Henry Zimmerman, having 
had erected for themselves suitable buildings, also became identified with 
the business interests of the town as merchants. During the same month 
and year, too, the Wyandot chieftains Greyeyes, Jaques and Washington, 
while en route to Washington, D. C, to settle some matters connected 
with the transfer of this their former reservation, visited their old home, 
Upper Sandusky. 

The townspeople, especially the younger portion, now began to assume 
airs commensurate with their fancied importance as dwellers of the county 
seat, as witness the following article which was published in the Democratic 
Pioneer in May, 1846: 

' ' For the Democratic Pioneer. 

Mr. Editor — Please let the people know that the ladies and gentleman of our 
town went fishing yesterday, and, just to " stop the rush," tell thena the fish are all be- 
spoken. 

Upper Sandusky is in its infancy, but if there is a town in Ohio of not more than 
three times its age and size, which owns a greater number of sweet, charming and 
beautiful girls, we think we always went through it in the night time. All these 
charmers went out, and with them a slight sprinkling of the rougher sex. 

Armed with bean-poles, pin hooks and twine, and loaded with bounteous provis- 
ions of cake and pie, we sallied forth, and disregarding wells, springs, and puddles, 
struck boldly for the Sandusky. The fishing being only ostensible, was soon finished. 
We rendezvoused at the Big Sycamore,* around which the varied and fleeting groups, 
the diversified pursuits, and strange commingling of sounds, afforded excellent oppor- 
tunities for the study of Nature's works, both natural and artificial. 

The greensward was our table, and never was festive board, surrounded with lighter 
hearts than ours. The grass afforded pleasant seats; and the attitudes, as we reclined 
around the daintily ordered feast, were purely classical. Of course there were coquet- 

*The Big Sycamore in 1846, measured fifty-one feet in circumference. 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 487 



will, per- 



ting, ogling, honied words, and tender glances, and those who were hooked, 
chance, learn in future to beware of the "fishers of men." 

But don't stop the press any longer than just to say that we relieved the anxieties 
of our careful mammas by returning before dark, and the fish stories to the contrary 
notwithstanding, didn't catch a single fish, cat, bass, minnow, pike or 

Sucker." 

However, that Upper Sandusky did make rapid progress daring the first 
eighteen months succeeding the county's organization, is fully attested by 
the following extract from a letter which was written by Col. Joseph Mc- 
Cutchen tu his friend Hon. William Crosby, United States Consul at Tal- 

cahuano, Chili, on Christmas Day, 1846. 

*********** 

In the first place, in relation to Upper Sandusky. It has improved beyond the 
most extravagant calculations. It is but a little over a year ago since the General 
Government sold the town lots and land, and now some 800 inhabitants reside here. 
There are six dry good stores — three too many — about the same number of groceries, 
four hotels, mechanical shops of various kinds, and the town is still improving. 

The county is also settling with an excellent class of farmers. The public build- 
ings are in rapid progress. The jail is almost completed; it is by far the best looking 
jail I have seen; it is'made of stone and brick. The brick is the best specimen I have 
ever seen in Ohio. The stone for the doors and windows are beautiful white lime- 
stone, brought from ilarion County. The builder is Judge McCurdy, from Findlay, 
Hancock County. Although he will in a few days have seen seventy-four winters, he 
is one of the most enterprising men of his age I ever saw. If he is spared a few weeks 
longer, the job will be finished in a masterly style. He gets by $500 too little for the 
building. 

The court house has been contracted for at $7,000, by a Mr. Young, from Logan 
County. It is to be a magnificent building. The donation fi"om the General Govern- 
ment, if judiciously managed, will pay every dollar of expense of the public buildings, 
or nearly so, without taxing the people a dollar. I hope it may do it, as you are well 
aware I have labored three years with Congress, to have the donation matter accom- 
plished. Your old friend in Congress, Hon. Henry St. John, managed that matter well. 
********** «* 

Here we are reminded that nearly all residents and property owners of 
new and progressive towns — especially of Western towns, and Upper San- 
dusky was considered a Western town at that time — are prone to over esti- 
mate iheir population. That Mr. McCutchen was led into the same error 
is clearly proven by the accompanying statement of the number of inhab- 
itants of Upper Sandusky in February, 1847; that is, two months later than 
the date of his letter. Taking Wyandot and Sandusky avenues as the 
divisible lines, the population of the town, at the date above mentioned, 
was ascertained by actual enumeration to be as follows: Northeast quarter, 
270; northwest quarter, 63; southeast quarter, 153; southwest quarter, 200. 
Total number of the inhabitants in the town of Upper Sandusky in Feb- 
ruary, 1847, 686.* 

Early in the year 1848, after much controversy, and a good deal of ill- 
feeling had been engendered, an act was passed by the State Legislature, 
which declared the ambitious little town of Upper Sandusky, a body cor- 
porate, etc., etc. The act reads as follows: 

An act to incorporate certain towns therein named. [See Vol. XLVI, Local Laws 

of Ohio, page 169.] 

*********** 

Section 12. That so much of the townsliip of Crane, in the county of Wyandot, 
as is included in the recorded plat of the town of Upper Sandusky, f or that may here- 
after be included in the plat of said town, is hereby created a town corporate, to be 
known and designated by the name of the town of IJpper Sandusky, and by that name 
shall be a body corporate and politic with perpetual succession. 

****"****** 

*The town contained only 783 inhabitants in 1850, 1,.599 in 1860, 2,564 in 1870, and 3,545 in 1880. 
fBy annexations made March 30, 1871, .July 13, 1877, and January 31, 1881, the corporate lines have 
been extended considerably beyond the limits described in 1848. 



488 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Sec. 21. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage. 

Joseph S. Hawkins, 
Speaker of the House of Representatives. 
Charles B. Goddard, 

Speaker of the Senate. 
February 18, 1848. 

Notwithstanding it was the county seat and an incorporated village, it is 
apparent, by reason of its sparse population and lack of manufactories, that 
the town and townspeople moved along in a slow, even, uneventful way, 
for a number of years succeeding 1848. In 1854, however, by the energy 
of George AV. Beery, Esq., Robert McKelly, Esq., and other public-spirited 
citizens, railroad communication was secured with the East and West via 
the Ohio & Indiana Railway, now known as the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne 
& Chicago Railroad. The benefitB conferred by this grand avenue of com- 
merce were at once made manifest. Many new business houses were 
opened, values rapidly increased, and from 783 inhabitants in 1850, the 
number of residents in the town were augmented to 1,599 in 1860, or an 
increase of more than one-half during the decade. Since the year last 
mentioned, the increase in population has been at the rate of 1,000 per dec- 
ade. Meanwhile, and especially during the past fifteen years, much has 
been accomplished in the way of beautifying and making healthful the 
town. A vast amount of money, in the aggregate, has been expended, and 
as a result its streets are well lighted and sewered, several are macadamized, 
and all are supplied with good and substantial brick and stone Avalks. 

A point has now been reached in this recital when it is deemed necessary, 
in showing the town's gradual progress, and in speaking of its corporate 
history, fire department, manufacturing interests, banks, social institutions, 
churches, etc., to use separate headings for each topic. The readers, there- 
fore, will find further and special information respecting such subjects, un- 
der appropriate captions in pages to follow. First, however, are inserted a 
series of highly interesting articles from the pen of a well-known early 
resident. 

REMINISCENCES. 

The following entertaining reminiscences "of peculiar people and 
events in the early days of Upper Sandusky," first appeared in the columns 
of the Wyandot Union, during the year 1882. They were written by 
Robert D. Dumm, the senior editor of that journal, and, with his permis- 
sion, are here reproduced. 

OLD STOEM. 

In 1845 and 1846, perhaps extending into 1847, there lived in Upper 
Sandusky a man by the name of Storm. He was a Frenchman — a French 
patriot. Every fiber of his nature was French; every feeling and impulse 
an irrepressible desire to once more look upon the beauties and grandeur of 
Paris. He would talk glibly of the Boulevards and the Palais Royal " on 
zee Rue Richelieu;" and gave you plainly to understand, that more than 
" zee hundred time," had he joined in the uproar of " Vive 1' Empereur!" 

He was one of Napoleon's old guards. He saw, as well as felt, the car- 
nage and destruction at Waterloo, and was one of the survivors of that ter- 
rific struggle. In his way he was quite a character, and knew just enough 
of English to make his broken I'reuch a jingle of quaintness and humor. 
A single man was Storm through an eventful life, because the old guard 
" never surrendered ;" and moreover, no thought nor care had he taken of 
the morrow. How he happened to drift into Upper Sandusky was never 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 489 

fully explained, for old Storm was only communicative when in liquor, and 
the topic then uppermost in his mind was Napoleon and the French Army. 
He could think and talk of nothing else, and when referring to the Emper- 
or's exile, would weep like a child. His worship of Bonaparte had all the 
feeling and fullness of adoration, and the music of his pronunciation in 
uttering the name of " Na-po-le-on," had that sweet and peculiar ripple 
which forever lingers in the recollection. 

But Storm, away from the shimmer and shock of battle-fields, had to 
make a living, and he existed in Upper Sandusky, by taking care of the 
horses and stables of Dr. Mason, one of our early physicians. Mason, from 
the exhaustion of a large practice in this country, rough as it was then, was 
worn out, feeble in health and sometimes irritable, and old Storm used to 
try his patience terribly. A little incident we have in mind will show 
the craftiness of the old guard. Besides grooming the horses, a share of 
his business was tn pail the cow, but as Storm never looked upon milking 
as a fine art, he failed to perform this part of his task with any degree of 
satisfaction. Time and again the Doctor and old Storm would dispute over 
the proclivities and disposition of the cow. To apologize for the scanty 
supply of milk. Storm would insist that "zee dam short-tail would not let 
zee milk down." 

One day the doctor met Storm coming from the stable with a vessel of 
milk. The quantity did not suit the doctor, so he took the bucket out of 
Storm's hand, proceeded to the stable and re-milked the cow with very satis- 
factory results. This chagrined and puzzled the old guard, but he did not 
surrender. The next time when Storm went to milk, he took tvvo buckets 
with him. After milking half from the old cow in the first bucket, he hid 
it in the straw, and then finished milking in the other. He carried his 

scanty supply of milk to the doctor, d ning " zee short-tail," with many 

emphatic embellishments, for holding up her milk. Here, the Doctor, in a 
tit of passion, grabbed the bucket and broke for the cow to show Storm that 
he was " a liar and a villain." After tugging away at the old cow for about 
ten minutes without any sliow of milk, he felt like, and did apologize to 
Storm for his rashness. But Storm was all smiles and good humor. He 
had convinced the doctor that the cow held her milk. The old guard was 
himself again and on top. 

A few minutes after, Storm came from the stable with the other bucket 
of milk, telling the doctor that he had just yanked it from the cow. Here, 
the doctor transformed his eye-brows into a tine pair of exclammation points, 
and forgave Storm for all former delinquencies, blaming the frequent short 
crops of milk upon " zee dam cow." 

This is one of the many little incidents that occurred, bringing forth the 
character of the old guard, which a life in the Fi'ench Army had cultivated. 
Frequently have we seen old Storm, in a transport of imagination, living 
over again the scenes of his army life, going through the drill with a pitch- 
fork, and keeping time and step to the low chant of some patriotic air. 

But a time came for old Storm to pass in his checks, and as the fever 
racked his brain, he marched with Death through the broken ranks of a 
shattered army —on — on — into eternity; exclaiming with his last breath, 
"Na-po-le-on — Waterloo! Zee old guard dies, but never surrenders." 



One of the characters of Upper Sandusky in 1846, was a rotund, Punch - 
and- Judy sort of a fellow by the name of Dancer. He was about as broad 



490 HISTORY OF AVYANDOT COUNTY. 

as long and twice as natural. The fat boy in Pickwick is an excellent pict- 
ure of him, although he differed from the Pickwickian protuberance in one 
very essential quality. While the Pickwickian fat boy was always falling 
asleep, Dancer never knew what it was to bob an eye when old Huber was 
around. 

Dancer was a barber; he was the white opposition to our old colored 
friend, Archie Allen. For those early times. Dancer was quite an sesthete. 
He always appeared in immaculate linen, and the little bunch of hair on 
the top of his head was a rosette of frizzes, a la mode, which not only gave 
him individuality, but produced also, a very stunning effect. 

Dancer was always anxious to please. He was a model of politeness 
and broken English, and had good backing as long as Huber had the land 
office in the next room. 

What made Dancer more popular than he otherwise would have been, 
was the fact that he had a good looking wife, who could smile equal to 
Sarah Bernhardt, and had the same inclination to make friends among the 
stronger sex. A door separated the barber shop from her boudoir, and when 
Dancer was out taking a gentle glass of soda water, Mrs. Dancer smiled 
upon his customers: and frequently men with no beard at all would drop in 
to be shaved, but drop out as suddenly when they saw Dancer turning the 
Bowsher corner in a ziz-zag break for his Malinda. 

Another door from Mrs. Dancer's boudoir opened into the land office of 
the U. S. A. , presided over by a very pious gentleman by the name of Huber. 
Mrs. D. would frequently open that door, and inquire of the old Christian 
if his head ached, and of course it always did. Then her enthusiastic and 
benevolent soul would go out for suffering humanity, the infirmities of the 
old man were dispersed, and his life of anxiety for the funds of the United 
States was interwoven with the bli.ss of angels. The result was that the 
smiles of Dancer lasted longer than the treasury, for while Huber became a 
defaulter, the countenance of the Dancer was still wreathed in smiles. 

One night Dancer was down at Anthony Bowsher's corner, drinking 
seltzer water. Although reared in a cou.ntry where seltzer was an innocent 
beverage, it proved too much for Dancer; he insisted that Anthony Bowsher 
had two heads, and that the old log shebang was built of porcelain and pre- 
cious stones. And when Dr. Hartz differed from him and intimated that " zee 
' parvue ' Dancer was zee demndest hinatical in zee catagorie," Dancer was 
only prevented from impaling the doctor on a razor, by " Red Thread," 
who happened to be present to take in all the spare drinks. After Dancer 
got quieted, he broke for his residence and barber shop. 

It was very dark, was the domicil when he approached it; he thought 
he would turn in quietly and not disturb his soul- lit happy better-half. 
But behold his surprise on entering the shop, where, without the aid of 
even star-light, he found Mrs. Dancer and one of his customers conversing 
on scripture, each insisting that there was no hell this side of Chicago. As 
Dancer was opposed to the discussion of religious subjects at the barber 
shop in his absence, he got up on his ear and just riddled things. The 
seltzer acted well in his work of destruction, and the barber shop soon 
looked like the last rose of the summer in a turnip patch. Of course this 
raised considerable of a scandal in a town of 300 inhabitants, and the cus- 
tomer's family was the first to hear the glad tidings. The wife wanted to 
know on what part of the scriptures he and Mrs. Dancer differed, when the 
husband, in despair, grabbed a rope, bid good-bye to his family and broke 
for the stable; ho manipulated the rope over a joist and adjusted it to 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 491 

his neck, waiting in great anxiety for the family to rush out and roscue bim, 
but they didn't rescue worth a cent. Presently, one of his daughters went 
out to see how the corpse looked, when the would-be suicide suggested that 
he couldn't think of it just now, as " a circus would be here next week," 
and he wanted to see one more elephant before he joined Lazarus in Abra- 
ham's bosom. 

Dancer never recovered his barber trade, but a small patrimony to his 
wife established her in his affection as well as in the grocery business. 
Huber was a defaulter and wiped out, and a few months in the grocery bus- 
iness put Dancer on the ragged edge; and quietly all dropped out of sight, 
leaving Time, the great avenger of events, to send forth his stentorian cry 
of " Next !" 

T. SPYBEY, TAILOR. 

On the site where now stands the Catholic Cathedral, in 1845, stood 
the shell of a new frame shanty. It had roof and weather-boarding, but 
lath and plaster were improvements to be added when fortune rallied to 
the aid of its architect and builder. This improvised tenement was to fur- 
nish the subject of our sketch shelter from the elements, and served as a 
domicile and place of business. It stood solitary and alone, gathering 
the sunbeams in summer, and bracing itself against the winds through 
winter. A small tin sign over the front door read: " T. Spybey, Tailor;" 
and all you had to do was to pull the latch string and walk in. Like a 
graceful Turk spread over the table was Thomas, and, without losing a 
motion of his needle, would give the nod of recognition so sweetly and re- 
freshingly, that you instantly lost sight of his infirmities, and felt only the 
beneficence of his presence. 

Thomas was a widower with a little boy five years old. This constituted 
his household and family. He superintended every department of his edi- 
fice from kitchen to " good fits guaranteed." Where T. Spybey came from, or 
where T. Spybey, intended to go to, when he quit Upper Sandusky or this life, 
T. Spybey perhaps didn't know; nor is it to be wondered at, whether or no, 
T. Spybey cared. T. Spybey would frequently boast, however, that he was a 
full-blooded American, and could trace (but he never did) his lineage to 
Plymouth Rock. Like many other tailors, he inherited the intellect and 
genius that seem indigenous to that calling as well as its frailties and 
misfortune. 

A great reader and a fine conversationalist was T. Spybey, but above all, 
brilliant in flashes of wit and humor; he was remarkable at repartee, and 
would frequently punctuate his utterances with thrusts that rolled and 
bubbled over with satire. More than once have we sat upon the table with 
T. Spybey, Tailor, and listened to tales of adventure, which, for our then 
young ears he would sandwich with good advice, never forgetting to take a 
stitch at the right time, and in the right place. 

This was the bright side of T. Spybey, Tailor. If it had only been this, 
the angels would have spread their white wings over his home, and hung the 
brightest flowers upon his little tin sign, wafting upward the inspiration of 
one whose nature seemed all goodness; but this was not to be, for T. Spybey, 
Tailor, was human; and it was human for T. Spybey, Tailor, to get drunk. 
And of all men to revel at exercises bachanalian, in the language of A. (xott- 
fried. Esq., he was " the boss." When he worked at his trade, T. Spybey, 
Tailor, had no communion with the cup, but periodical drunks he would 
have, and continued them sometimes for weeks. It was in these drunken 
sprees that he became notoi'ious. He never lost the use of his limbs, but 



492 ' HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. ' 

was always on the go, calling on the neighborhood many times a day, flash- 
ing forth the oddities of his humoi'ons natnre, reduced and distorted by the 
bug juice of that early period. 

As we have said before, the bright side of T. Spybey, Tailor was marred 
and made singularly unfortunate by an infirmity beyond his control, and 
although he furnished amusement for the town, the sight was a pitiful one; 
for around and about this drunken debauch, he was followed by his five- 
year-old boy, whose sunlit eyes were unconscious of a father's disgrace. 
The little fellow had never known a mother's care, but the father's devotion, 
though steeped in drink, had all the sanctity of parental love. He would 
hug the child to his bosom, and, with uplifted eyes, utter a tender prayer 
for its deliverance from all evil; the crowd around frequenth^ melting to 
tears at so grand an exhibition of fervor mingled with the misfortunes of 
humanity. The little boy never doubted the faihh or conduct of his father, 
and contributed to his pride of offspring in the many playful antics so com- 
mon to childhood. 

One Sabbath evening, when T. Spybey, Tailor, was at about 90° Fahren- 
heit, and spoiling to raise a racket of some kind, he tottei*ed into the 
Methodist Church and took a seat in the amen corner. He seemed to take 
in the sermon with evident satisfaction, for every now and then he would 
elbow Billy King in a place where he thought it would do the most good, 
and smile and nod his gratification at the speaker's eloquence. But the 
minister happened to drop the remark that " no drunkard could enter the 
kingdom of heaven;" and that raised the ire of T. Spybey, Tailor. He 
immediately rose to his feet, shook his fist at the pulpit, "and informed 
the preacher that he wanted him to be more pointed in his remarks, as 
some d — n fool in this corner might think he had reference to T. Spybey, 
Tailor — good fits guaranteed." He stalked out with injured dignity, mut- 
tering to himself it was all " a d — n lie," and that he could prove it by 
Josephus or any other tramp hatter from Jerusalem. 

The next morning T. Spybey, Tailor, was arrested and taken before Mayor 
Bivens for disturbing a house of worship. The mayor, a shoe maker, 
held his office among the leather and lasts of his establishment, and his seat 
of justice was the veritable bench upon which he mended and saved soles. 
He ordered T. Spybey, Tailor, to stand up, when T. Spybey, Tailor, imme- 
diately sat down. T. Spybey, Tailor, had come into court with a bunch of 
onions in each hand, pulled fresh from somebody's garden, and was greedily 
devouring them; and when the warrant was read charging him with being 
drunk and disorderly, he responded by assuring the Mayor that it was, " an- 
other d — n lie," and if he didn't believe him the head of the Stoga Ticket 
might smell his breath! Here he filled his fly-trap full of onions and made 
a dash for the Mayor. At all this, and no wonder, the Mayor got mad, 
passed sentence upon the culprit, imposing a fine, and ordering him into 
the custody of the Supervisor. But T. Spybey, Tailor, would have his say, 
and quoted Scripture and the constitution to prove that Bivens was a jack- 
ass, with the accent all on the last syllable; and " what he now wanted of 
him was the cash long promised for making that brass coat with blue but- 
tons, which the Mayor used on state occasions;" then with the dignity of a 
martyr, T. Spybey, Tailor, stepped out of the shoe shop and broke for the 
log corner after another drink. 

As the world moved on, T. Spybey, Tailor, moved with it, out of one 
spree into another, sinking deeper as the waves gathered, with the faithful 
little boy still clinging to the wreck. When sickness and hunger peeped 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 493 

into the frame shanty, some relative or friend appeared, cared for the neg- 
lected child and nursed the father back to health. Then the little tin sign 
of " T. Spybey, Tailor," was taken dovvn, the house sold, and father, son 
and friend bid adieu to Sandusky, never more to look upon the place or its 
people. 

RUSSEL BIGELOW, INGIN. 

In 1845, there was no one here to mourn for Logan but Russ. Bigelow. 
He was a Wyandot Indian, and the only one left of a once numerous tribe, 
that two years before, had emigrated to Kansas; cr rather after purchase of 
the reservation here, was quartered there by the Government. Russ. didn't 
go with the tribe; not because he had any inclination to remain behind, but 
because his presence in the tribe at that time would have been very unhealthy 
for " big Ingin." 

As we strolled through a sheep pasture one day with Doc. Garrett, he 
gave us the story of Bigelow's downfall; and on turning over some particles 
of concentrated grass, he cast a smiling countenance upon a pleasant- faced 
buck, and also informed us how he acquired the sobriquet of Doctor; but 
of that no matter now, as it may form the subject of another sketch. 

A short time before arrangements were made with the Wyandots for sur- 
render of the Reservation, Russ. got into difficulty with one of his brother 
warriors and committed a grave offense, which brought down on him the 
fury of his race; and to preserve his carcass liquid proof, he sought safety in 
Canada, and there remained until the Wyandots had settled in their Western 
home. 

Russ. in his young days was good looking, and quite a masher among 
the squaws. One evening, at singing school, in the old Mission Church, 
over which the Hon. Jonathan Pointer presided, Russ. was " luxuriant " on 
a dusky maiden, who happened to be the charmer of another brave by the 
name of Peacock.* This Peacock couldn't see any fun at the young squaw 
smiling so deliciously upon Russ. ; allowed the green monster to overcome 
him, and in the sweetest accents of the most eloquent " chocktaw " called 
Russel an unmitigated son of a wheelborrow. This was more than his In- 
dian nature could stand, especially before the aristocratic moccasin-birds 
of Log Hollow, and at it the two went. Now the Indian looks upon it as 
a disgrace to imitate white men in a knock-down. They never strike 
from the shoulder. If it is not scalping-knife and tomahawk, it's go in on a 
back hold, down and gouge. Both were powerful Indians, but in this strug- 
gle Peacock proved the greater athlete. He had Russel down, and was on 
top; and a thought struck him that he would just go for and pocket a couple 
of eyes, but Russel's optics were tough that night, and would not tear worth 
a cent. The next bright poetic idea that Peacock got into his head was to 
feel in and about Russel's facial orifice for his false teeth, when Russel 
clamped upon Peacock's finger and yanked off a pleasant mouthful. Now, 
an Indian is a good deal like a Chinaman: cut off a Chinaman's head and 
he won't say a word. He may kick ai'ound a little and complain of the 
weather, but he ain't going to disturb the elements; but cut off his pig-tail 
and he'll boom and jerk around like an exploded boiler. It is not death so 
much that an Indian or Chinaman dreads as mutilation: for with them mu- 
tilation is disgrace. They are rich in the belief that the Indian develops 
and beautifies in the great hereafter, and for Peacock to promenade over the 
liappy hunting ground with a finger looking like a piece of broken bologna, 

*This is not the Peacock that our friends Capt. Worth and John S. Kappe use to dance with, and who was a 
Christian as well as a fiddler, but another and quite a different rooster, hallelujah. 



494 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

was more than be or his tribe could stand; hence Ruscjel took the first mule 
for Canada. 

In 1815, Russel returned to Upper Sandusky very much demoralized. 
He had punished all the whisky lying around loose in Canada, and come 
back to finish up on the old stamping-ground. For a short time after his 
return he carried with him a bow and arrow and shot for "little dimes," as 
he called the small Mexican or Spanish piece, then so much in circulation, 
representing in value 65 cents. These little dimes were carefully deposited 
at the Log Corner in exchange for " hy-key." He would bet you a little 
dime that he could put an arrow through a little chip thrown into the air, 
before the aforesaid little chip would fall to the ground, and he would do 
it evei-y time. When he wasn't at this pleasant occupation, he would make 
bows and arrows for the boys, and the result was, that every boy in town 
who could, by any manner of means, get hold of a quarter, became a patron 
of Russel Bigelow. In those early times the boys didn't attack the old man 
and make him stand and deliver, like they do now. A qiaarter was a huge 
pile of money to the Upper Sandusky youngster in those days; the only 
fortunate exception was Cy. Mason, who was backed by the Hedges' estate 
and a liberal-minded dad. That is why the quarter bows became a little 
aggravating when Cy. would splurge around, spoiling the heads of chick- 
ens, with a dollar outfit, upon which Russel had expended all his skill and 
the genius of his race. Thus Russel's unerring aim at shooting chips in 
the air and making bows and arrows for the boys kept him pretty well sup- 
plied with "little dimes," and as long as they lasted, it was "heap whisky 
for big Ingin." His meals were taken at everybody's kitchen, and for lodg- 
ing he generally selected one of the two blacksmith shops then existing in 
town. His partiality for blacksmith shops was on account of those institu- 
tions yielding him assistance in furnishing metal and the facilities for mak- 
ing arrow heads; and then, too, he would frequently pick up a little dime 
for holding somebody's horse, while the blacksmith swore at him, preparatory 
to nailing on a shoe. Sometimes when the horse was delicate and of good 
family, and Abe Trager the artist to manipulate a pair of troublesome hind 
feet, he would hire Bigelow to take the "cussing" which Russel would bear 
with Christian fortitude for a little dime. So the live Indian moved on, 
always managing to keep himself full of whisky or hy-key, as he called it. 

When the bow and arrow business played out, and shooting chips in the 
air lost its attraction, Russel was driven, sometimes, to despair, for the lit- 
tle dime which was a legal tender for hy-key. He resorted to every scheme 
and device to raise the wind, never losing an opportunity to beg j^iteously 
from all who came within reach. When these failed, he became ugly, and 
woiild threaten all the horrors of Indian cruelty upon those who refused 
him the little dime. A few, through fear, would fork over; but as a general 
thing there was little attention paid to his savage threats. He finally be- 
came such a nuisance that everybody, who had muscle enough, was fre- 
quently compelled to exercise it in kicking the Indian out of his way. At 
last he was induced to follow the tribe to Kansas, by assurances that Pea- 
cock's vengeance had passed away, and that the Government installment 
would enable him to obtain hy-key at a low x'ate of interest. Thereupon 
Russel bade adieu to Sandusky, and joined the people of his race on the 
banks of the Big Muddy. 

Russel, however, didn't i-emain long with his brethren. The civil serv- 
ice reform man who dispensed Government annuities to the Wyandots, com- 
promised with Russel on a barrel of forty-rod, and he soon sprouted into a 



;<%^ ^'^-s 







r*- 



a'^ 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 497 

little angel. He had traveled to the dark river and crossed over, ever aim- 
ing at the chip in the air, w^hich still illumined with a halo of promise, sank 
forever in the great and mysterious hereafter; or in other words, Russel be- 
came a snake charmer, and died of the jim-jams, 

J. M'cnRDY, ARCHITECT AND BUILDER. 

About thirty-eight years ago, an old white-headed man might have been 
seen kicking up a dust in and around the spot where now stands the county 
jail. It was J. McCurdy, architect and builder, and the contractor who had 
undertaken the work of erecting the edifice which now stands on the south 
side of the court house lot. McCurdy, then as old as Methuselah, was active 
as a boy, and could get more work out of men without swearing, than any 
other Christian within our recollection. He was a sincere old fellow who 
had a mind well stored with information, with just enough vanity to bring 
out all his prominent traits of character, and this he never failed to do. 

We distinctly remember when the ground was broken for the jail build- 
ing; the enthusiastic precision of the old man in settling the lines, and the 
determination foremost in his disposition to throw out the first shovelfull 
of dirt, which he did with becoming reverence; for the old man no doubt 
believed that good luck followed in the van of rites and ceremomies. Every 
hour in the day the white head of the architect and builder could be seen 
moving about the work, never failing to lend assistance where it was needed 
and very frequently where it wasn't needed, to the annoyance and conster- 
nation of the workmen. The work proceeded slowly and every detail was 
watched with that scrutiny which flows from a feeling of pride. J. Mc- 
Curdy was proud of his profession, still prouder of his skill, and rose to 
the superlative over what he considered and believed to be his good taste 
and judgment. 

In the erection of the jail he was bound to immortalize himself, and 
with this feeling he came to the second story. Here the afflatus of a pent 
up genius took possession of him, and he proceeded to surround the name 
of McCurdy in a halo of glory. So to create the envy of all other archi- 
tects and builders as well as to command the admiration of generations 
to follow, he put two cut stones of the surface of about one square foot at 
each end of the front w^all, to show to a dying world where the first story 
ended and the second commenced its upward flight. These two stones were 
the joy and rapture of the old man, and though not down in the contract, 
were thrown in as extras regardless of expense. 

Often have we seen the old architect and builder walk backward to the 
middle of the road and gaze at the efi'ect of these two stones with all the de- 
votion of an artist who had portrayed his dream love for the eyes of his 
darling. The old architect was not content in doing all the admiration 
himself. He wanted help. He was suflbcating for the commendation of 
others over the crowning excellence of his life. So he called Dr. McConnell 
one day to assist him in the work of praise. The Doctor put on his spec- 
tacles, looked all over the beautiful facade, and inquired where the stones 
were. This dampened the ardor of the old architect somewhat, but he took a 
ten-foot pole and pointed them out to the Doctor. "Ah, yes, Mr. McCurdy, 
I see them now. I thought the mortar had run over at those points; but I 
see them now; yes, yes, there are two of them, and they do look like stones. 
Very good, very good, Mac, but I think they're about a quarter of an inch 
too high for the balance of the building." Here the old man's head turned 
a shade lightei', but revived immediately on the appearance of Col. Mc- 

17 



498 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Cutchen. The Colonel was exhorted to pass his opinion upon the two stones, 
which he did in a flow of compliments, assuring the old architect that there 
was nothing like it since the days of the Pyramids, and he would see that 
an extra appropriation was forthcoming, for certainly those two stones de- 
served an increase of salary. And many and various were the opinions and 
cl'iticisms over the two stones, which were usually declared ornaments to the 
delight of the old ai'chitect. 

Time, however, has almost effaced the recollection of these occurrences, 
but the two stones still remain; and we never pass the jail but we see them, 
and they seem to play hide and seek with the memory of the good old man 
who placed them there, to exalt his profession and beautify the world. 

If our good people ever biiild a new jail, we want to see these two stones 
preserved in some prominent position and marked "McCurdy's. " It will 
not be out of character, for he was a Presbyterian, the father of a large 
family, and no relation to Elliot Long. 

The other incidents in the career of the old architect, together with his 
trials and tribulations over a mischevious grandson by the name of Elisha, 
full of amusing situations, will be given at another time. 

J. McCurdy, architect, was a remarkable man for his age, with suflficient 
culture and ability to make himself promient in all circles of society. He 
was ready at an impromptu speech, and as a matter of course, was put for- 
ward on public occasions. He made the speech at the laying of the corner 
stone of our present court house, and did it handsomely. He welcomed the 
volunteers back from Mexico, at a public dinner given by our citizens, under 
the artistic cuisine of Bishop Tuttle. The dinner was spread under a 
canopy of green boughs on a vacant piece of ground opposite the "Blue 
Ball Hotel," known in after years as the Saltsman lots. And how well we 
remember the fact that, just about the time the white head of J. McCurdy 
bowed over the inviting feast to supplicate Divine favor, a terrible wind 
storm, accompanied by a dashing rain, played havoc with that part of the 
entertainment. The rain came down in torrents for about 20 minutes, and 
every last son of a patriot was foi'cod to the indecorous extremity of grab- 
bing an armful and seeking shelter where best he coiild. But after that 
the sun came out beautifully, permitting the remaining part of the pro- 
gramme to be faithfully and pleasantly fullilled. 

McCurdy was a devout Presbyterian of the old school, and a regular 
attendant at Charley Thayer's Church. He would doze through the sermon 
with evident delight, but always wakened vip in time to start the hymn. 
"Now, this starting-the-hymn business had a good many competitors. It 
was in the days when choirs were considered iniquities, and organs an abom- 
ination not to be tolerated. There was McCurdy, Jackson, Taggart and 
Wilson, who all wanted to start the hymns in Mr. Thayer's Church, and the 
zeal exercised by these men to get the start of one another, when Charley 
got through reading the sacred stanza, created considerable amusement 
in the Christian mind, for we were all Christians in those days except 
Capt. Ayres, who was a Universalist; and Charley Thayer always gave his 
congregation to understand that no Universalist need apply. So the Cap- 
tain on a Sunday morning told Charley if he wouldn't, he would, and in 
the neatest little announcement the Captain gave out: "That the Rev. Mr. 
Sky Insurer would preach at the court house in the afternoon, on the im- 
mortality of everybody going to heaven, or words to that effect, and ex- 
tended a cordial invitation to all." Of course, we all went to hear the Rev. 
Sky Insurer in the afternoon, and, in the most pleasing eloquence, be soon 
settled the brimstone business. 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 499 

We digress — but then we intend to — just as much as we please in writ- 
ing these sketches, because the digressions are the best part of them. 

Well, one Sabbath, when Charley Thayer was reading, to be manipu- 
lated by the human voice, a new poem* entitled, " When I can read my title 
clear," McCurdy, Jackcon, Taggart and Wilson squared themselves for the 
start, each eyeing the preacher with breathless anxiety to get the advantage. 
By anticipating the minister's announcement to sing, Father Taggart 
started up with, "When I can read" — a full neck a head, but McCurdy 
wasn't to be fooled with that kind of previousness, so he pitched a few 
notes higher with "title clear," compelling Jackson and Wilson to chime 
in or go it alone. In those days Presbyterians didn't play a "single 
hand." Now, they can " order it up," "play it alone," or bring about 
a "Hush," and at the same time march on to the New Jerusalem as happy 
as clams at high tide — so excellent are the improvements in Christianity, 

This proceeding was more than Father Taggart could stand. He had 
studied vocal music for forty years, and particularly the art of starting 
hymns in several different languages, and to be deprived of this chosen 
desire of his life by an old architect, was the hair that broke the camel's 
back; so he gathered up his hymn-book and tuning-fork and bid good-by to 
foreordination. He sought refuge in another church where he had full 
sway in pitching the tune, much to his own delight and pleasure of the con- 
gregation; for Taggart was a good singer, much better than McCurdy, but 
lacked the dash and rapidity of the old architect. The only thing the 
architect lacked was a few dozen teeth which gave to his baritone something 
like a cross between the dinner horn and a bass drum. 

In politics, Mr. McCurdy was an old Whig, and if there was anything 
he more desired to talk about than the two stones in the jail building, it was 
the principles of the Whig party and his ideal of statesmanship in the per- 
son of Henry Clay. He would rattle it off by the yard, with a wonderful 
memory of events, never failing to interlard his remarks with well-pointed 
thrusts at his opponents. 

The Presbyterian prayer meeting was very frequently held at McCurdy's 
house, and in those days it was quite common for boys to attend. It is a 
custom now quite obsolete; but never mind, some day when j'ou get into 
difSculty and are forty miles from water, you'll wish you had attended a 
few prayer meetings in your youth. We never failed to turn up at these 
meetings. Charley Thayer was always there; the old architect was always 
there; so was his grandson Elisha. And it is very possible that if Elisha 
hadn't been there, that the divine influence would not have had such an 
impelling force over the natures of some other boy attendants. Elisha 
was a mild-eyed boy " who never did anything," but his grandfather never 
prayed without keeping an eye open for Elisha. Elisha, however, managed 
to get on the blind side of the old man, and while the supplication was be- 
coming enthusiastic, would crawl aroiind among the audience, tie a string 
to the old man's slipper, and when "amen" was said, off would jump the 
slipper, with considerable rattle, into the middle of the floor. The old 
architect would clinch his fist, but relax it immediately to raise a familiar 
hymn. The next morning, the old architect would take Elisha into a wood- 
shed and practice on him with a hoop-pole, and Elisha would cross his 
breast, and "hope lightning might strike him dead if he did," but the old 
man was deaf to these eloquent appeals. 

Elisha also applied his artistic skill in unceremoniously removing bon- 
nets and shawls, and in putting hickorynut shells under chairs for the wor- 



500 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

shipers to kneel down upon. Elishas tricks had become so much a matter 
of remark that he was credited with all the innocent depredations that oc- 
ciirred in town, and the result was that the old man was frequently seen 
chasing Elisha with a war club ; and yet there was nothing mean or mali- 
cious about the boy. It was simply to appease his passion for fun that he 
indulged in these capers, willing to take the punishment they brought rather 
than abandon them. 

While Elisha was a great tribulation to the old architect, yet he was his 
dead daughter's only child, and grandfatherlike, he loved the boy. For- 
getful of his anger over aggravations, he would sometimes extol his virtues 
and predict a bright future for the youth — " who would tone down in time" 
— "and after all, Elisha doesn't mean any harm in these playful tricks." 
Wonderful, mysterious nature! The ties which thrill the heart can never 
be quieted, but must throb on through the smiles of to-day and the tears of 
the morrow, full of the exquisite touch which lends a charm to humanity. 
So, while Elisha was a brick, he was still the old man's grandson. In him 
he could see traces of his buried darling; her infant prattle lingered 
through the lapse of years, appealing to a heart still aching for the loved 
and lost; the angels whispered, and a white hand beckoned him toward 
her child. No wonder then that the old man would stroke Elisha's bangs, 
and call him "good boy." 

Failing to secure a contract to build the court house, and feeling that 
his occupation here was gone, the old architect took Elisha under his wing, 
wrapped the drapery of his tent about him, and quietly dropped out of 
sight. 

BIVENS, SHOEMAKER AND MAYOR. 

In 1848, the town of Upper Sandusky was incorporated, There was no 
little controversy in regard to this movement, and a good deal of ill feeling 
engendered. At that time, Upper Sandusky had about 500 inhabitants, and 
at least '250, including Ales. Little, held up their hands in holy horror at 
this semblance of oppression in the way of about $10 additional tax to secure 
the ringing of the court house bell every evening at 9 o'clock, so our good 
citizens would know when to go to bed. By the way, we had no bell at that 
time, but historians are allowed a good deal of "filling in" for suitable 
embellishments. There are only about six persons in town who could have 
any show in contradicting the writer of these sketches, and as their memory 
is not to be depended upon, we feel confident of going on undisturbed in 
our work of glory. We say glory, because these sketches, like Converse's 
letters from the pyramids, will be published in book form, with a steel en- 
graving of the author, and sold only to particular friends at the small sum 
of $10. 

The first election for corporation oflScers took place in 1848. W. W. 
Bates was elected Mayor, and Jacob Juvinall Recorder. Jake was one of 
oar best-looking fellows in those days, and was faultless in his dress and 
manners. Besides he was as popular as he was good looking. He was the 
only one elected on the W^hig ticket, defeating Henry Miller, then fresh 
from the Mexican war, and another handsome fellow. W^e don't recollect 
who were elected to the Council, nor does anybody else. This city govern- 
ment, during its regime, spent $45.62, and the people just rose in their 
majesty and smashed things. The Mayor and Recorder maintained their 
dignity and the confidence of the people. They had nothing to do with 
this extraordinary expenditure of money. The Council did it. It had tbe 
audacity to pay Bill Giles $1 for publishing a column ordinance "to protect 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 501 

live fences." Maj. Soars was then interested in a live fence enterprise, and 
it was thought that he inspired this reckless expenditure of a hundred cents. 
The other $44.62 was expended for the good of the public in quarters and 
fifty- cent pieces, $3.72 going into a mud hole in front of the Mcllvane 
House, now Van Marter's old stand. 

This was the state of affairs when another election was called. The 
Whigs tenacious to maintain discipline and their party organization, put a 
full ticket in the lield, with for Mayor. We suppress his name, be- 
cause he is one of the survivors and has a whole battery of artillery at home, 
including a shot-gun unerring in its aim, and we are not in circuiQstances 
at present to contemplate a probable first-class funeral. 

The Locofocos to a large extent shared the distress of the people in con- 
templating the horrors of incorporation, and when it was proposed to elect 
a Stoga ticket, with Bivens as Mayor, all thought of reviving the hero of 
New Orleans against the "Mill Boy of the Slashes" was abandoned, and the 
opposition found satisfaction and a good deal of amusement in rallying to 
the support of the Stoga ticket. 

As Bivens could scarcely read, and had very little idea of life beyond 
the trade which afforded him a living, he was thought by many a very proper 
person to entrust the interests of the city. He was to be fortified with a 
council, selected especially for their skill and ingenuity in making their 
marks (x) one day and denying them the next. As none of them ever paid 
a cent of tax in their lives, they were terribly down on taxation, and they 
promised their constituents, if elected, to serve the town without charge and 
give every citizen a chromo. 

On a beautiful spring morning the contending parties met. The Whigs 
in full war paint — the opposition with their hands full of tickets upon which 
were printed the picture of a stoga boot. When the smoke of battle cleared 
away, it was found the Stoga ticket was elected with the exception of one 
councilman who was defeated a few votes by Dr. Ferris. Did Dr. Ferris 
serve? Well, you can just smile that he did'nt. He walked \\p and paid 
his two dollars for the privilege of resigning. 

We have witnessed the enthusiasm of many campaigns in Upper San- 
dusky, but none has yet approached the wild tumult of joy over this 
triumph. Bivens was serenaded with the only bass drum then existing in 
town, and he made a speech in such high-sounding English that it had to 
be interpreted into French before it could be appreciated or fully understood. 
It was in this speech, however, that he got off the immortal words, " That 
under Providence and our star- bangled Constitution, every man was liable to 
office." Each of the successful Councilmen was saluted with a tin horn and 
each assured his delighted fellow-citizens that they would preserve the in- 
tegrity and enterprise of the noble red man who had left the imprint of his 
genius upon our beautiful plains. 

Bivens, overcome with joy at so sudden a freak of good fortune, with 
its privileges and attending honor, stalked into his shoe shop, and from 
thence next door into his parlor, and catching a glimpse of his graceful 
better half, struck an attitude: "Barbara, behold your Bivens! Look into 
my eyes darling, and tell me, if in the fondest dream of yonr life, you ever 
expected to sleep with a 'mare;' " for that was the way he always persisted 
in spelling it. The good wife melted to tears and assured Bivens that she 
always thought some grand fortune would overtake them, but this distinc- 
tion and h(mor overwhelmed her. "Don't let us be proud William, but let 
us continue to speak to common folks as usual. Let us set an example to 



502 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

other gi'eat p9ople of the town; but William, I must have a graud wardrobe, 
to reflect in part, the dazzling splendor of your white vest, on state occa- 
sions." 

Very soon Bivens was surrounded with official authority, but he pegged 
away all the same. His tirst official act was to draw up a deed for himself, 
conveying his little property, with the expectation of enlarging his sur- 
roundings. He came to the clause where it stipulates that the wife must 
be examined separate and apart from her husband, before she attaches her 
name to the instrument. Did this puzzle the Mayor? Not much. Did it 
stagger the Bivens in his contemplation of legal discrimination? Well, 
scarcely. His mind rose to that grandeur which overcomes the frivolous 
technicalties of law. He told Barbara to go into the other room. He inti- 
mated to Barbara that she must sit near the keyhole. That she must gaze pleas- 
antly on some hopeful object and think only of her " mare;" as it was now 
his privilege as well as his duty to examine her separate and apart from her 
husband through the keyhole. All of which the Mayor did with that pleas- 
ing triumph which throws a spell of enchantment over greatness, and he 
reveled in the beatitude of these graceful feelings, until he took his deed 
to the then Recorder, John A. Morrison, who told Bivens he was " a d — n 
fool, and that his deed wasn't worth a cent." 

Here was consternation mingled with injured authority and great expec- 
tations. To be called a d — n fool by a common man was bad; to have the 
glory of his first official act met with derision was still worse, but he would 
have his revenge. Pop-Eye* should be arrested for contempt of court at the 
very first opportunity. 

The Mayor drifted from one situation to another, until one day he saw 
a prominent at torneyf shoot off his gun within the limits of the corporation. 
That settled it. He immediately scattered for the shoe shop, and told Bar- 
bara that the peace and dignity of the city now, Atlas-like, rested u.pon his 
shoulders. He would make an example of the Major. He would fine him 
for contempt of court,, and then compel him to surrender his gun to a pub- 
lie procession, headed by the City Council. He drew up a warrant which 
read: "Whereas, I, William Bivens, Mayor of Upper Sandusky, ss., saw 
John Dudley Sears, did shoot; Resolved, that said Johr\ Dudley Rearrested 
without benefit of clergy," and this warrant was placed in the hands of 
the Marshal for collection. 

The prisoner " was collected " and taken to the shoe shop, where he de- 
manded a trial. The IMayor winked pleasantly, and said there would be no 
trial — not if the court knew itself. He saw the shooting with his own lit- 
tle eye, and that was sufficient. "Fine — $1 and costs — cash! Marshal, 
take charge of the funds." But the prisoner at the bar, or rather at the 
shoe bench, wasn't to be treated in that summary manner. He demanded 
his rights as an American citizen of Crawford County descent, and that 
while the Mayor saw him " did shoot," he was there ready for trial with an 
array of home talent who would swear that they didn't see him shoot, and 
that the burden of proof was in his favor." Furthermore, he had McKelly 
to defend him, and you all know in those days McKelly had a voice, and a 
combination of aesthetic adjectives at which the angels would spread their 
wings and fly away; but Bivens wasn't an angel, and he couldn't spread; he 
had to stay on earth and struggle through the volley. At last crouching 
under the panoply of his ofiice, he ordered Mack under arrest for contempt 

*John A. Morrison was called Pop-Eye on account of his large, protruding eyes. 
fMaj- John D. Sears. 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 503 

of court. As there was no officer in the shoe shop big enough to tackle 
Mack, the case rested until courts when Bivens shouldered his docket, 
walked in where the blind girl was dangling her scales, spread his case be- 
fore the Judge, and made an appeal for suffering humanity; but as Judge 
Bowen was not of the kind who cared for suffering humanity, unless it took 
the form and shape of a lovely woman, Bivens was ordered to get out, and 
make room for Blunderbus vs. Hurricane — a noted case that involved the 
value of a $2-pig. 

From that day the star of Bivens was on the decline, and he pegged 
and blundered through the remainder of his administration, the sport of 
the time and for many years thereafter. " Since the days of Bivens " has 
become an epoch in our history to crown a ludicrous expression or bring to 
memory some event of pleasing notoriety. 

Bivens couldn't exist in Upper Sandusky after his power to arrest for 
contempt of court had fled, so he gathered up his effects and the wreck of 
his greatness, and left for other and greener fields. 

TABLER, THE REVIVALIST. 

In the early days of Upper Sandusky, the principal church building 
was the Stone Mission, now almost a ruin in the northeastern part of the 
town. It was built for the Indians, and for a long time the red man wor- 
shiped there his belief in the Great Spirit. 

We shall not recount the origin and growth of the Mission Church, be- 
cause it is not within our recollection. This church, its founders and wor- 
shipers have passed into history and is well known to the general reader. 

Perhaps the best posted man in town in regard to the many incidents 
connected with the Mission Church, is our esteemed fellow citizen, John 
Owens, whose father built the church in 1832. We believe it was in 1832, 
but ten or a dozen years out of range is not much of a mistake for histo- 
rians to make. There are discrepancies of several thousand years in the 
legends of old writers, yet nobody gets up on his ear over the fact. True, 
a fellow by the name of Bob Ingersoll has had the audacity to question the 
integrity of the Bible because the ark was a few feet too narrow, and as 
many feet too short, to have carried safely over the flood, the caravan of the 
living, acd the provender to sustain it, but then nobody pays any attention 
to this meddlesome, seven-by-eight Republican. 

Every Sunday the old Mission Church was crowded. Although there 
was not a sidewalk in the town, and the road to the Mission Church, in ugly 
weather, was little less than a swamp, people would go at the risk of health 
and shoe-leather; and during a revival, which usually lasted all winter, the 
attendants were as anxious to get seats as dead heads at a concert. Women 
wore boots and men rubber diving- suits to protect them from the mud and 
slush, but they got there all the same. 

One winter, particularly, the excitement was intense, and people would 
frequently do without their suppers to be in time at the church before the 
orchestra chairs were all taken. It was during this memorable revival that 
the subject of our sketch, the Rev. Jeremiah Tabler, made his appearance. 
It may be possible that we are slightly mistaken in the christian name of 
this divine, but saddest of all, it might have been. 

Tabler was a peciiliar man; tall, spare, somewhat cadaverous in appear- 
ance, with hair black as coal, and a pair of eyes so full of expression that 
they seem to talk and tell you how wicked you were. With these qualities 
he had a wonderful voice, plastic and yet so thrilling, that it was no trick at 



504 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

all for him to yank a "hallelujah " from any one inclined to give way to 
religious emotions. While perhaps he was the most illiterate man that ever 
swung from a pulpit, there was something so pleasingly fascinating and 
magnetic about him that he had only to open his mouth to become eloquent. 
With a sublime fervor he would thrill you with the utterance of words that 
in themselves were meaningless. His blunders, sometimes, would choke you 
with sympathy, until you could sufficiently recover to enjoy a smile. If he 
had said the moon was made of green cheese, you would instantly have wept 
for the poor moon, so wonderful was this man in the gift of expressing 
thought without regard to language. It seemed that he could plume any 
word to express the sympathy of his soul, and throw the same effect into the 
feelings of his audience. All his sentences ended in " ah," and fre- 
quently many of his words; but these " ahs " shook you up and held you 
suspended by the hair; and it was only when you lost sight of Tabler that 
you could unstring your nerves and see the ridiculousness of your situation. 

In preaching his introductory sermon, Tabler, in a flight of eloquence, 
told his hearers " that he graduated at the foot of Jesus and got his diploma 
from heaven. That he was no scholar or college graduate, but simply an 
instrument under the influence of heaven to stir the people up to the magni- 
tude of their wickedness, and that every man must work with the tools he 
has. The carpenter worked with his tools, ah; the blacksmith with his tools, 
ah; and thank God he worked with the tools that God gave him. He com- 
pared the native and educated ministry with the progress of the carpenter 
trade. He said before the edu^cated smoothing-plane could be used on the 
wicked scantling the rough had to be taken off with a jack-plane, and it was 
called " — Here the minister coughed, and asked Sister B. if her soul was 
still rising. He appeared a little confused, but grasping at the rings of 
Saturn exclaimed, "that he was one of heaven's jack-planes, and ahvays got 
it off in that way." This remark was made with a suspicious look at an old 
bachelor who had succeeded in getting a front seat, and who would have en- 
joyed better health if he'd got married at the right time. 

Tabler was one of the Winebrennarian order of disciples, and after a suc- 
cessful revival which loomed up into encouraging numbers, he established a 
church here, and for several years included this place in his circuit. He 
was always greeted with a full house. You never could tell what he said 
after you left the church, unless to laugh over some blunder or ridiculous 
expression, yet he drew and interested you to such an extent, that to miss 
one of his sermons was considered a misfortune. 

One night, when the house was jammed, the rain coming down in tor- 
rents, and the lightning and thunder stirring every one within with feel- 
ings of alarm, Tabler took occasion to mingle the fury of the elements with 
an appeal to the wicked in a manner so electrifying that such a rush was 
made for the altar that a placard had to be put up declaring to other sin- 
ners that there was " standing room only." He called up the dead Indians 
from their graves with that weird and fervent assurance, that each flash of 
lightning as it glared and glimmered through the windows, seemed to dis- 
close the spectral forms of the past, marching with measured steps at his 
call. The old missionaries who had undergone trials and tribulations in 
the cause, frequently meeting death to reclaim the savage, stalked in at the 
open door; and even Johnathan Pointer could be seen gathering the tithes 
for a new collection of hymns. Such was the power of this illiterate man 
to thrill and enthuse an audience. He would mingle with a rattle of words 
the pleasing ripple of running water, budding its course with roses and the 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 505 

beauty of spi'ing. Even in a spasmodic outburst of " hallelujah," he would 
scatter the balm of a thousand flowers and bring some sister to her feet with 
"glory to God!" 

And yet this Tabler loved his chicken like other ministers, and would 
even growl if the collections did not come up to his expectation of christian 
fortitude. He had a weakness for some of the good looking sisters, so 
Bishop Tuttle said, but every body shook his tist and called Bishop Tuttle a 
liar. "Whatever Tabler might have been in the kitchen or a back room is 
nothing to us as a truthful historian. We only know him as a great reviv- 
alist, who could murder the King's English and at the same time charm 
you with its destruction. He was a man who could give thought and ex- 
pression to sound, and fasten it with the holy wag of his head. To the en- 
thusiastic in the faith he was irresistible. He could say " come " three 
times with that fervor, feeling and solicitude, that you would feel yourself 
involuntarily rising to your feet with a readiness to wade in. He could in- 
stil a whole sermon into these three words of invitation, and the result was 
the mourner's bench was a popular i*esort for half the congregation. Many 
souls were converted that winter to thaw out in the spring, yet there were 
others who proved faithful to the last; and one or two are still living here 
who thank Tabler for pointing them to the light that shines from another 
world. 

KAMBAY. 

His name was Ramsay, and he gloried iu the pleasing ripple that these 
six letters made in weaving their music into syllables. He informed the 
sketcher that it was pronounced Ram-zee, with a trip-hammer accent on the 
ram part. The zee was simply a beautiful French zephyr to ornament be- 
neficent design in embellishing the individuality of an eminent people. 
That Ramsay was a name of distinction; of Scottish origin; of distinguished 
scholars, poets, painters and physicians. That Ramsay Alexander was au- 
thority on the anatomy of the heart, brain and liver. That Ramsay Allan 
was a painter whose master-pieces made the Raphael Madonna look sick; 
"and Bob, the Greek Slave that Major Sears talks so much about, is nothing 
but a hitching-post in comparison to the fair and lovely virgin that one of 
my ancestors chiseled out of a common nigger-head." That Chevalier Ram- 
say wrote the " Travels of Cyrus " and the " Life of Fenelon," and although 
a Scotchman, wrote them in French. That the balance of foreign Ramsays 
just made the hemisphere brilliant with the grandeur of their thought and 
the wonder of their achievements, but that he was a hairpin from the cush- 
ion of David Ramsay, an American historian and physician, who was born 
in Lancaster, Penn., a short time before the American eagle. 

The Ramsay under discussion dropped from, no one knows where, upon 
a forty-acre tract of unimproved land in Antrim Township, and commenced 
life as a farmer. He was a tall, good-looking fellow, only remarkable for 
the size of his lips, and the critical glare that made prominent a large pair 
of blue eyes. His energy was only exceeded by his ambition. To battle 
life in the woods with convenience and economy, he married; but making 
rails at 50 cents a hundred didn't agree with young Ramsay's diaphragm, 
and, concluding that there was an easier road to fortune, it was not long be- 
fore a man of his indomitable will found and pursued it. In reading one 
of Jayne's almanacs and learning of the fabulous sums of money made out 
of pills and cough syrup, Ramsay made up his mind to be a doctor, and 
every spare moment from daily labor was given to the study of medicine. 
Lacking in education, the study was a difficult one; for those terrible Latin 



506 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

jawbreakers would shake him up and hold him suspended over the picture 
of a skeleton, in that doubt and despair which rattled through his head in a 
thousand aches. But he did not surrender — he wasn't that kiad of a Ram- 
say. He had the distinction of his Scotch lineage to brace him, ani what 
he lacked in classics was more than made up by the magic spell which sur- 
rounded a great name — the name of Ramsay! 

After a short course of study he scratched his name upon a little tin sign, 
and, illuminating it with the professional affix, commenced practice in or 
near the village of Wyandot. The ills common to new countries are the 
agues and fevers which quinine and calomel knock in the head without the 
slightest provocation, and the Doctor had good success. 

He removed to Upper Sandusky and formed a partnership with Dr. 
Watson, killing and curing under the firm name of Watson & Ramsay. In 
winters, these men alternated in attending lectures at Cleveland, as one hand 
could generally run the ague business during the dull season. While Ram- 
say had the experience of considerable practice, he had never whittled the 
benches of a lectui'e room; so when it came his turn to break for Cleveland, 
he spread himself in the best toggeiy that could creep from under the artis- 
tic fingers of Peter Huffman. With his Dundreary whiskers, cane and eye- 
glass, he looked like an Irish-Italian imjyressario, but his name was still 
Ramsay. When he returned from Cleveland he brought back with him a 
manikin and a pica edition of Shakspeare. This Shakspeare was a second- 
hand paper copy that would pleasantly fill a wheelbarrow, and the manikin 
occupied about the same space. 

Ramsay, through his early struggles and disappointments, had become 
quite a misanthrope. He acknowledged without decent hesitancy that he 
no longer loved his wife nor cared for his children; that his marriage was 
the result of ignorance, and his family a misfortune. He had an aversion 
for the society of men, and was only in agreeable elements when he had for 
a companion some mild-eyed boy who could listen enchanted at the wonders 
of Ramsay; and the sketcher was usually that mild-eyed imitation of bifur- 
cated humanity. He used to say that the success of a young physician was 
in looking wise and feeding his patient on any amount of harmless prepa- 
rations, such as white sugar, flour, starch, etc. He said he gained his first 
triumph by looking at old Brown's tongue, which was wrapped in about 
four coats of dog-leg tobacco; and the altisonant explanation he gave of 
the color of that tongue, conducting it through the realms of most beautiful 
metaphor to the lower lobe of the old man's liver, met with a pleasing re- 
sponse. The old patient, full of gratitude, shook the Doctor's hand, and 
said he was the only physician that understood h4s case. He knew it was 
his liver, but that contrary old woman of his always insisted that it was 
nothing but dog-leg. So Ramsay put on a wise look and treated this man 
for a bad liver. He left him a half peck of pulverized licorice to be taken 
in small doses with the regularity of clock work, spreading over all the 
caution that his patient, during the use of this powerful medicine, should 
beware of stimulants, especially anything that had the narcotic effect of 
garlic or tobacco. He threw in the garlic to pull the old man off the scent. 
The result was that in a few days old Brown was himself again, sounding 
the praises of Ramsay all over the neighborhood. He only charged him 
$50, which Brown thought was entirely too cheap, and in addition made 
the doctor lug home a spring calf and a bag of potatoes. He owed his re- 
suscitated liver to Ramsay, and if he wanted a barn raised or a note in- 
dorsed, all he had to do was to call on his friend Brown. At this, Ramsay 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 507 

melted to tears, and said he wouldn't have charged a cent, but that liver 
medicine was so terribly expensive. It could be got nowhere nearer than 
the Alps; that it was discovered by Bonaparte while crossing the Red Sea — 
a beautiful brook of pure carmine which meanders through a crevice in that 
wonderful peak. " History, Brown, histoiy, is where the effulgence of this 
beneficent drug first poured upon me its limpid light. No other physician 
has this wonderful work of ' Bonaparte after a Bad Liver.' " 

Tlie manikin which Ramsay brought from Cleveland looked very natural 
in wax and bright colors, representing all parts of the human frame with 
the skin off. He said it was modeled after Alexander the Great, but as the 
Alexander part was missing, he would call it Susan. The pica copy of 
Shakespeare had its history which the doctor rattled off with a flourish, then 
both were placed in a large store box. One morning the manikin was miss- 
ings; burfjlars had crawled through a back window and borrowed it. The 
doctor was in a whirl of excitement. All his fond hopes of a summer 
study had vanished. Police! police!! Officers were notified of the theft, 
and a reward offered. The greatest vigilance and the most active search 
availed nothing. All the doctor could do was to mourn over his loss. " If 
they had only taken the Shakespeare, but the manikin, my God!" A few 
days after, the lost was found in the old Council House with the following 
card tied to its left ear: 

" My dear Ram — We are through with the business, but since your manikin has 
been sleeping for the last week with Russell Bigelow, we consider its character ruin." 

The burglars and the writer of this note were probably graduates from 
Brown's shoe shop. 

Ramsay had a vain desire to be gi'eat or at least rich; and conceiving 
the idea that wife and family were a hindrance to success, deserted them — 
leaving wife and two beautiful children forever! The poor woman was 
heart-broken over this dastardly, unnatural act, for she idolized her husband. 

Many years passed before the whereabouts of Ramsay became known. He 
had gone to New York, engaged in practice as a specialist in private diseases 
and amassed a fortune. Several years ago he was smitten with the charms of 
a beautiful Spanish lady who was traveling in America with her mother. The 
Doctor, who contended that love was a humbug, acknowledged the soft pas- 
sion to the Spanish belle and pleaded for her hand. But the belle hesitated 
with •' Si hay calculos, tomense repetidas dosis de aceite de oliva que hayan 
pasado;" which means in English that " the Ramsay was too entirely too 
too d — d old for La Senora Ambrosia," and before her mother would per- 
mit the surrender of her youthful beauty to the rich old specialist, he must 
come down with the pewter. An ante-nuptial contract was made placing to 
the credit of the daughter $25,000 in bounds, with a neat little clause in- 
serted, that on the death of the daughter, bonds and their increase should 
pass over absolutely into possession of the mother. The marriage took place 
and the fashionable watering places sparkled with their presence. It was 
not long, however, before the beautiful belle began to pine for the sun-lit 
skies of her Spanish home. The bloom faded from her cheeks, and some- 
thing like a cough had in it the terror of a most dreaded disease. The 
gentle mother insisted that her daughter should look upon her beloved Spain 
once more, assuring him that it would bring back the roses to his bonny 
bride. Would he accompany them ? How could he with a practice on his 
hands worth twenty thousand a year; so he kissed his lovely wife good-bye 
and prayed for a speedy and safe return. 

After a few months' absence a telegram announced her death, and this 



508 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

was soon followed by a fashionably dressed corpse, embalmed and hermeti- 
cally sealed in an elegant and costly casket. The crystal front exposed a 
profusion of flowers through which peeped the face of a dead beauty. Did 
the Doctor recognize that loved and cherished face? Most assuredly, al- 
though disease and death had stripped it of all its charms. His grief was 
intense, and he never recovered from it, iintil his Spanish mother-in-law de- 
manded her rights under the marriage contract — the $25,000 that was set- 
tled upon her daughter with a tender reversion to the mother. Ramsay 
having his suspicions aroused, had the body exhumed, but as all first-class 
Spanish corpses look alike when several months old the examination was 
everything but satisfactory. Suit was commenced to establish a conspiracy 
and recover back the money, and a New York court tussled with Ramsay 
and the mother-in-law for several weeks, giving in at last to the latter, who 
pocketed the securities and left for Spain. 

It was intimated that the beautiful La Belle I'eturned from heaven by 
way of the Isthmus as soon as the 125,000 were secured, and is now the wife 
of a curled mustache who knows how to handle the supple and unscrupulous 
stiletto. Was the Doctor wise? You can smile that he was — vei'y, very 
wise, and 'correspondingly discreet, in not seeking for his wife in Spain; for 
verily, a still, small voice became resonant, that it would scarcely be healthy 
for Ramsay to circulate in that beautiful, yet perfidious Spain, where the 
stiletto secures what the law oftimes is powerless to maintain. 

The wretch at last felt a shock of the wrongs which shattered the hearts 
of his little family in Upper Sandusky; and if full retribution has not 
already followed, let a fervent prayer ascend that it may. To conclude with 
a benediction, permit us to add, that it would cheer our way to the tomb, 
and make plesant and joyful atrip up the golden stair, to learn before start- 
ing, that the craven who caused so much misery, was compelled to live with 
a heart full of Spanish holes, similar to the one inflicted by the beautiful 
La Belle. 

TRAGER. 

"Halloo, Abe, can you shoe my horse, to-day?" "Well, don't know, 
Bill; Red Thread is here with four turkeys, which he borrowed from a fel- 
low 'cross the river, and we are having it red hot on a raffle to see who takes 
the pile. Come in. Bill; let your old nag go a couple of days. Can't? 
Want to go to mill? Out of flour? Well, get oif your horse and take a 
throw. I've got lots of flour, and you can help yourself. And Tom's here; 
so is Jim, and so is old Steve, drunk as a fiddler's bycicle. O, get ofif — 
hitch; what's the use of being a d — n fool for a little flour, when there's 
bushel's of fun for five cents? Russ., you ugly old Ingin, get up and give 
Bill a seat on the anvil." Allow the sketcher to introduce Abe Trager, 
blacksmith. 

Of all the men that ever lived in town, Abe Trager was the j oiliest and 
biggest-hearted. The scene we introduce above has in it an inference that 
Trager was a careless fellow, more given to trifling away his time than 
attending to the better pursuits of life, but such was not the case. While 
Abe was full of fun, and would sometimes adjourn trade to join the boys 
in a harmless pastime, no man worked harder or had a greater pride in look- 
ing after the comforts of his family. His little shop stood for years on 
Main street, south of the railroad half a square, and on the east side of the 
street. It was a popular place, and few ever passed the shop without hav- 
ing a word with Abe. He had a call and an answer for every one, and if 
you needed assistance, oif would go that leather apron in an instant. 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 509 

He was a little uncouth. You might even have called him rough, but 
he had a heart as tender as a child's. A useful man was Trager. He was 
at the sick bed of every neighbor, and those large callous hands of his were 
offices of comfort in smoothing the pillow of restless heads. Those same 
rough hands, with a tender touch, have closed the eyes of our dead and 
arranged their pallid forms for the last sad service. 

Once at the death-bed of a friend, when the poor wife, prostrate with 
grief, found relief in an anguish of tears, Trager, who was choking with 
sobs and the big tears running down his cheeks, said: "Maggie, don't cry 
for Jim. I never cry. Now be a man, Maggie, and don't cry. See how 
calm I am, and I would have bet my last dollar on Jim. The last words 
Jim said, were: ' Tell Maggie not to cry;' '' and here the great heart broke 
down entirely with the impulses of his tender nature. Recovering suffi- 
ciently to look upon his dead friend, he muttered half soliloquising, and 
half in the direction of the bereaved wife, to stimulate her with words of 
solace: That poor Jim was his best friend; that he had pitched horse-shoes 
with him a thousand times; that Jim never would cheat nor go back on a 
saw-off; and while old Steve and Red Thread, and even young Frank would 
try to get the better of him on a side flip, Jim always toed the mark and bought 
his pitcher of cider like a little man. And. Maggie, I was talking to Jim 
a short time before he died, and he said he was going home, and that death 
had no terror, if it wasn't for leaving his darling wife; and says he, "will 
you look after Maggie some, when its cold, Abe; when the flour's low; and 
if the poor thing gets sick, will you, Abe?" And then he smiled and point- 
ing upward, said: "Its there, Abe; a star is shining, oh, so bright; and a 
little hand beckons me toward its beautiful light. Two little wings peep 
from under that star, and a bright, sweet face! It is my child, Abe; the 
darling boy who left us years ago! He's there, Abe. waiting and watch- 
ing — waiting and watching! Tell Maggie we'll wait for her, where there's 
no death, and where the star shines. " Another peaceful smile and another 
hand reaching for the bright light and Jim was with his child. This 
glimpse of the immortal was a bow of promise to the stricken wife. If 
poor Jim could not stay with her, he could clasp to his breast their darling 
boy, and she could go to them — to Jim and her darling — where there is no 
death, and where the star shines. And old Abe was sitting astride a chair, 
with his chin resting upon its back, wiping the moisture from his eyes, and 
assuring Maggie that he never shed a tear in his life, and if she would 
cheer up he would tell her the biggest joke on his old woman she ever heard. 
"And Jim was with me, Maggie, and didn't he enjoy it? He said it was as 
good as getting married, and you know he always said that when he was 
extra pleased. Ain't that so Jim? " In a moment unmindful of the scene 
of death, old Abe had turned to the pallid features of his dead friend for 
the playful response that in life was so much a part of his nature, and 
again wiping the big tears from his eyes, muttered in broken sobs: " I did, 
Maggie, yes, I did — I — I — forgot poor Jim was dead; but don't cry; see 
how calm I am, and I loved Jim dearer than a brother. He was just boss 
on a chicken roast, and one Saturday afternoon, my old woman killed two 
lovely chicks, fat as coons, filled 'em with stuffin' and laid 'em on the milk 
house to sweat. She was expecting the preacher next day, and when she 
has preacher on the brain for dinnei', old Abe has to go on short allowance; 
so 1 thought I would hold a full hand on those chickens. I told Jim to 
meet me at Chaffee's mill, and we'd^ roast 'em at the coal pit, and didn't 
we? You ought to have seen Jim go for that spotted hen. He just made it 



510 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

in ten minutes and was still hunofry. He's the last fellow I ever thought 
would die, while so many chickens were running around loose. He said 
he'd take the breast bone home and try luck with Maggie. I didn't take 
mine home. I knew there would be no luck for me if I did; so I spent the 
balance of the day at the coal pit. In the evening I went home and told 
mother I never was so hungry since I had the measles; and if she had a 
piece of chicken left I would take a leg or two; and then you ought to have 
seen that old gal git up and dust! She just opened her mouth and screamed, 
'It was yoa who stole my chickens, I know it was. Oh, Abe, Abe, how 
could you be so cruel?' 'Why woman have you been to the mourner's 
bench, that you've got it so bad? What about chickens? I just left old 
Ponder and he was swearing about snakes! Now its chickens! Never heard 
that it was chickens before. Mother, that current wine is entirely too 
strong, but I'd rather have it chickens than snakes; but what about your 
blamed poultry any how? Its a sad thing that the father of this family can't 
have at least a wing to gnaw at, after a hard day's work at burning charcoal. 
Gave it all to Tabler, eh? Well, all right, mother, dish up those cold pota- 
toes and second-hand onions. Haven't touched a morsel since morning.' 
But she kept on yelling, 'where's my chickens, you old wretch?' 'Well, 
chickens again', said I, 'don't it beat h — 1. Sis, go down and tell Dock 
Mason to come up and look at your mother's tongue, for I don't like this 
chicken business a bit; the next thing we know it will be snakes, then good- 
bye, Eliza Jane! Chickens! Me take your chickens! Why, gorolmighty, 
mother, did you ever know a blacksmith to steal chickens while tiring a coal 
pit? Bet your life Russ Bigelow has taken those chickens, and I'll go right 
down to the shop and look after the bones. If I can't find bones, I'll weigh 
the Ingin, and if he pulls down ten pounds more than usual, he's got 'em,' 
and I'll whale the whisky out of him.' 'So it wasn't you then, Abe?* 
'No, darling; I ain't that kind of a shanghai. I would't eat a chicken 
at no coal pit; neither would Jim; and Frank Tripp vrill cross his breast 
and tell jou, that when I'm firing a coal pit, I hate the sight of chickens; 
for the Scriptures say, when your burning charcoal on Sunday, eat nothing 
but old Chaffee's roasting ears. ' " 

In the foregoing is indicated the nature of good old Abe Trager, who 
was the life of our town in early days. Many of our older citizens will re- 
member him with emotions of pleasure and recall to mind the incidents we 
have related; or many so strikinglv similar, that thev will say, ''yes, that's 
Abe." 

Our esteemed and respected fellow-citizen, Frank Tripp, Sr., commenced 
learning his trade with honest old Abe, and can, no doubt, give many en- 
tertaining accounts of his humorous side. About twenty-five years ago, 
Trager and his family removed to Iowa, and we understand he is still liv- 
ing; if he is, he is one of the men we would travel a hundred miles on foot 
to see. 

AMIDELPHIAN. 

The two Latin scholars we had — an Irish schoolmaster and an old French 
doctor— were struck with the euphony of this high-sounding word, and flew 
to Webster's Unabridged for consolation; but Squire Webster failing to an- 
ticipate the intellectual grasp which made the title of Amidelphian possible, 
contented himself with " Delphian," and left poor Ami out in the cold. 
W^here Ami could have been when Noah was getting up his interesting cat- 
alogue, was suggested during the controversy by one of our literati, who said 
he didn't know, but thought the Ami we weie looking for might be found in 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 511 

Chicago picking rags. One or two crossed-eyed imbibers of belles-lettres just 
squatted on their knees and held their sides, when a flaming poster announced 
that "the Amidelphian Society of Upper Sandusky would jerk dramatic thunder 
from a grand old English Tragedy, which had charmed as well as thrilled the 
crown-heads of three or four dozen continents," or words to that effect. 
Meantime, while the critics were making merry over a name that was ap- 
parently without name, because lexicographers had failed to find fair Ami 
among the Latin I'oots and Greek derivatives in time for the approaching 
exhibition, the amateur histrionic talent of Upper Sandusky were sweating 
at rehearsal for the gi*and debut that was to take place in Ayres' Big Brick. 
Capt. Ayres had just erected the brick block which now stands opposite the 
court house, and it was in this building, before completed, that the Amidel- 
phian Society spread its wings for fame. 

The play selected was an English standard, entitled "Young Norval," 
and the several characters were assumed by Miss Mattie Ayres, Miss Rumina 
Ayres, Miss Cal. Doolittle, Isaac Newton Ayres, Frank Hub?r, Wean Beals, 
Howell Morrison, Charles Bagley, Charles Robins and the Sketcher. Scenic 
designer and toucher-off of calcium lights, Prof. Mikado, on a visit from 
Tiffin. Music by the band, which M^as composed of William Ayres, Deacon 
McGill and James G. Roberts. And couldn't they play. We shall never 
hear their like again. Ayres was all melody; Deacon came in with his soul- 
stirring " Bear's Trot," and Roberts with that clarionet filled you with feel- 
ings that drew forth glimpses of the gates ajar. Col. Jont. Ayres lent his 
able assistance in arranging the play, and the programmes were printed 
by an imp who scoured tails in the old Pioneer office. 

On the opening night the house was packed; a dozen yards of calico 
rolled up and the play commenced. The scene unfolded was one never to 
be forgotten. It was the grand audience room of a King, in which a flour- 
barrel painted yellow formed T.he throne, and a circle of tin the insignia of 
royalty. The assemblage was spell-bound with admiration, and the play 
moved on. At last the stellar attraction waltzed in, and came very nearly 
landing on his ear, but struck an attitude before the King and yelled: 

" Me name is Norvnl, on the Grain-pian hills 

Me fa-ther feeds his flock — a fru-gi-al swain, 
. Whose only care was to pr )tect his herd, 
And keep his unly boy. myself, at home, 
To run the peanut ?tand. 
But I had hi'ard of battles, and y^ u bet, 
I stole a doUnr frou the old man and left; 
And if you want anything out of me, old rooster. 
Just come down out of that flour-barrel " 

Young Norval, who represented a Scottish peasant, was in reality a 
changeling and the heir of a king; hence he was dressed in a waist of blue 
paper muslin, with pantaloons to match. He looked lovely in low neck 
and short sleeves, and the brass ring borrowed for his left hand com- 
pleted the costume. He just felt big enough to square himself at Edwin 
Forest, but he didn't. The rest of the company looked handsome in con- 
ventional dramatics, and carried off the applause and several baskets of 
bouquets, which were thrown upon the stage by fellows in the pit. whom 
Col. Jont. Ayres had hired for the occasion. 

Miss Mattie Ayres, a very beautiful and accomplished young lady, and 
a great favorite with our people, impersonated Lady Montague with rare 
ability, and won the honors of the society. 

Miss Rumina Ayres was another brilliant young lady, who exhibited re- 



512 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

markable histrionic talent. She is now the wife of Hon. John McClure, of 
Little Rock, Ark., and one of the most accomplished ladies in the South. 

There's a young man in town who revels in the tragic name of Frank 
Edwin, whom many of our people have seen fit to compliment for rare tal- 
ent in a dramatic way, but he "wasn't a patching" to his illustrious sire 
as the noble Young Norval of early days, in low neck and short sleeves. 

The Amidelphians repeated their tragedy to another crowded house, and 
then disbanded. Only two of that remarkable society remain as citizens of 
Upper Sandusky. The others are scattered — several of them sleeping the 
sleep that knows no waking. 

Of the orchestra, William Ayres and Deacon McGill have passed over 
the river, leaving behind the tenderest feelings of respect. Mr. Roberts 
is still here, and one of our honored and amiable citizens. Does he still 
play the clarionet? Well, no — he's entirely too healthy. Years ago he gave 
his clarionet to Maj. Sears, and this loved instrument, together with the 
Bible kissed by our sons of Malta, and a Confederate dollar bill, are resting 
in the Major's museum as relics of by-gone glory. And Col. Ayres — grand 
and glorious Jont. ; he never gets an hour older, and is still the genial and 
lively gentleman he was forty years ago — always ready to get up a dance, 
or take his place behind the scenes. 

Callie Doolittle, a charming girl, is now out West, happily married to 
a prosperous Yankee by the name of O'Brien, and the mother of several 
beautiful children. 

Isaac Newton Ayres, one of the brightest young men Upper Sandusky 
ever produced, died in the bloom of manhood, when his paths were full of 
promise, and his sacred dust now lies in a distant State, where the troubled 
Missouri, in its onward flow to the Gulf, sings a requiem for the departed. 

Frank Huber, another brilliant fellow, always sparkling with wit 
and the life of his young circle, met death at an early age and was con- 
quered. And so of poor Howell Morrison, who lived but a short year to 
survive the glory of Amidelphian honors. Wean Beals always good-look- 
ing and the Beau Brummel of those times, is a distinguished politician in 
Indiana, making his residence at Bourbon. A Whig then, was Wean; but 
now a Democrat and a prominent county official. 

And Charley Bagley — good old-fashioned Charley Bagley — with almost 
the brains of Webster and the genius of Franklin, it remained for him — 
Bagley- -to go through the trials and tribulations of life, and to find hap- 
piness in being much married and the father of a numerous family. He 
went to Carlo, III., where the rivers meet, and where mosquitoes blockade 
that American delta against the tide of emigration; but as Charley was 
mosquito-proof, he got fat on turtle soup and married a widow with six 
children. The lapse of a single decade brought him a half dozen more; 
and then death threw its pall over his cherished wife. In this bereavement we 
can see that great sympathetic heart wrung almost to the verge of suicide, 
but like all other widowers, he waltzed around with a crape on his hat, until 
he found an old maid who was willing to mother a lot of secondhand chil- 
dren with the prospect of adding to the stock as years advanced. This last 
enterprise yielded six more Bagleys — my God! Charley still lives, and a 
year ago, he sent the sketcher a photograph of himself and family, and says 
he, " dear Bob, I would have sent this months ago, but I was waiting 
for the eighteenth! Observe how sweetly my little Ami toys with her pet 
alligator, while Delphian is tugging at its tail; and that two hundred- 
pounder on the left, with the bronze jewelry, is named 'Mattie,' in honor 




a^ 






CRANE TOWNSHIP. 515 

of our favorite, the gifted and accomplished ' Lady Montague ' of our young- 

©1* ClRVS. 

Of the Amidelphian Society, only two remain in Upper Sandusky— 
grandmother and the gray-headod tiddler. 

THE EXODUS. 

In 1848, the news came from the newly discovered El Dorado, that 
mountains of silver and valleys ot gold were lying around loose, and that 
anybody with a mule and cart and a barrel of whisky could become a mil- 
lionaire in a few days. All he had to do was to treat the natives, and haul 
away the metal. A few nuggets of gold were shown to our citizens by a 
fellow who strutted our streets with a watch chain made of grizzly teeth, 
and that settled it. Bill Giles offered to sell or give away his printinc^ 
office; old Andy Mcllvain pulled down the blinds of the only aristocratic 
hotel we had; and other of our people refused their usual meals and tossed 
their better halves out of bed in wrestling with nightmares that were drop- 
ping down upon them whole tons of precious gold. They had it bad, and 
soon a party was formed to cross the plains. Bill Giles loaned the Pioneer 
office to his brother, Lige and Josiah Smith, and donned the dress and 
accouterments of a fighting guerrilla. He had Deacon McGill forge him 
three or four bowie knives out of rat-tail files, and with a revolutionary 
musket and a pocket cannon he announced his readiness to drive an ox-team 
or do the cooking on buffalo chips. Old Andy Mcllvain wrapped himself in 
a blanket and said he was ready to ride in that ox- team and demolish the 
provender. Also waiting to join the caravan were Col. Aaron Lyle, Will- 
iam Mcllvain, Swayne Mcllvain and several others whose names we cannot 
call to mind, including a sprightly nigger, named Buck, who had been raised 
by the Garrets. This Buck, with the strength of Hercules, was active as a 
cat, and as saucy as he was active. A short distance out on the plains Buck 
was found with a hole through his head, and consequently it was supposed 
that he died suddenly for want of breath, but as it was only one nigger less 
for grizzly feed, the party moved on. Before the plains were overcome, 
poor Bill Mcllvain, and that large generous hearted fellow. Col. Lyle, who 
was seeking health instead of gold, surrendered to the pale horse and 
his rider, and left their bones on the desert wastes of the Great West. 

Bill Mcllvain was a promising young man, about to enter the law, but 
a blighted love for one who also felt the bitterness of the shock, made him 
reckless to do and dare, and his sad fate was more the result of piercintr 
heart-throbs than the wreck of health from exposure. ° 

Col. Lyle was a brilliant young lawyer, who came here from Lancaster, 
Ohio, with the Beerys; his long and severe application while a student had 
impaired his health, and the hectic flush that mingled with his smiles and 
good humor, was a warning which thrilled his friends with the gravest 
apprehensions. It was death to remain; an overland trip might revive a 
shattered constitution, and still make life the dream of his ambition; but 
hope m its struggle with disease soon ended in the death of that grand, 
good fellow, who was loved and esteemed by all our citizens. 

Swayne Mcllvain, after an experience of several weeks on the plains, got 
scared at a moccasin track, and took the first balloon for Sandusky. 
He denied the soft impeachment, giving as a reason for his sudden re- 
appearance, "that father thought he had better go home and prepare a cave 
or two for the nuggets." 

Of the party, Bill Giles and old Andy Mcllvain drove their ox-team in 



516 . HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

sight of the Pacific, and ordered the natives to bring out their gold dast if 
they wanted it panned out. 

McTlvain, who had never done anything in his life but bow ta 
fellow-citizens from a hotel door, commencing at the American in Colum- 
bus, and ending with a hoiise at Upper Sandusky, didn't believe in exer- 
cising the pick and shovel; but he would go into a hay speculation with 
Bill Giles, and he did. Andy got the profits, and Bill got the hay. Bill 
has still some of that crop on hand, and will get up on a fence and swear 
till the sulphur oozes down into his boots every time he passes a hay stack. 
After Bill had killed his Ingin, fought a grizzly, and started and published 
two papers in California, he returned to Upper Sandusky and resumed pub- 
lication of the Pioneer. 

Others, from time to time, left for the Golden State, among them our 
genial and popular friend, William Bearinger. During the first excite- 
ment Mr. Bearinger had no idea of leaving his then prosperous business 
for allurements in the apparent verdure of far-off hills, but a dream unset- 
tled his mind. He dreamed that he was in the heart of the Rockies, and 
was moving along gracefully on a pair of six-foot 'snow shoes, when all at 
once he came to a very stylish and fashionable gulch. He looked over the 
declivity and saw that he could slide down with comparative ease, and he 
did. At the bottom there was a lump of gold that he could just raise a lit- 
tle by straining several of his left ribs, and he gave them a twist. To 
carry it up the incline on snow shoes was impossible, and in the act of 
shouting for help, he woke up. He could still see, however, the beautiful 
gulch, the huge lump of gold at its bottom, and the trees all around which 
he had blazed to mark the spot. He goes to Dr. McConnell, tells him his 
dream, and asks for advice. " Go, by all means, sir," said the doctor, "ex- 
amine every hole in the Rockies; be sure you don't miss a gulch; go sir, 
for if you don't, that lump of gold will haunt you forever." So William 
started for the golden shore by way of the gulches, and found the identical 
spot that appeared to him in his dream. In a year or two he returned well 
pleased over his trip, with a sly wink that it had been agreeably successful. 
Everybody thought he had that gold lump, and they would examine his 
left ribs to see if they were in a twist from heavy lifting, and would scratch 
around his shop at night to see where he had hid it, and would try to 
call William out on heavy articles; about how miich a man could lift you 
know, without affecting the lower part of his thorax, and how much he 
couldn't, perhaps; and one fellow would swfear that no hunk of gold that 
ever was born would weigh 200 pounds; and that he would like to see the 
chunk of gold that he couldn't hold out at arm's length, and he would bet 
William $50 that California wasn't much of a place for big lumps of gold 
anyhow, and he never would believe some of them stories until he saw the 
nuggets." And then William would smile so aggravatingly, and tell the 
Vjoys " to not be in a hurry — 'twasn't late yet," and then he would go to the 
shop window, and look out uneasily, as if he had something hid near the 
bark pile, while the boys would shy around on the other side of the fence 
and look for fresh dirt. So whether William's dream was ever realized is 
not known to this day. One thing is certain, he has never been out of 
humor since he returned from California, and the sketcher still thinks that 
William found that monster nugget; that he has it hidden under some barn, 
and as soon as two or three more of our old fellows die, he'll dig it out and 
buy the town. 

[Note. — These sketches will embrace a full expose of the Sons of Malta, 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 517 

with amusing scenes connected with the initiation of Hon. R. McKelly, 
James G. Roberts, Col. S. H. Hunt, Gen. Kirby, Dr. Henderson, Dr. J. M. 
Rhoads, William Marlow, and other prominent parties, and will particularly 
indicate at what point in the ceremony these gentlemen were unable to 
" hold their oats. " Rich ? Well, you can just bet. Nothing but a thous- 
and dollar check will prevent the calamity.] 

JOHN N. EEED. 

A pleasing character of our olden times was John N. Reed. He was ona 
of the men designed by nature to be accommodating. Nothing pleased John 
N. so well as to render his neighbor a service. He was truly a good old 
man, living one day with the hope of existing the next; looking upon futur- 
ity as so much space to enjoy life, and picking up what little jobs of paint- 
ing that were strewed along his eventful pathway. John N. always wore a 
smile upon his face, unless a tender chord of sympathy was touched, and 
then a tear would glisten in that benevolent eye, weeping for every misfort- 
une but his own. He filled his circle of usefulness well, but gained little 
beyond the pleasure it afforded him. God made this class of men, and it 
was part of His infinite wisdom. 

At the sick bed he was a ministering angel, rich in words of encourage- 
ment, with the tender care of a mother's gentle hand. He sought no reward 
in caring for those who found comfort in his presence, and when death came, 
his big heart would share in the distress of bereaved friends. The world 
may have called John N. a thriftless fellow, but how barren it would be of 
kindly offices if such men did not exist. It takes a variety of people to form 
a world, and if the John N.'s had never risen to the surface, Earth, with all 
its Solomons and its several Cleopatras, would have been a failure. 

John N. dropped into Upper Sandusky from Columbiana County, and 
had the honor of kicking out of his paint shop Gen. Morgan and Clement 
L. Vallandigham; for, although John was goodness itself, he would some- 
times get mad when the little Morgans and Vallandighams would steal his 
putty to make marbles, sprinkle sand in his paint, and put a bur in his pan- 
taloons where it would scratch the most good. But notwithstanding all this, 
John N. would frequently say that George and Val. were the brightest little 
fellows he ever saw, always sleeping with one eye open to study up some 
devilment. 

As John N. and Bill Giles were from the same town, and as Bill was 
another of the bad little boys who assisted George and Val. in their depre- 
dations against the paint shop, the Pioneer office was John N.'s usual place 
of resort, and he and Bill would have it for hours in discussing old times. 
Bill couldn't think of, speak of, or suggest anything about New Li.sbon or 
its people that wasn't perfectly familiar to John N. He was right on the 
spot when all the interesting incidents occurred, and helped to lay out the 
wounded, so to speak, if any laying out were necessary as a part of the re- 
cital. And when Bill inquired if he remembered the time when Lafayette 
quartered his troops on the common south of town, John N. was in raptures. 
"Didn't he? Oh, William, how you do revive old memories! Can I ever 
forget it! Did you never hear of me and Lafe going across the bridge to 
old Kate's, and whipping an Englishman with a wart on his nose for calling 
Gen. Washington a coward?" "Washington a coward," says I, " who fit 
the battle of Waterloo? And with that I knocked the Englishman into 
fragments; and the last I saw of Lafe, he was sweeping up the pieces for 
dog feed. Yes, William, I was a pretty active young man — a good deal 



518 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

like my Jimmie, when climbing for coons, or skirmishing at a primary 
election." 

John N, was at one time our honored coroner. He presided with tlie 
dignity of true Statesmanship; and when a dead body was found, with the 
glamour of violence casting its witchery over the ghastly sight, John N. 
was among the stars, surrounded by a halo of hallelujahs, with angelic 
wings sprouting out from all parts of his body. Old, old was John, but a 
stiff unknown in death, with the mystery of terrible incidents, threw over 
him the enchanting spell of active youth, and he was everywhere in a minute, 
commanding reverence and consideration in the name of the law! 

One beautiful Sabbath morning, the news came that a child was found 
in the river, toying with the ripples, a ghastly corpse! This intelligence 
illumined the serene countenance of the old coroner, and before his toilet 
was made, he was at the banks of the Lower Ford, peering into its crystal 
depths for the misery which sprinkles life with so many sorrowful accounts. 
He saw it — a dead babe! Very small, thought the Coroner, yet large enough 
to contain a human soul! It had scarcely caught a gleam of the beautiful 
sunlight, ere the pallor of death unfolded the glimpses of another world. 
" Oh, a beautiful babe," said the Coroner, "and must I, must I, in my old 
age, d — n these careless girls, who steal into the balmy air at night to feast 
upon the deceptive watermelon." He gloated over the beautiful lineaments 
of the miniature corpse, as it glinted in the ripples and sunbeams, deplor- 
ing the depravity of human nature when misfortune overtakes the wayward, 
every now and then casting a suspicious glance over the crowd of men to see if 
he co\ild detect a resemblance. Presently, the dead remains were fished to 
shore under the artistic skill of the old Coroner. His delight was only equaled 
by his enthusiasm; and when some one suggested that it was hairy and very 
like a cat, his indignation knew no bounds. You could see by the beads of 
sweat that scintillated with prismatic power from his anxious and agitated 
brow that he was suffering the pangs of a terrible disappointment, but be- 
fore he would give in, he appealed to the boys to look around among the 
bushes for a fur-coated Australian belle, who had broken loose from a side- 
show, and put in the balance of the season in fooling around a camp-meet- 
ing. By this time, it was very apparent that the corpse was an unfortunate 
Maltese of tender growth which rude hands had cast into the river. For 
many days after, the boys would mew at the Coroner, but the graceful old 
man bore it all with the resignation^of a martyr, frequently inviting them to 
the Blue Hall Corner for refreshments. 

The old man, however, never fully recovered from this cat-astrophy, and 
it was ever after one of the clouds which shrouded his usual happy disposi- 
tion. 

In addition to being Coroner, he held for years the position of court- 
crier, and took a pleasurable delight in calling that body to order. It was 
generally in a sonorous voice of great volume: "Hear he, hear ye, hear 
ye, the Court of Common Pleas is now in session. Those who have causes 
to present, will now come forwai'd and present them, and defendants must 
be in readiness at the call of the Judge. Lawyers may try their good- 
looking divorce cases in the back room. At a pleasant wink, Col. Kirby 
will vacate the office and go across the street to see a man." 

John N. would do without his meals most any time to be on hand to 
open and close the sessions of court. The position seemed to exalt his na- 
ture, and to miss one of these opportunities was to him a source of the deep- 
est distress. One afternoon when the old gentleman was enjoying a com- 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 519 

fortable snooze, and the court and counsel were busily engaged in consider- 
ing an interesting point in evidence, a wag tapped John N. on the i^houlder 
and told him it was time to adjourn court. He immediately sprang to his 
feet, and rubbing his eyes, yelled at the top of his voice "Hear ye, hear 
ye, hear ye, the covirt" — bat the balance of the cry was lost in an outburst 
of laughter in which the court and bar joined with a hearty zest. It was 
the most mortifying blow that ever befell John N., and it took him four 
hours to explain to Judge Bo wen the cause of his drowsiness and at what 
particular point in his dream the impudent fellow tapped him u.pon the 
shoulder. The Judge intimated that he might go this time, but if he ever 
indulged in such another disturbance there would be a dead court crier. 

John N. remained court crier until the rebellion broke out, when he 
went into the service as body-guard to Col. McCutchen. He came back 
flush with honors and took up his residence at Kirby where he died a few 
years after. He was a good old man who had a feeling of friendship for 
everybody, and against whom no one ever uttered a harsh word. 

[Note — Sketch, No. 211, by request, contains a graphic account of 
Rappe's Wagon Trade with the Indian — " Maybe Canton, maybe no Canton 
— heap black stripe on hub, dam lie — fool Ingin." McGregor, of the Stark 
County Democrat, has offered a thousand dollars for the exclusive right to 
publish this sketch, but Mack is wasting his spirit of enterprise, as this 
''American Author" writes only for The Union.] 

OUR FIRST CONSTABLE. 

Faded, perhaps, from the memory of most of our people, is the joviaj 
face of one, who was somewhat conspicuous here in early days. lie was 
dressed in the brief authority of Constable, and one of the first that hon- 
ored the township of Crane. He was a small man, a little stooped in the 
shoulders, with a red face that sported a sharp nose, and a pair of eyes that 
winked continually an assumption of knowledge on all points and phases 
connected with his official duties. He could write his name, as a parrot 
asks for a cracker, and further in the routine of educational exploits he 
could do but little; what he lacked in early advantages was more than made 
up in that peculiar cunning which follows the van of adventure, and what 
he did not know he never hesitated to assume, trusting to luck and that 
genius which enables nature to overcome obstacles. He was a pleasant fel- 
low, so gifted in his habits, that he he could render the asperities of 
his authority with such a degree of suavity, that you could lose your last 
cow, by the virtue and force of a remorseless execution, and yet feel a 
pleasurable delight in his presence. When those impenetrable eyes were 
not winking, they were weeping, not over the trials and vicissitudes of his 
own life, but over the unpleasantness of his position in being compelled to 
oppress his neighbor and fellow-citizen; yet, he always made it a point to 
add a score of mileage to his costs to cover any little discrepancy his benev- 
olent nature may have overlooked in its struggle with sympathy. Was he 
popular? There were few so well and pleasingly favored; and had he re- 
mained here a hundred years, and vacillated to all points of the political 
compass, he would still have ornamented our little writs of process with " S. 
Riggins, Constable." 

He was familiarly called "Sam," and seemed to relish this simple at- 
tachment to his name, although his official signature was never failing in 
the inevitable " S." He seemed to take peculiar pride in that twisted capi- 
tal, which he painted rather than wrote, allowing the Riggins to take care 



520 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

of itself. His ambition in the science of chirography commenced and ended 
with the capital "S." The Riggins was a mere pastime of a few hiero- 
glyphics. 

Natiarally, one of Sam's exultant disposition created in many a desire to 
put it to the test. He was knovvn to be alert in everything that came under 
his notice, or to his knowledge by virtue of his official position, so one 
night, a messenger, white with excitement, informed him, in a voice choked 
with consternation, that a murder had been committed at Allen Sane's gro- 
cery; that the ghastly corpse was still dripping with blood, and that the 
murderer armed with a corn-cutter was standing over the inanimate form, 
defying arrest. Did Samuel pale before this picture of desperation, and 
complain of an uneasiness below his vest? Nothing of the kind. He im- 
mediately jumped into his boots and was flying for the scene of carnage 
before he had arranged his toilet. The messenger who carried his coat 
while Sam was fooling with his shirt collar abstracted his revolver and re- 
placed it with a corn-cob. Sam threw on his coat as he came to Sane's door, 
and bursting in, saw a sight that was calculated to freeze the blood of anv 
ordinary mortal. The x'uffian with a corn-cutter dripping with blood was 
still brandishing it over the prostrate body of his victim, and threatening 
death to any one who came within reach. Sam placed himself before the 
murderer, and with the power vested in him by the statutes in such case 
made and provided, demanded a surrender in the name of the State of 
Ohio. "The State of Ohio be d — d," said the murderer, making a bloody 
thrust at the Constable. At this breach of respect for an officer of the law, 
Sam pulled his revolver to find it a corn-cob! Here was a predicament that 
the Constable had not contemplated. He was defenseless before an in- 
furiated outlaw, armed with a corn-cutter, and with one victim already dead 
at his feet! Bu.t Sam hesitated at nothing. He flew at the giant, grasped 
his sturdy right arm, and in a short struggle, wrenched the weapon from 
his hand. Sam was now the victor and radiant with triumph. The mur- 
derer must strip and submit to a search under the uplifted corn-cutter, 
which Sam now flourished over his head. To this demand, the murderer 
quietly submitted, when about 250 pounds of Allen Sane tumbled out of 
the disguise. By this time. Red Thread, who was playing corpse on the 
floor, got up and made for the long-necked bottle, that served as a kind of 
free lunch during preparations for this little drama which was " to take in, 
do up. and demolish the Constable. " In Sam, however, they had caught a 
tartar. He had demonstrated that there was no lacking of pluck, even in a 
CouRtable; and if it hadn't been for the happy exchange, in which a corn- 
cob took the place of Sam's revolver, there might have been a very funny 
dead man with a very solemn funeral. 

Allen was graceful enough to acknowledge that he was disappointed, 
alid that he felt it his duty to set it up for the boys whenever Sam should 
order it. 

You see, gentle reader, it was all made up to "scare Sam out of his 
boots," because Sam, when a little full, would sometimes boast of his 
courage, and how he brought this and that fellow to time when disposed to 
be a little ugly. Allen Sane, to have some fan and to "take the conceit 
out of Sam," submitted to the decorative art and was patched up to repre 
sent a formidable specimen of the plug-ugly. He induced Red Thread to 
play the part of a pleasant corpse while the fun was going on, and also 
called in a number of the boys to witness Sam's terror and complete over- 
throw when he should fall into the trap. The hilarious Sane just doubled 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 521 

up with laughter in assuring the boys that he would frighten the little devil 
so he couldn't wink for a month. But how transitory are all the blissful 
dreams of life. Sam wouldn't scare worth a cent, but, as the sequel shows, 
came off with flying colors, and Allen never heard the last of that bloody 
murderer who was captured by one little man, whose only weapon was a 
corn cob. 

[Note — Correspondent — Yes, we will have a pleasant sketch of Elliot 
Long, which will consist of a good deal of turtle soup; but we have about 
fifteen years of trouble to prodiice before we arrive at the charm of three. 

One of our best sketches is Aleck Little's introduction of George Depler 
to a belle of Crawfordsville, at one of the grand dances held in that town 
in early days. At thin introduction, George got fighting mad, and threat- 
ened to annihilate Aleck, but Aleck told him to not disturb his linen, as he 
had given him a big send-off, for the ladies would now have confidence in 
his ability. 

Another sketch embraces Aleck's experience at the Old Council House, 
on one rainy afternoon, when it wasn't a good day for his business.] 

THE LITTLE FRENCH DOCTOR. 

A new town is usually a nucleus around which gather the curiosities in 
human life. It is one of earth's savory spots that attract moth as well as 
genius and enterprise. The Mieawbers are there for something to turn up, 
moving pleasantly among those stimulated by a laudable ambition. Thirty- 
seven years ago. Upper Sandusky was a new town, and, like all other new 
towns, its three or four hundred inhabitants was the result of great expec- 
tation upon the part of a variety of people, including one colored man who 
still remains with us in the person of Uncle Archy. The professions are 
always gracefully represented in new towns. Where there is an appearance 
of law. there is a profusion of lawyers; then come the physician, the un- 
dertaker and the politician. While Messrs. Mott, McKelly, Sears, Kirby 
and a singular looking mixture of nature and Blackstone by the name of 
Wier represented the law, Drs. McConnell, Ayres, Ferris, Watson and Hartz 
gave their skill and attention to the afflicted. Valentine & DeLong made our 
coffins, and any teamster for $1 would haul out the dead. We indulged in no 
parade of hearse and plumage, in a force of spangled pall-bearers and a 
retinue of hired carriages.* In those days it was an expensive luxury to 
die. You could go off with a $10 estate, with the quiet and beatific assur- 
ance that the boys would plant you in handsome style But what a change! 
To die now almost shatters a fortune, leaving the bereaved friends doubly 
afflicted. So expensive has this funeral business become that three or four 
of our old inhabitants utterly refuse to die, adding largely to the gray hairs 
of their prospective heirs, who have been waiting and watching so many 
years on the ragged edge of hope and despair. In talking to an old friend 
lately, he said: "Do you know, Bob, that it costs from 1800 to a $1,000 
for a fellow to die these days." " So much!" exclaimed the sketcher. 
" Yes, all of it, and I'll see them d — d first. I would have passed in my 

* The first hearse made its appearance in Upper Sandusky some time in the year 1851. It was the 
enterprise of B. SuUiger, who came after Valentine & DeLong, to make our resurrection outfits. This 
hearse was fashioned a little after John Gary's chicken wagon, only the sides were closed with a curtain of 
black muslin, to give it the appearance of a catafalque, as it were. We think death was stripped of a good 
deal of its gloom after SuUiger launched his hearse. It was hauled by one horse, produced, not unfre- 
quently, by the party who furnished the corpse, and as a usual thing nothing occurred to mar the harmony 
of the occasion. For the times, the SuUiger hearse served its purpose well, and reflected upon that tine old 
quiet gentleman considerable credit; but it would be a sorrowful looking attait in contrast with the elegant 
and costly^ yet tearful, equipages which now bear the remains of loved ones to our beautiful city of the dead. 



522 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

checks several years ago, but I really can't afford it. I intend now to meet 
Gabriel on the threshold and help him blow his horn." 

Among the peculiar people of our new town was Hartz, the little French 
doctor. He was a very small man, so distinctively French in his nature 
and appearance that he smelt of Paris. He was precise in his dress, and, 
while eschewing everything American, was studious, even severe, in pre- 
serving all the customs of his native land; hence an immaculate frilled 
shirt always bloomed beneath a beaver cap, which he wore winter and sum- 
mer, and when the weather would permit, an elegant pelisse, upon which 
connoisseurs of the art had expended their taste and skill. It was very 
evident that the doctor had seen better days, and that his sojourn in America, 
if not an experiment, was the result of those social or political upheavals 
so common in France during the unsettled reign of Louis Philippe. He 
had a beautiful wife, and a still more beautiful daughter, who gave the most 
pleasing indications of culture and refinement. In appearance they re- 
flected the fastidiousness of the husband and father, yet with that delicate 
shading which lends a charm to the softer sex. 

Like other great men, Dr. Hartz had his failing. He would get drunk. 
Not every day, but every evening, and his favorite place of resort was the 
Blue Ball Corner. With French enthusiasm he always carried a revolver 
and a dagger cane, which he never exercised nor threatened to use. yet his 
impulsive nature was full of dangerous apprehensions. At all events, when 
the boys played a trick on the Doctor they were mindful of first securing his 
cane and fire-arms. The Doctor's greatest delight was to get with a small 
party around a table, drink wine and talk of his beloved France. He would 
toy with his wine, describing many graceful circles with the glass to give a 
pleasing embellishment to his conversation, always mingling a flow of good 
French to get oflf a supply of bad English. What he could not clearly 
enunciate by a mixture of both languages he would make impressive, or at 
least amusing, by a system of pantomine that was irresistible. 

One night, when the Doctor was full, and in that high state of inebria- 
tion where the sorrows and anxieties of earth roll on, and leave the subject 
in a grateful state of semi-forgetfulness, he was informed that a patient at 
the point of death needed his attention. True to his professional instinct, 
although drunk, he manifested a desire to go, and was led to the death bed 
of a fellow mortal. The boys had a fellow in bed to represent a very sick 
. man, and he was tossing the clothes around with an appearance of agcmy. 
Drunk as the Doctor was, he took in the situation, and with his peculiar 
French dignity, examined the "sufferer" very critically, and with apparent 
candor. The boys were " tickled to death" at seeing the little Doctor so 
terribly fooled, and the patient was several times on the brink of bursting 
into a fit of laughter. The Doctor took no notice of this levity, but ordered 
a huge mustard plaster. The kind and anxious attendants, however, had 
no idea of furnishing material for this appliance. When they went into a 
side room apparently to consult, but in fact to give vent to their pent-up 
laughter, they heard the shrill cry of " murder" issue from the sick man's 
room. Thunderstruck they rushed in and behold! The Doctor was on the 
bed, holding the patient down with one hand, and snapping a lance at him 
with the other. When pulled off the bed, and asked for an explanation, 
the Doctor said: "Zee patient is on zee verge of suppuration, and zee bad 
blood must come out. It's zee worse case of zee dam fool, and phlebotomee 
in zee fool case is triumph of zeemee-de-sin profesh-ong. " By this time, the 
patient was yelling and waltzing around the room, with his back covered 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 523 

with blood, oozing from a dozen punctures made by the Doctor's lance. The 
sellers were sold, and to keep this intelligence from McCoy, of the Blue 
Ball, they did not dare to utter a word of complaint against the Doctor for 
his merciless use of the lance upon their improvised patient. They cau- 
tioned the Doctor to say nothing about it, and he should have a half dozen 
of his favorite wine. So after plastering up the back of their patient, they 
all went down to the Blue Ball and ordered the wine. The Doctor was 
very convivial, and drank until his little eyes lost their luster. When he 
started home, 'Lish McCurdy was on hand with his rope, which he tied 
across the pavement every half square to trip up and throw the Doctor to 
hear him swear in broken French. 

The Doctor furnished a good deal of auDUsement for the boys, very fre- 
quently coming out ahead, as he did in the case related. 

He was a man of more than ordinary intellect, well skilled in his pro- 
fession, and would have been successful and prosperous had not his beset- 
ting infirmity overcome him. 

He tried to become a permanent resident by building the wide, pecu- 
liarly-shaped brick structure, which remained for years on the site now oc- 
cupied by John H. Junkin, and which he called his Cote de Par-ee. Here 
he lived with his beautiful wife and daughter, who suffered the mortifica- 
tion of his drunken debauches, yet murmured not in any sign of outward 
rebuke. He was always the husband and father and treated with the ten- 
derest feelings of respect. He was all they had of the better days which 
filled life with emotions of pleasure, and in him they could still see a soul 
adorned amid the wreck and sorrows of human frailty. 

After a few years' residence here the Doctor as mysteriously disappeared 
as he rose to the surface — another bubble on the great ocean of life, "a 
moment white, then lost forever." 

THE MAJOR. 

We tip our beaver, this week, to Maj. Anthony Bowsher. The old gen- 
tleman is still living, and in good enough health to not tolerate any foolish- 
ness, consequently the sketcher will not permit his imagination to make any 
of its usual flights. The Major is a gentleman who has dealt largely in 
experience, and has had his share of earth's pleasures and vicissitudes. 
From early years to comparative old age, he was active and energetic, will- 
ing to do anything in the line of work or trade. He came to this county 
from Circleville, Ohio, a short time before Jackson waH elected President, 
and had the honor of casting his first vote for that old hero. Thrown upon 
his own resources when quite young, he had no opportunity to attend 
school, and his education, so far as it concei'ned books, was entirely neg- 
lected. The only part of the alphabet that looked familiar to him was the 
letter X, which meant Anthony Bowsher when he went bail on a sale note 
and got stuck. 

The Major settled on the plains, south of this city, at a point which still 
bears his name. He labored hard until he accumulated sufficient means to 
start a country store, which contained everything you could think of. in- 
cluding the post ofiice and a bar, where spirits could be revived at three 
cents a smile. The Major did a good business, and notwithstanding he 
could neither read nor write nor cipher, he had remarkable success. A good 
deal of credit was done in those days, and it used to perplex the Major con- 
siderably to keep run of the things "got on tick." His manner of book- 



524 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

keeping was a system of symbols which the Major had reduced to almost a 
science. 

One day old Smith came in "dam mad" and wanted to settle. This 
anxiety was caused by the Major sending word a few days before, " that if 
he didn't come in and pay up, he'd whale h — 1 out of him." Smith, white 
with rage, was on hand and demanded his account. The Major reached 
down into an old boot and pulled out a shingle upon which he kept the 
score of the much agitated Smith. The first charge was a long mark with 
two prongs, and Smith acknowledged a pitchfork; another attempt at design 
convinced Smith that he had got a pair of shoes, two drinks and a bottle of 
paregoric. They were getting along well on settlement until the shingle 
showed a large, symmetrically-drawn circle, which Major insisted was a 
cheese. Here Smith's venom bubbled over, and accused the Major of an 
attempt to swindle him. He never had a cheese in his house. They never 
ate cheese. His family would starve alongside a cheese factory, so great 
was their aversion to that article of indigestible food. The Major was 
highly indignant that any member of the contemptible Smith family would 
dispute his books, or rather his shingle; and if Smith didn't shut his fly- 
trap he would lead him out by the eye-brow. By the time a crowd had 
gathered in to prevent bloodshed, the Major doubled up with laughter. 
"I've got it," says he. "Why, Smith, it's a grindstone. I forgot to put 
a hole in it." Of course. Smith recollected the grindstone, and was well 
pleased that the controversy ended so happily. He advised the Major, 
however, to be more particular with his "double entry" hereafter when he 
opened a new set of shingles. In the Major's way of keeping accounts, 
while a large circle stood for cheese, a similar circle with a dot in the cen- 
ter represented a grindstone. In this instance he had neglpcted the dot, 
and hence the confusion at this settlement. Smith also objected to the cari- 
cature the Major had drawn to designate the debtor. He declared the ears 
were too long, and he'd be d — d if he had a turned-up nose and a sore 
heel. 

The Major, in his day, was a general favorite, noted for his benevolence 
as well as for his many sterling business qualities. Nature had done a 
great deal for the Major, and with ])roper advantages he might have 
advanced to almost any position in society. He was always willing to pro- 
mote any good calling, or get up a horse race, and gave freely of his means 
to support chui'ches and schoolhonses. 

One da}- INIrs. B. informed the Major that a preacher would be there for 
dinner; that he should be on his good behavior; talk nice and pious, and 
above all to keep from swearing in the good man's presence; all of which 
the Major promised faithfully. He said he would just make that preacher 
believe he was a peddler from Jerusalem with a grip-sack full of tracts and 
holy water. " Bet'yer life, mam, you won't be ashamed of your darling this 
time." The preacher came, an elegant dinner was spread, and the Major, 
with the dignity of a statesman, took his seat at the table. He was all 
smiles and talked his prettiest, frequently calling the minister 'Squire, 
sometimes Judge, and once or twice he ornamented that follower of the 
Lamb with the title of Genei'al. He was getting along splendidly, and his 
good wife was in raptures. The Major was pleasingly congratulating him- 
self that his true sphere in life was pious and refined company, when the 
minister asked him "if there were any deer in this part of the country." 
At last he took the Major unawares, and, all excitement, his response was^ 
"Why, J s C- 1, man, the woods are full of them!" Here tottered 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 525 

and fell the beautiful edifice he had ei-ected for wife and minister. The 
Major's chagrin, the crushing disappointment of his wife, and the surprise 
and consternation of the minister over this little mishap formed a tableau 
unapproachable in its intensity, throbbing and palpitating with those pecu- 
liar feelings which find a struggle between irresistible smiles and tears. 
But was he to blame? In unguarded moments nature will break out, no 
matter how well fortified with good intentions. 

In appearance, the Major looked like a hero. He had a splendid phy- 
sique, straight as an arrow, with a pair of shoulders that supported a head 
that might have been mistaken for the author of "give me liberty or give 
me death," but it never was. Forty years ago the Major's person was a 
matter of remark, as it indicated considerable prominence, and the result 
was. when abroad, he was sure to attract the notice of strangers. He fre- 
quently visited Columbus on business, making the trip on an Indian pony, 
which was the next best thing to a steam railway. He always stopped at 
the Neil, and had picked up an intimate acquaintace with old Modecai Bart- 
ley, then Governor of the State. One day at dinner, while the two were 
waiting to be served, the Major threw himself back in his chair and spread 
a newspaper before him with all the grace and dignity of a French savant. 
Any one coming in at that moment would certainly have taken him for the 
Governor, but he wasn't. After a good many guests had assembled around 
the table, the Major, who couldn't read, had accidentally got his paper upside 
down, and catching a glimpse of some marine advertisements embellished 
with small cuts of steamers, became very much excited and exclaimed: 
"Whew! By the holy Moses, there's been a h — 1 of a storm on the lake. 
The ships are all upside down, and the dam things are leaking. This 
brought Mordicai to his feet, and looking over the Major's shoulder saw the 
difiiculty. " He informed the Major that he held his paper wrong side up! 
The Major dropped to it immediately, and with his natural cvinning 
remarked: "All in fun, Gov'ner; only trying to get up a little laugh for 
that one-eyed Senator at the other end of the table." 

The Major lived many years in this place, and did business in a little 
log shanty, first opposite the old log tavern, and then on the site now occu- 
pied by Mr. Moody. For the last thirty years, he has resided in Carey, 
surrounded by a large circle of warm friends. He has been a widower a 
long time, making home with his daughter. He is still full of the old 
humor, and carries a cane, on which is tied a dozen or two specimens of 
calico; and when interrogated on this point, smilingly replies, that they 
are samples of the several widows who of late years have been persuasively 
troublesome; but he always has room on his cane for one more 

The Major is still a very interesting old gentleman and delights in re- 
hearsing old times on the plains. His account of a fimeral at Bowsherville 
strips death of its solemnity, but the story doesn't pan out well unless the 
Major relates it.* He often speaks of being the architect of the two richest 

*The subject of this luneral was Abe Roseberry. His wife preceded him to the other shore. Abe 
put in all his spare time in drinking whii-ky, which he drew from his own barrel and drank out of a tin 
cup. His wife was an invalid, looking and hoping for death every moment; not that she was weary of life 
or Abe, but of the wreck and pangs ot disease. Abe loved his wife, and hearing she was about to die, grief- 
stricken, he grabbed his tin, drew it full of whisky, and rushing into the sick room, muttered in broken 
sobs: •' Here, Debby, let's take one last drink together. You have always been kind to me, Debby — 
drink ! " The poor woman was dead, yet her glazed eyes seemed to have a tender smile for him. Crushed 
in the presence of death, the wild and unguarded nature gave way, and the wretched husband sank sense- 
less to the floor. After the death of his wile, Abe made a will, containing an item, that a barrel of whisky 
and a tub of honey should be appropriated for his friends, and that they should not bury him until the 
whisky and honey'were exhausted. A short time after, Abe died; the remains were laid out in state, and 
for three days and nights his friends waked the corpse, striving to get away ■nith the whisky and honey in 
accoidance with the will. When the last tinful was passed around, the remains were placed in a wagon, 
and the march to the grave commenced. The mourners were a little top-heavy, yet the pangs of grief were 



526 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

men in the county, and that their remarkable advance to social and financial 
eminence was all due to his Christian advice and example. Although the 
Major's expletives were usually steeped in sulphur and would go oft' with the 
fury of several sky-rockets, he never permitted either of the Davids to in- 
dulge in the smallest cuss word; and to this day they are shocked at the 
slightest semblance to profanity. Even mill-dam was objectionable to one 
of them, and tenants were ordered to call it "water-stop" when his shadow 
rested upon the mill. 

The Major is now resting under the weight of ninety years, yet still able 
to move among his friends, and has promised a visit to Upper Sandusky in 
a few days. Let every one give the old gentleman a hearty welcome. 

THE FIRST SINGING SCHOOL. 

There are two professions which seem to have a sympathetic alliance. 
The inspiration of one entwines gracefully with the merits of the other. It 
is keeping race horses in summer and teaching singing school in winter. 
It i-equires the same degree of talent and lung power, and the profits are 
not so much to be considered as the pleasure and gratification of the em- 
ployment. 

In the fall of 1846, a young gentleman visited the new town of Upper 
Sandusky, ornamented with a long green bag which contained a violin, 
vulgarly, sometimes, called a fiddle. He announced himself as Prof. Van 
Gundy, and his object in greeting the people was to establish in our midst 
a singing school. Maj. Sears was then a young man who had led a choir or 
two at Bucyrus, and was somewhat noted for a tine falsetto voice. To him 
the Professor was directed for consolation. As we had just recovered from the 
small pox, the Major was a little diffident about spreading another epidemic, 
so he called to his assistance, Col. McKelly, Capt. Ayres, J. G. Roberts and 
Jacob Juvinall. They held a council of war over Van Gundy's fitness to 
practice his winter profession with the same degree of expertness that fol- 
lowed his alleged success during the summer. The Professor passed a very 
flattering examination, and as one of the above gentlemen remarked, " he 
could chaw patent notes with any man in America, living or dead," and was 
allowed to open the old Council House for business. 

Of course the house was jammed, as nothing seemed to take so well in those 
days as a singing school. Prof. Van Gundy made his appearance; was in 
raptures over his enthusiastic reception, and, without further ceremony, un- 
wrapped the violin from its green bag, and rendered "Old Hundred " with 
such fascinating rhapsody that the Major called for three cheers. He said 
he had heard Paganini's " Last Rose of Summer " Ole Bull's " Arkansaw 
Traveler," and Deacon McGill's " Bear Trot," but that Gundy's "Star Span- 
gled Banner " beat them all and was entitled to the cake. Of course the 
Major did'nt like it very well when Billy King rose to a point of order, and 
insisted " that the Major should not try to palm off the doxology upon an 
intelligent audience for one of our national hymns." The Major, then, a 
good deal like he is now, appealed to the chair for the correctness of his 
musical judgment, and the chair, who was the Professor himself, " downed 

none the less evident When they came to the grave they found it considerably too short and not half wide 
enough to admit the coffin, so they thought they would take the corpse back and have another drink while 
the grave-digger was making a larger hole, and they did. By this time the shades of night were crawling 
upon them, but Abe had to be buried, and a second start was made. When the wagon drove up to the 
grave, and Maj. Bowsher was clearing his throat to pass an appropriate eulogy upon the life and services of 
the deceased, the corpse was missing ! The old wagon leaked and dropped Abe somewhere on the way. 
Back rushed the mourners in search of the corpse, which they readily found ; and at last Abe was planted. 
This is the substance of Abe's wake and funeral, which the Major amplifies with so many amusing situa- 
tions, that you are irresistibly compelled to smile at death. 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 527 

him,"' exclaiming that the beautiful aria he had just executed was the veri- 
table "Old Hundred" and not the "'Star Spangled Banner" by a blank 
sight. Still the Major refused to be quieted, and called for a division of 
the house, and while thirty-nine voted for "Old Hundred," forty cast their 
ballots for the " Star Spangled Banner." Verily, there were a few scattering 
votes for "Barbara Allen" and "The Girl I Left Behind Me," but they 
were not counted. 

The Major was victorious, and, for his musical discrimination, elected 
Superintendent of the singing school. He took the seat of honor and 
hoped that harmony would prevail, and among other things stated " that to 
prevent further confusion or controversy in regard to Prof. Van Gundy 's 
violin solos executed at the opening of these exercises, he would appoint 
Capt. Ayres, Col. McKelly, Judge Beidler and Capt. Worth, as connoisseurs, 
to determine and settle all questions that might arise hereafter in regard to 
their musical identity." This seemed to spread the white wings of peace 
over the audience, and all went to work at their buckwheat notes with a zeal 
and earnestness that made it lovely as well as melodious in the old Council 
House. But this supreme state of affairs only lasted for a short time. 

Van Gundy, like all other impressarios, was nervous and excitable, and 
when some of our then young ladies (who are all forty-nine now), arranged 
their bustles for a flying leap among the flats and sharps on Gundy's black- 
board, and got upso high that there was great danger of falling over on 
the other side, the Gundy presented a picture of desperation, and would 
sometimes insinuate that the audience before him was worse than the Ingins. 
This naturally created some little resentment, and before the close of the 
exercises it was evident that the Council House was entirely too large for a 
class in singing, on account of the home talent that gathered around an old 
ash barrel in the corner. The Superintendent thought so, too, and resigned 
his position. It was also very evident that while you could run a prayer 
meeting at the Council House, a singing school was out of the question, so 
Prof. Van Gundy announced "that the 'Sweet Singers in Israel' " — that 
was the name of the society — " would meet hereafter in the parlors of the 
Sell's Hotel, two doors north of Abe Trager's blacksmith shop." On the 
evening designated the Hotel Rocky presented a gay appearance, and Law- 
yer Sells, who spoke both languages fluently, was on hand to usher in the 
musical celebrities of our new town. In a few minutes the parlors were so 
ci'owded that Prof. Van Gundy and his fiddle had to be taken in through a 
window. Upon his appearance there was a loud yell for " Bonaparte Cross- 
ing the Alps," which was another of the Professor's solos that would pass 
muster for either the " Pretty Mer-i-maid," or " Yankee Doodle." 

It was usual, at Prof. Van Gundy's singing school, for one of the prom- 
inent members present to sing a song, and on the evening in question Capt. 
Ayres was announced for the " Raging Canawl," then one of the flowers in 
the bouquet of altisonant minstrelsy. Capt. Ayres was then one of our hand- 
somest young men, who always wore a ruffled shirt and a diamond that threw 
oft" scintillations equal to our present electric light. He was, moreover, the 
impersonation of modesty, and to face that critical audience, with Rocky 
Sells standing at the front door with a club to keep back the intruders, was 
a little more than the Captain could undergo, so he excused himself by stat- 
ing that, in consequence of a large gum-boil on one of his toes, he was not 
in sufficient voice to do the " Raging Canawl " justice; and from the appear- 
ance of the animation outside, it might be well for the Professor to take the 
first mule for Sycamore. By this time the men and boys outside held at 



528 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

bay by liocky, deployed to the rear of the building, entered through the 
kitchen, and made their appearance among the singers, and you may know 
their presence created a cheerful pandemonium. Here it was that the tall 
and aged form of the elder Sells made its appearance, and waving the babel 
of tongues to silence, got off the following with a touch of parental affec- 
tion: 

" I wish to state to this congregation," said Father Sells " that there is 
altogether too much hi ligi-ty. I am informed by my worthy son. Rocky, 
that there are many here to-night who have sneaked in through a hole in 
the cellar for the purpose of spectating. Now I am willing they shall spec- 
tate, but those who come here to spectate should spectate, and not 
interfere with those who come here to exercise their exercise; and those 
who have come here to exercise their exercise should exercise their 
exercise, and not throw paper wads at those who come here to spectate; 
and those who come here to spectate should spectate, and not till the 
Professor's fiddle with shelled corn and rub tallow on his bow, as it 
makes the doxology look sick and frightens the children in the next 
room. I'm an old man from Carroll County, but by the holy Moses, those 
who come here to spectate must spectate, and those who come here to exer- 
cise their exercise must exercise their exercise, or somebody, will get led 
out by the eyebrow." 

This speech was received with such vociferous applause that, before its 
effect had died away. Prof. Van Gundy bagged his violin, gathered up his 
patent notes, slid out of the back door and was seen no more. Thus ended 
the first singing school in Upper Sandusky. The above recital of a true 
occurrence should not indicate that there was ill-feeling or anything out- 
side the propriety of a fun -loving assemblage. Those who went there to 
"exercise their exercise" undoubtedly had their tents pitched toward Zion, 
but the boys who " got in through the cellar" made it lively, as they always 
do, and this was done, not maliciously, but to play upon the sensitive nature of 
the Professor, who made a ridiculous exhibition of himself at every slight 
annoyance. In the language of a famous French author — " It was fun the 
gamin wanted, not fight. " 

CORPORATE HISTORY. 

As already shown, the town was incorporated in February, 1848, but no 
records are now accessible— doubtless none are in Existence — to indicate who 
the officers were from 1848 to the spring of 1857, or what proceedings took 
place. Among those, however, who served as Mayor during this interval of 
time, unaccounted for, were William W. Bates, who was the first to occupy 
that position; next came Bivens. the shoemaker, and subsequently John D. 
Sears, Esq., who served two terms. 

The village officers in June, 1857 — the date of the earliest minutes of 
the proceedings of town council now to be found — were Chester K. Mott, 
Mayor; E. M. Krakau, Recorder, or as now termed Clerk; Peter A. Tyler, 
John Stoker, Peter B. Beidler, James G. Roberts and B. SuUinger, Trustees 
or Town Council. Ernest M. Krakau, the Recorder, who was also known as 
a Surveyor and Civil Engineer, he having leveled and indicated the grade 
of the principal streets of Upper Sandusky, in September, 1848, died in 
September, 1857, when John Berry was appointed Recorder to till va- 
cancy. 

On the 10th of April, 1858, the following was made a matter of record: 

" On motion, orders were drawn in favor of P. A. Tyler, P. B. Beidler, 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 529 

J. Stoker and B. Sullinger for $10 each, and an order in favor of J. G. 
Roberts for $5 for services as Councilman for the last two years. On mo 
tion Council adjourned sine die.'''' To defray the necessary expenses of the 
village for the current year, a tax of $500 was levied in 1857. The prin- 
cipal officers of the town elected since 1857 are shown as follows: 

1858 — William T. Wilson, Mayor; John Stoker, R. A. Henderson, 
Henry Miller, John D. Sears and Samuel H. Hunt, Trustees; John Patter- 
son, Marshal; James McCIean, Recorder. 

1859 — James G. Roberts, Mayor; John Stoker, R. R. McKee, Henry 
Miller, N. F. Goetz and William Ayres, Councilmen; John Patterson, Mar- 
shal, and J. A. Maxwell, Recorder. 

I860*— Curtis Berry, Sr., Mayor; James G. Roberts, R. R. McKee, Rob- 
ert Hunter, N. F. Goetz and Henry Miller, Councilmen; Robert Crary, 
Marshal; M. W. Blucher, Recorder. 

1861— Curtis Berry, Sr., Mayor; R. R. McKee, Robert Hunter, John 
Seider, N. F. Goetz and William Marlow, Councilmen; James G. Roberts, 
Recorder; William Ayres, Treasurer; Jesse Brandenburgh, Marshal. 

1862— Chester R. Mott, Mayor; James H. Williams, Recorder; Michael 
Moran, James Griffin, E. Zollars, William Quaintance and Levi Shultz, 
Councilmen; William Ayres, Treasurer; Daniel Fishel, Marshal. 

1863 — John Agerter, Mayor; William B. Hitchcock, Recorder; Thomas 
Dolan, Anthony Christen, James H Freet, John H. Junkins and Lawrence 
Bowman, Councilmen; William Ayres, Treasurer, Anton Koppe, Mar- 
shal. 

1864 — Peter A. Tyler, Mayor; William B. Hitchcock, Recorder; John 
H. Junkins, R. R. McKee, C. R. Mott, Thomas Dolan and L. Bowman, 
Trustees; Anthony Christen, Treasurer; M. Thomas, Marshal. Mayor 
Tyler died in June, 1864, when John Berry was appointed to that office to 
fill vacancy. 

1865 — Robert McKelly, Mayor; Henry Maddux, Recorder; Michael Mo- 
ran, Chester R. Mott, Christian Engel, George W. Saltsman and Louis 
Gottfried, Councilmen; Anthony Christen, Treasurer. 

1866 — Robert McKelly, Mayor; W\ J. Hall, Recorder; Michael Moran, 
George W. Saltsman, William Ayres, Peter B. Beidler and Jacob Schaefer, 
Councilmen; John Cramer, Marshal; Anthony Christen, Treasurer. An- 
thony Christen died in June, 1866, when R. R. McKee was appointed 
Treasurer to till vacancy. 

1867 — George W. Saltzman, Mayor; William M. Lowther, Recorder; 
Robert McKelly, Treasurer; Anton Koppe, Marshal; Peter B. Beidler, 
William Ayres, George Adair, Jacob Schaffer and Michael Moran, Council- 
men. 

1868 — Henry A. Hoyt, Mayor; Joel W. Gibson, Recorder; Michael Mo- 
ran, George Adair, Joseph Hutter, John Seider and Peter B. Beidler, 
Councilmen; R. R. McKee, Treasurer; Anton Koppe, Marshal. 

1869 — George Myers, Mayor; Joel W. Gibson, Recorder; J. S. Lowery, 
P. O'Brien, Jost Gloeser, Peter B. Beidler and John Seider, Councilman; 
Ulrich Orsinger, Treasurer; Anton Koppe, Marshal. 

1870— J. K. McCracken, Mayor; Peter B. Beidler, Patrick O'Brien, R. 
A. Henderson, Leonard StJef, Joseph Gaa and L. A. Brunner, ('ouncil- 
men; Anton Koppe, Marshal; Ulrich Orsinger, Treasurer; Henry Wolfnrd, 
Clerk. 

* In May, 1860, 100 citizens presented a petition to this Council, praying for this protection of the "(ireen 
Tree," standing on Sandusky avenue, a little north of the front of the jail. This was the tree which was 
cut down when the street was macadamized in 1S74, and under which bones of soldiers of the war of 
1812-15 were found. 



530 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

]871 — Samuel M. Worth, Joseph Gaa, Jacob J. Stoll, Couneilmen ; 
Joel W. Gibson, Clerk; Frederick Ritter, Street Commissioner. In Decem- 
ber, 1871, the Council appointed the following gentlemen as members of the 
first Board of Health for the town, viz. : Dr. R. N. McConnell and Dr. A. 
Billhardtto serve three years; S. Watson and A. W. Brinkerhoff to serve two 
years; T. E. Beery and John Agerter to serve one year. 

1872 — Darius D. Hare, Mayor; Josiah Lowery, W. A. Gipson and 
Peter Beidler, Couneilmen; William E. Bowsher, Treasurer; Joel W. Gib- 
son, Clerk; Christian Tschanen, Marshal. 

1873 — George Harper, David Ayres, Robert McKelvy, Couneilmen; Levi 
Shultz, Street Commissioner; Joel W. Gibson, Clerk. 

1874*— Darius D. Hare, Mayor; Allen Snialley, Clerk; Jonathan Maf- 
fett, J. S. Hare and John Seider, Couneilmen; George Sting, Marshal. 

1875 — W. A. Gipson, David Ayres and Jost Gloeser, Couneilmen. 

1876— Peter B. Beidler, Mayor; Allen Smalley, Clerk; Frank Keller, 
Treasurer; Peter J. Van Marter, Marshal; W. B. Hitchcock, Councilman 
First Ward; John F. Myers and Jacob Gottfried, Couneilmen Second Ward. 
The town was divided into two wards (Sandusky avenue serving as the di- 
viding line) by an ordinance which was approved and passed by the Town 
Council, May 18, 1876. 

1877— Ewald Brauns, G. W. Freet and Michael O'Donnell, Council- 
men; Benjamin Liebenthal and John F. Myers, Assessors. 

1878— Darius D. Hare, Mayor; Peter J. Van Marter, Marshal; Frank 
Keller, Treasurer; Benjamin Liebenthal, Assessor First Ward; Peter S 
Ludwig, Councilman First Ward; Cornelius Stutz, Assessor Second Ward; 
David Ayres and Jacob Gottfried, Couneilmen Second Ward. 

1879 — P. W. O'Brien, Street Commissioner; Ewald Brauns and Jost 
Gloeser, Couneilmen First Ward; A. G. Ringheisen, Assessor First Ward; 
Michael O'Donnell, Councilman Second Ward; F. P. Kenan, Assessor Se'^ 
ond Ward. 

1880— Darius D. Hare. Mayor; N. Grundtiseh, Marshal; John H. Von 
Stein, f Clerk; Frank Keller, Treasurer; P. S. Tmdwig, Councilman First 
Ward; Benjamin Leibenthal, Assessor First Ward; Frank Vogel and J. C. 
Drum, Couneilmen Second Ward; A. G. Ringheisen, Assessor Second Ward. 

1881 — Joseph Keller, Street Commissioner; Henry Altstaetter and 
Philip Gottfried, Couneilmen First Ward; Anton Koppe, Assessor First 
Ward; Abel R. Hunt, Councilman Second Ward; Adam Stutz, Assessor 
Second Ward. 

1882— Darius D. Hare, Mayor; N. Grundtiseh, Marshal; John H. Von 
Stein, Clerk; Frank Keller, Treasurer; William G. Dumm, Sealer of 
W^eights and Measures; Jost Gloeser, Councilman First Ward; Benjamin 
Liebenthal, Assessor First Ward; J. C. Drum and John Pausch, Couneil- 
men Second Ward; Robert Paessler, Assessor Second Ward. 

1883 — Joseph Keller, Street Commissioner; John Agerter amd Philip 
Gottfried, Couneilmen First Ward; Benjamin Liebenthal, Assessor First 
Ward; John F. Myers, Councilman Second Ward; Robert Paessler, As- 
sessor Second Ward. 

1884 — Joel W. Gibson, Mayor; Nicholas Grundtiseh, Marshal; John 
H.Von Stein, Clerk; Frank Keller, Sr., Treasurer; Samuel L. Walters, Coun- 
cilman First Ward; Benjamin Liebenthal, Assessor First Ward; Robert E. 
Kerr and David Cramer, Couneilmen Second Ward; William Michaels, As- 
sessor Second Ward. 



*Sandusky avenue was macadamized from the railroad to Walker street in 1874. 
fHad served as Clerk from April, 1878, by appointment of the Board of Couneilmen. 



" ~^ --Sfe 







r'j yx^o 



OL^t^ 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 533 

Fire Department. — Although in December, 1857, Peter A. Tyler and 
Peter B. Beidler were designated as the Village Council's committee to 
ascertain the "probable cost of a tire engine, hooks and ladders," etc., noth- 
ing resulted, and the town was without the vestige of any fire apparatus, 
other than the wells and buckets owned by individuals, until April, 1858, 
when hooks and ladders were procured at a cost of $75. A wagon for trans- 
porting the same was purchased in May of that year, and at the same time 
a shed or temporary building was ordered to be built for the purpose of 
protecting the fire apparatus. The wagon cost $55; the building $75. 

In January, 1860, many citizens petitioned the Village Council to pur- 
chase a certain fire engine from the people of Findlay, Ohio, for $500, but 
no further action was taken. In May, 1866, a tax for the purpose of raising 
money with which to purchase a fire engine was ordered to be levied, and 
Mayor McKelly with two Councilmen of his selection were instructed to 
visit "some of the neighboring towns for the purpose of inspecting their fire 
engines, etc., and their conveniences for supplying their towns with water." 
Their expenses to be paid out of the corporation funds. One year later — 
May, 1867 — the " Wyandot Chief," a steam fire engine, together with hose 
and hose cart, was purchased of the manufacturer, H. C. Silbby, for $8,500. 
SooQ after arrangements were completed for building an engine-house, pro- 
viding cisterns for a water supply, and uniforming, the engine company. Buck- 
ets, ladders and an ax for the hook and ladder company were obtained under 
the supervision of Councilman P. O'Brien, in August, 1870. In February, 

1872, the same gentleman was avithorized to contract for an additional hose 
cart, which cart was delivered in July of that yeai\ 

A building to store fire apparatus and for " calaboose" was erected in 

1873, at a cost of $1,445. Soon after the building was provided with a 
fire alarm bell from the West Troy (N. Y.) Bell Foundry. A Champion 
Chemical Engine was purchased in the fall of 1879. It was of one hun- 
dred gallons capacity, and cost $850. Subsequently a company known as 
the Babcock Engine Company was organized. Prior to that time, the town 
had an engine company (steamer), hose company and hook and ladder 
company. 

In July, 1880, the Village Council exchanged the first steam fire en- 
gine for a new one, also a Silsby, paying besides the sum of $2,500. In 
June, 1882, the Junior Hook and Ladder Company was admitted to the tire 
department with the same privileges, compensation, etc.. as other members; 
the membership being limited to sixteen men, oflScers included. 

BANKS AND BANKERS. 

Upper Sandusky's first bank was established in 1854, by Harper, Ayres, 
Roberts & Co., a firm which consisted of George Harper, David Ayres, James 
G. Roberts, John D. Sears and W^illiam C. Hedges, the latter of Tiffin, 
Ohio. This was a private institution, with a capital stock of only $10,000. 
It ceased operations in 1859, when the business of the firm was settled in a 
satisfactory manner. Henry Davis succeeded this firm, and did a banking 
business in the same room — Roberts & Groff 's corner — for about one year. 

In 1860, Sylvester Watson established the Exchange Bank, a private in- 
stitution, which existed until Saturday, October 31, 1863, when it sus- 
pended. However, on Monday, November 2, 1863, the First National Bank 
was organized, into which the Exchange Bank was merged. The National 
was really organized August 15, 1863, but did not commence operations 
until the time stated above. The stockholders and the funds invested by 

19 



534 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

each were as follows: Thomas V. Reber, $5,000; M. H. Gillett, $10,000; 
Sylvester Watson, $27,000; David Harpster, $3,000; John D. Sears, $2,000; 
Milton Morral, $1,000; David Straw, $3,000; McDonough M. Carey, 
$1,000; William Miller, !i?2,000; Daniel Smith, $2,000; F. F. Fowler, 
$1,000; David Ayres, $3,000; and Mrs. M. C. Wigton, $1,000. 

The first officers of the bank were Thomas V. Eeber, President; Syl- 
vester Watson, Cashier; M. H. Gillett, Thomas V. Reber, Sylvester Watson, 

F. F. Fowler, David Harpster and John D. Sears, Directors. In 1865, the 
capital stock was increased to $105,000, in which J. G. Roberts in- 
vested $5,000. He had been Assistant Cashier from the date of the bank's 
organization. In October, 1874, he was chosen Cashier, and at the same 
time Sylvester Watson was elected President. The present Directors are 
Sylvester Watson, Thomas V. Reber, John D. Sears, David Straw, James 

G. Roberts and David Ayres. This bank has been one of the most suc- 
cessfully managed and substantial institutions in this part of Ohio. Its 
losses will not exceed $2,000, and it now has a surplus fund of $47,000. 

The Wyandot County Bank was organized in the early days of 1867, 
and on the 1st day of April of that year its doors were opened for business. 
The original stockholders were L. B. Harris, I. H. Beery, T. E. Beery, J. 
A. Maxwell and George W. Beery, each of whom controlled capital stock to 
the amount of $8,000. George W. Beery has served as President of the 
bank since its organization. 

On the 1st of September, 1868, T. E. Beery sold his interest to the 
other stockholders. Subsequently, or April 1, 1869, Mr. Maxwell, the first 
Cashier, sold half his interest to the remaining stockholders, and Ed A. 
Gordon succeeded him as Cashier. In June, 1877, Mr. Maxwell sold the 
remainder of his stock to the bank. No other changes or transfer of stock 
have occurred. This bank has been ably conducted and occupies a promi- 
nent place among the monetary institutions of this section of the State. 

Central Bank. — In 1860, R. R. McKee established a private banking 
house in Upper Sandusky. He was succeeded in the business by R. R. 
McKee & Co., and on the 3d of March, 1873, the last mentioned firm were 
succeeded by those composing the Central Bank, the latter being the first 
bank started under the new State law. Ultimately — during the early days 
of 1884 — while John S. Rappe was serving as President, and William H. 
Frederick as Cashier, the Central Bank failed with but meager assets, 
thereby entailing great losses, in the aggregate, upon many depositors. 

MANUFACTURING INTERESTS. 

The Stevenson Machine Works. — In November, 1865, Geoi'ge B. Steven- 
son removed from Canton, Ohio, to Upper Sandusky, and purchased a small 
foundry, a one-story frame building, of John Cams. The building stood 
on the site of the present works. Mr. Stevenson was a machinist by trade, 
and he continued, in an unimportant way, as founder and machinist until 
1867, when he invented the Wyandot Chief, a direct acting circular saw 
mill, and began the manufacture of them. 

This mill was favorably received, and the business of their manufactm^e 
increased so rapidly that, in 1868, Mr. Stevenson erected the present shops. 
The main building is 36x100 feet and two-stories in height. The foundry 
is 36x80 feet, with an L 20x30 feet, which is used as a blacksmith shop. 
The material used in their construction is bi'ick. 

In the spring of 1869, Col. Cyrus Sears was admitted as a partner, and 
the firm of Stevenson & Sears continued until January 1, 1872, when Mr. 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 535 

Sears sold his one-half interest to Jacob Juvinall, John R. Layton, J. K. 
McCracken and D. S. Miller. The firm of George B. Stevenson & Co. 
then existed until April 14, 1874, when Mr. Stevenson purchased the half 
interest owned by his partners, and thereafter conducted the business alone 
until I November 1, 1881. At that time George W. Beery, Roe Stevenson 
and John Agerter became partners, and under the title of the Stevenson 
Machine Works, Messrs. Stevenson, Agerter & Co., have since operated as 
proprietors. 

The buildings first erected cost $15,000, and the machinery 15,000. 
Since the organization of the present firm, a warehouse 30x60 feet, one story 
high, with slate roof, has been erected at a cost of $1,000. The firm em- 
ploy forty men, and continue to manufacture the saw mills already men- 
tioned, besides the famous Stevenson engine. This engine was invented 
by Mr. Stevenson in 1875. He has since made valuable improvements upon 
the same, which are covered by three patents. In 1883, the firm manufact- 
lU'ed and sold forty-five engines and eleven saw mills, which represents an 
annual business of more than $100,000. Their engines have been shipped 
to points extending from New Jersey to Nebraska, and from Lake Superior 
to Georgia. The Stevenson engine was awarded the first premium at the 
Ohio State Fair. By his enterprise, Mr. Stevenson has been the cause of 
circulating more than $2,000,000 in the town of Upper Sandusky. 

The Upper Sandusky Straiv Board Company was organized December 
29, 1881, with S. H. Hunt, S. H. White, Samuel Lee, John Thompson, R. 
McKelly and T, E. Beery as members, who invested $60,000 in the enter- 
prise. The officers consist of S. H. Hunt, President, and S. H. White 
Secretary and Treasurer, while all the stockholders are recognized as Direc- 
tors. 

In the summer of 1882, the building owned by the company was erected 
on the east bank of the Sandusky River, near the line of the Pittsburgh, 
Fort Wayne «& Chicago Railroad. It is of brick, roofed with slate, and 
contains an engine room, 125x35 feet, one story high; a bleaching room, 
40x50 feet, two stories in height; a boiler room, one story, 30x45 feet; a 
machine room, one story, 135x35 feet; and a ware room, one story, 30x40 
feet. Power is derived from two engines of 120 and 30 horse-power re- 
spectively. 

The company began operations September 1, 1882, with five beating en- 
gines of 700 pounds capacity each; two rotary boilers or bleachers, fourteen 
feet in diameter, and each having a capacity of bleaching four tons of straw 
at each filling; a No 7 Ross cutter, capable of cutting four tons of straw per 
hour. In short, the works have capacity for the manufacture of ten tons of 
straw board per day. They manufacture their own gas, and have a steam 
pump which takes 1,000 gallons from the Sandusky River per minute. 

The building cost $15,000, the machinery $55,000, and the real estate, 
twelve acres, $5,000. When in operation, thirtj-two men, and from ten to 
fifteen teams are employed. Twelve tons of straw are used per day. The 
products are shipped principally to Eastern cities. 

The Upper Sandusky Mills were completed and began operations about 
September 1, 1858. They were built by James G. Roberts and Joseph H. 
Groff, who owned and operated them until 1869, when Jacob Purkeypile 
became the owner. Subsequently, Chester R. Mott, Dallas C. Pierson and 
Michael Moran were part owners at different periods. In 1876, James 
Kerr and his son, Robert E. Kerr, purchased a three-fourths interest. 
Three years later, they purchased the other one-fourth, and since that date 



536 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

the millB have been operated by Robert E. Kerr. In 1881, Mr. Kerr added 
an Excelsior puritier and other iraprovements, to the amount of 13,000. 
These mills have a capacity of fifty barrels of flour per day. Three men are 
steadily employed, and the products consist of both ciistom and merchants' 
work. 

The City Mills were built by Daniel Walborn, and first commenced oper- 
ations on the 4th day of November, 1875. In March, 1876, Mr. Walborn 
sold a one-third interest to M. B. Hough, and another third to Ephraim 
Fenner. The following May he sold the remainder to Jacob Juvinall. The 
business was then conducted by the above-mentioned parties until 1878, 
when W. J. Streby pui'chased Hough's interest. In 1882, Mr. Streby 
bought of Charles Juvinall the interest formerly owned by Jacob Juvinall, 
and at about the same time W. D. Kail purchased from Adam Stephan the 
interest formerly owned by Ephraim Fenner. L. T. Myers became a rented 
partner in 1880. The building occupied is 30x40 feet in dimensions, and 
two stories in height. At first only two run of buhrs were used. In 1882, 
however, two more buhrs and a double set of Allis' rolls were added, and 
other machinery, to the amount of $4,000. The mills now have a capacity 
of thirty-five barrels per day. Three men are employed, and as is usual in 
small towns, both custom and merchants' flour is produced. 

Beery^s Elevator was erected in 1875 by the Beery Brothers, at a cost of 
$4,000. It is situated on the line of the Columbus & Toledo Railroad, is 
two stories in height, and is operated by hoi'se- power. The firm, still 
known as Beery Bros., handle annually from fifty to seventy-five thousand 
bushels of wheat, besides other grains. The principal shipments are made 
to New York and Baltimore. 

Hale d- White's Elevator, which is located on the line of the Pittsburgh, 
Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad, corner of Sandusky avenue and Hicks 
street, was built by Col. Samuel H. Hunt* in 1876. Subsequently, T. E. 
Beery acquired a one-half interest. In 1882, S. H. White bought a half- 
interest, his elevator which stood across the railroad from the present build- 
ing having burned. On the 1st of July, 1883, G. W. Hale purchased T. E. 
Beery 's interest, and the business has since been conducted under the firm 
name of White & Hale. Their annual transactions, including the handling 
of wool, umouDts to about $150,000. 

'^ The building occupied is in the form of an "L," each wing being 120 
feet long. It has a receiving capacity of 10,000 bushels per day, storage 
for 30,000 bushels, and is operated by steam. 

i^ The Upi^er Sandusky Gas Light Company was organized October 22, 
1878, with a capital stock of $20,000. The original subscribers to the stock 
were William Smith, Sylvester Watson, James G. Roberts, John D. Sears, 
James M. Hawes, Alexander L. McKaig and Alexander L. McKaig & Co. 

On the 3d of December, 1878, Alexander L. McKaig, William Smith, 
S. Watson, James G. Roberts and John D. Sears were elected Directoi's. 
The Directors then elected S. Watson President, and Alexander L. McKaig 
Secretary. These gentlemen acted as President and Secretary until Octo- 
ber 14, 1881, when Mr. McKaig, having disposed of his interest to I. H. 
Beery, Anthony Beery and T. E. Beery, resigned. Meanwhile, John D. 
Sears had disposed of his stock to S. H. White. At this meeting, October 
14, 1881, James G. Roberts, I. H. Beery, A. Beery, S. H. White and T. E. 
Beery were made Directors. Mr. S. Watson's resignation as President was 

* By utilizing a part of tlie Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne A Chicago Railroad Depot, Mr. Hunt did an exten- 
sive and profitable business in handling grain, long before the first grain elevator was built in Upper San- 
dusky. 



CRANE TOWNSHir. 587 

accepted, and James G. Robertb was duly elected to fill the vacancy. At 
the same meeting, I. H. Beery was elected Treasurer, and T. E. Beery was 
chosen Secretary. At that time, there were but eighteen consumers, now 
there are 110 consumers. The works are situated on the bhiff, at the south 
end of Fifth street. 

CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS. 

The First Presbyterian Church of Upper Sandusky was organized with 
seven members, at a meeting held in the old Mission Church in 1845, by 
Rev. Mr. Hutchinson, of Bucyrus, Ohio. Prior to that time, however, a 
Mr. McCain had preached in the same church edifice at irregular intervals. 

This congregation built a small frame house of worship in 1847, which 
was occupied for a number of years. Their present handsome brick church 
was erected in 1866, at a cost of $12,000. 

The original members were Mr. and Mrs. Goodman, Mr. and Mrs. 
Searls, Mr. Taggart, Mrs. Letitia McCutchen and Rev. Mr. McCain. The 
present members are 180 in number, of whom Thomas M. Bowman, D. W. 
Byron, J. A. Stockton and John Ewing are Elders. 

Following are the names of the pastors who have had charge of this 
congregation: Revs. Messrs. Charles Thayer, McCain, Baird, Holliday, 
Bogle, Lower. Fry, Edgar, Moore, Colmery, Copeland and Carson. 

The Methodist E2nsco2Xil Church of Upper Sandusky was organized in 
the autumn of 1845. On the 27th of September of that year, the following- 
named gentlemen were elected as members of the first Board of Trustees: 
Andrew M. Anderson, Guy C. Worth, James B. Alden, Alexander Armstrong, 
Joseph Cover, Alexander Voluntine and William Myers. 

In January, 1846, the members of the society were as follows: Andrew 
M. Anderson, Susan Anderson, Alexander Armstrong, James B. Alden, 
James Boyd, Samuel Bird, Margaret Bird, Joseph Cover, Susan Cover, 
Adelia T. Chafifee, James Clark, Jane Clark, Abraham Coleman, Casander 
Clark, Jane Frees, Nancy Garrett, George W. Gould, Sarah Hughes, Polly 
Keeler, Charles Kinsler, Nancy Kinsier, Ann Kinsler, William Kiskadden, 
Samuel Landis, Hannah Landis. Lucinda Miller. William Myei-s, Susan 
Myers, Lavina McElvain, John Owens, Mary Owens Julia Stebbins, Sarah 
Snyder, Joseph Spangler, Jane Spangler, Thomas Stevenson, Catharine 
Trager, Alexander Voluntine, Mary Voluntine, Guy C. Worth. Aurelia W. 
Worth and Valentine Plumb. 

At a meeting of the Board of Trustees held Juue 25, 1846, it was re- 
solved to circulate a paper soliciting subscriptions to aid in the erection of 
a church building. It was also decided at this meeting to dispose of the 
lot already purchased by the society, which being Inlot No. 306, and then 
situated in the outskirts of the village, and apply the proceeds to the pur- 
chase of a lot more centrally located. Subsequently, at a meeting of the 
Board of Trustees held November 11, 1846, it was agreed to purchase Inlot 
No. 114, situated on the northeast corner of Johnston and Seventh streets. 
The amount paid for Lot No. 114, including a building thereon, was §250. 
The first payment, $100, was raised by a special subscription, except $6 50, 
which was drawn from the building fund. 

Soon after, Andrew M. Anderson, James B. Alden and Alexander Vol- 
untine, who having been appointed a building committee, were instructed 
to " build a house of worship 24x36 feet, of plank, ten feet story, three 
fifteen light windows, of 10x12 glass, on each side, and two windows in 
front with one door in the center of the front end of said building." This 
house was completed, probably in 1847. Prior to its completion, the Meth- 



538 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

odists had occupied the Wyandot Mission Church, which, owing to an over- 
sight, at the time the Wyandot Reservation was purchased by the United 
States, was not especially reserved to the Methodist society, and for that 
reason, a very good one, all claims upon it as Methodist property were 
abandoned. 

The frame house of worship was used until the spring of 1854, when 
the present church edifice was commenced. The latter was not entirely 
finished, however, until the summer of 1859. It cost about $4,500. Dur- 
ing subsequent years, a parsonage was built at a cost of $500. 

The First English Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized by Rev. 
Jacob Schaner, at a meeting held at the house of George C. Wolford, Feb- 
ruary 5, 1849. Prior to that time, however, or on the 29th of -January, 
1849, a meeting of the members of this denomination had been held at the 
"old Indian council house," when and where Rev. J. Schaner and D. Har- 
baugh officiated. 

Fourteen members originally signed the church constitution, which 
number was soon increased to thirty-five, among whom were Michael Mil- 
ler and wife, George C. AVolford and wife, Samuel Smith and wife, Benja- 
min Taylor and wife, John Furlinger and wife, Daniel Sterner and wife, and 
their children — Julia, Michael and Emanuel Sterner — Samuel, Josiah and 
Ephraim Miller, and Mrs. Dr. Watson. 

This first church edifice, a brick structure, size 35x50, was built in 

1851. It stood upon Lot No. 305, northwest corner of Fifth and Findlay 
streets, and cost $1,4(^0. The structure now in use was built in 1879, at a 
cost of 15,000. It stands upon the northeast corner of Eighth street and 
Wyandot avenue, is 36x56 feet in exterior dimensions, and is constructed 
of brick, trimmed with sandstone. 

The pastors of this church have been as follows: Jacob Schaner, 1848- 
49; J. B. Oliver, 1850-52; J. H. Hofifmau, 1853-54; J. G. Becklev, 1854-55; 
A. B. Kirtland, 1857-60; G. Hammer, 1861-64; W. J. Sloan, 1866-67; 
and S. Fenner, 1872-81. Rev. H. B. Belmer, the present pastor, took 
charge March 1, 1882. 

In the Sunday school, eighty scholars are enrolled. The Ladies' Aid 
Society raised $97 during the year 1883, which was expended on the 
church property. 

llie Church of God of Upper Sandusky was organized at a meeting 
held in the old Indian Mission Church, by Elder David Neidtheth,in Feb- 
ruary, 1851. The original members, ten in number, were Christian Bies- 
tel, C. Biestel, Margaret Biestel, J. W. Senseny, A, R. Senseny, A. Biestel, 
J. Wilson, M. Biestel, George Lott and L. Fensel. Their house of worship 
is constructed of brick. Among those who have officiated as pastors were 
David Neidtheth, William Adams, J. M. West, A>'illiam Shafer, William 
McCormick and J. W. Senseny. 

The Trinity Reformed Church of Upper Sandusky was organized in 

1852. Respecting its early history, etc, the present pastor, Rev. E. D. Miller, 
writes as follows: "This church has a history. Rev. August Winter was 
the first Reformed minister here, who stood in regular connection with the 
Synod of the Reformed Church of the United States, but the exact date 
when he came is not known. He must have been born in the year 1850. 
How long he labored, however, or when he left, the records fail to show. 
After him came Rev. J. J. Brecht, who remained but a brief period. When 
Mr. Brecht withdrew. Rev. Peter Joeris was elected pastor of the charge, 
consisting of Upper Sandusky and the Emanuel's congregations, and com- 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 539 

menced his work here about the year 1852. In that year, he effected the 
first permanent organization of Trinity Reformed Church of Upper Sandus- 
ky. Pastor Joeris remained until about the year, 1858 or 1859. After he 
left, the charge was vacant until the year 1862, when Rev. J. Klingler came 
as a supply from Ada, Ohio, continuing so for four years. Finally, in 
1865 the church was re- organized, and in 1866 the first church — an unpre- 
tending brick edifice, 26x50 feet — was built on North Fifth street, at a 
cost of $2,500. From a very humble beginning, the congregation now 
numbered about 150 members. Mr. Klingler continued his self -defying, 
and, in the main, successful, service until 1875. a period of about fourteen 
years. During his ministerial labors also, the old-time "Mud Church," in 
Pitt Township, was replaced by a neat brick building. Its members are 
about 145 in number. These two congregations were always served by 
the same pastor." 

Rev. C. Wisner succeeded Mr. Klingler, and was shepherd of the flock 
for about five years. During this period, he placed the finances of the 
Upper Sandusky congregation on a firm basis, paid an old church debt and 
procured a parsonage. Rev. E. D. Miller, the present pastor, succeeded 
Mr. Wisner April 1, 1881. In the spirit of his predecessors, he is carrying 
the work successfully forward, and under his charge the church edifice was 
rebuilded and enlarged in the summer of 1883. The remodeled building 
was re-dedicated December 9, 1883, which event was noticed in the columns 
of the IVeekly Chief as follows: 

"On last Sabbath forenoon the exercises of re-dedicating the Reformed 
Church on Fifth street took place. At the allotted hour, people began gath- 
ering in, and, after the house was filled to its fullest capacity, the exercises 
began with an anthem by the choir. The opening address, in English, 
was made by the former pastor. Rev. J. Klingler, giving the rise and prog- 
ress of the congregation." Then followed re-dedicatory services in the Ger- 
man by the pastor. Rev. E. D. Miller, and a re-dedicatory sermon by Rev. 
Dr. Rust, of Tiffin, Ohio. 

The Sabbath school in connection with this church numbers four officers, 
eleven teachers and about one hundred scholars. Its exercises are conduct- 
ed in the German and English languages. The present Superintendent ib 
Adam Grundtisch. There is also a flourishing missionary society existing 
in this church, which is doing a good work both for home and foreign mis- 
sions. Its present officers are Allen Smalley, Esq., President ; E. F. Miller, 
Secretary, and Miss Ray Agerter, Treasurer. 

The present members of the congregation are 150 in number, of whom 
John Burkhardt and Adam Grundtisch are Elders; Adam Beinbreck and 
Joseph E. Altenberger, Deacons; Henry Grundtisch, John Ulrich and U. 
Schlup, Trustees. 

St. Peter''s Roman Catholic Congregation, of Upper Sandusky, is, com- 
paratively, a young organization, its history dating back only to the year 
1857, when a few Catholic families, about twelve in number, banded to- 
geiher under the direction of the Sanguinist Fathers of New Riegel, Sen- 
eca County, and formed a small but spirited mission. Immediately steps 
were taken toward the erection of a brick church or chapel, 50x30 feet. In 
a short time the building was ready for use, and the little congregation felt 
happy to have a chui-ch of their own, small and plain though it was. The 
names of the first members who started the congregation were John Gaa, 
Joseph Gaa, Frank Fleck, Anthony Christen, Fi'ank Keller, Sr. , Frank 
Joseph Keller, John Osiaus, B. Vogel, John Lauder, Mathias Braun, Frank 



540 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Vogel, Anthony Maueb and John Frey, all Germans, also a few Irish fam- 
ilies soon joined the small congregation, among whom were John Demp- 
sey, J. Nolan, Michael Moran and ,S. Dolan. The church, when completed, 
cost about $2,600, of which about $600 was collected from the citizens of 
the town. 

From 1857 until 1865, St. Peter's congregation was attended from New 
Riegel by the following fathers in the order in which their names are here 
given, viz.: Revs. Johannes, Anton^ Niclaus Gales, Augustin Reichert, 
Echardt Glueek, Patrick Henneberry, Henry Engelbert, Mathias Kreusch, 
Alphons Laux, C. French and Henry Drees. In 1865, the congregation 
had increased in numbers and strength sufficiently to be able to support a 
resident pastor. The first priest who served them in this capacity was the 
Rev. B. A. Quinn, who, however, remained but two months, when he was 
succeeded by Rev. G. A. Spierings in October, 1865. He remained in 
charge of St. Peter's congregation till April, 1867, when Rev. Joseph Rein- 
hardt was appointed his successor. Father Reinhardt's useful career was 
suddenly cut short February 22, 1868, while on his way to Bucyrus to meet 
Bishop Rappe, who was giving confirmation there. He was rudely thrown 
from a freight train which he had boarded, no passenger train being avail- 
able by which he could reach Bucyrus in time for the cei-emony at which 
he intended to assist. Thrown from the train, he fell under the cars and 
was instantly killed. His mangled remains were gathered together and 
conveyed to Upper Sandusky, where, after an imposing and impressive 
burial service, attended by the Right Rev. Bishop Rappe, many priests 
and a vast concovirse of people, Catholic and Protestant, they wei'e placed 
at rest beneath the altar of the parish church. Father Reinhardt was a 
priest of amiable qualities. During his short pastorate here, he won the 
love and confidence of his flock and the respect and esteem of the non- Cath- 
olics of the community with whom be came in contact. His death was a 
severe blow to the congregation, who mourned for him as for the loss of a 
father. Rev. A. Girardin was appointed his successor in February, 1868, 
but only remained till October of the same year, when he was succeeded by 
Rev. G. Peter, who had charge of the coQgregation for five years. Under 
his energetic and zealous administration, the congregation grew in strength 
and prosperity. 

Rev. Charles Braschler, the present pastor, succeeded Father Peter in 
March, 1873. By this time the congregation had far outgrown its first 
church. Father Peter had already foreseen the necessity of building a new 
and larger church, and to this end purchased three lots in the most eligible 
part of town, corner of Eighth and Finley streets, at a cost of $3,000, which 
he succeeded in paying for in a comparatively short time, having been gener- 
ously assisted by the greater part of the congregation. To Father Brasch- 
ler fell the ai'duoiis and difficiilt task of building this much-needed church. 
Full of courage, and cheered by the liberal response on the part of his 
people, he went to work. In the fall of 1873, the foundation was begun. 
In August of the following year, Rev. D. Hannin was commissioned by the 
Bishop to lay the corner stone. But owing to the monetary panic of the 
year previous, the dire efi"ects of which were keenly felt by the entire coun- 
try, the building progressed but slowly. Pastor and congregation struggled 
along with their burden at times almost disheartened, yet, in spite of 
financial difliculties, they went steadily on till April, 1879, when the church 
was so far finished that it could be used for divine service. Much was 
still to be done, however, in the way of interior work and ornamentation. 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 541 

The building was finally brought to completion in the early fall of 1880, 
and on Sunday, October 17, 1880, it was dedicated by Right Rev. R. Gilmour, 
assisted by a number of priests. 

The church is built of brick, ornamented with cut stone. The style of 
architecture is Roman-Doric. The building is 140 feet in length, and 60 
feet in width; the walls are 42 feet in height, and the graceful spire 200 
feet high is in keeping with the exceedingly imposing appearance of the 
church, which, owing to its elevated site, can be seen for miles. The in- 
terior is plastered and decorated with stucco-work, presenting a very pleas- 
ant appearance. The windows are of stained glass, each presenting the 
picture of some saint, or religious symbol, and are the gift of some members 
of the congregation. The pews, made of black walnut, are of excellent 
workmanship, and are, what cannot be said of the generality of church pews, 
well adapted to the purpose for which they are intended. The altar in use 
at present is only temporary, and will be replaced by one in harmony with 
the church, as soon as the congregation is able. In 1881, two large hot-air 
furnaces were placed in the basement, which heat up the church comforta- 
bly. In 1882, a very graceful pulpit of black walnut was erected, 
corresponding with the style of architecture of the interior, at a cost of 
$330. The church is illuminated by seventy gas-jets. As it now stands, it 
cost about $30,000, and though there are a number of churches in the dio- 
cese of Cleveland more expensive than St. Peter's of Upper Sandusky, there 
are very few excelling it in beauty of architecture or interior finish. St. 
Peter's congregation and their zealous pastor, who by his untiring zeal 
brought his task to a successful end, may well feel a pardonable pride in 
having erected so beautiful a temple to the worship of God. 

To the credit of the Catholics of Tipper Sandusky, be it said that, from 
the beginning of their existence as a congregation, they supported a paro- 
chial school, at times even at a great sacrifice. In the beginning, and for 
many years, till 1880, it was managed by one lay teacher. Now it is in a 
flourishing condition, under the careful supervision of the pastor and the 
able management of two lay teachers. At first, it is true, the accommoda- 
tions for the children were not such as they could find in the public schools, 
which their parents helped to build and maintain, but on religious ground, 
for conscience' sake, cannot use. Now, however, since the new church is 
finished, the old church has been neatly refitted as a schoolhouse, giving 
ample room to all the children of the parish. 

As soon as the debt of the church — about one-third of its cost — is some- 
what reduced, steps will be taken toward the erection of a suitable residence 
for the pastor, as the one now in use is remarkable only for its age and 
rickety appearance. 

The temporalities of the congregation are administered by a body of 
councilmen. four in number, under the guidance and supervision of the 
Ordinary of the Diocese and the parish priest. The councilmen in 1857 
were. Messrs. John Gaa, Anthony Christen and Frank Keller. The same 
body in 1883 was composed of Henry Fleck, Frank Vogel, Peter Mong and 
Charles Rail. They are annually elected by the members of the congrega- 
tion, from a list of members presented to them by the pastor. 

Service is held every Sunday, in English and German alternately. The 
present number of communicants is about four hundred and sixty. 

At different times spiritual revivals or missions have been held. Thus 
in 1863, by the Redemptorist Fathers; in 1871, by the same Fathers; and in 
1880, by the Jesuit Fathers. Various religious societies are likewise at- 



542 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

tached to the congregation, foi' married men and women, for young men 
and young ladies, and for the small and large school children. 

Cemetery grounds for the sole use of the congregation were purchased 
in 1863. 

St. Paul's Congregation of the First German Evangelical Lutheran 
Church of Upper Sandusky was organized in 1868 by Rev. C. Wernle. 
Among the first members were John Veith. Philip Tracht, Jacob Reis, 
Charles F. Veith, Lewis Krauss and Frederick Ritter. 

A church edifice was erected on the corner of Sandusky avenue and 
Bigelow street in 1871. It is built of brick, is 45x60 feet oatside dimen- 
sions, and cost $7,000. 

Rev. C. Wernle served as pastor for six years. Rev. VV. F. Helle, the 
present pastor, has been in charge of the congregation during the past 
eleven years. 

The present members are 325 in number. The present church officers 
are Frederick Ritter and Mars Schmidt, Deacons; Philip Tracht and Jacob 
Hehr, Elders; Charles F. Veith, Frederick Scheufler and J. Gloeser, Trus- 
tees, and William Schwilk, Treasurer. 

The United Brethren Church of Upper Sandusky was established in 1850 
by Rev. Messrs. Slaughter and Tabler. The early meetings of the society 
were held in the old Mission Church. In 1858, its members built a brick 
church on the corner of Finley and Sixth streets. It is 30x40 feet and in 
a good state of repair. Owing to slight dissensions, etc., the members of 
this organization only number about thirty at the present time, among 
whom are Messrs. Marshall, Hough and Harmon, Trustees. 

Trinity Chiuxii of the Evangelical Association, Upper Sandusky, was 
organized with fifteen members by, Revs. John Hanneker, C. M. Rein- 
hold and Elder Daniel Strohman, on the 15th day of August, 1860. Prior 
to that time, however, meetings had been held at the house of Christian 
Rief in the fall of 1858, and at the Methodist Church in 1859, by Rev. 
Messrs. Freck, Lambert, Freese and Downey. Only two members of this 
denomination lived in the town in 1858, four in 1859, and fifteen in 
August, 1860. Among the last-mentioned members were Christian Rief, 
Frederick Rief, George Stecker, Mrs. Stecker, Jacob Burkhardt, Mrs. Cath- 
arine Biirkhardt, Mrs. Littly, Frederick Mosner, Mrs. Mosner, Magdalena 
Marqarth. 

Their church edifice was built in I860. It is of brick, stands upon In- 
lot No. 219, size 35x50 feet, and cost, including lot, $2,500. 

The pastors have been as follows: John Hanneker, J. Rosenberg, Fred- 
rick Zeller, J. G. Theuer, Charles Ehrhardt, C. Kuntzle, — Dick, — Wise, 
— Holdeman, - Plantz, W. H. Pfiefer, Samuel Hippert, Daniel Stoll, C 
Munk, Daniel Stoll, — McCauley, D. H. Wender and Daniel Strohman. 

The present mem.bers are fifty two in number, of whom Conrad Stephan, 
Christian Rief and David Newmeister are Trustees; David Newmeister, 
Class Leader; John Senferly, Exhorter; Conrad Stephan, D. Newmeister 
and Dr. Davis, Stewards; Superintendent of German Sunday School, Con- 
rad Stephan: Superintendent of English Sunday School, Dr. Davis. The 
average attendance of Sunday school pupils, including classes in German 
and English, is about fifty. A Ladies' Aid Society has been in operation 
three years. Its officers are Mrs. C. Stephan, President; Mrs. J. W.Davis, 
Secretary, and Mrs. J. Lowry, Treasurer. 

The history of The Universalist Church of Upjoer Saudusky only dates 
back to the early part of the year 1870, at which time Mr. T. E. Beery cir- 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 543 

culated a subscription paper for the purpose of obtaining money with which 
to purchase a lot upon which to erect a church structure. Twenty-seven 
names were attached to the list. Those who subscribed $10 and upwards, 
were: The Kenan family, $100; T. E. Beery, $50; Mrs. I. H. Beery, $50; 
C. R. Fowler, $50; Orrin Ferris, $25; J. M. Smith, $25; John Smith, $25; 
Lewis Straw, $25; J. C. Groff, $25; H. H. Smith, $20; Henry Myers, $10; 
Thomas McClain, $10; W. McClain, $10; Barton Shoots, $10. 

This subscription was collected and the lot upon which the present neat 
and beautiful little church edifice now stands was purchased. Subsequent- 
ly, at a meeting held in Beery 's Hall, February 6, 1870, and which was 
presided over by Rev. George R. Brown, Samuel Kenan, C. R. Fowler and 
T. E. Beery were appointed Trustees; Samuel M. Worth, Treasurer; and 
George Kenan, Secretary. 

In May, 1877, at a meeting held in Beery 's Hall, the association known 
as " The Universalist Church of Upper Sandusky " was organized with 
fifty-three members, by Rev. Benjamin F. Eaton, assisted by Rev. A. A. 
Thayer and George W. Arbuckle. Among those mentioned as early mem- 
bers of this church were Mrs. Leefe Fowler, Samuel Kenan and wife, Al- 
vin Kenan and wife, George Kenan and wife, Mrs. George W. Beery, Mrs. 
John Ayres and sun Walter, Miss Esther Eggleston, Mrs. S. M. Worth, Mrs. 
I. H. Beery, Scott M. Fowler and wife, Samuel S. Pettit, wife and daughter, 
Mrs. Burton, Mrs. H. Waters, Mrs. William Ayres, George W. Beery, Jr., 
Mrs. Gordon, Miss Anna Osborn and T. E. Beery and wife. 

The church edifice was erected in the fall of 1877, but it was not fully com- 
pleted and dedicated until Sunday, May 13, 1883. It is neatly finished and 
cost $5,000. The present members of the society are sixty in number. The 
pastors have been Revs. Benjamin F. Eaton, for one year; Mr. Fitzgerald, 
for six months; and M. D. Shumway for two years. Various other minis- 
ters have preached here at irregular intervals. 

W^e deem it proper to add in this connection that the friends of Univer- 
salism are especially indebted to Mr. T. E. Beery for his untiring efforts in 
building up this church and congregation, and to Mr. L. B. Harris for his 
successful attempt to liquidate the church debt. 

THE WYANDOT COUNTY BIBLE SOCIETY. 

This society, an auxiliary of the American Bible Society, was organized 
at a meeting of the citizens of the County of Wyannot held in the court 
house — the old Indian council house— at Upper Sandusky, December 3, 
1845. It was then j^rovided that the Bibles and Testaments to be circulated 
by the society be printed in the English and German languages, and in the 
version " now in use." The officers to consist of a President, one or more 
Vice Presidents, a Secretary, Treasurer, Depositary and Auditor, " who, to- 
gether, should constitute a Board of Managers." 

The society began its existence with 107 members, and at the first meet- 
ing Rev. George Sheldon, agent of the American Bible Society, served as 
temporary Chairman, and Rev. James R. Bonner as Secretary jyro tern. 
Subsequently, a permanent organization was effected by the choice of the 
following officers: Henry Peters, President; Joseph McCutchen, Robert 
McKelly, Rev. Charles Thayer, Rev. James R. Bonner and Rev. Robert S. 
Kimber, Vice Presidents; Guy C. Worth, Secretary; Andrew M. Anderson, 
Depositary; John McCurdy, Auditor; and Robert Taggai't, Treasurer. 

Thereupon, it was resolved to furnish each family in the county with a 
Bible. " in which there is none, on such conditions as circumstances may 



544 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

require; also to fiirnish each youth under sixteen years of age who cannot 
read, and for whom there is neither Bible or Testament in the family, with 
at least a new Testament, before the close of the present year." At this 
meeting also the board of officers received from Rev. George Sheldon, 
agent, etc., the following bill of books: 

300 NoTipareil Bibles $ 75 00 

600 pocket Testaments 37 50 

50 German Bibles 30 00 

100 German Testaments 13 50 

Transportation charges on same 10 58 

Total cost $165 58 

At a meeting of the society held December 29, 1846, a report was re- 
ceived from the Secretary of the Carey Bible Society, which had been 
organized November 26, 1845, and on application of the Secretary the Carey 
Society was admitted as an auxiliary of the Wyandot County Bible Society. 
The Carey Society, it appears, during its brief and independent career, had 
rendered efficient service in the distribution of Bibles and Testaments. 
That an early and active interest was aroused throughout the county in 
this respect is shown by the following statement of the dates of organiza- 
tions of Branch societies: Sycamore Bible Society, December 16, 1846; Wy- 
andot Bible Society, December 16, 1846; Little Sandusky Bible Society, 
December 7, 1846; Marseilles Bible Society, December 9, 1846; McCutch- 

enville Bible Society, — , 1846; Carey Bible Society, November, 

1846; Ridge Bible Society, November, 1845; Richland Bible Society, De- 
cember, 1846. 

On the 1st of May, 1848, the society purchased additional Bibles and 
Testaments, of the value of $176.07. These were supplemented on the 
11th of October, 1850, by another lot, for which the sum of $291.35 was 
paid. 

On the 11th of March, 1883. the thirty-seventh anniversary of this soci- 
ety was held in the Presbyterian Church at Upper Sandusky. During the 
preceding year, the county was thoroughly canvassed, and the following is 
a condensed report of the year's work: Families and business places visited 
during the canvass, 3,022; families found destitute, 235; destitute families 
supplied, 211; individuals supplied, 41; expense of the canvass, traveling 
expenses and postage, $11.68; compensation earned, $136.50; amount paid 
to the Treasurer by canvasser, $73.97; amount paid to the depositary, 
$251.08; donations from churches and individuals during the year, $217.99; 
personal sale of books, $251.08; from local agents and collections, $4.16; 
number of books sold, 938: value of same, $251.08; number of books 
donated, 158; value of same, $49.01. 

The present officers of the society are: Rev. Mr. Belmer, President; R. 
H. Tyler, Secretary; J. McCahon, Treasurer; and Robert Atkinson, De- 
positary, 

WYANDOT SABBATH SCHOOL UNION. 

At a meeting held in the Methodist Episcopal house of worship, at 
Upper Sandusky on the 25th of June, 1872, for the purpose of organizing 
a County Sabbath School Union, the following church organizations were 
represented: The Methodist Episcopal, Presbyterian, German Reformed and 
English Lutheran, of Upper Sandusky; the Methodist Episcopal, Evangel- 
ical and English Lutheran, of Carey; the Methodist Episcopal, English 
Lutheran and Advent Christian, of Nevada; the Presbyterian, of Marseilles; 
the Methodist Episcopal, of Crawfordsville; the Union Sabbath School, of 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 545 

Waterlime; the Presbyterian, of Wyacdot; and the German Reformed, of 
Pitt Township. 

Thereupon, Rev. D. S. Truckenmiller, of Carey, was chosen President; 
Heni-y W. Peters, Vice President; Rev. D. Edgar, Secretary; and Rev. D. 
A. Knhn, Treasurer. The following persons were also chosen as Township 
Vice Presidents: Antrim, Dr. Junkin; Crane, D. D. Hare; Crawford, John 
Conrad; Eden, W. D. Miller; Mifflin, A. J. Swartz; Marseilles, Dr. Gates; 
Pitt, Adam Pontius; Sycamore, Enoch Eyestone; Tymochtee, John Biggs; 
Ridge, Isaac Harpster; Richland, J. S. Bott; Salem, M. W. Larkins; and 
Jackson, John F. Sanford. This society, however, did not survive long. 
The first, last and only annual convention was held in June, 1873, and soon 
after it died a natural death. 

On the 23d of May, 1876, the present Wyandot Sabbath School Union 
was formed at a meeting held in the Presbyterian Church at Nevada, by the 
election of the following officers: Temporary officers — Rev. R. C. Colmery, 
Chairman; Rev. D. A. Kuhn, Secretary. Officers of permanent organiza- 
tion: Rev. R. C. Colmery, President; Rev. S. Cook, Secretary; Rev. D. A. 
Kuhn, Treasurer; Revs. C. Baldwin, D, W. Downing. D. McCullough, S. 
Fenner and Robert Pool, Executive Committee; A. J. Flaharty, of Antrim; 
Rev. S. Fenner, of Crane; Rev. J. M. Dustman, of Crawford; W. B. Mil- 
ler, of Eden; Joseph Kingman, of Jackson; J. S. Demarest, of Mifflin; 
Thomas Clark, of Pitt; Martin E. Kaler, of Ridge; Rev. S. H. Raude- 
baugh, of Sycamore; and F. F. DeTray, of Tymochtee, Vice Presidents. 

This organization retained Rev. R. C. Colmery as its President until 
1881, when he was succeeded by J. W. Foucht, who was in turn succeeded 
by Dr. J. A. Stockton in 1883. Mr. Cook served as Secretary until May 7, 
1879, then came Dr. J. A. Stockton, who was succeeded by R. H. Tyler in 
1883. 

From the annual report made May 81, 1883, we gather the following 
information: Number of Sabbath schools in the county, 63; number of 
officers and teachers, 748; number of scholars, 4,589: average attendance 
of scholars, 3,370; whole number of conversions reported for the year, 329: 
number of schools maintained during the entire year, 42; number of 
schools which held sessions only part of the year, 21. 

At the annual meetiug held at Carey May 6 and 7, 1884, Dr. J. A. 
Stockton was elected President; Rev. J. M. Dustman, Vice President; R, 
H. Tyler, Secretary; and Henry Kuenzli, Treasurer. • 

OAK HILL CEMETERY. 

The Oak Hill Cemetery Association was organized and incorporated on 
the 26th day of February, A. D. 1876, in accordance with the provisions of 
the general laws of the State. The members at that time were David Harp- 
ster, S. "Watson, S. H. Hunt, John Thompson, T. E. Grisell, R. A. Hender- 
son, Jacob Kisor, Jacob Stoll, Cyrus Sears, S. H. White, James G. Roberts 
and Gen. 1. M. Kirby. Of these members the following were elected 
officers, viz.: T. E. Grisell, President; James G. Roberts, Clerk and Treas- 
urer; David Harpster, T. E. Grisell and Isaac M. Kirby, Trustees. 

For several years prior to its organization, many of the people of Upper 
Sandusky and vicinity had deeply felt the want of a suitable place for the 
interment of-the dead, and much examination and inquiry and some effort 
had from time to time been made to procure such place; but no effective 
measures were taken to secure the end until about the 5th day of August, 
1874, when Messrs. S. Watson, D. Harpster, S. H. Hunt and J. G. Roberts, 



546 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

with the view of oi'ganizing an association and establishing a cemetery, 
purchased of John Bnser the principal part of the gi-oiinds now occupied. 

After the association became incorporated, these parties convej'ed this 
ground to the trustees, which with small tracts purchased of Messrs. Hedges 
and Reber, making thirty acres, constitute the cemetery. 

The location is on the Radnor road, one and a half miles south of Upper 
Sandusky. It is situated upon a tract of high table land bordering and 
overlooking the Sandusky Valley. Its elevated position furnishes it per- 
fect drainage, which with a subsoil composed mainly of sand and gravel 
and an undulating surface covered with an abundance of native forest trees, 
highly qualify it as a fit i-esting place for the dead, and make it a most 
picturesque and beautiful place. 

The grounds were surveyed and platted by William T. Harding, of Co- 
lumbus, Ohio, and were formally opened and dedicated on the 4th day of 
October, 1876. 

The old Mission Burying Ground had been used as the principal place of 
interment before the opening of Oak Hill Cemetery. 

SECRET ASSOCIATIONS, ETC. 

Wyandot Lodge, No. 110, I. O. O. F., was instituted July 7, 1848, 
under a dispensation issued by the officers of the Grand Lodge, of date April 
20, 1848. The first officers and members of this (Wyandot Lodge) were 
John D. Sears, N. G. ; Samuel Henley, V. G. ; Frederick S. Anderson, Sec- 
retary; Josiah Sigler, Treasurer; Samuel M. Worth, Jonathan Ayres, John 
Wilson, Anthony Christen, Joel W. Garrett, Josiah Smith and Jacob 
Juvinall, 

The early meetings of the lodge were held in the upper part of the pres- 
ent jail building. The present members number twenty-six, and regular 
meetings are held in Odd Fellows' Hall Wednesday night of each week. 
The financial condition of the lodge is good. 

Warpole Lodge, No. 176, F. & A. M., was organized in October, 1850. 
The first members and officers were Joseph McCutchen, W. M. ; Moses H. 
Kirby, S. W. ; George T. Freese, J. W. ; Michael Ruch, J. D. ; Dr. Hartz, 
Treasurer; John N. Reed, Secretary; Andrew Dumm, Tyler, and Abel 
Reuick. 

The early, meetings of this lodge were also held in the garret of the jail 
building. Col. M. H. Kirby became the second Master of the lodge, and 
contiuued to occupy that position for a period of twenty years. He is to- 
day probably the oldest Mason in the State of Ohio. 

The present members of the lodge are fifty-four in number, and their 
officers are J. F. Rieser, W. M. ; W. A. Gipson, S. W. ; Henry Reisig, J. 
W. ; J. K. Engel, Treasurer; Jacob Tribolet, Secretary; S. L. Walters, S. 
D. ; W. S. Metz, J. D. ; and J. Oppenheimer, Tyler. Regular meetings 
are held in their own hall on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. 

Council No. 271, Royal Arcanum, was instituted February 26, 1879, by 
L. A. Entriken and William Shuler, acting under the authority of the 
Grand Council of Ohio. The officers first elected were George G. Bowman, 
Regent; Dr. F. J. Schurg, Vice Regent; Allen Smalley, Orator; D. D. Clay- 
ton, Secretary; D. D. Hare, Past Regent; George W. Hall, Collector; John 
Pausch, Treasurer; S. J. Wirick, Chaplain; William M. Kail, Guide; 
James Greek, W^arden; C. Oliver, Sentry; Henry Waters, William M. 
Thompson and J. J. Stoll, Trustees. Among others as original members 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 547 

were G. W. Wirick, J. H. Deal, M. H. Brinkerhoflf, C. S. Mathews, James 
B. Oliver and Lem. Snover. 

Since its organization, two members of the council have died — Law- 
rence Bowman and John Pausch. 

The council now numbers twenty- nine members, and the present officials 
are Charles F. Shuler, R.; J. M. Houston, V. R; R. A. McKelly, P. R. ; 
D. D. Hare, Orator; J. W. Gibson, Secretary; Alexander Little, Collector; 
D. D. Clayton, Treasurer; S. J. Wirick, Chaplain; M. H. Brinkerhoff, 
Guide; Jacob Von Blun, Junior Warden; J. J. Stoll, Sentry. 

The financial condition of the council is good, and regular meetings are 
held in the Knights of Honor Hall on the second and fourth Tuesday even- 
ings of each month. 

Imperial Lodge, No. 671, Knights of Honor, was organized on the 15th 
of June, 1877, by C. W. Fisher, of Bucyrus, Ohio, Grand Dictator. The 
original members are named as follows: Adam Kail, D. D. Hare, G. G. 
Bowman, John Pausch, J. A. Stockton, G. H. Henderson, W. A. Gipson, 
Landline Smith, C. H. Holdridge and R. N. McConnell. 

Of these members, as officers at the first organization. Adam Kail was 
elected Dictator; D. D. Hare, Past Dictator; G. G. Bowman, Vice Dictator; 
John Pausch, Assistant Dictator; J. A. Stockton, Chaplain; G. H. Hender- 
son, Reporter; W. A. Gipson, Financial Reporter; Landline Smith, Treas- 
urer; C. H. Holdridge, Guide; R. N. McConnell, Guardian; John Pausch, 
Landline Smith and D. D. Hare, Trustees. 

The financial condition of the lodge is good. The present members are 
fifty in number, and their officers are J. A. Stockton, Dictator; Henry W. 
Peters, Vice Dictator; James A. Nelson, Assistant Dictator; D. D. Hare, 
Chaplain; F. J. Hoffman, Guide; E. A. Gordon, Reporter; John W. Hen- 
derson, Financial Reporter, and D. E. Hale, Treasurer. 

Regular meetings are held every Friday evening at their lodge rooms in 
the third story of the Beery Block. 

R. Robbins Post, No. 91, G. A. R., was organized June 20, 1880. Its 
first members were W. A. Gipson, Allen Smalley, William M. Thompson, 
M. C. Mealey, J. F. Rieser, Moses Wagoner, John M. Ewing, W. A Bar- 
inger, G. W. Ragon, Alonzo Haven, J. S. Barkley, E. B. Ragon and Ed A. 
Gordon. 

The officers first elected were J. F. Rieser, Commander; E. B. Ragon, 
Sr. Vice Commander; Allen Smalley, Jr. Vice Commander; John Pausch, 
Adjutant; W. A. Gipson, Quartermaster; A. Day, Chaplain; J. S. Barkley, 
Officer of the Day; John Healy, Officer of the Guard. 

The present members number 108, and the officers now serving are Ed 
A. Gordon, C. ; Allen Smalley, S. V. C. ; Daniel Hartsough, J. V. C. ; 
Henry Peters, Chap.; J. S. Barkley, O. D. ; George Healy, O. G. ; Adolph 
Billhardt, Surgeon. Meetings are held every Monday evening in Knights 
of Honor Hall, Beery Block. 

Wyandot Lodge, No. 174, Knights of Pythias, was organized November 
28, 1883, by Walter B. Ritchie, Grand Chancellor of the State of Ohio. 

The first members were L. P. Walter, E. A. Ward, Avery Henderson, 
William G. Dumm, Charles Plumb, A. K. Smalley, George Tschanen, Jo- 
seph Kerr, J. W. Grisell, F. J. Childs, S. D. Buckles, W. A. Baker, Rob- 
ert Carey, J. L. Van Marter, R. G. Atkinson, B. R. Young, Frank Beery, 
I. A. Chew, J. Altenberger, E. Carter, F. P. Kenan, John M. Frey, H. P. 
Tracy, Charles Jaros, H. M. Tiarney, J. D. League, N. G. Frazier, George 
D, Byron, E. C. Houston and J. A. Hare. Of whom the following were 



548 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

elected as officers: P. C, L. P. AV alter; C. C, Robert Carey; V. C, W. 
A. Baker; P., Frank Beery; K. R. S., William G. Dumrn; M. F., A. K, 
Smalley; M. E., Charles Plumb; M. A., John M. Frey; O. G., B. R. Young; 
I. (Jr., George D. Byron. 

Regular meetings are held on Tuesday evening of each week in the 
rooms occupied by the Knights of Honor. 

The Biisi7iess Men's Union of Upper Sandusky was organized Novem- 
ber 27, 1883, in response to a call signed by 100 business men of the town. 
Its officers are: S. J. Wirick, President; P. Cuneo, Vice President; John 
H. Von Stein, Secretary; David Moody, Treasurer; J. A. Maxwell, G. W. 
Kenan and Frank Myers, Board of Commissioners. Regular meetings are 
held in H. P. Tracy's office on the last Monday evening of each month. 
The objects of the association are to protect each other against the class of 
customers termed "dead beats." 

The Wyandot Mutual Relief Association was organized in June, 1874, 
by a few farmers of Tymochtee Township, who mutually agreed to protect 
each other against loss by fire and lightning. It is a farmers' organization 
exclusively. Among the original members were L. S. Walton, Peter Baum, 
Levi Ekleberry, William Corfman, Joel W^ininger, John Row, D. M. Bope, 
Peter Benisderfer, Silas Baker and a number of others. The first officers 
were: Benjamin Copley, President; William Corfman, Seci'etary; George 
Van Pool, Treasurer; Silas Baker, Enoch Eyestone and John Row, Direct- 
ors. 

This association began operations October 13, 1874, with fifty members 
and with about $60,000 worth of property insured. For three years they 
operated successfully upon the honor of members. In 1877, however, the 
association was duly incorporated under the laws of Ohio. At the present 
time the members are nearly 600 in number, and have about 11,000,000 
%vorth of property insured. The present officers are: Benjamin Morris, 
President; M. B. Case, Secretary; Robert Lowery, Treasurer; Irvin Bacon, 
Noah Stoneburner and John Young, Directors. The regular meetings of 
the association are held at Upper Sandusky on the first Friday in each year, 
although special meetings are held about once in three months. 

It should be added, perhaps, that great credit is due to William Corf- 
man for his efficient work in futhering the interests of the association. He 
served as Secretary nine successive years, and solicited the larger portion 
of the membership. 

The Wome7i's Christian Temperance Union of Upper Sandusky was in- 
stituted December 4, 1882, by Col. George Woodford, of Illinois. Among 
the first members and officers were Mrs. Belmer, D. R. Cook, King, Byron, 
Craig, Davis, Dippery, Owens, Beery, Foucht, Crise, Keller, Fairfax, Mc- 
Connell, Clapsaddle and Peters. Regular meetings have been held on the 
first Monday of each month since the date of organization. The pres- 
ent members number 101. The financial condition of the Union is good. 

The Wyandot Saengerhund, known at the beginning as the Uj^per San- 
dusky Maennerchor, was, after a preliminary meeting, held on the 22d of 
July, 1858, under the auspices of Dr. A. Billhardt, formally organized on 
the 26th day of July, 1858. The first meeting was held in John K. En- 
gel's residence, then situated on the southeast corner of Wyandot avenue 
and Eighth street. 

According to the records which are yet preserved, the by laws, etc., then 
adopted were signed by M. W. Bliicher, Friedrich Agerter, Friedrich 
Kern, August Jahr, Christoph Schmidt, Adam Katzenmeier, Frederich 




/Crr) ^m^iA/M^yni/iij 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 551 

Schneider, Adolph Billhardt, Ewald Brauns and John K. Engel. The first 
ofificers elected were Friedrich Agerter, President; Dr. Adolph Billhardt, 
Musical Director; M. W. Blucher, Secretary; and August Jahr, Treasurer. 
At a subsequent meeting, Benjamin Liebenthal, Casper Daub, John Seider, 
Dr. Rodig and others joined the society. 

Thereafter the Saengerbund had its ups and downs. It gave concerts, 
balls, even theatrical performances, and celebrated faithfully the birthdays 
of its respective members. During the late war, however, which was so 
pernicious to all societies, the younger members seceded, but the old and 
true continued steadfast in the support of the original society, and have 
prospered, with but short intervals between the meetings, until to-day. 

The most eventful periods, perhaps, in the history of the Bund, was the 
participation of its members in the German Saengerfeste, held at Buffalo, 
N. Y. , in 1860; at Columbus, Ohio, in 1865; at Louisville, Ky. , in 1866; 
at Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1870; at Cleveland, Ohio, in 1874; at Columbus, 
Ohio, in 1878; at Akron, Ohio, in 1880; at Dayton, Ohio, in 1882, and at 
Springfield, Ohio, in 1884. 

The present active members are twelve in number, of whom H. Alt- 
staetler is President; A. Martin. Secretary; John K. Engel, Treasurer, and 
Adolph Billhardt, Musical Director. Of the original founders there are at 
present only three active members living, viz.. Dr. A. Billhardt, John K. 
Engel and John Seider. Respecting the present and future existence of 
the Bund, an original member of the society says: " If chances had been 
favorable, the Saengerbund would have celebrated, in 1883, its twenty-fifth 
anniversary. The financial condition of the Bund is rather slim, the in- 
come hardly covering expenses. The time of meetings and rehearsals is 
Sunday and Thursday evenings, and the objects of the society, the culti- 
vation of vocal music, especially the German quartette, and enjoyments in 
their social gatherings. The prospects of this society and all others sim- 
ilarly situated, are not bright, and the future existence questionable, on ac- 
count of the insufficient support received from their German -American suc- 
cessors who will not or cannot appreciate the efforts and endeavors of their 
German- born fathers, in the direction of this preservation of musical 
gifts presented in the voice and the offerings of real pleasure and joy." 

Other Organizations. — Among other well-known organizations existing 
in the town of Upper Sandusky are the Kirby Light Guard, the Little Six 
Cornet Band and the Wyandot County Pioneer Association. The Kirby 
Light Guard, or Company B, Second Regiment, O. N. G., is one of the 
best military organizations in the State. During the spring of 1884 it ren- 
dered efficient service in suppressing mob violence in the city of Cincin- 
nati, and at Ashland, Ohio. The company is well drilled and equipped, 
and can take the field ready for arduous service at thirty minutes' notice. 
The Little Six Band, an excellent musical organization, frequently enter- 
tains an appreciative public with music almost perfect in its execution. 
The Pioneer Association* has performed one action at least which will per- 
petuate its name and memory for many years — the erection and dedication 
of the Crawford Monument August 30, 1877. However, since its most 
active worker and Secretary, Hon. Curtis Berry, Jr., became an invalid, in- 
terest in the association seems to have waned. 

THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 

Among the early teachers in Upper Sandusky were Charles Culver, John 

*The records not being in existence, it was impossible to give a full history of the Association. 

20 



552 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

A. Morrison, James V. S. Hoyt, Charles G. Ferris, Adelia Chaflfee, Jennie 
Jackson, a gentleman by the name of Chambers, another by the name of 
Mason and a Miss Wigton. For a number of years the old Council House 
was the chief and only temple of learning in the town, and it seems that 
had not the Wyandots left that building for the use of their white suc- 
cessors, that the latter must of necessity have gone without courts, religious 
meetings, political meetings, schools, etc., for years, as the Indian Council 
House was the only resort for all such purposes, until it was carelessly 
destroyed by fire. A little old log shanty, however, which stood opposite 
Gloeser's tanyard, only a little more to the south of it, also did duty at an 
early period as a rendezvous for master and pupils. 

About the year 1853, the Council House was destroyed by tire. Soon 
after, a proposition to levy a tax of $1,000, with which to build a school- 
house, was submitted to the people of the town, but was voted down. 
About this time a law was enacted, authorizing the issue of bonds on the 
credit of the corporation, for school purposes, and in accordance with the 
provisions of this act, bonds were issued to the amount of $4,000. With 
the money thus obtained a two-story brick structure, 40x50 feet, with four 
rooms, two above and two below, was erected on Inlot No. 108, near the 
site of the Council House, in 1854 or 1856. Subsequently an addition was 
made to this building, and later still, a separate building was built to the 
south, but near the original structure, of about the same style and dimen- 
sions as the addition above mentioned. 

A sidewalk extending along Johnston street, from Sandusky avenue to 
the then new Union Schoolhouse, was built by I. H. and A. Beery, in the 
summer of 1857, for |149. The last building erected near the site of the 
Council House is still in use. A number of years ago, the date of which, 
like those first mentioned, cannot be ascertained, a brick schoolhouse, for 
the accomodation of pupils residing in the north part of the town was 
erected on Fifth street. It also is still in a good state of repair. 

The present elegant new school building, which stands well out in the 
northwest quarter of the town, was built during the years !1882 and 1883. 
It has cost, including grounds, heating apparatus and furniture, about 
$50,000, and is a structure of which any city in the Union might feel proud. 
It has twelve rooms for schools, a dry, well-lighted basement, spacious cor- 
ridors, stair cases and cloak rooms, and is furnished with the latest and 
most approved styles of school furniture. 

The'school board of the present is composed of R. A. McKelly, President; 
J. D. Drum, Secretary; Joseph Gloeser, Henry Grundtisch and Jonathan 
Hare. The present enumeration of the school population of the town is 
about thii'teen hundred, including about 120 in the Catholic parochial schools. 

The present Superintendent and teachers are as follows: W. A. 
Baker, Superintendent; Miss K. M. Smith, high school; Mrs. R. L. Jones, 
A grammar; Miss Hattie McCutchen, B grammar; Mrs. Maud Kilbourn, 
C grammar; Miss Ella Bowman, D grammar; Miss Agnesse Adair, 
D grammar; Miss S. R. Craig, A Primary; Miss Bella Swift, B Primary; 
Miss Maggie Garwood, Mrs. Zanders and Miss Emma Colmery, C Primary; 
Miss Carrie Myers and Miss Mame Wineman, D Pi'imary. 

Under the efficient management of Prof. Baker during the past four 
years the interest in the schools has largely inci'eased. The attendance is 
at least 15 per cent greater, and the per cent of absence and tardiness has 
correspondingly decreased. A marked interest in the literary culture of 
the school-going population is manifested by the parents generally, and, 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 553 

with the continuance of Prof. Baker's able policy, the Upper Sandusky 
Schools are destined in the near future to take rank amonoj the first of the 
public schools of the State. 

CKANE TOWNSHIP. 

This township, which derives its name from the Wyandot Chieftain, 
Tarhe, or "The Crane," was organized as now constituted in 1845. It lies 
wholly within the limits of the Wyandot Reserve, and for that reason its 
lands, with the exception of those embraced by the original plat of the 
town of Upper Sandusky, were not placed in market until the autumn of 
1845. True, a considerable number of men with their families, who are 
mentioned in the sketch of Upper Sandusky, settled outside of the town 
limits, before the lands were ofifered for sale, but, for a few months at 
least, they were only "squatters." 

The surface is of a level character, and the soil remarkably fertile. The 
increase in population has been gradual. Its inhabitants in 1880, outside 
of the corporate limits of Upper Sandusky, being 1,487 in number. Among 
its points of interest, which are frequently pointed out to strangei's, are the 
Indian Mills on the Sandusky, Crawford's Battle Gi'ound,* on Section 17, 
and the Indian Mission Church, just north of Upper Sandusky. 

Although the village of Upper Sandusky was clothed with corporate 
powers in the spring of 1848, it appears that no separate assessments 
regarding town and township were made until a number of years later. 
Nevertheless, the tax-paying inhabitants of Crane Township in 1848, includ- 
ing those of Upper Sandusky, were as follows: 

Archibald Allen, Ira Ashley, D. & W. Ayres, Frederick Anderson, 
Andrew M. Anderson, James B. Alden, J. & J. Brown, Simeon Buxton, 
William Bearinger, David Boals, Anthony Bowsher, White & Bowsher, 
George W. Beery (an attorney), William Beals, Thomas Baird, James C. 
Boyd, William Beam, William W. Bates, Peter B. Beidler, John H. Bar- 
ick, George Bogart, David Bowsher, Beery & Lyle (attorneys), John J. 
Bear. Samuel Bird, John Buckingham, Robert Bowsher, Jacob Buser, 
Daniel H. Carlton, William Critz, Henry Clifford, Conrad Curfman, Elias 
Cline, Antoine Christen, A. Crozier & Co., Leonard Covel, Joseph Chaffee, 
Harry P. Cutting, James L. Clark, Joseph H. Cover, James Cram, John 
Clinger, Joseph Cover, George W. Duddleson, George Dobler, Hiram 
Dumm, Isaac Davis, William Dixon, E. B. Elkins, Jacob Ely, Alfred Ens- 
minger, George T. Freese, Frederick H. France, Dr. Orrin Ferris, Ferris & 
Kiskadden, John Fernbaugh, Hiram Flack, Nancy Gan-ett. Benjamin Gib- 
son, Daniel Graham, David Goodman, William T. Giles, David Gipson, 
Jonathan Gaddis, Erson Goodman, C. B. Gillett, James Haskins, George 
Harper, Dr. John J. Hartz, Samuel Hunter, Anderson Howell, William 
Harringer, Christian Huber, Andrew Harris, Enos Heaton, Charles Home, 
Samuel Henry, Isaac Hoaglaud, Casper Hohwald, James Hulet, William H. 
Harris, Sarah Hamlin, James L. Harper, Simeon Holmes, John Howell, 
James Harris, James Jackson, Jacob Juvinall, Josiah Jackson, Michael 
Kays, John Kays, Jacob Kays, Moses H. Kirby (an attorney), William 
Kiskadden, William King, Ernest M. Krakau, Jesse Krakau, Abraham 
Krakau, Samuel Kinsley, Aaron Lyle (an attorney), Isaac Lott, Lemuel 
Lewis, Hiram Lear, Samuel Landis. John Linegar, Amos D. Long, David 
Little, Isaiah Lowery, Joseph Longway, John Lockhart, Dr. James McCon- 

* Near this place are the Nine Oaks which are famed for being the spot where the Indian Court convened 
that tritd and convicted Col. Crawford. 



554 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

nell, Alexander Miller, William McCanlisL. Chester R. Mott (an attorney), 
Thomas Morgan, Michael Myers, Henry Maddux, James McClean, Robert 
McDermott, Michael Miller, Andrew McElvain, Jeremiah Miner, James 
MagiJl, Samnel Miller & Co., William McCurdy, Robert McKelly (an 
attorney), Levi Mellen, Gustavus Margraf, John A. Morrison, William 
Myers, Josiah Morrison, Dr. Joseph Mason, S. R. McBane (an attorney), 
William Morris, William Martin, Gill McHenry, Jacob Myers, Joseph 
McCutchen, James Morris, N. C. Manley, A. J. Matson, James McLees, 
David Maffett, John McCurdy, Horace McMurter, David Miller, Frederick 
Nagel, John Owens, Thomas Officer, John Pear, Irvin Porter, Upton Pow- 
less, C. Y. Pierson, E. C. Philip, James Pancoast, Henry Peters, Charles 
Parsons, Valentine Pkimb, Joseph Parker, David Peterson, Peter Pomley, 
Ira Quaintance, Eli Quaintance, Samuel Riggens, Eli Ragon, John Ragon, 
George Robinson, Matthew Rogers, John N. Reed, George Ruch, Michael 
Ruch, N. P. Robbins, John Robinson, George G. Robinson, Thomas V. 
Reber, David Smith, Freeman Spencer, Isaac Smalley, Charles Strong, 
John D. Sears (an attorney), Amos Slocum, Joseph Spangler, Stephen Sny- 
der, Foster Savidge, Frederick Shineberger, Michael Simcox, Levi Savidge, 
Frederick Sibolt, Jesse Snyder, John W. Senseny, Allen Saine, George F. 
Stoll, John Sohn, Daniel Stoner, Harrison Sell, Josiah Smith, Green Til- 
ton, Daniel Tultle, Abraham Trager, Merritt Tygert, Edward Thompson, 
Charles Thayer (Presbyterian minister), John Tripp, Robert Taggart, Asa 
Thorp, John Tinkey, David W^ilson, Solomon Wilmoth, Joseph Wheeler, 
T. B. Willoughby, Jacob Wagoner, Guy C. Worth, Jonathan Wright, 
Daniel Wright, David Watson (a physician), Raymond Williams, Walker 
& Garrett, Wheeler & Garrett, Milton B. Williams, Samuel M. Worth, 
Buckminster Wood, William Watson, Timothy Young, Anthony Yunker, 
Henry Zimmerman and Elias Zickafoose. 

TOWNSHIF OFFICIALS. 

The following is a list of the township officials since and including the 
year 1860: 

1860 — Trustees, John Agerter, Joseph Parker, James Culbertson. 

1861 — John Agerter, William Beam, Frank Cunningham. 

1862 — John Agerter, William Beam, Peter Tobias. 

1863 — John Agerter, William Beam, Peter Tobias. 

1864— William Smalley, John H. Barick, Vight Goetz. 

1865 — John H. Barick, Joseph Hutter, Elias Streby. 

1866 — John H. Barick, Joseph Hutter, Joseph Parker. 

1867 — John H. Barick, Joseph Hutter, Joseph Parker. 

1868 — William Beam, Joseph Parker, Elias Streby. 

1869— Elias Streby, G. G. Kramer, N. F. Goetz. 

1870— Elias Streby, G. G. Kramer, N. F. Goetz. 

1871 — James Swan, Charles Parker, John Seider. 

1872 — John Seider, Peter Grummel, William Smalley. 

1873 — A. G. Thatcher, Conrad Stephens, Joseph Parker. 

1874 — A. G. Thatcher, Conrad Stephens, Joseph Parker. 

1875— Robert McKelvy, John L. Barick, George W. Stalter. 

1876— Robert McKelvy, John L. Barick, George W. Stalter. 

1877 — John Van Blon, William Gibson, J. Gloeser. 

1878 — John Van Blon, William Gibson, J. Gloeser. 

1879— George Adair, D. J. Reely, John L. Barick. 

1880 — George Adair, John L. Barick, D. J. Reely. 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 555 

1881 — George Adair, Kasper Veith, John Young. 

1882 — George Adair, Kasper Veith, John Young. 

1883 — J. Gloeser, George Adair, Kasper Veith. 

Clerks-1860, Henry Miller; 1861-63, Richard Miner: 1864-66, Will- 
iam E. Bowsher; 1867, William M. Lowther; 1868-69, J. W. Gibson; 
1870, Hem7 Wolfred; 1871-72, J. W. Gibson; 1873, A. H. Grizzle; 1874- 
83, William E. Bowsher. 

Treasurers -1860-63, A. G. Tribolet; 1864-65, Curtis Berry, Jr.; 1866- 
68, R. McKee; 1869-70, Ulrich Orsinger; 1870-73, William E. Bowsher; 
1874-75, G. G. Kramer; 1876-77, Lawrence Bowman; 1878-79. John 
Seider; 1880-83, Jacob P. Karg. 

Justices of the Peace (since 1860) — John Ragon, R. D. Dumm, George 
Myers, Archibald Chew, George Myers, Joel W. Gibson, Robert Lowry, 
Allen Smalley, Joseph Mang, William Kail, Samuel M. Worth, H. P. 
Tracy. 

EELIGIOUS. 

The Church of God at Rock Run, in Crane Township, was organized by 
Rev. William Adams in the winter of 1847 at a meeting held in the dwell- 
ing-house of John Fernbaugh. The original members, five in number, 
were John Fernbaugh and wife, John Hart and wife, and Isaac Hoaglaud. 

This house of worship, a frame structure 34x40 feet, was built in i860 
at a cost of $1,500. It was quite thoroughly repaired in 1883. 

Those who have officiated as pastors of this church were D. Shrimer, 
William Shafer, David Nidig, J. W. Senseny, William Adams, William 
McCormick, James George, R. H. Bolton, George Wilson, L. Ensminger, 
J. H. Basore, W. P. Small, T. Deshire, J. Neal, W. H. Oliver, J. A. Smith, 
S. Tilly, T. Koogle and J. V. Updyke. 

The present members of this organization are about fifty in number, 
among whom are Daniel Hale and G. Fernbaugh, Elders; William Fern- 
baugh and Charles Hottman, Deacons; D. Hale, James Crawford and J. B. 
Fernbaugh, Trustees. 

A successfully conducted Sunday school has been maintained since the 
church was built, also a Home Missionary Society. 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

JOHN AGERTER, of the firm of Agerter, Stevenson & Co., proprietors 
of the Stephenson Engine Works, was born in Switzerland November 29, 
1826. He emigrated to America with his widowed mother, three brothers 
and one sister in 1851, reaching Upper Sandusky July 1 of that year. His 
father died in his native countiy in 1846, aged about fifty-four years; the 
mother's death occui'red in Upper Sandusky in 1860, aged fifty- six years. 
But two of the family remain — John and Jacob. The former, on locating 
in Upper Sandusky, began work on a brick-yard, subsequently pui'suing the 
carpenter's trade twelve years, taking contracts for buildings of all descrip- 
tions. In March, 1865, Mr. Agerter was appointed by the Commissioners 
of this county to fill the unexpired term of County Surveyor Peter B. Beid- 
ler, and was afterward elected to the same office three successive terms. In 
1876, he was elected County Auditor, serving one term, and October 1, 
1881, the firm of Agerter, Stevenson & Co. was established. They do an 
extensive business, their enterprise being the leading institution of 
the city. Mr. Agerter was married in January, 1859, to JDorotha E. Hot- 
tie, and seven children have resulted from this union, namely: William 



556 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Tell, born October 16, 1859; Alice J., July 24, 1881; Paul H., April 25, 
1864; Rachel C, April 9, 1867; John D., October 4, 1871; Arra R., No- 
vember 23, 1874; Zora H., September 22. 1877. Mrs. Agerter is a native 
of Hardy County, Va., where she was born July 8, 1880. Mr. Agerter 
served as Mayor of Upper Sandusky two years, as Township Trustee five 
years, and was elected City Councilman in 1883. He has been a member 
of the I. O. O. F. since 1856, and, with his wife, is a member oE the Ger- 
man Lutheran Church, to whose support he is a liberal contributor. He 
was one of the principal agents in the erection of the German Reform 
Chiu'ch, and is a highly respected and substantial citizen. 

ARCHIBALD ALLEN, commonly called " Uncle Archie," and a rai-e 
representative of the colored race, was born in Frederick County, Va., April 
1, 1808, son of Simon and Lucy Allen, whose deaths occurred in 1833 and 
1818 respectively. After the death of his mother, Mr. Allen resided till 
his twentieth year with Samuel Richardson, who gave him the advantage of 
obtaining an education. In 1828, he embarked in life for himself, engag- 
ing in various kinds of labor at different places, removing to Wyandot 
County May 5, 1834. He acquired the trade of barber with Joseph Ben- 
nett, of Columbus, where he remained three winters, establishing a shop 
in Upper Sandusky in 1845, where he pursiied his trade until 1866. He 
then opened a feed store, and has since engaged in that business. He has 
bought and sold town property to a considerable extent, and his wealth is 
now estimated at $15,000. He has been a resident of the county for half 
a century, is a Republican in politics, and has never married. 

CHRISTIAN ALTHOUSE was born in Canton Berne, Switzerland, 
August 20, 1821. He is a son of Christian and Magdaline (Gerber) Alt- 
house, natives of the same locality, his father being a carpenter by trade. 
His parents emigrated to this country in 1834, and settled in Holmes Coun- 
ty, where they resided till 1847, when they removed to this county, where 
his father died in 1875, his mother still surviving in her eighty-fourth 
year. Their children were Magdalene, Christian, John, Barbara, Elizabeth, 
Peter, Samuel, Mary A. and Sophia. The deceased are John and Barbara. 
Our subject. Christian, lived with his parents till twenty-two years old. 
He was educated in the schools of Switzerland, attending English schools 
one month only. He learned the wagon trade, and was engaged in the same 
five years in Stark County. In 1852, he purchased eighty acres of his pres- 
ent farm, now owning 104 acres, valued at $80 per acre. In 1869, he 
erected a good barn, costing $700, and in 1873 a fine brick residence, cost- 
ing $2,000. In connection with his farming, Mr. Althouse kept a number 
of cows, and did a good business in the dairy line for several years. He 
was married, March 24, 1851, to Anna Gehring, who was born in Switzer- 
land July 8, 1829, and daughter of William and Catharine (Brandt) Geh- 
ring, whose children were Barbara, Catharine, Mary, Christian, Anna, 
William and Elizabeth. Christian and William are deceased. The father 
died in 1836; the mother in 1861. They came to this county in 1849. Mr. 
and Mrs. Althouse have eleven children, namely: Elizabeth, December 13, 
1851; Samuel W., Februarv 21, 1853; Harriet, May 21, 1855; John F., 
July 21, 1857; Caroline C, June 13, 1861; Carl D., July 16, 1863; Mary 
A., September 29, 1865; William R.. September 15, 1868; George A., Au- 
gust 9, 1870; Emily C, November 20, 1871; Alvin O., February 10, 1875. 
Elizabeth died October 17, 1852, and George A. November 3, 1870. In 
politics, Mr. Althouse is a Democrat, himself and wife being members of 
the German Reform Church. 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 557 

HENRY ALTSTAETTER, of the firm of Veith & Altstaetter, was born 
in Germany July 9, 1843. He is the son of Frederick and Susannah 
Altstaetter, with whom he emigrated to America in 1851. They settled in 
Allen County, Ohio, purchasing 160 acres of land on which they resided 
till 1863. They subsequently removed to Delphos, Ohio, where he died 
September 3, 1883, aged eighty-one years. His wife still survives in her 
seventy-fifth year, a resident of the above city. They were the parents of 
eleven children, seven now living — Lewis, William, Christina, Emma, Henry, 
Mary and Augusta. Henryt Altstaetter, our subject, was a farmer boy in 
Allen County, and at the age of eighteen enlisted in the United States serv- 
ice. March 23, 1862, in Company K, Fourteenth Missouri Western Sharp- 
shooters. He participated in the siege of Corinth, the battles of luka and 
Corinth; marched from Corinth to Pulaski, thence to Chattanooga, joining 
in the Atlanta campaign, and with Sherman in his march to the sea. He 
veteranized at Pulaski, Tenn., never losing a day's duty; participated in 
all battles the regiment was in, and was discharged at Springfield, HI., April 
26, 1865. He was married. September 21, 1865, to Hedwig Jettinger, of 
Delphos. They have seven children — Antonia H., born September 22, 
1867; Louisa F., June 18, 1869; Lena M., August 29, 1871; Emma C, 
September 21, 1873; Frederick W., December 11, 1875; Hedwig P., April 
24, 1879; Ida H. W., August 29, 1881. Mrs. Altstaetter was born Decem- 
ber 12, 1844. After marriage, our subject engaged in the brewing business 
at Delphos, subsequently spending some time on the farm, and removing to 
Upper Sandusky in 1877. He then engaged in the brewing business until 
1883, when he formed a partnership with Charles F. Veith, in the grocery 
and queensware trade. In connection with this establishment he operates 
a spoke mill, at times employing from four to five assistants. Mr. Altstaet- 
ter is the owner of 172 acres of land in Marseilles Township, a residence on 
Fourth street, and a half interest in his stock of goods. He is a member of 
the G. A. R. , and has served one term as City Councilman. 

JACOB P. ARTER was born in Richland County, Ohio, March 7,1853. 
His parents were Henry and Delilah (Hattel) Arter, the former born in 
Maryland January 22, 1799, died May 30, 1879; the latter born in Shen- 
andoah County, Va. , January 14, 1818. They were married in Craw- 
ford County, Ohio, in 1847, their three children being David M., born Sep- 
tember 28, 1847; Harriet J., May 29, 1849, and Jacob P., our subject. 
They came to this county in 1853, and purchased eighty acres of land on 
which Jacob P. grew to manhood. He was educated in the common schools, 
and has always engaged in agricultural pursuits. He owns 220 acres, well 
improved, and valued at $75 per acre. His annual farm product is $1,200 
to $1,500. Mr. Arter was married, November 27, 1876, to Belinda Morris, 
daughter of Benjamin and Eleanor (Walton) Morris, born in Eden Township 
January 26, 1855. They have one child — OrtanM., born December 2, 1878. 
Mr. and Mrs. Arter are members of the United Brethren Chui'ch; he is a 
strong advocate of Republican principles, an energetic young farmer, and a 
well respected citizen. 

DAVID AYRES, first son of Dr. Isaac and Eliza (Coulter) Ayres, was 
born in Beavertown, Penn. , June 11, 1809. In 1822, he came with his 
parents to Richland County, Ohio, where they remained till 1847. They 
then removed to Upper Sandusky, where they resided during the remainder 
of their lives. The father died in December, 1848; the mother in 1858. 
They were the parents of nine children, of whom but five are living — David 
and Jonathan, and three daughters. The former settled in Upper San- 



558 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

dusky in 1845, and engaged in the mercantile trade, pursuing this occupa- 
tion a number of years. Prior to his settlement in Upper Sandusky, Mr. 
Ayres engaged in the mercantile business in Londonville, Richland Coun- 
ty, when but twenty years of age, and afterward at Perrysville, Richland 
County, for a period of two years. He then disposed of his establishment, 
and after a short period of time spent in agricultural pursuits, for the 
benefit of his health, again entered the field of traffic at Kalida, Ohio. In 
1839, he removed to Putnam County, and formed a partnership with C. H. 
Rice, father of Gen. Rice, handling a stock of general merchandise at Ka- 
lida, then the county seat of Putnam County. He remained here two 
years, traveled several months, and located in Upper Sandusky in 1845, as 
above stated. He continued in business in Upper Sandusky till 1853, when 
he retired with a large amount of property. He was married in 1835 to Aba- 
gail Rice, and four children were born to them. The death of Mrs. Ayres 
occurred in 1840 or 1841, and our subject was again married, in 1851, to 
Miss Octave Sutherland, one child being born to them. The death of this 
second wife and child occurred in 1852, and Mr. Ayres was a third time 
married, in 1861, to Nancy Jackson. They have no children. Mr. Ayres 
has been identified with many of the leading improvements of the town. 
He is a man of high sense of honor, and is held in high esteem by his 
fellow-Democrats. 

J. L. BARICK, farmer, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, June 3, 
1836. He is a son of Solomon and Susan (Lechleiter) Barick, the former a 
native of Fairfield County, born December 25, 1811; the latter born in 
Hampshire County, Va. , May 5, 1816. They were the parents of four 
children — John L., George W., David and May A. David was born April 
10, 1840, died April 25, 1842; Marr A., born April 8, 1842, died June 8, 
1842; George W., born October 3, 1843, died July 3, 1862. John L., the 
subject of this sketch, resided with his parents in the counties of Fairfield 
and Pickaway, locating in Wyandot in 1849. His parents removed to this 
county in 1851, and with them he remained till 1858, receiving the bene- 
fits of the common schools. He was married, September 16, 1858, to 
Maria Keller, daughter of Martin and Hannah (Buskirk) Keller, a native of 
Tuscarawas County, Obio, born November 1, 1839. They have six children 
— Mahlon A., born October 13, 1859; Susan H., May 15, 1862; Bertha M., 
March 1, 1865; Mary B., February 19, 1870; Emily M., May 2, 1873; 
John R. , February 8, 1881. After marriage, Mr. Barick settled on his 
present farm, and has since devoted his attention to agriculture and stock- 
raising, making a specialty of Poland-China hogs. He enlisted in the army, 
Company E, One Hundred and Ninety-second Regiment Ohio Volunteer In- 
fantry, February 14, 1865, and was sent into the Shenandoah Valley on 
detached service at Rood's Hill, Col. Butterfield's headquarters, till the 
close of the war, receiving his discharge at Columbus September 7, 1865, 
Mr. Barick served as Township Trustee four years, and was member of the 
Township Board of Education a number of years. In politics, he is a Dem- 
ocrat, and alive to every public interest. 

MRS. MARY BEAM, widow of William Beam, is a native of Columbus, 
Ohio, born December 8, 1839. She is a daughter of William and Mary 
(Seip) Hofif, natives of Germany, who emigrated about 1838, settling first m 
Columbus, and, two years later, near Carey, being one of its first inhabit- 
ants. He died at his home northeast of Carey, in May, 1877, aged seventy- 
four years; his widow still resides on the homestead in her sixty-eighth 
year, Mrs. Beam came to this county when but one year of age, and had 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 559 

but meager opportunities for an education. She was married, November 4, 
1858, to William Beam, a native of Knox County, Ohio, born February 19, 
1823, and son of Isaac and Martha (Merritt) Beam, of German and Irish 
parentage. lie was a prominent citizen of this county, being elected Com- 
missioner in 1868. He purchased the farm on which Mrs. Beam now resides 
in 1865, and at his death was the owner of 285 acres, which has since been 
properly divided among his surviving children. He died September 10, 
1873. Mr. and Mrs. Beam had five children: William H., born August 25, 
1859; Mary E., April 28, 1861; Anna B., May 16, 1863; Ida F., June 3, 
1868; and Edward, May 22, 1870. 

SEVERIN BECHLER, brewer, is a native of Bezirk, Baden, Germany, 
and son of Mathias and Katie (Schueble) Bechler, the former still residing 
in his native country in which the latter's death occurred in 1866. Severin 
Bechler emigrated to the United States when twenty-nine years of age, 
landiog in New York City October 10, 1868; he soon after located in Day- 
ton, Ohio, where he engaged six years as foreman of a brewery. In 1874, 
he removed to Delphos, remaining two years in the same occupation, and in 
1876 to Upper Sandusky, where he is still extensively engaged in the bi-ew- 
ing business. Mr. Bechler was married in Germany, November 28, 1866, 
to Theodora Massbrugger, and five children have been born to them — three 
living: Emma K., born at Dayton, February 18, 1869; Louis F. , August 
28, 1874; and Matilda L, born at Delphos, September 26, 1876. The de- 
ceased are Emily, born in Germany, November 26, 1867, died March 19, 
1868; and Frank L., born at Dayton, March 6, 1871, died in same city 
September, 1873. Mr. Bechler is a substantial and industrious citizen and 
has acquired considerable property as a result of his labt^rs. 

BROOKS BEERY, son of George and Catharine (Cradlebaugh) Beery, 
was born in Fairfield County. Ohio, February 19, 1820. " His father, 
George Beery, was born in Rockingham County, Va. , in the year 1 783, and 
emigrated to the almost unbroken wilderness of your county in the year 
1800 . He was the youngest of six brothers of his father's family, in the 
order here given: John, Isaac, Abraham, Jacob, Henry and George. There 
were two half brothers, Christopher and Joseph, all of whom were among 
the first and early settlers of Fairfield County. He came down the Monon- 
gahela and Ohio Rivers in a flat-boat, and up the Hock-hocking to the falls, 
thence through the woods on foot to Lan caster, and remained over winter, 
clearing land for others by the acre. He returned to Virginia the next 
spring, and finally returned to Fairfield County, in the fall of the year 1801, 
and settled on the Raccoon Creek, near Bremen, clearing land and working 
for others, thus enabling him to enter eighty acres, which he did in the fall 
of the year, 1807. In 1809, he married and settled on this small tract of 
land, continuing to live thereon, and in the neighborhood of Bremen, until 
in the spring of 1832, when he moved to Little Raccoon, five miles east of 
Lancaster, where he died in the year 1856.^ John Beery, his oldest brother, 
came to the county in the year 1 805, and the other brothers soon after, all 
settling upon and near the streams mentioned in Rush Creek and Berne 
Townships. They were a hardy, stout and industrious set of men, and did 
their full share of clearing and improving that part of the county. They 
are all dead, leaving families scattered all over the country. Their educa- 
tion being very limited, and their habits sober and industrious, were con- 
tent with the occupation of farming, except my father, who was always fur 
in advance of his neighbors in schools and public improvements. He took 
an active part in the construction of the canal from Carroll to Lancaster. 



560 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Also, in building the Zanesville & Marysville, and Haaner & Lancaster 
Turnpikes; was one of the Commissioners of the county, I think, in the 
^»ar 1828, and assisted in locating and building the County Infirmary. In 

,,-'^_34:, he laid out the town of Bremen, and, in the next year, in partnership 
with Mr. Hedges, commenced the business of selling goods, an occupation 
yet followed by several of his children, who received their first lessons un- 
der his supervision. In the war of 1812. he was pressed into the service 
with his team, and while Maj. Croghan was defending Fort Stevenson, at 
Lower Sandusky, with team and provisions he was camped at Fort Ball, now 
Tiffin, and within hearing of the guns of the fort. He was a personal 
friend and a great admirer of the Hon. T. Ewing, claiming that he had no 
superior as a lawyer and a statesman in the Union. Sach was his admira- 
tion of this truly great man, that he called his tenth and youngest son 
Thomas Ewing. As a citizen he was public spirited; as a neighbor, kind 
and benevolent; as a father, strict in his requirements, yet tenderly devoted 
to his children. His wife was a Cradlebaugh, a daughter of a Revolutionary 
soldier.^ a German Reform minister, and a man of considerable influence in 
his day. He emigrated to Western Pennsylvania soon after the war closed, 
and in 1810 or 1811, to Fairfield County, when he soon afterward died. She 
was born in Washington County, Penn., in the year 1789, emigrated to 
Fairfield County in 1806 or 1807, and died in 1870. She was a woman of 
more than ordinary force of character, positive in her opinions, and free to 
express them; industrious and economical, loving right and hating wrong; 
prompt and practical in every duty, exercising a marked and controlling 
influence over her husband and family. A mother of the old type in every 
sense of the word. They had twelve children, nine of whom still survive: 
four are living here, one near Urbana, Ohio, and the balance in and near 
the family village of Bremen."* Brooks Beery, the subject proper of this 
sketch, was employed on the farm with his parents till twenty-seven years 
of age, obtaining only a common school education. He subsequently en- 
gaged three years in mercantile pursuits at Bremen, Ohio, and was attended 
by fair success. In 1850, he came to Upper Sandusky and established a 
dry goods store in a frame building on the site now occupied by the Beery 

^ Block, where for thirty years he cooducted an extensive and successful 
business, retiring in 1880. He is the principal owner of the Upper San- 
dusky Gas Works; owns a half interest in the Beery Block and also in the 
elevator located by the C. H. V. & T. R. R. For many years Mr. Beery 
has been regarded as one of the prime factors of the commercial and busi- 
ness interests of Upper Sandusky and is well known as one of its most en- 
terprising and substantial citizens. He is a gentleman of broad and liberal 
views on all subjects, and is endowed with a large and valuable business 
experience. Mr. Beery was married September 4, 1856, to Miss Jeannette 
Sherman, their only child being Frank, who was born October 20, 1857. 
Mrs. Beeiy was born in New York, August, 1828, and is the daughter of 
Horace and Luceppa (Harris) Sherman. 

HON. GEORGE W. BEERY. Conspicuous among the eminent and 
notable citizens who have resided and still grace this place with their pres- 
ence, is Hon. George W. Beery, who is now President of one of the princi- 
pal banks of Upper Sandusky. He was born in Fairfield County, Ohio 
July 1, 1822. At the age of ten years he removed with his parents to a 
point six miles east of Lancaster, in the same county, remaining thei'e about 
five years. In the meantime his father had laid out the town of Bremen 

♦Extract from a letter writtou by G. W. Beery, Esq., to Hon T. 0. Edwards, of Lancaster, Ohio. 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 561 

and embarked in the dry goods business. Young Beery entered his father's 
store, and made himself useful and valuable as a clerk until the year 1841, 
when he availed himself of the advantages of a two years' schooling at the 
Greenfield Academy. In 1843, he commencHd reading law, in the oflSce, 
and under the instructions of Hon. John M. Creed, a prominent lawyer of 
Lancaster, and after two and a half years' study, he was admitted to the bar, 
at Cincinnati, Ohio, in the spring of 1845. He immediately formed a part- 
nership with Charles Borland and opened a law office at Lancaster. In 
1847, he removed to Upper Sandusky and at once took a leading position 
at the bar in this and adjoining counties, and was noted for his ability as 
an able an eflfective speaker. He continued the practice of law here until 
1862, when he was appointed United States Assessor of Internal Revenue 
by President Lincoln, for the district in which he was located, and served 
with great credit to himself and the appointing power until the fall of 1865, 
when a change of administration, after the assassination of Lincoln, was 
not sufficient to palliate or alter his political opinions, and refusing to in- 
dorse Johnson's administration he gracefully gave way to a successor. After 
his official career, it was a matter of regret that he did not return to the law; 
and, although successful beyond the measure of most men in other pursuits, 
the law was undoubtedly his field of labor, and in it he would have contrib- 
uted to the honor and usefulness of the profession, and gained an enviable 
state reputation. He was clear and logical, persuasive and earnest, and 
favored with all those rare and pleasing accomplishments, which are so 
efi'ective and fascinating in a public speaker. Few men had these qualities 
to a higher degree, and his retirement from a profession which brought them 
in use was certainly a matter of regret. In 1850, when the prospect of a 
railway agitated our people, and its fate, apparently, hung upon the action 
of the county in voting an appropriation of $50,000, and this made efi'ective 
only by a vote of the people and a majority in its favor, Mr. Beery was 
the champion of the cause, and his able, forcible and convincing speeches 
in behalf of the measure at public meetings all along the line of the pro- 
posed road, from Salem, Ohio, to Fort Wayne, Ind., are still matters of 
pleasurable reference, embalmed in the gratitude of those who still live and 
in that early day had the interest of Upper Sandusky and the county at 
heart. The fine thoroughfare, which a change of name has made the Pitts- 
burgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway, is a result of the movement, in 
which Mr. Beery took so conspicuous a part and rendered such valuable serv- 
ices. The opposition to this project was led by Hon. John Carey, a man 
of natural force and power, who saw in the road through Upper Sandusky 
a contingent detriment to the new town he had laid out in the northwestern 
part of the county, which still bears his name. The principal objection to 
the then new road was the enormous taxes it would inflict, and so high ran 
the opposition, and so earnest the interest in its behalf , that political parties 
dissolved and found their level in local bearings. The high standing of the 
Hon. John Carey, the fact that he was one of the first settlers of the terri- 
tory now known as Wyandot County, and these qualities fortified with a 
disposition not to brook opposition, which heretofore had given him the 
name of " Old Invincible," was so impressive upon the minds of the people 
that they looked with foreboding upon any project that did not meet his 
pleasure, and when his protest took the prominence of a public discussion 
against an enterprise, without which but little could be expected of our 
then new town, there was a good deal of despondency, as no one seemed 
willing to tilt a lance with the old hero of the Tvmochtee. Mr. Carev was 



562 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

earnest and agressive and threw all his old-time vigor and dash into the 
opposition. For a time he seemed to have everything his own way, and 
his challenge for debate upon the stump went unheeded, until Mr. Beery 
(then but a short time in the county), finding that none of the older citizens 
would measure arms with Carey, took up the gauntlet in defense of the new 
railroad. Five appointments were made for joint discussions, only two of 
which Carey attended. He found in the young attorney a resistance he could 
not encompass, and from that hour the star of Carey and his opposition to the 
road commenced to wane. So thoroughly did Mr. Beery, in his able and ef- 
fective manner, demolish the appeals and presentments of the old hero, that he 
soon retired from the stump, leaving Mr. Beery the field in trimnph. This 
caused an encouraging turn in favor of the proposed road; it instituted 
hope and energy, and our people were lavish in their praise of the young 
attorney who had wrought this favorable and unexpected change. The 
effective canvass in Wyandot County made by Mr. Beery attracted wide atten- 
tion, and as above mentioned, he was pressed into service to publicly present 
the interests of the road along its line from Salem, Ohio, to Ft. Wayne, Ind. 
In giving a biographical sketch of this useful and prominent man, it would 
not be complete without adding that to him, more than to any other, is due 
the credit of establishing through our covmty the magnificent thoroughfare 
that has brought growth and prosperity to the town of Upper Sandusky. 
Without his able assistance at the time, the road would never have 
stretched its way from sea to Lake over the line then proposed, and 
to our subject is truly due the merit of being the champion of our first 
railway. Mr. Beery also took a prominent part in securing the Columbus 
& Toledo Railroad, its rights of way and franchises. He represented be- 
fore the Boards of Trade of Columbus and Toledo the interests of the pro- 
posed air-line route against John C. Lee, who favored its construction 
through Marysville, Kenton, Bowling Green, etc. He labored earnestly, 
making speeches all along the line. In all the public enterprises that were 
intended to benefit or enrich the community or county Mr. Beery has taken 
an active part, and no man has done as much to advance the interests of 
Upper Sandusky and Wyandot County as he. He is an earnest advocate 
of protection and in every respect he has labored to maintain home indus- 
tries. In the spring of 1867, Mr. Beery organized the W^yandot County 
Bank, and has served as its President ever since. Aside from this position 
he has dealt largely in real estate, more, perhaps, than any other citizen in 
the county, and has reaped the reward of good judgment and fair dealing; 
and it may be said of him in this connection that his sales and purchases 
were always upon a basis of fairness, in which all the parties were equally 
benefited. It was in the rise of real estate, or the enhancement of values 
in other respects, that Mr. Beery made this pursuit a profitable business. 
He owns a valuable farm of 220 acres in Crane and Richland Townships, 
and for the last six years has been engaged in rearing Durham cattle, which 
he regularly exhibits at the annual fairs. He, with Judge Renick organ- 
ized the County Agricultural Society, which has since become a permanent 
and prosperous institution. In 1881, he became a partner in the Stevenson 
Machine Works and still retains an interest in that industry. He owns a 
fine residence on Eighth street and five acres of land adjoining. Mr. Beery 
was married in October, 1845, to Miss Ann J. McDonald, daughter of 
W^ alter McDonald, for many years a leading manfacturer of Lancaster, Ohio. 
Mrs. Beery was born in Lancaster, Ohio in September, 1822. Mr. and 
Mrs. Beery have reared four children, three daughters and one son, viz. : 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 563 

Julia C, wife of Capt. E. A.Gordon; Ida, wife of W. G. Holdridge; Emma, 
wife of H. R. Henderson, and George W., Jr., Assistant Cashier of tbe Wy- 
andot County Bank. In political sentiment, Mr. Beery was a Whig until 
the organization of the Republican party, when he united himself with it 
and took an active part in all the campaigns till 1880, being its principal 
and favorite advocate upon the stump. His pleasing and effective style of 
oratory attracted considerable attention, and his efforts in this direction were 
not contiiied to his own county. While forcible and argumentative, he in- 
clined to the humorous, adorning and clinching his well-rounded periods 
with irresistible comparisons. While Mr. Beery was an active and zealous 
partisan, he was never bitter or uncouth, and his feelings for a friend never 
investigated political identity, and many of bis warmest friends and per- 
sonal admirers were in the opposite party. He was always a man of strong 
convictions, and his political opinions of years ago no doubt took their zeal 
from the fact that he was ardently opposed to slavery; and since this great 
question of public policy has been settled, he has given to party movements 
but little of his cai-e or attention. Mr. Beery is yet endowed with the bless- 
ings of health, a vigorous constitution, and is rarely absent from his place 
of business. He is a gentleman peculiar somewhat in his ways, and those 
not thoroughly acquainted are inclined to esteem him distant and unapproach- 
able, elements which have no place whatever in his nature. He has a heart 
full of sympathy for every appeal that comes from the right direction, a 
welcome for everything meritorious, and no one takes greater delight in I'e- 
flecting sunshine over a neighborly communion, in which he brings in play 
a rare and pleasing conversational power for which this eminent citizen is 
so noted and admired. 

FRANK BEERY, of the iirm of S. F. Beery & Co., dry goods mer- 
chants, was born in Upper Sandusky October 20, 1857. He is the only sou 
of Brooks and Jeannette (Sherman) Beery, and has always resided in his na- 
tive city, obtaining a good education in its ptiblic schools. He finished his 
studies at the Wesleyan University of Delaware in 1878, and succeeded his 
father in the dry goods business, which the former established in 1850. 
The firm of S. F. Beery & Co. was established inl879,and is composed of en- 
terprising young men with large business capacity and experience. Their 
spacious room in the Beery Block enables them to display their large stock, 
valued at $20,000, and comprising a full line of dry goods, carpets, and 
everything to be found in a city establishment of this kind. The genial 
manners and fair dealing of the respective members of this firm have won 
for it an extensive patronage. Mr. Beery is a charter member of the 
Knights of Pythias of Upper Sandusky, and was initiated in November, 1883. 

ISAAC H. BEERY, deceased, was born in Bremen, Fairfield County, 
Ohio, February 19, 1820. He is a son of George and Catharine (Cradle- 
baugh) Beery, and resided in the village of his nativity till twelve years of 
age, when he moved with his parents to a farm in Bern Township, where 
the family of eight sons and two daughters were reared. He was there em- 
ployed in agricultural pursuits till his twenty-third year, when he entered 
into a partnership with his brother-in-law, John Ashbaugh, in the mercan- 
tile trade in Bremen in 1843. Here he obtained his first commercial lessons 
which he utilized to such good advantage in after years, and here he con- 
tinued his mercantile pursuits till 1850, his brother, Brooks Beery, having 
been admitted to the firm in 1847. In 1850, the two brothers came to the 
then new town of Upper Sandusky, and in September of that year erected a 
frame business room on the site now occupied by the Beery Block, and 



564 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

opened a general store under the firm name of I. H. & B. Beery. The es- 
tablishment was well founded and managed, and at once grew into a popu- 
larity that it has ever since sustained. It soon became one of the most 
thoroughly-stocked dry goods houses in the county, and for thirty years it 
stood the test of time with undiminished prosperity. Afterward the frame 
building gave place to the substantial brick structure which now occupies 
its site, and besides this, the grain elevator, the handsome residences and 
many other buildings erected by them in their resident town, mark the 
steps of their prosperity and the spirit of their enterprise. The partner- 
ship of Mr. Beery and his brother continued its existence until 1880, from 
which time to the date of his death, March 21, 1884, he was not actively 
engaged. In 1876, he became a stockholder in the Wyandot County Bank, 
to which his chief business interests at the time of his demise were at- 
tached. He was a thorough, energetic business man of the strictest integrity, 
and has ever been one of the foremost of the citizens of his communty in 
building up its varied interests, amid all his trials and efforts " wearing 
the white flower of a blameless life." Mr. Beery was married, September, 
1852, to Miss Leefe Fowler, daughter of Dr. Stephen Fowler, and four 
children were born to them — S. Fowler, Leefe, I. Foster and Minnie. All 
of these are living, but Fowler, whose death occurred October 15, 1883. 

THOMAS E BEERY, the youngest of a family of twelve children and 
the tenth son of Cireorge and Catharine (Cradlebaugh) Beery, was born in 
Fairfield County, Ohio, July 6, 1835. In his youth, he enjoyed such 
school advantages as were offered by the country district schools. Attend- 
ing school during the winter, and working upon the farm sj^ring, summer 
and fall, but subsequently spent some time in the Lancaster High School 
and Otterbein Univei'sity, abandoning his school life at the age of twenty. 
In 1855, he entered the mercantile trade in partnership with his brother 
Simon, at Bremen, a town laid out and named by his father. They carried 
a stock of general merchandise, and did a good business, continuing their 
operations till 1857, when our subject retired from the firm and removed 
to Upper Sandusky, when he entered into a partnership with his brother, 
Anthony Beery, in the dry goods trade, in which business he was engaged 
two years. Mr. Beery then disposed of his interest to his brother, Isaac 
Beery, and established himself in a hardware store, with G. T. McDonald, 
under the firm name of Beery & McDonald, continuing this business four 
yeai's, withdrawing from the firm in 1863. He next engaged in the manu- 
facture of agricultural implements, in company with F. F. Fowler, E. R. 
Wood and A. W. Brinkerhoff, the firm being known as F. F. Fowler & Co. 
In 1865, this enterprise was abandoned, and the sale of the Brinkerhoff corn- 
husker was engaged in for the next three years with admirable results, after 
which Mr. Beery assisted in the incorporation of the Wyandot County Bank, 
and became one of its stock-holders, retaining his interest in this enterprise 
till 1869. He then engaged in the dry goods trade, in partnership with J. 
A. Maxwell, purchasing the store room of S. H. Hunt, and the stock of 
Hunt & Watson. To this they added the grain business, purchasing the 
warehouse of Straw & Myers in 1870, and continuing their operations till 
1872-73, when the firm was dissolved by mutual consent, Mr. Beery con- 
ducting the grain trade till about 1875. In 1876, in company with Samuel 
Walters and Jacob Agerter, he was awarded the contract for macadamizing 
the streets of Upper Sandusky, and in the spring of 1877 he again 
embarked in the dry goods business as sole proprietor of his establishment, 
but subsequently admitting S. H. White, who was afterward succeeded by 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 565 

John W. Geiger. In 1882, Mr. Beery assisted in organizing the Straw - 
board Company, but disposed of his interest in that enterprise in 1883, and 
became a member of the Upper Sandusky Gaslight Company, with which 
he is at this date connected. He has been one of the most useful of Upper 
Sandusky's citizens, having been identified with most of its enterprises, and 
exerted a strong influence toward the promotion of its general interests. 
He is a man of excellent character, and is one of the first citizens of his 
community, from whatever standpoint he may be considered. Mr. Beery 
was one of the prime movers in the establishment of the Universalist Church 
at Upper Sandusky, and is one of its most prominent members, having 
always contributed liberally to its support. He is also associated with the 
Knights of Honor, at present holding the chair of Past Director. He was 
married, October 23, 1855, to Emma E. Witt, who died in April, 1858. 
His marriage to Harriet A. Osbora occurred in 1859, and by this union 
three children were born, all now deceased. Two of these died in early 
infancy; Edwin L., born December 14, 1861, died at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., 
April 2, 1882. This son was a young man of most brilliant promise. He 
graduated in Upper Sandusky High School in 1879 and subsequently took 
a two years' course at Buchtel College, Akron, Ohio. At the time of his 
decease he was pursuing his studies at the Eastman Business College, of 
Poughkeepsie, N. Y. He was a young man of good judgment and more 
than ordinary intellectual ability, and these qualities combined with an 
innate culture and spotless character placed his prospects for a useful and 
eminent future in a most promising light. But alas for the hopes of 
youth that fall like the leaves in the autumn blast; in the midst of their 
sanguine beauty the shadow touched him and he was not. 

PETER B. BEIDLEPt, attorney at law, Upper Sandusky, was born in 
Berks County, Penn., December 23, 1818. He is the son of Henry and 
Mary (Beihl) Beidler, early settlers of Eastern Pennsylvania, and of Ger- 
man ancestry. They were the parents of nine children, five now living — 
Peter B,, Anna E., Harriet, Charles and Lemuel. The deceased are Henry 
W., John, Franklin and James. From the date of their marriage in 1817, 
the parents resided near Reading, Penn. The mother died in 1857, aged 
about sixty years; the father died February 22, 1869, aged seventy-one 
years. Peter B. Beidler, the subject of this sketch, was educated principal- 
ly in the common schools of Berks County, and at the age of twenty one 
engaged in teaching and surveying, continuing in this profession about 
two years. In 1842, he removed to this county (formerly Crawford), and 
was elected County Surveyor of Crawford County in 1843. He resigned 
this office and removed to this county in 1845, and was elected to the same 
office the same year. He was re-elected in the fall of 1848, his term of 
office expiring in 1851; he was engaged in the mercantile trade from 1851 
to 1857, when he was again elected to the office of Surveyor, serving until 
March 4, 1859, when he resigned and was elected County Auditor, serving 
two terms. In April, 1864, he was appointed to fill a vacancy in the office 
of Surveyor, and in the fall of the same year was elected Probate Judge, 
serving in this capacity nine consecutive years, his third term expiring in 
1874. Mr. Beidler served as Mayor of Upper Sandusky during the years 
1850-51, and was again elected to that office in the spring of 1875. In 
1874, he was admitted to practice law and has devoted liis attention to var- 
ious vocations since 1877. He was married, January 8, 1846, to Martha J. 
McCtitchen, daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Watt) MoCutchen. Joseph 
McCutchen came to this county in November, 1827, and was the founder of 



566 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

McCutchensville, being well known as one of the early pioneers. Mr. and 
Mrs. Beidler are the parents of three children, two living — Frank M., born 
March 2, 1847, and Mary E. , born June 22, 1848. The deceased is Joseph 
H., born July 4, 1850; he died April 29, 1856. Mrs. Beidler was born 
October 14, 1824, in Pickaway County, Ohio. She came with her parents to 
this county in 1827, and has since resided here. 

JOHN BENNER was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, November 19, 
1827. He learned the cabinet trade in his native country, and emigrated 
to America in 1845, locating at Sandusky City till 1877, during which time 
he engaged at his trade and in agricultural pursuits. He purchased his 
present farm in 1877, and has since resided in this county, doing a good 
business in agriculture and stock-raising. He was married at Sandusky 
City November 16, 1851, to Mary M. Courhart, daughter of John P. and 
Mary (Fry) Courhart, natives of France, where Mrs. Benner was born 
June 2, 1828. Her parents emigrated to America in 1832 or 1833, settling 
in Pennsylvania. In 1834, they removed to Seneca County, where the father 
died in 1844; the mother died in Sandusky City in 1850. They had twelve 
children who removed from Pennsylvania with their parents by wagons. 
Mr. and Mrs. Benner had eleven children, eight still living, viz.: Cathai*- 
ine, born May 13. 1855; Charles J., May 14, 1857; Elizabeth, June 22, 
1860; Louis A., June 23, 1863; Rosa V., October 31, 1864; Carolina, De- 
cember 14, 1865; Mary A., August 18, 1867, and Frank P., March 29, 
1869. The deceased are Caroline, Frank and Louis. Mr. Benner contri- 
buted about $800 to the late war; he served as Intirmary Director of Erie 
County two years; as Township Trustee six years, and as a member of the 
School Board nine years. Himself and family are members of the Roman 
Catholic Church, he being a Democrat in political faith. Margaret Benner, 
our subject's mother, emigrated to the United States in 1854, and resided 
with her son till her death, which occurred at Sandusky City November -12, 
1877, in her seventv-eighth year. 

FREDERICK 'BERG, of the firm of Von Stein & Berg, druggists and 
book- sellers, Upper Sandusky, was born in Mansfield, Richland County, Feb- 
ruary 11, 1851. He is the son of Conrad and Rachel (Von Stein) Berg, natives 
of Germany. They emigrated to America in 1850, settling in Mansfield, 
Ohio, where they resided till 1869, at which time they removed to Salem 
Township, this county, purchasing seventy acres of land, upon which they 
now reside. Frederick Berg, the subject of this sketch, was educated in 
the public schools of Mansfield, and removed with his parents to this 
county, remaining with them upon the farm until 1873, when he engaged 
as clerk with his uncle, George P. Von Stein, of Cincinnati. He remained 
in Cincinnati until 1877, when he came to Upper Sandusky, and entered in- 
to a partnership with John H. Von Stein, in the drug business, which they 
have since successfully conducted. They keep a full stock of drugs, paints, 
oils, wall paper, stationery, fancy articles, etc., etc., carrying a stock $5,000 
to $6,000 the year round. Mr. Berg was married September 18, 1877, to Eliza- 
beth Ash, daughter of John Ash, Sr., formerly a prominent resident, and 
farmer of Mifflin Township. By this marriage, four children have been 
born, three living — Clara M.,born June 10, 1878; Charley, born, December 
12, 1879, and died June 24, 1880; Carl J., born July 10, 1881; and Arthiar, 
born January 14, 1883. Mr. Berg is an energetic young business man. He 
is a member of the Ohio Pharmaceutical Association; member of the Royal 
Arcanum; Vice President of the Mutual Aid Society; Treasurer of the Acme 
Lodge, P. O. S. of A., and a Democrat in politics. Himself and wife are 
members of the German Lutheran Church. 








,f^i.-"- 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 569 

HON. CURTIS BERRY, Jr., for a number of years a prominent law- 
yer at the Wyandot County Bar, was born in Crawford Township, this 
county, April 19, 1831. He is a son of Curtis and Sally (Cavitt) Berry, of 
whom extended mention is made in the history of Crawford Township. Mr. 
Berry was reared on the homestead until of age, and enjoyed only the 
advantages of the common schools. After attaining his majority, he attend- 
ed the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio, one term, after which, 
in the fall of 1852, he took a position in the office of the Treasurer of Sen- 
eca County. The following winter he taught school in Senaca County, 
returning to Wyandot County in the spring, and the next fall he was elected 
Clerk of the courts to till the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of G. 
C. Worth. He was re elected in 1857, and again elected in 1860, serving in 
all seven years and four months. During the interim, between his first and 
second election to the above office, 1854-57, he was Chief Clerk in the office 
of the General Ticket Agent of the Pittsburgh, Ft. Wayne & Chicago Rail- 
way, at Pittsburgh and Fort Wayne. While serving as Clerk of the courts 
he read law under the instructions of Hon. Robert McKelly, and was ad- 
mitted to the bar at Upper Sandusky, in 1858. He practiced his profession 
alone, until in 1865, when he formed a partnership with his brother, Hon. 
John Berry. The law firm of Berry & Berry soon took a prominent 
place at the bar of this, and surrounding counties, and were both recog- 
nized as able and worthy lawyers. In 1866, Mr. Berry, the subject of this 
notice, was elected to represent this district in the State Senate, and at the 
expiration of that term was again chosen to the same position. He rendered 
efficient service as a legislator, introducing at the session of 1869, and 
Securing the passage amid gi'eat opposition of the Homestead Law, and also 
other measures of no less importance. He served as Vice President of the 
County Agricultural Society three years, and as Secretary five years. He 
was instrumental in organizing the County Pioneer Society, and was prom- 
inently connected with it during its existence. Mr. Berry has borne his 
part in all public improvements and enterprises of the county. In securing 
the Columbus & Toledo Railway, he took an active part, making the first 
speech in its favor at Marion, Ohio, and with Hon. George W. Beery 
at different points along the line of the road. He was married, May 
1, 1860, to Miss Emma, daughter of Col. M. H. Kirby, by whom he had six 
children, of these five are living, viz. : Florence, Frederick, Anna, Louise 
and Fannv. Robert died at the age of two vears. Mrs. Borrv departed 
this life Julv 31, 1883. 

HON. JOHN BERRY was born in this county April 26, 1833. He 
received a good education in the district schools, subsequently attending the 
Wesleyan University at Delaware. In 1855, he came to Upper Sandusky 
and began the study of law with Hon. Robert McKelly, afterward attending 
the Cincinnati Law School at which he graduated with honor in 1857. Be- 
ing admitted to the bar in April of that year, he at once began the practice 
of his profession, which he continued with marked success till his death. 
In politics, Mr. Berry took very little interest; he was elected Mayor of 
Upper Sandusky in 1864; served as Prosecviting Attorney, and in 1872 was 
elected to Congi'ess, being ranked among its most worthy and respected 
members. Mr. Berry was max'ried. May 7, 1862, to Matilda L. Pierson, 
daughter of Christopher Y. and Delilah (Grofi") Pierson, and two childi-en 
were born to them, a son and daughter, the former dying in infancy; the 
latter is still living. Mr. Berry was a man of great promise and his death 
was deeply regretted by a host of friends. 

21 



570 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY, 

ADOLPHUS BILLHARDT, M. D., is a native of Saxony, Germany, 
and was born January 30, 1833. He graduated at Leipsic, and emigrated 
to America in 1858. He came directly to this county, and located in Upper 
Sandusky, where he immediately began the practice of medicine, teaching 
school at intervals, and continued in this pursuit till June, 1861. He then 
enlisted as a private in Company F, Thirty-seventh Regiment Ohio Volun- 
teer Infantry, and after a short service as Hospital Steward was commis- 
sioned First Assistant Surgeon, soon after acting as Surgeon of the regi- 
ment. On July 22, 1864, he was captured at Atlanta, and sent lirst to Ma- 
con, Ga. , and then to Charleston, S. C. , where he remained a prisoner three 
months. He was released in the following October, but being unable to 
join his regiment, he tendered his resignation in the following year, and 
returned home to resume the practice of his profession. In 1866, Mr. 
Billhardt opened a drug store, and since that date has devoted his atten- 
tion chiefly to that business. In 1880, he erected his handsome building 
on the corner of Sandusky avenue and Johnson street, at a cost of $30,000, 
and since its completion has been located therein. This structure is the 
finest in Upper Sandusky, to the appearance and business interests of 
which it is a most valuable addition. Mr. Billhardt has been largely iden- 
tified with the business afi'airs of the city in which he resides, and is one of 
its most prominent citizens. He is one of the leading spirits of the Ger- 
man citizenship, and is recognized as one of its most honorable, energetic 
and enterprising factors. He holds the position of agent of the Adams 
Express Company, Director of the Wyandot Dirigent Saengerbund, and 
Weather Observer for the Fifth Congressional District. He served as 
Clerk of the Board of Education for six consecutive years; is Post Surgeon 
of the G. A. R., and a prominent member of the F. & A. M. , being a mem- 
ber of the Blue Lodge and Secretary of the Chapter. Mr. Billhardt was 
married, August 30, 1860, to Rosalie Fistler, of Bufialo, and a native of 
Prussia, born April 27, 1843. Their children are Adolphus, born June 25, 
1861; Emma, April 10, 1863; Edwin, July 3, 1865; Oscar, June 26, 1867; 
and Ida, February 17, 1874. 

JOHN S. BOWERS, born April 4, 1825, is a son of Henry and Martha 
(Pool) Bowers, and a native of Richland County, Ohio. His parents were 
natives of New Jersey and Pennsylvania respectively, and early settlers of 
Richland County, having moved to that locality before their marriage, and 
when there were but three or four buildings in what is now the flourishing 
city of Mansfield. His father was a hatter by trade, but subsequently 
turned his attention to farming. He closed his earthly career January 1, 
1874, his wife having preceded him about twelve years. John S. Bowers 
grew to manhood in his native county. He obtained a fair education in 
the district schools, and later engaged in farming on his father's land, and 
rented tracts till his twenty-fifth year. In 1849, he came to this county, 
and purchased fifty acres of his present farm in the spring of 1850. It 
was then covered with a dense growth of timber, which by long years of 
toil Mr. Bowers has succeeded in clearing away, now having one of the 
most pleasant, healthful and desirable locations in the township. He has 
added to his original purchase till he now owns 140 acres valued at $80 to 
$85 per acre. Mr. Bowers has always been quite successful in his farming 
pursuits; has dealt more or less in stock, and usually keeps good grades. 
He was married, April 25, 1850, to Mary Mower, who was born near Cham- 
bersburg, Penn., January 4, 1828, being a daughter of George and Mary 
(Crider) Mower, natives of Pennsylvania and of German parentage. Her 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 571 

father dying first; her mother survived till January, 18S3, in her ninety- 
second year, having retained her faculties to a remarkable degree. Mr, 
and Mrs. Bowers have eight children — Majs wife of Myron Case, of Eden 
Township; Lorena, wife of Elzie Carter, of Upper Sandvisky; Londes M., 
a teacher, now pursuing his studies at the Normal School at Ada; Newton 
M., an extensive farmer in Dakota; Mattie, a teacher; Franz Sigel, Virgil 
and Floy, at home. Mrs. Bowers has established quite a profitable busi- 
ness in rearing tine blooded poultry, keeping some extra qualities of bronze 
turkeys, light Brahma, Plymouth Rock and Leghorn chickens. She has 
already shipped large quantities of eggs to various parts of Ohio, Indiana 
and Illinois. Mr. Bowers is a strong adherent to Republican principles. 

ISAAC N. BOWMAN, M. D. The subject of this sketch, a son of 
Thomas M. Bowman, was born in this county April 11, 1S55. He grew to 
manhood on a farm, where he was more or less engaged till 1877. He was 
educated in the common schools, and as early as his sixteenth year com- 
menced teaching, which prof ession he followed at intervals until his twenty- 
third year. In the fall of 1876, he entered Oberlin College, where he pros- 
ecuted his literary studies, teaching occasionally till 1878. In the autumn 
of the following year, 1879, Dr. Bowman began the study of medicine with 
Dr. R. N. McConnell, of Upper Sandusky, a prominent physician of the 
State, and during the winter of 1880-81 he attended lectures at the Star- 
ling Medical College of Columbus, graduating in 1882, with the second hon- 
ors of the class. He at once formed a partnership with his preceptor. Dr. 
McConnell, and entered upon the practice of his profession, which he has 
since followed with signal siiccess. Dr. Bowman is a genial gentleman 
of excellent character, and possesses the esteem of all those with whom he 
is associated. 

CLINTON BOWSHER, the popular livery man. Upper Sandusky, was 
born in the above city March 4, 1847. He is the son of Robert and Ann 
(Clayton) Bowsher. natives of Ohio and of English parentage. They were 
married in Wyandot County, and reared a family of eleven children, all liv- 
ing at the present time. The mother died in 1877, aged fifty-five years. 
Clinton Bowsher was reared in Upper Sandusky, and has never resided out 
of this county. In the spring of 1866, at the age of eighteen, he started a 
hack line between Upper Sandusky and Tiffin, pursuing this occupation nine 
years. In 1876, he purchased a livery stock of D. S. Miller, of Columbus 
Grove, and removed the same to his present location, where he has since en- 
gaged in a general livery business. He has increased his stock, usually 
from twelve to fifteen horses and vehicles, and has the leading stable of the 
city. He was married, October 31, 1872, to Melissa Morgan, daughter of 
Joseph Morgan, of Upper Sandusky. They have one child — Bessie, born 
March 11, 1876. Mr. Bowsher is a' member of the I. O. O. F., and a Re- 
publican in politics. He has a comfortable residence on Fifth street, and 
is also the owner of the livery building and grounds which it occupies. 

JESSE BOWSHER (deceased), was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, in 
August, 1812. He is the son of Peter and Elizabeth (Harpster) Bowsher, 
both natives of Pennsylvania, the former having been a soldier in the war of 
1812. He came to this county when fifteen years of age, and settled in what 
is now Marseilles Township. He was married, January 5, 1833, to Elizabeth 
Clayton, and six children have been born to them, three now living — Russel 
B., Nelson and Mary, now the wife of Joseph Hutter, who was boi-n Novem- 
ber 7, 1824. The deceased are Minerva, Silas and Miles. The latter was 
a member of Company A, One Hundred and Forty-fourth Regiment O. N. Gr,, 



572 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

having enlisted May 2, 1864. He was taken prisoner the following August 
and sent to Richmond, where he was paroled October 9, his death occurring 
October 14, at Annapolis, Md. His remains were brought home and interred 
in the Mission Cemetery. Mrs. Bowsher, the wife of our subject, was born 
in Fairiield County May 10, 1814. She came to this county at the age of 
nineteen, and was an active worker at the old mission farm at the time of 
tbe erection of the old stone Mission Church. Her death occurred January 
29, 1849. Mr. Bowsher departed this life February 12, 1857. 

AVILLIAM E. BOWSHER, proprietor of grocery and provision store, 
North Sandusky avenue, was born near Bowsherville January 1, 1839, 
son of Henry and Margaret (Dickens) Bowsher. They removed to this county, 
(then Crawford), from Pickaway County in 1823, engaging in agricultural 
pursuits, and becoming the parents of fifteen children, six now living — 
Elizabeth, Mary E., Susannah, Elmeda, Sarah and William E. The father 
was one of the pioneers of the county, settling here while the Indians were 
more numerous than the whites. He was one of tbe victinjs of the terrible 
"milk sickness" epidemic of 1847, dying the 7th of August of that year. 
He was born in Pickaway County in 1803. His wife survived him three 
weeks, her death occurring September 3, 1847. They were married in 1825. 
William E. Bowsher, the subject of this sketch, after the death of his par- 
ents, spent some time in Allen County, but being disabled by disease, he 
returned to Upper Sandusky and attended the public schools, engaging in 
teaching at the age of eighteen. After several removals he located perma- 
nently at Upper Sandusky, and in 1864 was elected Township Clerk, serv- 
ing three consecutive years. In partnership with his brother Anthony he 
opened a grocery store on the Bowsher Corner, and to that he has since de- 
voted his attention, his brother having died in 1871. In the same year of 
his brother's death, Mr. Bowsher was elected Township Treasurer, and re- 
elected in 1872, and also elected Corporation Treasurer, serving in the for- 
mer office three years, and in the latter two years. In 1874, he was elected 
Township Clerk, and in that capacity he is still serving. He is the owner 
of a two-story brick store room, which he has well filled with a stockof gro- 
ceries and provisions. Mr. Bowsher has never married. In politics, he is 
a Democrat. 

EWALD BRAUNS, deceased, was born in Werther, Westphalia, Prus- 
sia, May 25, 1832. He emigrated to America in 1850, and settled in New 
York, but after several subsequent removals located in 1854 in Upper San- 
dusky, where he resided till his death, at the age of forty-nine. His mar- 
riage to Miss Mary Ruff occurred December 25, 1856, and ten children 
crowned this union — five sons and five daughters. Mr. Brauns learned the 
trade of goldsmith in his native country, and on locating in this county 
opened a jeweler's shop in Upper Sandusky, continuing in this business 
during his entire life. Mr. Brauns was a man of generous impulses and 
possessed of social qualities of the highest order, being the life of any cir- 
cle he chose to enter. He was a natural musician, and the citizens of Upper 
Sandusky are largely indebted to him for the tine instrumental bands which 
have been the pride of their city so many years. He was a member of the 
Wyandot Saengerbund, and an estimable citizen in every respect. He was 
City Councilman from the First Ward two terms, and was without a known 
enemy at the time of his death. 

.^J EDWARD A. BRAUNS, of the firm of Brauns Brothers, jewelers, in 
Upper Sandusky, was born September 24, 1857, son of Ewald and Mary 
(Ruff) Brauns. He was educated in the Upper Sandusky Schools, and after 



CRANE TOAVNSHIP. 573 

finishing his education was engaged for some time in the dry goods stores 
of S. M. "Worth and Henry Herman, beginning the watch-making trade in 
1S74. He remained at this work with his father six years, taking full 
charge of the store in 1880. By strict attention to business, he has largely 
increased the trade and thoroughly established his reputation as a business 
man. In May, 1883, a partnership was formed by admitting a second 
brother, Paul F. Brauns, into the firm, and the business is now conducted 
under the firm name of Brauns Brothers. They carry a full stock of clocks, 
watches, plated ware and general jewelry, and are doing an honorable and 
flourishing business. Edward A., our subject, was married in Upper San- 
dusky, December 25, 1878, to Maria Ford, daughter of William Ford, of 
New York., and two children have been born to them — Zoe M. , born No- 
vember 10, 1879, and William C, born December 13. 1881. Paul F. 
Brauns, the junior member of the firm, was the founder of Brauns' Orchestra, 
and is still its leader. In 1883, this company organized a brass band, con- 
sisting of eight members, entitled the ''Little Six," and this band, under 
the leadership of T. B. Boyer, is becoming very popular. In 1883, at the 
Musical Tournaments of Findlay and Crestline,they were awarded the prizes 
over all their competitors. 

A. W. BRINKERHOFF was born near Gettysburg, Penn., xMarch 4, 
1821. He is a son of Hezekiah Brinkerhoff, who was the son of Henry, who 
was the son of James, who was the son of Yoris (George in English) Brink- 
erhoff, from whom sprang all the Brinkerhoffs in Western New York, Adams 
CoiTuty, Penn., and Ohio, and who moved from Bergen County, N. J., to 
Adams (then York) County, Penn., in 1771. His — A. W. Brinkerhoff' s — 
father was born in 1791. His mother, Jane Kerr, was born near Gettysburg, 
Penn., in 1796. They were married in Adams County, Penn., in January, 
1816, and resided there till 1826, when they moved to Baltimore, Md., 
where he kept " tavern " two years, after which time he returned to the 
place of his birth. In 1834, he moved to Seneca T^ounty, Ohio, arriving 
at Upper Sandusky May 31, having been nineteen days on the road, travel- 
ing by wagon. At Upper Sandusky, they spent the night at the old 
" Walker Tavern," kept by an Indian. On the day following, they went to 
McCutchenville, reaching their objective point at noon. Mr. Brinkerhoff 
purchased of Isaac Beery, of Fairfield County, Ohio, eighty acres in Sec- 
tion 22, Seneca Township, Seneca County, in the Sandusky Bend, where 
he began, August 5, to clear a site for a dwelling. He erected a log bouse 
there, tvvo stories, 18x30, in which the family moved November l^l. He 
paid for this forest farm $2.50 per acre, and the following year bought thir- 
ty-five acres, paying $350. Five years after the first purchase, he bought 
sixty-two and one-half acres, for which he paid $960, this latter containing 
some cleared land. In 1844, he declined an offer of $37 per acre for the 
whole tract. He resided on this farm till his death, October 1, 1847, after 
an illness of six days, his eldest daughter, Mary A., wife of Elias Eyler, 
having died four or five days previous. Mrs. Brinkerhoff died very suddenly 
at the old homestead February 3, 1867. Their children were Mary A., born 
in 1817, died September 25, 1847; James H., born March 7, 1819; Alex W., 
March 4, 1821; Eleanor H., born in 1823, married Samuel Grelle, and died 
in 1881; Sarah J., born in 1825, married J. B. Wilson, and now resides in 
Toledo; Catharine E., born in 1828, died in May, 1849; Nelson B., born in 
1830, died in March, 1849; Nancy M., born in 1832, married George 
M. Bi'own, and resides in Toledo; all the foregoing children having 
been born in Adams County, Penn., except Sarah J., who was born in Bal- 



574 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

timore, Md. John H. was born in 1S35 in Ohio, and now resides in Wau- 
pun, Wis. He has been a member of the Legislature of that State, and is 
Postmaster of the city in which he resides, a position he has held twenty- 
three years. George F., born in 1887, is now a resident of Bucyrus, Ohio. 
Dr. Brinkerhoflf was reared on the homestead, and was engaged in clearing 
land till twenty-one years of age. He attended the subscription schools of 
Pennsylvania, learning to "read, write and cipher to the rule of three." 
At the age of thirteen, he removed with his parents to Ohio, settled in the 
woods, and there remained till twenty-one without a superior as an axman. 
Then, with health impaired, he engaged with Holmes Durboraw, of Mc- 
Cutchenville, to learn the cabinet trade. Eighteen months later, his health 
failed entirely, and one year was spent in recuperating. He then engaged 
as clerk for James M. Chamberliu, a merchant at McCatchenville; spent 
part of the following winter visiting in Darke County, Ohio; spent the sum- 
mer of 1845 as clerk for Mr. Chamberlin, and eugasred in the fall of 1845 
as teacher in a district school near McCutchenville. He was examined by 
J. D. Sears as to qualifications; was asked five questions, answered but two; 
obtained a six months' certificate, granted on general principles; taught four 
months' school, and succeeded admirably. During the term he boarded at 
home, and took instructions from his father, who was a good mathematician. 
He entered the Ohio Wesleyan University April 14, 1846, but was compelled 
to abandon his studies sixty days after, on account of ill-health. On the 3d 
of the following November, he began a four months' term of school at Syca- 
more, at $17 per month, the usual wages being but $15. He closed this 
term with credit, and secured the school for a second term, receiving his 
second certificate without re-examination, because of his creditable examina- 
tion in securing the first. At the close of the Sycamore School, he entered 
the employ of Alex Campbell, in McCutchenville, as clerk, and remained 
two years, at $12 per month, preferring this work to teaching. In May, 
1848, he married Martha E. Hall, of Painesvillo, Ohio, with whom he be- 
came acquainted while teaching at Sycamore. In the following August, he 
had three successive attacks of bilious fever, and on recovering again en- 
gaged in his school work at Sycamore, during which time he and J. B. 
Wilson, a brother in-law, purchased a stock of goods of Dr. L. L. Pease, of 
Sycamore, and continued there in the mercantile business until 1856, when 
he removed to Upper Sandusky, and engaged in selling his patented inven- 
tions. In 1863, he engaged with F. F. Fowler & Co., consisting of F. F. 
Fowler, T. E. Beery and E. R. Wood as members, as a joint partner, he and 
Mr. Beery retiring from the firm after two years of very unsatisfactory re- 
sults. They then began the manufacture and sale of Dr. Brinkerhoff' s pat- 
ent corn-husker, and this proved a decided success. During his connection 
with F. F. Fowler & Co., his wife and second son died. About one year 
after the dissolution of the old firm, the firm of Brinkerhoff & Beery was 
sued by Fowler & Wicks, successors to Fowler & Co., asking for a judg- 
ment of $30,000, as damages for fraudulent statements alleged to have been 
made at dissolution of partnership. At the urgent solicitation of Fowler & 
Wicks, Brinkerhoff & Beery consented to submit the case to Judge George 
E. Seney for trial, upon petition filed in court, and after three weeks' in- 
vestigation, said Judge decided in favor of the latter firm, the former hav- 
ing to pay the costs. Fowler & Wicks made an assignment one year after 
dissolution of old firm, and Brinkerhoff & Beery were held on paper of 
Fowler & Co. for $7-, 000, which they were enabled to pay out of receipts of 
the patent husker, accepting thereafter from Fowler & Wicks seventy per 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 575 

cent of the amount in full for their claim against Fowler & Wicks. About 
the time of trial. November, 1867, Dr. Brinkerhoflf and his family were 
poisoned by the use of butter, the Doctor being prostrated for nearly three 
years, with little hope of recovery. The great expense incident to this ill- 
ness reduced him almost to penury, and during this time the firm of Brink- 
erhoff & Beery was mutually dissolved. After partial recovery, in 1870 
he and his son, under the firm name of Brinkerhoff & Son, engaged in the 
sewing machine and organ business, adding queensware and cutlery in 1872. 
At that time they controlled the sale of several leading organs and sewing 
machines in the counties of Wyandot, Crawford, Seneca and Marion, and 
did an extensive and profitable business, their annual sales amounting to 
$70,000. But from overwork, returning illness, the panic of 1873, and the 
shrinkage of value of goods, the firm was compelled to suspend business, 
owing a debt of $16,000. Bankrupt in health and fortune, he determined 
to make one more effort to retrieve the losses sustained by sickness and busi- 
ness disasters. With poor health and crushed in finances, he again went to 
work on the road in efforts to cure piles. In this he succeeded beyond ex- 
pectation, through the invention of instruments and remedies which enabled 
him to explore and examine the rectum and reach these maladies. After a 
practice of more than six years, the performance of more than 80,000 oper- 
ations by himself, and the adoption of the system by many physicians in 
nearly all the States of the Union, he is again " upon his feet." weighing 
275 pounds, his financial standing being no less satisfactory. His individ- 
ual pi'actice pays him $30 to $150 per day, cash receipts, this being but a 
part of his extensive business, now prosecuted in company with his sons. 
He is the patentee of five articles, surgical instruments and remedies for 
rectal treatment, and from these he receives a handsome income. The net 
receipts of their joint business from April 1, 1888, to January 1, 1884, ag- 
gregated $22,000. This is not the result of college education, as Mr. 
Brinkerhoff has never even attended a common school, and has received only 
sixty days' instruction since he was twelve years of age. Inventive genius, 
application, pluck and general business ability are the elements of charac- 
ter that have tided him over the turbulent sea of business life. Dr. Brink- 
erhoff was married the second time at Gettysburg, Penn., December 21, 
1865, to Miss Margaret Lott, daughter of Henry and Magdalene { Houghtelin) 
Lott, of Adams County, Penn. Her father died there August 3, 1883, 
aged eighty-nine years. Her mother died October 4, 1879, aged seventy- 
nine. Mrs. Brinkei'hoff was born in Adams County, Penn., December 11, 
1828. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church, formerly of the United 
Presbyterian. Dr. Brinkerhoff is Congregational in sentiment, but in the 
absence of that denomination in his resident town he united vpith the Pres- 
byterian society. He has been a Republican since the organization of that 
party; has held no office, always declining to be a candidate when asked. 
He is highly esteemed as a citizen in his resident town, Upper Sandusky, 
where he resides in an elegant residence on Eighth street. In another part 
of this work we present to our readers an excellent engraving of this distin- 
guished citizen. He is now sixty-three years old, buoyant in spirits; has 
seen and felt much of the rough of life; has never yielded despairingly to 
misfortunes; looked ahead and pressed on, and says he would like to see 
1900, but, like others, must quit when the Master calls. In connection 
with Philip Perdue, in 1856, he took out the first patent issued to a citizen 
of this county. Since then he has taken out over thii'ty more. Some, he 
says, good, others worthless. He believes in living to do, and not to weary 
or stop from failure — the rock on which so many stick. 



576 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

MILFORD H. BRINKERHOFF, of the firm of A. W. Brinkerhoff & Son, 
was born in Tymochtee Township, this county, February 22, 1849; he is the 
son of A. W. and Martha E. Brinkerhoff, and was reared at Sycamore till 
seven years of age, when he removed with his parents to Upper Sandusky, ob- 
tained a high school education, aud at the age of eighteen embarked in his 
present business, the sale of pianos, organs and sewing machines. The firm 
does an extensive business, having sold over 5,000 sewing machines, making a 
specialty of the " New Home." He was married, October 24, 1876, to Mary 
Kiskadden, daughter of Alexander and Elizabeth (Williams) Kiskadden, 
early settlers of the county, now residents of Gilman, 111. Mr. and Mrs. 
Brinkerhoff are the parents of three children — Harry A., born October 23, 
1 877 ; Grace M. , born December 9, 1879 ; and Frank, born November 26, 
1881. Mr. Brinkerhoff is a member of the Legion of Honor, Knights of 
Honor and Royal Arcanum. Politically, he is a Republican. 

WILLIAM BROWN was born in this county December 22, 1842. He 
is a son of Abram and Frances (Coon) Brown, who came to this county in 
an early day, pui'chased land, and reared a family of eleven children, eight 
living -Henry, John, W^illiam, Jacob, Elizabeth, Sarah, Hester A. and 
Catharine. The mother died in August, 1870; the father in January, 1880. 
W^illiam, the subject of this sketch, was engaged at home till his twenty-first 
year. He became a member of the Ohio National Guard, and enlisted Feb- 
ruary 8, 1864, in Company K, Fifty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and 
entered the regular service. He participated in the battles of Resaca, Keno- 
saw Mountain, Big Shanty, Peach Tree Creek, Fort McAllister, Jonesboro, 
and all the battles of the Atlanta campaign, also with Sherman on his march 
to the sea, receiving his dischage at the close of the war at Little Rock, 
Ark. On returning home, Mr. Brown worked at the carpenter's trade two 
years, and then farmed; rented land until 1878, when he purchased his pres- 
ent farm of eighty acres to which he has since added sixty acres more, the 
whole valued at $75 per acre. He was married, March 3, 1870, to Harriet 
Paulin, who was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, September 22, 1850; 
her parents, John and Sarah (Candle) Paulin, came to this county in 1854, 
and still reside here. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have four children — Alvin E., 
born July 24, 1871; Bertha L., February 22, 1873; Alice, March 25, 1876; 
and Sarah M., June 4. 1880. In politics, Mr. Brown is a Republican; he 
is a member of the K. of H, G. A. R., and is well respected as a citizen 
in his community. 

SOL B. BUCKLES, proprietor of Central Hotel, Upper Sandusky, 
was born in Wells County, Ind. , November 19, 1858. He is the son of 
John H. and Harriet S. (Vorhes) Buckles, natives of Greene and Ham- 
ilton County, Ohio, respectively. They were the parents of six children, 
namely: Rhnda, Elizabeth, Francis, Jennie, Sol B. , William T. and 
Charles; the latter is deceased. John H. Buckles, the father of our subject 
removed from Indiana to Upper Sandusky in 1880, and assumed control of 
the Central Hotel. In 1883, he was succeeded by his son, Sol B. , and 
returned to Marion, Ind., taking charge of the Grand View Hotel of that 
place where he is still engaged. Mrs. Buckles is deceased, her death occurr- 
ing at Fort Wayne, Ind., May 10, 1875. Sol B., our subject, was par- 
tially educated at Bluffton, Ind., where he resided till about thirteen years of 
age, when he removed with his pai-ents to Fort Wayne, completing his edu- 
cation in a commercial college of that city at the age of eighteen. In 3880, 
he removed to Upper Sandusky, and assisted his father in the management 
of the Central House, assuming full control in October, 1883. He has re- 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 577 

paired and refitted the establishment, and made it one of the most pleasant 
stopping places in the city. Mr. Buckles was married at Upper Sandusky, 
April 18, 1883, to Miss Emma J. Snodgrass, daughter of William and Eliza- 
beth Snodgrass, both now deceased. He is increasing his patronage, 
both transient and regular, and has a fair prospect for success in the bus- 
iness for which he is so thoroughly qualified. He is a member of the 
Knights of Pythias, Wyandot Lodge, No. 174, a Republican, and, with his 
wife, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

JOHN BUSER, farmer, was born in Canton Basel, Switzerland, July 30, 
1827, to Jacob and Barbara (Baser) Buser,who emigrated to America in 18-15, 
landing in New York June 1. They soon after settled in Little Sandusky, 
where they purchased 200 acres at the Government land sales, and where 
they resided until their decease. The mother died November 2-t, 1869; 
the father December 9, 1874. The former was born February, 1801, and 
the latter April 0, 1800. They were the parents of four children, three 
living — John, Barbara and Elizabeth. The former obtained a fair educa- 
tion in his native country, where he also learned the trade of silk weaving; 
but since his advent in this country he has devoted his entire attention to ag- 
riculture He was married, October 20, 1855, to Christina S Lief, a native of 
Baden, Germany, born September 13, 1833. They have three children liv- 
ing, viz.: Elizabeth, born November 11, 1856; Mary, September 6, 1858; 
Emma C. , January 3, 1872. The deceased was Catharine, born December 
27, 1859, died November 12, 1862. Mr. Buser has resided on his present 
farm since 1845. He has 136 acres, well improved, and in his dooryard 
stands a log cabin built by one Armstrong, an Indian chief. Mr. Buser 
served one year as School Director, and in politics is a Democrat. 

DENNIS W. BYRON, M. D., is a native of Huntingdon County, Penn., 
and was born September 19, 1825. His father, John Byron, was a native 
of Ireland, and emigrated to America about the year 1807. His mother, 
Mary (Kerr) Byron was born in Pennsylvania where she grew to woman- 
hood, her marriage to Mr. Byron occurring in Adams County, of that State 
about 1817. They became the parents of twelve children, all of whom at- 
tained their majority, and nine still living. Dr. Byron removed with his 
parents to Bucyrus, Ohio, in 1833, and three years later to Seneca County, 
where he was employed on a farm till he began his professional studies. 
He was educated in the public schools of Bucyrus and the district schools 
of Seneca County, abandoning his literary studies at the age of fifteen. 
He began the study of medicine with Dr. Fulton, of Bucyrus, where 
he remained eighteen months, entering the Eclectic Medical College of Cin- 
cinnati in 1852, and graduating from that institution in 1855. He imme- 
diately began the practice of his profession at Vandalia, III., where he re- 
mained about two and one-half years, when he returned to Ohio and located 
about six miles north of Bucyrus. Two years later, May, 1857. he located 
in Upper Sandusky where he has since been established and where he has 
built up an extensive practice, being one of the leading physicians of the 
city. By a close attention to business he has obtained a fine property con- 
sisting of a handsome residence located on one of the most pleasant parts 
of Upper Sandusky. Since 1857, his entire attention has been devoted to 
his profession, his long and successful experience entitling him to a place 
in the front rank among his fellow-devotees at the shrine of J3sculapius. 
He is a citizen of excellent character and a zealous advocate of Republican 
principles. He holds the position of Examining Physician of the Knights 
of Honor, of which organization he has been five years a member, and with 



578 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

which he has been officially connected four years. Dr. Byron was married 
at Melmore, Seneca County, February 21, 1852, to Mary A. Fitzsimmons, 
daughter of William and Anna (Holman) Fitzsimmons, and the children born 
to them are Galen F. , William K. , George D. and M. Myrtle — also two in- 
fants deceased. 

WILLIAM K. BYRON, M. D., was born in Vandalia, 111., January 
19, 1855, son of Dennis W. and Mary A. (Fitzsimmons) Byron. He was 
educated in the Union Schools of Upper Sandusky, leaving ofif his studies 
at the age of thirteen to learn the printer's trade with Pietro Cuneo. He 
coutinvied in this occupation seven years, working in various States, and 
began the reading of medicine with his father in 1875. He studied two 
years with his father and one year with his uncle, Dr. J. F. Fitzsimmons, 
of Bucyrus, and entered the Wooster University at Cleveland in 1876. He 
graduated February 28, 1879, and immediately began the practice of his 
profession in partnership with his father, meeting with remarkable success. 
He was married, September 4, 1879, to Kate M. Prinney, daughter of the 
late Horace L. and Sarah (Saltsman) Prinney, a prominent resident of Erie, 
Penn. , who, althovigh a Democrat, served as Justice of the Peace in a Repub- 
lican township thirty consecutive years. Dr. and Mrs. Byron have one 
child— Stanley R. born June 3, 1881. Mrs. Byron was born May 1, 1855. 
The Doctor is the Examining Physician of the P. 0. S. of A., and votes in 
the interest of Republicanism. 

ROBERT CAREY, attorney at law, Upper Sandusky, was born in Onta- 
rio, Canada, February 17, 1845, son of Hugh and Margaret (Hamilton) 
Carey, both natives of Belfast, Ireland, and of Scotch-Irish ancestry. 
Mr. Carey is one of a family of eight children, seven of whom are still liv- 
ing — Mary, Archibald, John, Robert, Margaret, James and Hugh. His 
parents emigrated fi'om Ii-eland to Prince Edward County, Canada, about 
1832. and have since resided in that locality, the father now in his seventy- 
ninth, the mother in her seventy-fourth year. Robert Carey was educated 
at the Toronto Provincial Normal School, where he obtained a life certificate 
to teach in any school in the Province of Canada. He made teaching his 
profession while in Canada, begioning that work when about sevent^een years 
of age, and continued in the same till 1873, when he removed to Upper 
Sandusky. He was employed as Superintendent of the Marseilles Schools 
one year, and the two following years had charge of the Union Schools of 
Upper Sandusky. Giving up his profession as teacher, he read law with D. 
W. Brooks, a prominent attorney of Detroit, Mich., and subsequently at- 
tended the Law Department of Ann Arbor University one year. From 
November, 1879, to May, 1880, he studied under the instructions of Judge 
Mott, when he was admitted to practice in all the courts. Since that time, 
Mr. Carey has devoted himself exclusively to his profession. He is at 
present one of the Boai-d of Examiners of the city schools of Upper San- 
dusky, and a strong advocate of Republican principles; is the owner of 
160 acres of laud in Marseilles Township, and forty acres in Goshen Town- 
ship, Hardin County, dealing somewhat in live stock, making a specialty of 
fine sheep and short-horn cattle. January 22, 1876, Mr. Carey was married 
to Emily A. Terry, daughter of Ethan and Barbara (Heckathorn) Terry, 
early settlers of this county, Mr. Terry being one of the three first Commia 
sioners. Mr. and Mrs. Carey are the parents of three children — Robert H., 
John T. and Edward. 

DARIUS D. CLAYTON, Probate Judge, was born in Pitt Township 
February 19, 1850. He is the son of John and Julia A. (Woolsey) Clay- 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 579 

ton, natives of Ohio and New York, and of English parentage. The latter 
came to this county in 1818, and the former in 1830. They were the par- 
ents of eight children, five living — Jeremiah W., John V., Julia A., Amanda 
J. and Darius D. The subject of this sketch attended the village schools 
of Little Sandusky till the age of seventeen, when he commenced teaching. 
He entered the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, in 1869, at- 
tending that institvition one year, when he left Delaware to. attend Oberlin 
College, where he continued to study for the next live years, graduating 
from that college in the class of 1876. Mr. Clayton continued to teach 
school each winter during his college course, thus obtaining money to pur- 
sue his studies, teaching in all thirteen terms of district school, and super- 
intending the Uuion Schools of Upper Sandusky one year. He served two 
terms as a member of the County Board of School Examiners, and as a 
member of the Union School Board of Examiners of Upper Sandusky, Ohio, 
from 1878 till his resignation in 1888. He was married, at Oberlin, Ohio, 
August 27, 1877, to Ella J. Eastman, daughter of Alvin and Henrietta L. 
(Eastman) Eastman, residents of Oskaloosa, Iowa. Two children have been 
born to them — Gertrude L., born September 2, 1878, and Cora M. , born 
July 29, 1880; Ella, their mother, was born near Oskaloosa, Iowa, Novem- 
ber 18, 1853, and graduated from the classical course of Oberlin College, 
in the class of 1877. Mr. Clayton began the study of law under the in- 
struction of D. D. Hare, of Upper Sandusky, in 1877, and was admitted to 
the bar by the Supreme Court at Columbus, Ohio, November 17, 1878. In 
the same year he entered upon the practice of his profession, which he con- 
tinued till he assumed the duties of the office of Probate Judge February 
12, 1883. He has discharged his duties in his official capacity with justice 
and ability, and has the esteem which his impartial action so richly merits. 
He favors the Democratic policy of Government, and is, with Mrs. Clayton, 
a member of the Presbyterian Church. 

JAMES T. CLOSE, the youngest member of the Wyandot County bar, 
was born in Alexandria City, Va. , October 27, 1856. His father, Col. 
James T. Close, migrated from New York State to the Old Dominion in 
1850, and there married Anna E. Sherman, daughter of Elisha Sherman, 
formerly of Bridgeport, Conn. In 1861, Col. Close, a prominent resident 
of Alexandria City, a place of 12,000 inhabitants, with but thirty-two 
fellow-citizens voted viva voce against the ordinance of secession at polls 
guarded by Confederate soldiers; was a State Senator of the restored Gov- 
ernment at Wheeling, which saved Western Virginia from the Confederacy; 
organized, equipped and commanded the only Union regiment in East Vir- 
ginia, the Sixteenth Virginia Volunteers, and was United States Marshal 
for the Eastern District of that State. His devotion to the Union cause 
made him a marked man, and the rebel Government at Richmond offered 
$10,000 for his capture, dead or alive. He died in 1869, while a member 
of the Virginia Legislature. Mr. Close's boyhood was passed in Alexan- 
dria, , amid stirring war scenes indelibly imprinted upon his mind, and 
there^'eceived the rudiments of an academical education at private schools, 
which was finished at Gonzaga College (S. J.), Washington, D. C. , and the 
Whitestown Seminary Oneida County, N. Y. He began the study of law 
in 1874 with Judge Michael Thompson, a leading lawyer of the District of 
Columbia; attended lectures at the National Law University, concluding a 
three years' course in the office of David L. Smoot, of Alexandria, since 
Prosecuting Attorney of San Francisco, Cal. In 1877, admitted to the 
bar in Virginia and the District of Columbia, he began the practice of law 



580 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

in the latter place. In 1878, he came to this county and opened a law 
office in Nevada, where he remained one year, and then formed a partner- 
ship with his old preceptor, Judge Thompson, in St. Louis, Mo. In 1880, 
he visited the South and studied the workings of the courts in Louisiana 
and Mississippi, and strongly contemplated locating in the city of Natchez, 
but stronger predilections for his adopted State and its grand institutions 
drew him back to this county. In September, 1880, he married an estima- 
ble young lady of Nevada, and during the winter of 1880-81 he was em- 
ployed in the War Department at Washington, making an excellent record 
in the delicate work of digesting claims against the Government, and con- 
tinued at the same time his law studies in the office of Col. Robert G. In- 
gersoll. Returning to Nevada upon a furlough, love for his profession 
caused him to resign his position in the War Department, and, in Septem- 
ber, 1882, he formed a legal partnership with Senator M. H. Kirby at 
Upper Sandusky, and in 1883, upon the petition of his brother attorneys, 
he was appointed official stenographer of the county for a term of three 
years, with his office in the court house. Mr. Close is a member of the 
Presbyterian Church, a Je£fersonian Democrat in politics, liberal-minded, 
a fine convei'sationalist, slight in stature, and in speech and accent sugges- 
tive of his Scotch-Irish blood. His pi'actice steadily increasing, possess- 
ing an accurate knowledge of the law, energetic and devoted to his clients, 
his future promises to be a useful and successful one. 

WILLIAM CONSTIEN was born in Lasfelda, Kingdom Hanover, Ger- 
many, October 19, 1838. He is a son of Adam and Frederika ''Rimrott) 
Constien, who were a,lso natives of Germany, and parents of six children, 
namely, Doretta, Charles, Henry, Julius, Theodore and William. The 
father died in 1844, but the mother is still living. William, the subject of 
this sketch, landed in New York, June 8, 1863, bringing with him his new- 
made wife, Amelia, to whom he was married in Germany April 5, 1863. 
They spent six weeks in New York, after which time they went to Lancaster, 
Penn., where Mr. Constien was engaged in the harness trade till March, 
1871, when they removed to Upper Sandusky. After six years' work at his 
trade in the latter place, Mr. Constien purchased his present farm of twenty- 
two acres, where he has since been engaged chiefly in gardening. He cul- 
tivates all kind of table vegetables, small fruits, strawberries, raspberries, 
blackberries, etc., supplying hotels and city markets and doing an extensive 
business. His product the present year will perhaps reach $800 in value, 
being constantly on the increase. Mrs. Constien's parents were Christian 
and Adelinde (Wurm) Benecke. They were natives and residents of Ger- 
many, and had seven children, namely, Adolph, Amelia, Albert, Otto, Bern- 
hart, Eliza and Maria. The mother died in 1856, the father still living in 
his seventieth year. Mr. and Mrs. Constien have had nine children, namely: 
Theodore, born July 27, 1864; Otto, August 13, 1865; Emma, August 5, 
1867; William, September 10, 1869; Albert, November 16, 1871; Adolph, 
March 1, 1874; Bernhart, December 22, 1877; Alvin. September 19, 1880; 
Oscar, May 14, 1882. Otto died September 24, 1870. Mr. Constien is an 
Independent in politics. He was a member of the Good Fellows, Seven 
Wise Men, Red Men, and K. of P., and is now, with Mrs. C, a member of 
the Lutheran Church. 

MARTIN COURTAD was born in Alsace, France, Jane 16, 1819. His 
parents were John P. Courtad and Mary A. Frey, who emigrated to America 
in 1832. Martin Coui'tad resided with his parents in Seneca County, Ohio, 
till he became of age, and then went to Galena, 111., where he graduated in 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 581 

a high school. Finishing his education, he followed carpenter work for a 
time. In 1848, he came to Sandusky City, Ohio, and April 12, 1849, he 
was married to Eve Simonis, daughter of John and Mai-y Simonis, of Sen- 
eca County, Ohio. Mrs. Courtad was born April 1, 1832. After working 
for several years in Sandusky City, he and family went to the Lake Supe- 
rior copper mines, where he followed his trade eighteen months. He then 
came to Seneca County, Ohio, bought a small farm, where he lived till 
18(31, when he sold out and came to Crane Township, and bought a farm 
of eighty acres valued at |80 per aci'e. Mr. and Mrs. Courtad are the par- 
ents of fourteen children, one deceased. They are as follows: Charles, 
born March 16, 1850; John Henry, April 28, 1852; Joseph L., born April 
5, 1854; Magdalena, born May 11, 1856; Geoi-ge, born January 24, 1858; 
Anthony, born May 7, i860; W. Frank, born December 19, 1861; Martin, 
born December 29, 1864;' James, born January 20, 1866; Mary, born Jan- 
uary 11, 1868; Margaret, born March 4, 187(3; Michael, born September 
29, 1871; Elizabeth K., born November 1, 1875; Albert, born January 6, 
1878. Martin died July 26, 1881. Mr. Courtad has a fine farm, and is 
highly esteemed as a citizen. He and his family are strict adherents of the 
Catholic faith. 

PETER COURTAD was born near Strasbourg, Alsace, France, October 
20, 1811. He is a son of John Peter and Mary A. (Frey) Courtad, who 
emigrated to America in 1832, being sixty-three days on the ocean, and the 
ship landed at Baltimore. They located in Seneca County, Ohio. They 
removed to Iowa in 1841, where they resided until 1844, at which date they 
returned to Seneca County, Ohio, where the father died in 1848, aged sixty- 
three years; the mother died in Sandusky City about 1853, aged sixty- eight 
years. Peter Courtad removed to this county from Seneca in 1864, and 
settled on his present farm. He owns ninety-six acres near Upper Sandusky, 
valued at $85 per acre — earned by hard labor. He was married in Seneca 
County, Ohio, January 20, 1840, to Catharine Simonis, four children re- 
sulting from this marriage, one deceased; they are Mary' A., born January 
23, 1842; Margaret, February 23, 1845; Lawrence, December 23, 1847, and 
Peter D., October 17, 1849; the latter deceased since September 15, 1873. 
The death of Mrs. Courtad occurred December 8, 1852, and Mr. Courtad was 
again married in Seneca County May, 1853, to Clementine Zircher, daugh- 
ter of Ignatz and Mary M. (Lehman) Zircher, and nine children were born 
to this union, seven living —John, born January 4, 1855; Joseph A., March 
14, 1857; Francis A., August 7, 1862; Elizabeth M., February 13, 1864— 
all born in Seneca County; August J., March 9, 1866; Martin J., March 14, 
1868; Magdalene, February 6, 1872 — born in Wyandot. John (an infant) 
and Louis are deceased. Mrs. Courtad was born in France December 30, 
1829, and emigrated to America in 1838 with her parents, who settled in 
Shelby County, where the father died in 1868, the mother in 1863. Mr. and 
Mrs. Courtad are members of the Roman Catholic Church, he being a 
Democrat politically. 

DAVID CRAMER, dealer in stoves, tinware, etc., Upper Sandusky, was 
born in Seneca County, Ohio, May 22, 1839. He is the son of Frederick 
and Mnry A. (Helterbrake) Cramer, natives of Maryland, and of English 
ancestry. He was educated in the district schools of Seneca County, and 
was engaged in farming until August, 1861. At that time he enlisted in 
the United States service, Company D, Forty-ninth Regiment Ohio Volun- 
teer Infantry, to serve three years. He participated in the battles of Green 
River and Pittsbui'g Landing, and was taken sick at Corinth, after which 



582 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

he was confined six months in the hospitals of Evansville and Terre Haute, 
Ind. He rejoined his regiment in November, 18G2, and was wounded in 
his right thigh in the battle of Murfreesboro December 31, 1802, being sent 
to the hospital at Nashville, and afterward to Cincinnati, where he was dis- 
charged March 17, 1863, on account of disability. He then returned to 
Upper Sandusky, and soon after opened an ice cream parlor and restaurant, 
which he conducted over four years. In 1868, he established himself per- 
manently in the stove and tinware business in partnership with William 
McCormick. This connection existed two years, when Mr. Cramer pur- 
chased his partner's interest and became sole pi'oprietor, and has since con- 
ducted the business as such. He carries a large stock of everything in his 
line, and makes a specialty of tin and slate rooting. Mr. Cramer was mar- 
ried. May 8, 1872, to Miss Jennie Hackadorn, daughter of S. J. and Mar- 
garet (Gray) Hackadorn, of Van Wert County. They have three children, 
namely, Howard L., born November 16, 1874; Maggie, born August 3, 
1876; and Bonnie B., born January 25, 1880. Mrs. Cramer was born in 
Huntingdon County, Penn., October 8, 1853. Mr. Cramer is the owner of 
a valuable brick residence on Wyandot avenue, and all of his store room, 
which he occupies; is a member of the Knights of Honor, the G. A. R., 
and a Democrat in politics. 

FRANCIS M. CRAMER, machinist, was born in Seneca County, Ohio, 
September 19, 1846; son of Frederick and Mary (Helderbrake) Cramer, 
natives of Maryland. Francis was partially educated in the schools of his 
native county, removing to Upper Sandusky with his parents at the age of 
fifteen, and finishing his studies in the schools of that place. He subse- 
quently engaged as brakeman on the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Rail- 
road for a short period, and entered the Stevenson Machine Works as an 
apprentice in the fall of 1868. He is still employed by this company, and 
is one of their most faithful mechanics. By industry and economy, Mr. 
Cramer has provided a comfortable home on West Walker street, where he 
now resides. He was a non-commissioned officer of Company B, Ohio 
National Guards, in which he faithfully served five years, receiving bis dis- 
charge in 1879. He was married. May 22, 1872, to Mary Graham, daugh- 
ter of Daniel and Hannah (Bowsher) Graham, of Upper Sandusky. They 
have two children living — Roy C, born July 6, 1876, and Earl D., born 
December 28, 1881. The deceased is Robert E., born December 5, 1873, 
died June 25, 1881. Mrs. Cramer was born in Crane Township October 19, 
1851. 

JAMES CRAWFORD is a native of Sycamore Township, this county, 
born April 15, 1836; son of James and Mary (Sparr) Crawford, the former 
a native of Orange County, Va., born in 1761, the latter of Fairfield County, 
Ohio, born November 20, 1802. Their children were Jacob V., James, 
William B., Peter L. and Emma E. They came to this county in 1833, 
and purchased eighty acres of land, which he cleared and improved, and in 
1852 removed to Noble County, Ind., when he died April 19, 1854, and she 
in 1872. James Crawford was reared and educated in Sycamore Township, 
and began life for himself by daily labor at $10 per month. He purchased 
his present farm, consisting of forty acres, in 1875, and devotes his atten- 
tion to agriculture and the raising of blooded stock. He enlisted in the 
war May 2, 1864, and was on detached service in Company A, One Hundred 
and Forty -fourth Ohio National Guards, during his entire term spending 
most of his time at the Relay House, Maryland, as Post Commissary. He 
was discharged at Columbus September 2, 1864. Mr. Crawford was mar- 



CKANE TOWNSHIP. 583 

ried, September 3, 1857, to Susauna Brown, daughter of Abraham and 
Frances (Coon) Brown. They had four children, Louisa C, born March 
29, 1S64, being the only living. The deceased are: Emanuel E., born Sep- 
tember 20, 1861, died April 30, 1862; William S., born September 20, 
1866, died April 9, 1873; and an infant. Mi*s. Crawford was born Septem- 
ber 15, 1838, and died November 10, 1867. Mr. Crawford was married, 
December 24, 1868, to Eliza Fernbaugh, a native of Ashland County, Ohio, 
born July 31, 1835. Her parents were natives of Cumberland County, Penn., 
and York County, Penn., the father born February 13, 1810, the mother 
April 15, 1808. By this latter marriage three children were born — John S., 
born December 26, 1871; Sarah L., August 10, 1873; and Nettie M., March 
28, 1870; the latter is deceased since April 4, 1873. In politics, Mr. Craw- 
ford is a Republican, and a member of the Church of God, of which he is 
also one of the Trustees. His father was a full cousin of the lamented Col, 
Crawford, who was burned at the stake by the Indians near Upper Sandusky. 

MYER DANIELS, the popular clothier of the firm of Daniel Bros., 
was born in Cincinnati March 14, 1853. He is the son of Michael and 
Fannie (Goldsmith) Daniels, natives of Germany, who emigrated to America 
before their marriage. They were the parents of seven children, six now 
living. The father engaged in the boot and shoe business in an early day 
at Cincinnati, where ho died in 1855. The mother still survives, now a res- 
ident of Cleveland, Ohio, aged about sixty-eight years. Myer Daniels, the 
subject of this sketch, was reared and educated in the city of Cincinnati, 
receiving some instruction from a private tutor in Macon, Ga. While at 
the latter place, he engaged as clerk with Scheuermans Bros., dry goods 
merchants, and remained with this firm seven years. He subsequently en- 
gaged one year with his brother Cornelius, at Mt. Vernon, 111. ; three years 
with W. L. Yates, of Cleveland; three years again with his brother in 
Howell, Mich.; four months at Union City, Ind., after which he came to 
Upper Sandusky September 29, 1878. and in the following month established 
himself permanently in his present business, usually employing two clerks, 
and doing a flourishing business — the leading clothier of the city. Mr. 
Daniels is an energetic young business man, and a prominent member of 
the F. & A. M. 

JACOB W. DAVIS, M. D., was born in Adams County, Ohio, April 15, 
1853; son of John and Sarah (Wickerhorn) Davis, of English parentage. 
He assisted his father in agricultural pursuits, attending the public schools 
of his neighborhood until eighteen years of age, when he engaged as sales- 
man in a mercantile establishment at Locust Grove, Ohio, remaining in 
that work two years. In the fall of 1873, he entered the AVe.st Geneva 
Commercial College of Logan County, graduating in 1874. He at once be- 
gan the reading of medicine in the office of Dr. J. L. Wright, of Bellefon- 
taine, Ohio, attending lectures at the Indianapolis Medical College, and 
graduating from the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati February 20, 

1876. He began the practice of his profession at Carey, this county, and 
remained in that locality one year. He located at Johnsville in October, 

1877, where he continued his practice until February, 1881, when he re- 
moved to Upper Sandusky. In the latter place, he has established a good 
practice. Mr. Davis was married, June 5, 1877, to Laura A. Meckley, 
daughter of Andrew and Mary (Hosier) Meckley. She was born in Morrow 
County January 16, 1859. Mr. Davis' parents were both natives of Adams 
County, where they were married by Rev. Huston February 17, 1852. His 
mother died January 22, 1854, leaving an only child, our subject. His 



584 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

father was again married, November 18, 1856, to Elizabeth Sharp, and 
eight children were born to them, seven living — Edwin S., Sarah B., 
Rhoda E.,Mary A., William, Milton and Leonidas; an infant, unchristened, 
is deceased. Their home lay in the path of John Morgan's raid in 1863, 
and Dr. Davis, then a lad of ten years, while out plowing corn was ap- 
proached by three rebels, who demanded his horse. Young Davis, not 
wishing to be interrupted, was about to proceed when his "Get up, Joe!'' 
was responded to by the three rebels' leveling their revolvers upon him in a 
decidedly suggestive manner. Changing his mind with a "Whoa, Joe !" 
he permitted them to take the horse, and this, with two others, was never 
recovered. When the father returned home and found his horses gone, he 
was very indignant, and, taking his gun, followed them to his fathei''s res- 
idence where he was approached by two of the raiders leading a valuable 
gray horse. On being asked why he had his gun, and told to go home, he 
leveled his piece upon them when they fled in great haste, leaving their 
horse; they soon returned in increased numbers, however, and Mr. Davis 
sought refuge in a corn-field near by, and as he fled from this field to the 
woods; several shots were fired at him, the whizzing: of the bullets beinsr 
distinctly heard. He passed through these woods just as the main rebel 
army moved along, being in such close proximity to the lines as to render it 
necessary to lie prostrate upon the wet ground while they passed, thereby 
saturating the loose powder, which he had hastily placed in his pockets 
when starting in pursuit of his property. 

SILAS DEBOLT, one of the venerable pioneers of this county, was 
born in Masontown, Fayette Co. ,Penn., February 15, 1807. He is a son of 
George and Mary (Rider) DeBolt, both natives of the same county; the 
former born February 24, 1781, the latter in 1784 or 1785. His paternal 
ancestors were natives of France and Germany. His grandfather, Lawrence 
Rider, came to this country at the age of eighteen, his brother, Stofle, com- 
ing with him. His grandfather, George DeBolt and brother Nicholas were 
both captured by the Pottawatomies in Pennsylvania. The latter was in 
his sixth year and never returned home. He became chief of the tribe and 
died September 28, 1828. The former, George D,, was in his eighth year 
when captured and was sold to the Senecas and was held captive nine years. 
He was also afterward a soldier under Washington. He was in the battle 
in which Braddock was defeated, and was subsequently in the employ of 
the Government as a scout. George DeBolt, the father of our sub- 
ject, moved from Pennsylvania to Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1809, and 
resided there till about 1855, owning 200 acres of land. In 1855, he moved 
to Jay County, Ind. , where he died October 1, 1868. His wife died in 
1852. He was a prominent minister of the Old-School Baptist Church, and 
was the father of twelve children, six of whom are now living, namely: 
Silas; Belinda, widow of C. Skinner; Matilda, widow of William Skinner; 
Miranda, wife of A. Ashbrook; Hulda, wife of P. Rank, Ogdeu, Utah; 
and Rezin A., of Trenton, Mo. The latter is now a prominent lawyer and 
Judge, and was formerly a Congressman. Silas DeBolt, the subject of this 
sketch, resided with his parents until his twenty-third yeax', and learned the 
tanner's trade in Fairfield County. He came to this county in 1830 and 
located near Mexico, where he resided near forty years, eighteen of which 
were spent in the mercantile business. In 1868, he moved to his present 
farm of 260 acres, purchased at the land sales in 1845, and has since turned 
his attention chiefly to agricultural pursuits. In connection with his other 
occupations, Mr. DeBolt has studied the nature of and treatedcancers for 




L.R.Walton . 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 687 

fifty-six years. He is in possession of an Indian remedy, known only to 
himself and family, and has never failed to cure cases of external cancers 
which were subjected to his treatment. He has cured hundreds of cases, 
three on his own person. His. remedy is unknown to physicians. In taking 
care of his material interests, Mr. DeBolt has not overlooked the spiritual, 
having been engaged in the ministry of the Old School Baptist Chm*ch 
more or less since 1840. Mr. DeBolt was married July 6, 1827, to Eliza- 
beth Parkison, a native of Somerset, Perry Co., Ohio, born April 28, 1812, 
daughter of John and Sarah (Miller) Parkison, natives of Virginia, and of 
Scotch and German parentage. Her father was born July 19, 1783; her 
mother September 10, 1785. They moved to Perry County in 1800, Mr. 
Pai'kison's death occurring there about 1814. Mrs. Parkison was subse- 
quently mai'ried to Thomas Strawn, and died November 7, 1842. Mr. 
and Mrs. DeBolt are the parents of twelve children, namely: Mary, born 
July 11, 1829; John P., April 10, 1831; George E., March 4, 1833; Sarah, 
March 5, 1835; Margaret, April 2, 1837; Elizabeth, August 27, 1839; Silas 
S., December 15, 1841; Eezin S., July 29, 1843; Miranda A., August 2, 
1845; Nora R, October 11, 1847; William K., December 13, 1849; "Emma 
P., March 14, 1854. Margaret, Emma, William and George are deceased. 
The latter was captured at the battle of Chickamauga, and died in prison at 
Danville, Va. Mr. DeBolt served in a rifle company eight years in Fair- 
field County, and was made Major in the militia in this county. He and 
Mrs. DeBolt are members of the Old- School Baptist Church. They are 
among the most worthy of the pioneers, and are highly esteemed as 
citizens. 

JOHN DIRMEYER, son of John and Anna (Fleah) Dirmeyer, was 
born in Baden, Germany, August 24, 1837. His parents were also born in 
Baden, and had seven children — Annie, John, Andrew, Simon, Mary, Fred 
and W^illiam; Annie and Fred are deceased. The father died in 1872; 
the mother in 1848. John Dirmeyer emigrated to America in 1853, land- 
ing in May. He came to Upper Sandusky (after six weeks' stop on Staten 
Island), and resided there till 1863, when he moved to his present home. His 
farm contains ninety-six acres, and is in good condition. He was married, 
April 9, 1863, to Mary Frederick, who was born in Seneca County, Ohio, 
July 9, 1837. She is a daughter of Joseph and Catherine (Witmer) Fred- 
erick, natives of Baden, Germany, and Ohio. Her father came to America 
at the age of ten years; was married in Seneca County and reared a family 
of twelve children, six living, viz.: William, Letitia, Ann E. , Julia, Ma- 
tilda and Mary. The mother died in 1843, the father in 1869. Mr. and 
Mrs. Dirmeyer have had four children — William F., born February 10, 
1864; George A., March 4, 1867; Anna M., August 29, 1869, and John C, 
July 27, 1873. Mrs. Dirmeyer's father was once captured by the Indians, 
but made his escape. Mr. Dirmeyer is a Democrat, and a member of the 
German Lutheran Church. Mrs. Dirmeyer is a member of the Reformed 
Church. They are well respected in their vicinity. 

CHRISTIAN ENGEL, retired groceryman, was born in Ostheim, Ger- 
many, April 17, 1823. He is the son of Christian G. and Maria E. 
(Streck) Engel, both of whom died in Germany, the former in December, 
1872, aged seventy-three; the latter November 7, 1873, aged seventy years. 
They were the parents of six children, four living at present — Christian, 
John K., Johanna L. and Ernest. Christiana and Magdalena are deceased. 
Christian, our subject, emigrated with his brother John K. to America in 
1849. After traveling over seventeen States, he located in Upper Sandusky 

22 



588 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

in 1853, and opened a barber-shop on the grounds now owned by Mrs. John 
Van Martyr. In 1856, he opened a grocery store and continued in this 
business until October 10, 1881, at which time he disposed of his stock to 
C. F. Veith and retired. He was married, August 24, 1854, to Anna M. 
Hipp, daughter of Frederick and Sabina (Beckbissinger) Hipp, and ten 
children have blessed their union, four living — Johanne L. (born April 1, 
1855), Caroline S. (January 12, 1857), Rosa L. (March 6, 1859), and Annie 
M. (August 24, 1862). The deceased are five infants and Irena, born 
April 18, 1874, died October 31, 1877. Anna M., their mother, was born 
in Germany June 24, 1832. One year after, she emigrated to America with 
her parents, who are both now deceased; her father died December 1, 1856, 
aged sixty-three years; her mother survived till January 30, 1872, aged 
nearly seventy- six years. 

JOHN K. ENGEL, retired merchant, is a native of Ostheim, Saxony, 
Germany, where he was born November 19, 1828. He is a son of Christian 
G. and Maria E. (Streck) Engel, a notice of whom is given in another sketch. 
John K. obtained a good education in "the fatherland," and emigrated to 
this country at twenty years of age. In 1849, he engaged as an employe 
in the bakery and confectionery trade with William Saunderson in Upper 
Sandusky. In 1854, he formed a partnership with his brother in the gro- 
cery aod provision business, and two years later he purchased the latter's 
interest, re-selling it to his brother in 1858. He was engaged as clerk for 
A. G. Tribolet seven years, and from 1865 to 1877 conducted a grocery and 
provision store on his own account, retiring from business at the latter date. 
Mr. Engel was married, May 22, 1856, to Maria B. Retter, daughter of 
Frederick and Maria (Sturm) Retter, a native of Baden, Germany, born 
September 30, 1834. In 1852, she emigrated with her parents to this 
county, where they both died, the mother in June, 1868, aged sixty-five 
years; the father in November, 1881, in his eighty-first year. Mr. and 
Mrs. Engel have no children; their adopted daughter, Amanda B. Engel, 
was born in Germany March 7, 1861. Mr. Engel has been a member of the 
F. & A. M. since 1856, and is also associated with the I. O. O. F. , and 
has filled all the subordinate ofiices. He is an independent voter. He 
is now enjoying the reward of his past labors. In 1872, in company 
with his wife, he paid a visit to his native home in Germany. He has been 
very successful in his business career, and in all his dealings has preserved 
a character worthy of the emulation of his fellow-merchants. He is one of 
the leading German citizens of the county, being noted for his interest in 
all public enterprises of importance. 

WILLIAM FERNBAUGH was born in Ashland County, Ohio, Decem- 
ber 21, 1835. His parents were John and Elizabeth (Brandt) Fernbaugh, 
natives of Pennsylvania who settled in Ashland County, Ohio, in 1847, sub- 
sequently removing to this county, where they purchased 120 acres of land, 
and I'eared a family of nine children. The father died in 1878; the mother 
resides with her daughter, Mrs. Crawford, in this township. Our subject 
enlisted October 18, 1862, in Company K, Fifty-fifth Regiment Ohio Vol- 
unteer Infantry, under Capt. Robins, and participated in the battles of Bull 
Run 2d, Cross Keys, Gettysburg, Mission Ridge, Buzzard' s Roost, Chancel- 
lorsville — taken prisoner, but paroled in a few days — siege of Atlanta, and 
all through the Atlanta campaign, and with Sherman to the sea; partici- 
pated in the grand review at Washington, and was discharged at Cleveland 
in July, 1865. He returned home, purchased eighty acres of land on 
which he resides, and was married, January 31, 1869, to Mary C. Tobias, 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 589 

native of Pennsylvania, born May 11, 1845, daughter of Peter and Mary J. 
(Hale) Tobias. Their children are Harry T. , born April 20, 1870; Laura, 
January 14, 1872; Elizabeth M., May 6, 1874. Laura is deceased; died 
January 30, 1872. Mr. Fernbaugh has been a fai*mer most of his days, 
and now values his land at $80 per acre. Himself and family are members 
of the Church of God. 

DAVID FRAZIER, groceryman and retired farmer, was born in Pick- 
away County, Ohio, October 2, 1822; son of Jacob and Rebecca (Morris) 
Frazier, natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia respectively. They were 
the parents of sixteen children, eight of whom are still living — Jacob, John, 
David, Joseph, William, George, Mary and Silas. David Frazier, our sub- 
ject, was reared upon the farm, and attended the district schools, his only 
chance for an education. He remained upon the farm with his parents un- 
til sixteen years of age, and subsequently engaged in various callings until 
his marriage. This event took place August 8, J 844, taking as his wife 
Eliza A. Bolander, a resident of Pickaway County. They have but one 
child — Noah G, , born March 31, 1857. Mrs. Frazier was born August 29, 
1825. They removed to Seneca County and engaged in farming seven 
years, coming to Wyandot County in 1852, where he purchased eighty-four 
acres of land, afterward adding thirty more. He subsequently sold these re- 
spective lots at $75 and $50 per acre (they having cost him him $10 and $23 
per acre respectively), and in 1879 purchased 127 acres of well-improved land 
of the estate of C. Y. Pierson, deceased, paying for the same $80 per acre, 
the land lying within less than one mile west of Upper Sandusky. In 1876, 
Mr. Frazier abandoned the farm and removed to Upper Sandusky, where, 
with his son, he is doing an extensive business in the grocery, queensware 
and crockery trade, located on Sandusky avenue, between Walker and Fin- 
ley sti'eets. Mr. Frazier is the owner of valuable town property; his son, 
Noah G. , now managing the grocery establishment on his own responsibili- 
ty. In politics, he is a thorough Republican; himself and wife both are 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

BARBARA FREDERICK, widow of Joseph Frederick, was born in 
Bavaria, Germany, Januaiy 23, 1821. She is the daughter of Adam and 
Elizabeth (Miller) Miller, who emigrated to America in 1835, and settled in 
Seneca County, where they both died — the mother in 1864, aged seventy- 
five years; the father in 1866, at the same age. Their four children — 
Elizabeth, Margaret, Peter and Barbara — are all living. The latter, our 
subject, was fourteen years of age when her parents came to America. She 
was married, in Seneca County, Ohio, April 25, 1841, to Joseph Frederick, a 
native of Baden, Germany, born February 22, 1810. He emigrated to America 
with his parents in 1817, and located in Philadelphia, removing to this county 
two years later. Joseph Frederick settled in this county immediately after 
his marriage in 1841, while the Indians were still numerous, some of whom 
were employed by him as assistants; among these were Mrs. Stanzley, 
Nancy Wright Bigelow and others, all full-blood Indians. Mr. Frederick 
was an industrious and energetic citizen, and accumulated a large amount 
of property, which he left to his wife and five children at his death, which 
occurred September 14, 1869. Mrs. Frederick still resides on the old home- 
stead, the old " Mission farm," near Upper Sandusky. Mr. and Mrs. Fred- 
erick were the parents of ten children, but five of whom are now living, 
viz., William H., Leutitia, Anna E., Julia and Matilda. The deceased are 
Adam, Christian, Daniel, Caroline and Catharine, twine. 



590 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY, 

GEORGE W. FREET, Treasurer Wyandot County, was born in 
Loudoun County, Va., February 22, 1835. He is the son of Henry D. and 
Lydia C. (Clice) Freet, of German ancestry and natives of Virginia. They 
were married in their native State, and came to Ohio in 1836, settling in 
this county, where he engaged in the blacksmithing trade till his decease. 
They were the parents of twelve children, our subject being the youngest. 
All attained their majority, but at present only four are living — Amanda 
A., Henry C, Lydia C. and George W. The latter was educated in the 
district schools of this county, and learned the blacksmithing trade of his 
brother, following this business till they removed to Upper Sandusky and 
began the manufacture of carriages and wagons, doing an extensive business. 
Mr. Freet was married, March 5, 1863, to Mary G. Hussy, daughter of 
Stephen and Elizabeth (Plummer) Hussy. Six children were born to them, 
two only surviving: Ida A.,born July 7, 1867; and Clara B., born Novem- 
ber 18, 1877. The deceased are: an unchristened infant, Mary E., Lilla 
and Howard. In 1880. Mr. Freet was elected Treasurer of the county, and 
re-elected in 1882. Prior to his removal to Upper Sandusky, he served 
three years as Justice of the Peace in Tymochtee Township, and six years 
as Clerk of the same. He is a member of the F. & A. M. and K. of H. 

JOSEPH E. GARFIELD, painter, is a native of Chittenden County, 
Vt., born October 14, 1832, son of Lewis B. and Catharine A. (Parks) Gar- 
field, the former a cousin of the father of James A. Garfield, the martyr. 
They had six children — William H., Joseph E., Marced M. , Lura A., Emma 
A. and Lydia M. They settled in this Cuunty in 1840, Mr. Garfield pur- 
suing the occupation of millwright, being the inventor of the celebrated 
(jarfield Turbine water-wheel. He died in 1843. Mrs. Garfield is still 
living, a resident of Iowa, in her seventy-sixth year. The subject of this 
sketch was given a common school education, and has devoted his entire 
life to the chair-making and painting trades, which he acquired from his 
uncle. He came to Upper Sandusky in 1849, and was married in the same 
city June 19, 1850, to Mary Little, daughter of David and Ann M. (Hoke) 
Little, a native of Canton, Ohio, born August 15, 1825. They had six chil- 
dren — Genevra S., born May 4, 1851; David E., May 5, 1853; Lewis B., 
January 19, 1856; Alexis W., February 4, 1859; Amanda M., February 26, 
1862; William H. , born April 24, 1865. The latter is deceased, his death 
having occurred April 24, 1865. September 19, 1861, Mr. Garfield enlisted 
as private in Company K, Fifty-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, to 
serve three years. He was taken prisoner at the battle of McDowell, Va., 
May 9, 1862, and after several months in the custody of the enemy at dif- 
ferent places, he received his discharge by a special order through the in- 
fluence of Gen. Garfield, January 9, 1863, on certificate of disability. He 
then returned home and resumed his former occupation. He is a member 
of the Knights of Labor and owns a comfortable home. 

JOEL W. GIBSON, Ex-Probate Judge of Wyandot County, was born 
in this county (formerly Crawford) December 19, 1842. He is the son of 
James and Mary (Beam) Gibson, natives of Ohio and Maryland, and of 
Irish and English ancestry. They were married in Crawford County, in 
1839, and were the parents of seven children, of whom five survive — Joel 
W., Delilah J., wife of William G. Slye, residents of Barton County, Mo.; 
Emma, wife of John Bowsher, residing in this county; Julia, the wife of 
Jacob C. Miller, of Barton County, Mo.; Cornelius, also a resident of this 
county. Louisa is deceased. The mother died in 1857; the father, James, 
is still living in his seventy-sixth year. Joel W. Gibson, the subject of 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 591 

this sketch, was educated in the country schools, taking a six months' course 
of study in Bryant & Stratton's Business College, Cleveland, Ohio, in 1864. 
August 21, 1862, he enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Twenty- 
third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, to serve three years, participating in several 
skirmishes in 1862 and 1863, being severely wounded in the right limb in 
the battle of Winchester, June 15, 1863, and falling into the hands of the 
rebels, where he was detained three months. The amputation of the 
wounded limb being found necessary, this operation was performed by 
Federal surgeons within the rebel lines at Taylor Hospital, Winchester, at 
which place he remained until it was captured by the Union forces. He was 
honorably discharged February 11, 1864. Mr. Gibson was married October 
25, 1866, to Lucinda Condray, daughter of Andrew and Rachel (Hodges) 
Condray, five childx'en being the result of their union, one surviving 
— Virgil H., born Nov. 20, 1868. The deceased are James K,., Capa- 
tolia, Virginia and an infant. After Mr. Gibson's return from the 
war, he engaged in the stock trade in partnership with Franklin Slye until 
appointed Deputy Revenue Collector for Wyandot County, which position 
he held over two years. In 1869, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and 
re-elected in 1872; and in 1873 to the office of Probate Judge, being re- 
elected in 1876, and again in 1879, his term of office expiring February 
12, 1883. After retiring from office, Mr. Gibson formed a partnership for 
the practice of law with Robert McKelly, with whom he has since been en- 
gaged. He is a member of the K. of H., the Royal Arcanum, and affiliates 
with the Democratic party. He has served as Township and Corporation 
Clerk of the city of tipper Sandusky for five successive terms. 

WILLIAM A. GIPSON, dealer in coal, ice, etc., was born in Richland 
County, Ohio, January 26, 1843; son of Lorenzo and Martha A. (Fenner) 
Gipson, natives of Vermont and Berks County, Penn. , respectively. They 
were married in Richland County ; parents of eight children, the living named 
as follows: William A., Matilda E., wife of Adam Stevens; Lucy A., wife 
of J. M. Craig; Alice, wife of William H. Cook; and Arlon F. The father 
was accidentally killed February 20, 1868, by the falling of a sawlog from 
a wagon; the mother is still residing in Upper Sandusky. William Gipson 
obtained a fair education in the schools of his native county, and removed 
with his parents to Upper Sandusky in 1860. He learned the cooper's trade 
with his father, and continued in this vocation till the beginning of the war; 
he enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Twenty- third Regiment Ohio 
Volunteer Infantry, September 24, 1862, and participated in the following 
engagements: Morefield. Winchester (where the entire regiment was captured, 
but exchanged after ninety days), Newmarket, Piedmont, Lynchburg, Snick- 
er's Ford, Second Winchester, Fisher's Hill, Strasburg, Cedar Creek, 
Hatcher's Run, and the last at High Bridge, across Appomattox River, where 
the entire regiment was captui'ed a second time, and sent to Camp Chase, 
receiving the news of Lincoln's assassination while en route, and detained 
on guard-duty over his body, in state at Columbus, Ohio. Besides the 
above-named battles, Mr. Gipson was engaged in several skirmishes, receiv- 
ing an honorable discharge at Camp Chase June 12, 1865. On returning, 
he resumed his trade for a number of years, establishing his present busi- 
ness in coal, ice, cement, sewer tile, tii-e-brick, etc., in 1874 to 1880. He 
was married May 12, 1870. to Ada K. Beistle, daughter of Christian and 
Elizabeth (Hock) Beistle, and one child, Leora Blanche, born March 19, 
1874, has resulted from their union. Mrs. Gipson is a native of Carlisle 
County, Penn., and was born August 9, 1848. Mr. Gipson is a member of 



592 ■ HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

the F. & A. M., Knights Templar, also of the Knights of Honor, G. A. R. 
and English Lutheran Church. He served in the city council six years. 

NICHOLAS F. GOETZ, son of George and Elizabeth Goetz, was born in 
Bavaria, Germany, November 30, 1826. His parents both died in Germany 
prior to his emigration to America. He learned the baker's trade w^hen a 
mere boy, and spent several years in traveling through his native country. 
He emigrated to America in 184:9, and settled in Boston, Mass. He soon 
afterward removed to California, and engaged at his trade in Sacramento 
City, at $125 per month. Meeting with losses by tire, he returned to Boston, 
and after his marriage removed to Upper Sandusky, purchasing the prop- 
erty on the corner of Sandusky avenue and Walker street, which he still 
owns and occupies as a grocery store and bakery. He has accumulated a 
handsome property, owning forty three acres of land within the corporation 
of Upper Sandusky, where, in 1880, he erected a fine residence at a cost of 
$3,000. He was married October 5, 1854, to Miss Magdalana Kanzler, of 
Boston. She was born in Wittenburg, Germany, September 20, 1830, 
and gi'aduated from one of the best schools of her native country. Six 
children have resulted from this union — Katie D. , born July 9, 1855; 
Matilda M., December 28, 1856; George V., July 28, 1858; Louise E., 
August 27, 1861; Minnie C, February 2, 1863; and Frederick N., May 27, 
1865. Mr. Goetz has traveled extensively through the various prov- 
inces of Germany and Austria, and has crossed the American continent, 
visiting Panama, Cuba and many other points of interest. Mr. Goetz is 
quite popular among the citizens of this county, having served as Township 
Trustee and City Councilman several years, declining the candidacy for 
County Commissioner. He and his family are membex's of the German 
Lutheran Church. 

CAPT. EDWIN A. GORDON, cashier of the Wyandot County Bank, 
was born in Putnam County, Ohio, October 4, 1843. He is the son of 
William C. and Rebecca (Wolcott) Gordon, natives of Ohio and New York. 
The father was born at Worthington, Ohio, June 19, 1819, the mother in 
New York in 1823. They were the parents of six children, all living. The 
mother died at Maquoketa, Iowa, in 1872. Edwin A. Gordon obtained a 
good common school education, and served an apprenticeship at the printer's 
trade. From this occupation he enlisted in the late war September 2. 1861, 
as private in Company A, Fifty-seventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. 
He was soon after promoted to Sergeant, holding this position till April, 
1862, when he was promoted to Sergeant Major of the regiment; December 
29, 1863, ho received his commission as Second Lieutenant Company I; in 
the following year, August 16, 1864, he was promoted to First Lieutenant, 
and June 16, 1865, he was commissioned Captain of Company G. He was 
engaged in the battles of Shiloh, siege of Corinth, Chickasaw Bayou, siege 
at Jackson, and others. The regiment spent the summer of 1862 at Mem- 
phis, and was subsequently engaged in a number of skirmishes, our subject 
receiving a severe wound in the head from a piece of shell in the battle of 
Chickasaw Bayou, and being confined six months at the Lawson Hospital 
at St. Louis as a result of his injuries. He rejoined his command at Vicks- 
burg in July, 1863, and was sent to join the Army of the Cumberland. He 
was engaged in the battle of Mission Ridge, and, after the veteraniza- 
tion of his regiment, returned to the field, and participated in all the bat- 
tles of the Atlanta campaign, being again wounded August 3, 1864 in front 
of Atlanta, and sent to tlie hospital. He was absent from his regiment 
from August to April, during which time he was with the provision depart- 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 593 

ment of Gen. Sherman's army on duty as Acting Assistant Adjutant 
General under Col. Henry, of the Thirty fifth New Jersey. Capt. Gordon 
again joined his regiment at Raleigh and proceeded to Washington, par- 
ticipating in the grand review at that place, and thence by railroad to 
Parkersburg and by boat to Louisville, and from that point to Little Rock, 
where he was discharged August 14, 1865. Capt. Gordon was married, 
October 24, 1867, to Julia C. Beery, daughter of George W. and Ann (Joy) 
Beery, and two children have been born to them — Willie B., born August 
2, 1868, and Anna J., born February 11, 1871. Capt. Gordon is a member 
of the G. A. R. (Post Commander in 1883 and 1884) and Knights of Honor, 
of which he is Reporter; is a member of the Universalist Church, a Repub- 
lican in politics, and has served as cashier of the Wyandot County Bank 
over fifteen years. 

JACOB GREEK, surveyor and engineer, was born in a portion of this 
county, once part of Hancock County, February 13, 1840. He is the son of 
George and Rebecca (Harrison) Greek, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio. 
They were united in marriage in Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1831, and re- 
sided in that locality five years, removing to Hancock County (now Wyan- 
dot) in 1836, where they still remain. They are the parents of thirteen 
children, eight still surviving. Jacob Greek, the subject of this sketch, 
was educated in the district schools, closing his educational pursuits in the 
village school of Carey, Ohio. He enlisted in Company K, Sixty-first Regi- 
ment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, March 28, 1862, to serve three years, and 
was engaged in the battles of Freeman's Ford, second Bull Run, Chancel- 
lorsville, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, 
and through the entire Atlanta campaign. He was sent to raise the siege, 
at Knoxville, and was with Sherman in his march to the sea. Mr. Greek 
was taken prisoner at Gettysburg July 2, 1863, and was immediately 
paroled and sent to West Chester, Peun. , where he was detained till 
October of the same year, when he was ordered to join his com- 
mand at Bridgeport, Ala. At the expiration of three years, he received 
his discharge at Goldsboro, N. C, April 6, 1865, and returned to his 
former home near Carey, and finished his education, teaching during the 
winter season, and attending school during the summer. He was married, 
December 31, 1868, to Miss Dora Cole, daughter of William and Anna 
(Shoup) Cole, residents of this county. They have three children — Ida L. , 
born September 8, 1872; Charley A., born September 1, 1874; George G., 
born May 29, 1876. Mrs. Greek was born July 30, 1853. Mr. Greek was 
elected County Surveyor in October, 1874, and re-elected in 1877 and again 
in 1880. Politically, Mr. Greek is a Democrat. He is a member of the 
L O. O. F., K. of H. and Royal Arcanum, being at present Deputy Grand 
Regent of the latter order, and having passed all the chairs in the K. of H. , 
at present holding the office of Past Dictator. 

HENRY GRUNDTISCH, of the firm of Ahlefeld & Grundtisch Bros., 
Union Carriage and Wagon Works, Upper Sandusky, was born January 21, 
1840. He is a native of Germany, and emigrated to this country in 1860. 
He obtained a good education in Germany, and acquired his trade in that 
country. On coming to Ohio he first settled at Carey, this county, follow- 
ing his trade in that place till 1862, when he removed to Upper Sandusky, 
and soon after purchased from John Laux his outfit in the carriage and 
wagon works, continuing in the business four years. In 1865, Mr. Grund- 
tisch sold his interest in the shop to Hale & Seider, whom he had admitted 
to the firm a few months previous, and engaged with them as an employe 



594 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

for ten years. He subsequently engaged with F. Tripp two years, and. in 
1877, the firm of Ahlefeld & Grundtisch Bros, was established. They are 
still doing business under the above name, and have an extensive patronage. 
Mr. Grundtisch was married. March 26, 1862, to Miss Fredericka Dilger and 
three children have been born to them — Jacob H.. born July, 1863; Libbie 
K., November 4, 1865; and Elenora, February 12, 1876. IVfr. Grundtisch 
is a member of the Union School Board, and a Trustee of the German Re- 
form Church. He owns a share of the grounds on which his shops are 
located, and is highly respected as a citizen. 

PETER GRUMMEL, one of the substantial farmers of this township, 
was born March 4, 1828. His parents, Adam and Susan (Yeoker) Grum- 
mel, came to America in 1854, and located in this county, one year later 
moving to Tiffin, where his father died May 10, 1870; his mother March 18, 
1888, their only children being Frederick and Peter. The latter emigrated 
in 1847, and settled in Tiffin, where he was engaged in the boot and shoe 
trade seven years. He worked at his trade twelve years in Mexico, this 
county, farming some in connection. In 1848, he purchased forty acres, 
on which he resided twenty- two years, moving on his present farm of 150 
acres in 1880, in which year he erected an elegant residence at a cost of 
$2,000. Mr. Grummel was married, August 6, 1850, to Mary E. Bloom, 
who was born in Bavaria August 21, 1828. She is a daughter of Philip 
and Margaret (Von Blon) Bloom, her mother's ancestors being of high 
rank in their native country, taking an active part in the religious troubles 
between the German Reformers and Catholics in early times. Mr. and 
Mrs. Grummel have had ten children — Louis, born July 7, 1851; Frederick, 
March 1, 1853: Philip, November 12, 1854; Mary, October 8, 1856; John, 
January 10, 1858; Elizabeth, December 6, 1859; William, December 11, 
I860; Louise, July 21, 1862; Geoi-ge, April 1, 1864; Reuben, September 
28, 1866. Elizabeth, George and John are deceased, the dates of their 
deaths being January 25, 1860, May 14, 1864, and September 13. 1880. 
Mr. Grummel is a Democrat; served as Trustee ; is a member of the Grange, 
and of the Reformed Church. The family is well respected in the community. 

JONATHAN GUMP was born in Bedford County, Penn., November 28, 
1823. He is the son of William and Sarah (Rolland) Gump, natives of 
Maryland and Pennsylvania respectively. The former was born January 
19, 1799, and died in 1839; the latter August 18, 1798, and died February 
15, 1882. After several removals they settled permanently in Shelby, Ohio, 
where they resided until the father's death. They were the parents of nine 
children, five still living— Jonathan, David, Franklin, Henry and Margaret. 
Mary, Isaac, Rosanna and George are deceased. His father dying when his 
son Jonathan was a mere boy, the latter spent most of his time in assisting 
his mother in clearing the farm, and with her he remained until his mar- 
riage. At the age of twenty-one, he began to learn the gunsmith trade at 
Plymouth, Ohio, afterward engaging in that occupation in various places, 
and as fireman on the B. & O. and C, C, C. & I. R. R. until 1848, when 
he returned to Sandusky City, and was married, September 7, to Nancy J. 
Taylor; her parents were natives of Washington County, Penn., she having 
been reared by an uncle. They have six children — Sarah C. , born June 28, 
1849; Martha A., September 1, 1850; Charles W., born June 4, 1852; 
William B., November 2, 1853; Eliza J., October 14, 1855; and James P., 
February 3, 1860. After marriage, Mr. Gump resided some time in Mans- 
field and Plymouth, and removed to Upper Sandusky in 1850, where he 
worked three years at his trade, and then established a foundry in partner- 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 595 

ship with Mr. Bowland; six months after, Mr. Bowland retired, and John 
Monger was admitted, this connection existing five years. He then closed 
out and resumed his old trade, which, in connection with his grocery store, 
he followed until 1878. Since that time he has devoted his entire attention 
to his trade. He owns a valuable residence on the corner of Crawford and 
Seventh streets; is a member of the Lutheran Church, and a Republican in 
politics. 

JOHN J. HAAS was born in Bavaria, Germany, December 21, 1832; 
son of Philip and Catharine E. (Soffel) Haas, who emigrated to America in 
1856, settling in Tuscarawas County, where the mother died November 14, 
1862, the father in August, 1869. Their children were Philip, Elizabeth, 
Peter, John J., Catharine and Phillipenia. John Haas emigrated to this 
country in 1850; worked in a tobacco factory, button factory, and as car- 
riage driver in New York City till 1855; at the coopers' trade in Baltimore 
one year; at farming and milling in Tuscarawas County till 1863; in Coshoc- 
ton County fifteen yeai's; and after several other moves came to this county 
in 1881, and pui'chassd his present farm, consisting of ninety-five acres, 
valued at $100 per a^re. Mr. Haas was married in Tuscarawas County, 
April 19, 1861, to Caroline Buehl, daughter of Peter and Dora (Thronacher) 
Buehl, a native of Germany, born February 15, 1842, emigrating in 1852. 
They have three children — Mary E., January 18, 1862; Benjamin, Janu- 
ary 6, 1872, and Annie S., June 23, 1875. Mr. Haas is a Republican, and 
with his wife a member of the Evangelical Church, to which he is a liberal 
contributor. He is very successful as a farmer, and at one time owned 160 
acres in. Tuscarawas County, and 100 near Gnadenhutten. 

DANIEL HALE was born in Cumberland County, Penn., March 30, 
1831, son of John and Elizabeth (Donor) Hale, natives of Cumberland and 
Lancaster Counties, Penn., who removed to this county in 1852. They had 
ten children, eight now living. The father was born July 5, 1803, died 
October 29, 1879; the mother was born September 13, 1804, died April 24, 
188J. Daniel Hale resided with his parents till about 1854, and was edu- 
cated in the common schools of his native county. He began life for him- 
self by working for his father at 62|^ cents per day, and afterward lived 
from rented lands till he purchased his present farm, 123 acres, now worth 
$100 per acre. He usually markets from $500 to $700 worth of products, 
and is one of the model farmers of the locality. He was married January 
5, 1854, to Catharine Kendig, daughter of Henry and Catharine (Bair) 
Kendig, natives of Lancaster County, Penn., and of German parentage. 
Six children resulted from this marriage, viz., Alice J., Barbara E., Cath- 
arine J., George B., Annie M. and James R. Mrs. Hale was born in Cum- 
berland County, Penn., June 21, 1830. Mr. Hale is a stanch Republican 
and a member of the Church of God, as are also his wife and children. 

CAPT. GEORGE W. HALE, of the firm of White & Hale, wa3 born in 
Cumberland County, Penn., March 25, 1833; son of John and Elizabeth 
(Donor) Hale, natives of Pennsylvania and of German ancestry. They came 
to Ohio in 1852, and settled in Crane Township, this county, where they 
resided until the death of Mr. Hale, which occurred in 1878. Mrs. Hale 
survived her husband two years and died in 1880. At the time of their de 
cease they were each in their seventy-sixth year. They were the parents of 
ten children, eight now living — Mary A., Daniel, George W., Samuel A. 
and Eliza J. (twins), David E. , Henry B. and Margaret C. The deceased 
were John M. and Francis A. George W. Hale obtained a good education 
in the district schools of Pennsylvania; lived upon the farm till eighteen 



596 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

years of age; served an apprenticeship at the wagon trade in Leesburg, 
Penn., and removed to Upper Sandusky in 1854, when twenty-one years of 
age. He pursued his occupation in the wagon business until August, 1862, 
when he enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and First Regiment Ohio 
Volunteer Infantry, to serve as private three years. He was immediately 
promoted to Orderly Sergeant, and participated in the following battles: 
Knob Gap, Stone River and Chickamauga, being severely wounded in the 
latter engagement, a ball passing entirely through both limbs near the hips. 
As a result of this wound he was taken prisoner and held in captivity eight- 
een months, being exchanged in March, 1865. During his imprisonment at 
Columbia, S. C, he escaped three times, in company with a few other com- 
rades, but each time was recaptured. Recovering fi'om his injuries, he 
joined his regiment at Nashville and remained until his term of service ex- 
pired. He was promoted to Second Lieutenant in February, 1863; to First 
Lieutenant in July, 1863; was commissioned Captain in the fall of 1864, 
and mustered out of service at Cleveland, Ohio, at the close of the war in 
June, 1865. Returning home, he engaged in the hardware trade in Octo- 
ber, 1865, and continued in this business until 1878. Mr. Hale was mar- 
ried January 24, 1866, to Mary E. Sockman, daughter of John and Eliza- 
beth Sockman, residents of Zanesville, Ohio. They have three children — 
Lizzie R., born February 24, 1867; Harry D., June 3, 1868, and Floy, born 
August 7, 1871. In 1878, Mr. Hale disposed of his stock of hardware to 
Isaac M. Kirby, and engaged in the manufacture of wagons and buggies 
till 1881. In 1883, he entered into the grain trade in partnership with S. 
H. White, and still continues in that business. He is a member of the 
Knights of Honor and Grand Army of the Republic, of which latter order 
he is Adjutant. 

GEORGE W. HALL, dealer in furniture, Upper Sandusky, was born in 
Little Sandusky, July 28, 1850; son of David and Catharine (Brewer) Hall, 
natives of New York, and of English and HoUandish descent. They were 
the parents of seven children — two living, namely: George W. and Clara. 
The deceased are Jane, Mary, Cornelius, Martin and Sarah. The father 
died about 1855, aged fifty years; the mother is still living at Little San- 
dusky, aged seventj'-two years. George W. Hall, the subject of this sketch, 
was educated in the schools of Little Sandusky, engaging as clerk at the 
age of fourteen, with Henry Simons, in whose employ he remained seven 
years. In June, 1872, Mr. Hall removed to Upper Sandusky, and engaged 
as clerk with Juvinall & Foucht, dealers in dry goods, remaining in their 
employ nearly three years. In 1875 he engaged with L. Bowman, in whose 
employ he remained until the accidental death of Mr. Bowman, May 18, 
1881, when be became a partner in the establishment. The firm now car- 
ries a stock of $6,000, and is doing a good business, being one of the oldest 
establishments of the kind in the county. Mr. Hall was married January 
7, 1874, to Emma R. Bowman, daughter of Lawrence and Matilda (Burkett) 
Bowman, both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Hall are the parents of four 
children, namely: Nina E., boi-n October 18, 1874; Jessie C, born August 
14, 1878; Lawrence M., born December 21, 1879; Douglass L., born July 
19, 1881. Mrs. Hall was born in Upper Sandusky, September 7, 1854. Mr. 
Hall is a member of the I. O. O. F., of which he is Warden and also Trus- 
tee. He is also a member of the Royal Arcanum, and, with Mrs. Hall, of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. Martin Y. B. Hall, an elder brother of 
our subject, was a member of the Eleventh Ohio Battery, enlisting early in 
the service, and engaging in many severe battles. He was killed in the 
battle of luka, Miss., in September, 1862. 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 597 

NEIL HARDY, M. D., of Upper Sandusky, was born in Wayne County, 
Ohio, January 20, 1846, is a son of Alexander and Mary Hardy, natives of 
Pennsylvania and of Scotch ancestry Dr. Hardy waa educated at Wooster 
High School, Canaan and Smithville Academies and at the University at 
Wooster. In 1870, he began the study of medicine at Wooster, under the 
instructions of Prof. L. Firestone, M. D., and graduated from the medical 
department of Wooster University, at Cleveland, Ohio, February 27, 1873. 
He began the practice of medicine in Wayne County, soon after graduating, 
and continued the same for five years, removing to Upper Sandusky, where 
he has since resided. Dr. Hardy was married, July 10, 1873, to Irene 
Smalley, daughter of Mathias and Martha Smalley, of Ashland, Ohio. 
Mrs. Hardy completed a course of study at the Savannah Academy; 
shortly after her marriage she began the study of medicine, attending a 
course of lectures at Cleveland, Ohio, winter of 1877 and again in 1880, at 
the close of which she graduated, and has since been actively engaged with 
her husband in the practice of their profession. 

CURTIS B. HARE, second son of Levi and Jane (Berry) Hare, was 
born in Seneca County, Ohio, October 13, 1844. He removed to Crawford 
Township, this county, with his parents, and resided with them on the 
farm till his father's death, December 14, 1869. His mother's decease occurred 
ten years previous. He obtained a common education in the district 
school, and engaged in farm labor till March 17, 1864, when he enlisted in 
the Signal Corps, United States Army service, continuing in the same till 
August 25, 1865. Being honorably discharged at New Orleans, ho returned, 
to his farm in Crawford Township, finished his education, and engaged in 
a mercantile establishment at Carey, Ohio, continuing in this occupation 
two and one-half years. He then purchased Mr. Jackson's interest in the 
grocery store controlled by Smith & Jackson, and engaged in business with 
the leading partner, under the firm name of Smith & Hare. He remained 
in this connection one year, and removed to Upper Sandusky in 1870, 
remaining in the grocery trade until 1878. He then formed a partnership 
with R. A. McKelly, and embarked in the hardware business, this firm 
still existing and known as the firm of Hare & McKelly. They carry a 
full line of liardware and agricultural implements, and are doing a lively 
business. Mr. Hare was married October 23, 1872, to Miss Nettie J. Brown, 
daughter of Moses and Sabina (Farwell) Brown, natives of Jefferson County, 
N. Y. They have but two children living, namely, Ada C, born August 
29, 1874, and Levi B. , September ] 8, 1877. The deceased are Helen E. 
(died aged fourteen months), and two infants. Mr. Hare is a member of 
the Knights of Honor, and a stanch Democrat. 

HON. DARIUS D. HARE, one of the leading lawyers of this county, was 
born in Seneca County, Ohio, January 9, 1843. His parents, Levi and Jane 
(Berry) Hare, were natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively. Mr. 
Hare was a pupil in the district schools during the period of his youth, and 
completed his studies at the Ohio W^esleyan University in 1863, being then 
twenty years of age. In the same year he taught a four months' term of 
school, enlisting March 20, 1864, in the Signal Corps of the United States 
Army, in which service he continued till the close of the war. He was then 
detailed on special duty as clerk in the same service at the headquarters of 
Gen. Sheridan, at New Orleans, where he remained till discharged by 
special orders of the War Department, February 16, 1866. Returning 
home, Mr. Hare, in the following September, entered the law department 
of the University of Michigan, being admitted to the bar by the District 



598 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Court of this county in September, 1867. He immediately entered upon 
his practice at Carey, but removed to Upper Sandusky in May, 1808. In 
January, 1869, Mr. Hare formed a partnership with John and Curtis 
Berry, doing business under the firm name of Berry, Berry & Hare, till 1871, 
when he retired from that firm and entered into a partnership with Henry 
Maddux, this connection being dissolved by mutual consent two years later, 
since which time he has conducted his professional business independently, 
excepting that for a little over three years he was a partner of Hon. R. Mc- 
Kelly. In 1872, he was elected Mayor of Upper Sandusky, and was re- 
elected in 1874. In 1876, he was appointed City Solicitor, serving in that 
capacity two years. In 1878, he was again elected Mayor, and re-elected in 
1880 and 1882. He served thirteen successive years as a member of the 
Board of School Examiners of this county, tendering his resignation in 1881. 
Mr. Hare has established an extensive and kicrative practice in his chosen 
profession, and is recognized as one of its leading exponents. He is alive 
to every interest of his resident city, and has done, perhaps, as much as any 
other citizen for its general improvement. He is a thorough, energetic 
business man, and for these qualities, as well as for those of asocial nature, 
he is highly esteemed. Mr. Hai'e was married October 28, 1868, to Miss 
Elise Liddelle, daughter of William and Aldanah (Fisher) Liddelle, of 
Rochester, N. Y. She was born in Rochester, November 23, 1845, and was 
educated at the St. Mary's Seminary, Raleigh, N. C, where she graduated 
in 1865. Her parents both died during her childhood. 

GEORGE HARPER was born in Northumberland County, Penn., De- 
cember 18, 1810. His parents, Samuel and Catharine (Grimes) Harper, 
were natives of Ireland and Pennsylvania respectively. His father was born 
in 1750, and emigrated to America in 1772. He enlisted in the Revolutionary 
war, and in the battle of Bunker Hill, received a gunshot wound in the left 
arm, breaking it below the elbow. On account of this disability he was dis- 
charged, and soon after settled in Northumberland County, Penn., having 
married Miss Catharine Grimes, in Chester County, Penn. In the fall of 
1818, he moved to Ross County, Ohio, and March 1, 1821, to Sycamore 
Township, this county, where he died on the 3d of the following October. 
He was the first white settler in the above township, having moved there 
with a family of eight children — four sons and four daughters. He entered 
160 acres on Section 18, where he resided till his death; also owning 160 
acres in Section 6. Mrs. Harper lived on the homestead till 1834, and then 
moved to Sycamore Village, where she died in 1848, having reared all her 
children to maturity. George Harper, our subject proper, was reared to his 
eighteenth year on the farm with his parents, obtaining but a limited edu- 
cation. He then learned the carding and fulling trade, to which he devoted 
his attention for about eight years. In 1834 he engaged in mercantile pur- 
suits in partnership with James L. Harper, in Mexico, where he was em- 
ployed two years, then disposing of his interest in the establishment and 
resuming his former occupation, in which he continued till 1844. In 1845, 
Mr. Harper was elected County Treasurer, and was re-elected four consecu- 
tive terms, the last expiring in June, 1854. In 1855, he accepted a position 
as passenger conductor on the Ohio & Indiana Railroad, being thus 
employed five years. He assisted in incorporating the Harper, Ayres, 
Roberts & Co. Deposit Bank, being one of its stockholders and crmnected 
with its interests about four years. He subsequently engaged in the 
grocery and provision trade under the firm name of Harper & Beery, but 
soon after returned to agricultural pursuits, in which he was engaged 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 599 

till he resumed the mercantile trade under the firm name of Harper, 
McCandlish & Co., with whom he was connected three years. In 1880, 
Mr, Harper was elected County Commissioner, and in 1883 was re-elected 
to the same office. He also served as an Infirmary Director two years, and 
was a member of the City Council eighteen months, resigning both these 
positions. He has always taken an active part in local politics, and in his 
long official career he has honorably acquitted himself as a gentleman, and 
faithfully served his constituents as an officer. He is, perhaps, the oldest 
settler now living in this county, was virtually its first Treasurer, and has 
in many ways been identified with its interests, his character under all cir- 
cumstances, either as citizen or official, having been above reproach. Mr. 
Harper was married February 26, 1835, to Miss Lovina Griffith, and three 
children have blessed their union, namelv: Mary A., born November 26, 
1835; Hattie, born July 8, 1838, and William J., born October 18, 1841. 
Mary A. is deceased, having departed this life November 14, 1863. 

LOVELL B. HARKIS, Vice President of the Wyandot County Bank, 
was born in Utica, N. Y. , March 14, 1821. He is a son of Joseph and 
Eunice (Hines) Harris, who were natives of New Haven, Conn., and of Scotch 
parentage. They were the parents of seven children, the only living at the 
present date being our siibjectand Mary G. , widow of Lawson Lambert. In 
1837, Joseph Harris moved with his family from the State of New York to 
Delaware County, Ohio, and after a short time located at Middietown, where 
he died in 1844, his wife surviving till 1875, and passing away in her 
eighty-third year. She was an exemplary christian woman of exceptional 
qualities. Lovell B. Harris was reared on a farm, and educated in the com- 
mon schools, but abandoned both agricultural and literary pursuits at the 
age of eighteen, to engage in the mercantile business at Middietown, Del- 
aware County, Ohio. He began business on his own responsibility with a 
borrowed capital of $95, working against a strong opposition by the mer- 
chant James Haines, and a branch establishment from Marion known as the 
"checkered store," both of which he succeeded in driving from the 
place within eighteen months. After this extraordinary success, Mi-. 
Harris soon disposed of his stock in trade at Middietown to A. D. 
Matthews, now of Marion, and removed to Mount Gilead where he 
formed a partnership with J. D. Rizor, with whom he continued business 
two years; he then withdrew from the firm, and in 1849, in company with 
thirty others, over whom Mr. Harris was Captain, went to California, where 
he remained one year. He then returned to Columbus, Ohio, where he re- 
sumed his former business in partnership with Francis C Sessions, carrying 
on an extensive trade till 1857, dealing in dry goods and wool. Disposing 
of his interest to Mr. Sessions, Mr. Harris next removed to New York City, 
and entered the wholesale dry goods establishment of Hulbert & Vanvolken- 
burgh at a salary of $600 per year. He remained a second year on a salary 
of $1,500, refusing $2,500 for a third year's work, and engaging with Hoff- 
man & Bro., dealers in straw goods at a salary of $3,333 per year. 
After three years' service with this firm, he was presented with $1,000, 
and placed upon a salary of $10,000 per year, refusing $12,000 
for a second year's service; he then formed a partnership with A. G. 
Williams and Col. Ward in the manufacture of straw goods, the firm being 
known as Williams, Harris &Co. , and located at 372 Broadway, New York, 
being with one exception the largest establishment of the kind in the United 
States. After three years of successful operations in the straw goods bus- 
iness, Mr. Harris disposed of his interest in the New York House, and re- 



600 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

moved to Upper Sandusky, where he has engaged in the banking business 
since 1875; he is a stock-holder and Vice President of the Wyandot County- 
Bank, the First National Bank, of Fostoria, and formerly of the Crawford 
County Bank, of Bucyrus, being Vice President of the latter establishment 
five years, resigning in favor of Oliver Momsett in 1882; he is President 
of the Wyandot County Agricultural Society and Treasurer of the State 
Board of Agriculture, serving his second term. Though not a politician, 
Mr. Harris was a prominent candidate for Congressman against Judge 
Seney, of Tiffin, in 1882, and was nominated for State Senator in 1879; his 
sentiments politically are Republican and his record is ample evidence that 
he is one of the most able business men of the county. 

HENRY HARMON, a leading farmer of this township, was born in this 
county November 22, 1832; he is a son of Jacob and Rhoda (Swift) Har- 
mon, his father being a native of Virginia. Their children were Michael, 
Elizabeth and Henry. The mother of these children died when the latter 
was a mere child, and Mr. Harmon was subsequently married to Jerusha 
Dutcher, who died, leaving six children, namely: Mary, Samuel, Lovina, 
Sallie, John, Jacob. Mr. Harmon's third marriage was to Sarah (McDon- 
ald) Ada; he died January 15, 1882. Henry Harmon, the subject of this 
sketch resided with his parents till twenty-one; he then spent one year in 
Illinois, after which time he returned, and was employed in various ways 
till his twenty-fifth year, keeping a grocery store at Little Sandusky one 
year. (Closing out his business, he farmed rented land till 1864, when he 
purchased 120 acres which he afterward sold, buying 120 acres more three 
years later. On this farm he resided eight years, dealing in stock and do- 
ing general farming; then moved to Upper Sandusky where he resided two 
years, in the meantime re-purchasing his first farm. In 1877, he bought 
200 acres of his present farm, adding 200 more in 1879, the whole being 
one of the finest tracts in the county. In 1883, he erected a handsome 
brick residence at a cost of $4,000. He was married February 5, 1857, to 
Susanna Bowen, who was born in Marion County, Ohio, February 7, 1833. 
Her parents, Joseph and Margaret (Harmon) Bowen, were natives of Vir- 
ginia; her father died in 1832, but her mother is still living in her eighty- 
first year. They had nine children, namely: Harmon, Eli, Henry, Gid 
eon, William, Margaret, Susanna, John and Nancy, the last two deceased. 
Mr. and Mrs. Harmon have three children — Franklin E. , Lutie M. , and 
Noah L. In politics, Mr. H. is a Republican. He began business a poor 
boy, but by his energy, pluck and business sagacity has acquired a fortune of 
most enviable rank. He is regarded as one of the most successful farmers 
of the township, and is highly esteemed as a citizen. 

JACOB P. HART, son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Moore) Hart, was born in 
York County, Penn., November 7, 1826. His parents were of Quaker per- 
suasion and of German and Irish descent. They were farmers and were 
married in Pennsylvania, where they also lived and died, the father October 
6, 1839, the mother August, 1876. Their children were Sarah J., John 
M., Joseph K., Jacob P., Andrew, Robert and Elizabeth, the latter now 
the wife of David Stominger. Sarah J. and Robert are now deceased. 
Jacob P., the subject of this sketch, was reared by his grandfather from his 
eight to fifteenth year; he then worked four years for an uncle, after which 
time he started for Ohio, coming by rail to Chambersburg, on foot to Pitts- 
biu'gh, by boat to Wellsville, and thence on foot to Bucyrus. In 1846, he 
purchased a threshing machine which he operated eighteen years, being en- 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 60.1 

gaged in horse-droving in the meantime, continuing the latter business till 
1877. He also farmed rented land seven years, purchasing his present farm 
of eighty acres in 1862. Since that date he was engaged six years in the 
vyalnut lumber business, but chiefly in farming and stock-raising, keeping 
good grades of cattle, exhibiting at the county fairs many years. Mr. Hart 
was married, January 29, 1852, to Mary E. Ross, who was born in Cumber- 
land County, Penn., November 22, 1829. Her parents, John and Hettie 
(Mc Williams) Ross, were also natives of Pennsylvania, and had four chil- 
dren, namely: Evaline, Mary E., Anna and Alexander M. , the two latter 
deceased. Her father died in 1836, aged forty-nine; her uiother at the 
same age in 1845. Mr. and Mrs. Hart have no children. Mr. Hart is a 
member of the Grange, a Republican, and, with his wife, a member of the 
Presbyterian Church. 

CAPT. DANIEL HARTSOUGH was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, 
October 4, 1824. His parents were Isaac and Hettie (Sidle) Hartsough, 
natives of Frederick County, Md., and Montgomery County, Penn. They 
were married in the former locality about 1817, and removed to this county 
in 1851, the father dying in March 4, 1854; the mother io 1874, September 
18. Capt. Hartsough is the only surviving member of this family. He re- 
sided with his parents in Seneca County from 1828 to 1851, and for a num- 
ber of years engaged in teaching at intervals in that locality. He enlisted 
in Company G, Fifteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, April 20, 
1861, and entered the war for three months' service, spending most of that 
time as Third Sergeant at Camp Jackson, Columbus, Ohio; Camp Goddard, 
Zanesville, Ohio. He was afterward moved to Grafton, Va. ; thence to Web- 
ster W. Va. , and in August, 1861, enlisted for three years in Company G, 
Forty-ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry as private, immediately re- 
ceiving a commission as First Lieutenant. He participated in the battle of 
Shiloh, the skirmishes before Corinth, Stone River, Mission Ridge, Chicka- 
mauga, and all the battles of the Atlanta Campaign, and the battle of Nash- 
ville December, 15, 16, 1864. In an action at Picket's Mills, Ga., May 22,. 
1864, Capt. Hartsough entered with thirty-six men and came out with but 
ten muskets. He was promoted to Captain, July 19, 1863, in command of 
Company A, serving until January 12, 1865, when he resigned at Huntsville, 
Ala., and returned home. Mr. Hartsough was married. February 22, 1865, 
to Eliza A. Ragan, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Duddleson) Ragan. She 
is a native of this county and was born February 22, 1840. They have one 
child — Fannie M., born May 10, 1867. Captain Hartsough is highly es- 
teemed as a citizen, and is at present Senior Vice Commander of Robin's 
Post, No. 91, of Upper Sandusky. 

WESLEY HEDGES, a prominent farmer and wool -grower, was born 
in Clarke County, Ohio, August 6, 1823. He is a son of Seatoa E. and 
Harriet (Miller) Hedges, natives of Virginia and Kentucky, and of English 
and Scotch ancestry respectively. They were the parents of fifteen children,, 
nine attaining their majority, eight now living — Eliza M., Wesley, Tabitha 
B., Elizabeth, Samuel B., Mary E., Virginia and Fletcher. The father 
died in 1878, aged eighty-two years; the mother in 1853, aged fifty-one. 
Wesley Hedges, the subject of this sketch, had the advantages of the high 
schools of Springfield where he completed his studies at the age of twenty- 
one. He engaged in teaching during the winter seasons till 1845, when he 
came to the Sandusky plains and engaged with David Miller m farm labor 
at $10 per month. He remained with Mr. Miller eight years; the second 
year at $1 2 per month, and the third and succeeding years as a partner in 



602 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

the stock business. In 1856, he took up his residence on his present farm 
where he remained till 1865, at which time he removed to Pittsburgh and 
engaged extensively in buying live stock for the slaughter houses of New 
York City. His annual sales for six successive years aggregated 400,000 
head, and though his operations on the whole were attended with slight suc- 
cess, he met with some heavy losses. In 1871, he returned to Upper San- 
dusky, and in 1872, to his farm where he has since remained. He owns 
935 acres of good land stocked with the best grades of horses, cattle and sheep. 
In 1876, Mr. Hedges lost the entire use of his lower limbs by paralysis, 
though he still has the full management of his farm and engages extensively 
in agriculture as well as stock-raising. His marriage to Rebecca Peters 
occurred January 1, 1856, Miss Peters being the daughter of Gideon and 
Elizabeth (Stevenson) Peters, of Fairfield County, and born October 15, 1835. 
They have seven children — Corrilla A., born November 4, 1856; Henry E., 
October 14, 1858; Harriet, February 14, 1861; Pearl W., April 6, 1864; 
Mary B., February 26, 1866; Lizzie 6., May 16, 1868; Flora L., July 19, 
1870. Mr. Hedges is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church aud of 
Republican sentiment politically. He is an acknowledged leader in the 
farming interests of this county, and in all his transactions has maintained 
a high reputation for his spirit of justice and integrity, his superior merit 
as a business man being no less marked in his qualities of citizenship. 

JACOB HEHR was born in Wittemberg, Germany, December 19, 1819, 
and is a son of Andrew and Mary (Klopf er) Hehr, natives of the same place. 
His father was a stone-cutter and farmer, and was born in 1796; his mother 
was born in 1798. They had four children — Mary, Catharine, Rachel and 
Jacob. Their mother died in 1858; their father in 1863. Jacob Hehr, the 
subject of this sketch, emigrated to America in 1854, and located in Bucy- 
rus. In 1856, he came to Upper Sandusky, whei'e he engaged six years in 
a distillery, after which he followed railroading eight years, purchasing his 
present farm of seventy-two acres in 1870, since which time he has engaged 
in farming. Mr. Hehr was married, November 6, 1856, to Christina Yei- 
ter, who was born in Germany December 16, 1831. She is a daughter of 
John and Mary Yeiter, who were also natives of Germany, and reared eight 
children, namely: Mary, Dora, Catharine, David, Caroline, Christian and 
Rosa. Her father died in 1864, her mother in 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Hehr 
have four children — John J. (born December 26, 1861), George J. (April 
29, 1863), William (October 12, 1866), Emma (December 12, 1869). Mr. 
Hehr is a good farmer, and values his land at $80 per acre. He is a Dem. 
ocrat; both he and Mrs. Hehr are members of the German Imtheran 
Church. In 1861, Mr. and Mrs. Hehr visited their native home in Ger- 
many, returning in 1862. 

ROBERT A. HENDERSON, M. D., the oldest physician oE Upper 
Sandusky, was born in Washington County, Penn., October 22, 1813. He 
is a son of John and Isabella (Russel) Henderson, the former born in 
Chester County, Penn., July 25, 1769, the latter January 1, 1770. They 
were married, October 1, 1789, nine children resulting from their union, of 
which our subject is the only surviving member. The mother died Decem- 
ber 14, 1831; the father June 8, 1849. Robert A. Henderson received the 
usual training in the district schools, closing his studies in the high school 
of Allegheny at the age of eighteen. He immediately began the study of 
medicine at the above-named city, under the instruction of his brother, 
Ebenezer Henderson, in 1831, remaining two years, after which he contin- 
ued his studies with Drs. Harmon and Wilson, each six months, at Cross 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 603 

Creek Village and Hickory, both in Washington County, Penn. He began 
the practice of his profession at Clarkson, Columbiana Co., Ohio, in 1833. 
remaining eighteen months, subsequently moving to Mt. Eaton, Wayne 
Co., Ohio, where he continued his practice till May, 1854. In 1852, he 
started for California, via the Isthmus of Darien, but was compelled to re- 
turn after an interval of twenty-eight days at the latter place, on account 
of the loss of the steamer between San Juan and San Francisco. June 4, 

1854, he removed to Upper Sandusky, continuing hie profession till 1865, 
when he entered the Wooster Medical College, Cleveland, Ohio, graduating 
in March, 1866. He was married, June 26, 1837, at Mt. Eaton, to Lucy 
A. Galbraith, daughter of James and Sarah (Vandover) Galbraith, natives 
of Ireland and Maryland respectively. They located in Wayne County 
about 1817. where the father died September 24, 1834, and the mother 
September 23, 1873; the latter, after her husband's decease, married 
Kev. Archibald Hanna, D. D. , March 29, 1860. Dr. and Mrs. Henderson 
were the parents of six children, four still living — Sarah J. (born August 
11, 1838), John W. (July 14, 1848), Edward A. (December 14, 1850), and 
Harrv R. (October 19, 1853). The deceased are William H. (born Decem- 
ber, i841, and died April 19, 1843), Robert A. (born October 9, 1857, died 
February 6, 1858). Lucy A., the wife of our subject, was born July 19, 
1818. Since he was twenty years of age, the Doctor has devoted his entire 
time to his profession. He is among the oldest practitioners in the county, 
and has amassed considerable property by his large and lucrative practice. 
He is a Republican in politics, and strong in the faith. His father, John 
Henderson, is said to have been a soldier in the war of 1812. Dr. Hender- 
son is one of the leading physicians of this county, and by his strict relia- 
bility and thorough knowledge of his profession has won a richly-merited 
place in the confidence of its people. He is eminently popular, both as a 
physician and a citizen. 

AVERY HENDERSON was born in Mt. Eaton, Ohio, December 14, 
1850. He is a son of Dr. Robert A. and Lucy A. (Galbraith) Henderson, 
and was reared in Upper Sandusky where he enjoyed the advantages of the 
public schools. In 1869, he abandoned his studies and began an appren- 
ticeship at the tinner's trade, under John T. Grose. In 1873, he made a 
trip to California, combining business with pleasure, and returned the 
same year. In the spring of 1874, he opened an establishment in the stove, 
tinware and roofing trade, in which he continued about eight years. In 
1881, Mr. Henderson was elected to the ofiice of Clerk of Court in this 
county, beginning his duties in February, 1882. Although a Republican, 
Mr. Henderson received a majority of 400 votes over his opponent — the vote 
usually being about 800 in favor of Democracy. He was married Septem- 
ber 16, 1875, to Emma S. Holmes, who was born in Carey, Ohio, March 22, 

1855. She is a daughter of Dr. S. W. and Sarah (Ensminger) Holmes, 
who are now residents of Upper Sandusky. One child has blessed this un- 
ion, namely, Luella, born May 22, 1877. Mr. Henderson was instrumen- 
tal in organizing Company B, Kirby Light Guards, in January, 1875, serv- 
ing as its Captain seven years. He was also elected Major of the Twelfth 
Regiment Ohio National Guards, serving in that capacity till the regiment 
was disbanded in 1880. In June, 1883, he was commissioned Lieutenant 
Colonel of the Second Regiment Ohio National Guards, and still retains 
that position. Mr. Henderson is held in high esteem, socially as well as 
officially, his character always having been such as to entitle him to the 
first position in the ranks of either sphere. 

23 



604 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

WILLIAM B. HITCHCOCK, the proprietor of the refreshment stand, 
corner of Sandusky avenue and Johnson street, was born in Fisbkill, 
Duchess County, N. Y. , March 4, 1828; son of John and Mary (Harsner) 
Hitchcock, both natives of the above county, and of English and German 
descent i-espectively. They had four children, three living — Elizabeth, 
Borden and William B. The deceased was Chloe, who died in Upper San- 
dusky, aged about thirty-five years. The parents removed from New York 
to this county in 1847 or 1848. The father died August 26, 1854, aged 
just sixty-eight years. The mother is still living, a resident of Upper San- 
dusky in her eighty-eighth year. Her husband, John Hitchcock, was a 
musician in the war of 1812. William B., our subject, was educated in the 
common schools of his native county, closing his school work by instructions 
from a private tutor at the age of fifteen. At sixteen, Mr. Hitchcock had 
the misfortune to lose his left leg, which almost cost him his life. He re- 
covered, however, and subsequently engaged in teaching school for a num- 
ber of years in various parts of this county until 1851, when he was elected 
Recorder, serving one term. He then attended Bacon's Commercial Col- 
lege at Cincinnati, securing a diploma and engaged in the boot and shoe 
business in 1855. He was afterward engaged in various branches of busi- 
ness until 1867, when he was appointed Postmaster of Upper Sandusky, 
serving two years, besides an unexpired term for Frederick Agerter. He 
was subsequently elected County Clerk, serving two terms; assisted in the 
erection of the Opera House in 1876, and was instrumental in the building 
of several other buildings, aggregating a cost of $27,000. He has served 
as Councilman, as a member of the School Board, and has always been a 
liberal contributor to all benevolent purposes. In politics, Mr. Hitchcock 
is a Democrat; is opposed to sumptuary laws and unequal taxation in any 
form, and is in favor of a graded license system. In 1852, he was married 
at Endfield, N. Y., to Margaret Darragh, who died three years afterward. 
He was again married October 25, 1855, at Tipton, Iowa, to Lucy J. Boyn- 
ton, daughter of Benjamin L. and Mary Boynton, and seven children were 
born to them, namely: Mary F. , William B., Nettie, Eva E., Harriet, Ben- 
jamin F. and John L. ; the latter is deceased, his death occurring February 
26, 1883, at the age of twenty-six. 

DANIEL HOFFMAN was born in Bavaria, Germany, August 14, 1824. 
His parents were John and Catharine (Berl) Hofiman, who both died in 
Germany. Of a family of thirteen, but two, Catharine and Daniel, are 
living. Daniel emigrated to this country in 1854; spent thirteen years in 
Albany, N. Y., and removed to this county in 1867. He purchased his 
present farm of sixty acres in 1871, cleared and improved it by buildings 
and otherwise and now values it at $100 per acre. He has a fine brick 
dwelling, good frame barn, and rears the best bloods of stock. Mr. Hoflf- 
man was married in Albany, N. Y., to Maiy Engel, May 11, 1855. She 
was born in Prussia November 12, 1821, emigrating to America in 1854. 
Her parents, Conrad and Catharine Engel, had eight children, Mrs. Hoff- 
man being the only one living. Anna, a second daughter, came to America 
in 1864 and died in Pulaski County, Ind., July 11, 1878. Mr. and Mrs. 
Hoffman had three children — Julia, wife of Jacob Wilmes, born February 
8, 1859, and Michael, born June 13, 1860. The deceased was Caroline, 
born August 10, 1857, died Jjinviary 24, 1859. Mr. Hoffman is a member 
of the German Lutheran Church, and his wife and daughter of the Catholic 
Church, he being a Democrat in matters political. They have a comforta- 
ble home and are well respected. 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 605 

CASPAR HOHWALD, retired shoe-makei', was born in France, March 
9, 1820, son of Jacob and Catharine (Wagoner) Hohwald; bis parents emi- 
grated to the United States in 1840, and located in Wayne Connty, Ohio, 
where his father died in 1844, aged sixty-three years; his mother* died in 
De Kalb Co. , Ind., August 25, 1850, aged seventy-one. Six children are 
still living — Henry J., Elizabeth, Julia A., Michael, Caspar and John; 
Magdalena is deceased. Our subject began the trade of shoe-maker at 
Wooster, Ohio, in 1840. In 1846, he removed to Upper Sandusky and con- 
tinued his trade till 1865, at which time he abandoned the bench and removed 
to his farm, now consisting of 225 acres, where he has since resided. Mr. 
Hohwald was married at Wooster, Ohio, September, 1844, to Mary Brunnen, 
four children being born to them, two living — Henry, born Septembers, 1847, 
Catharine, born May 11, 1851. The death of Mrs. Hohwald occurred in 
October, 1864, and Mr. Hohwald was again married November 18, 1865, to 
Catharine Meister, widow of H. L. Meister, born in Stark County, Ohio, 
October 16, 1835, daughter of Matthew and Hannah (Ansfahl) Ackerman. 
Her former husband was a soldier in the late war and died at Nashville, 
leaving three children fatherless — Louisa A., born December 13, 1859; John 
G., March 10, 1861; and Lizzie M., born July 7, 1863. Mr. and Mrs. 
Hohwald are members of the German Lutheran Church, to the support of 
which they are liberal contributors. Mr. Hohwald is a " very independent 
voter, if a voter at all." His line farm was almost wholly earned by 
"pounding pegs" on the shoe-maker's bench. 

ALVIN j\£. HOUGH, of the firm of Hough Bros, and proprietor of the 
stove and tinware department, was born in Upper Sandusky, December 31, 
1855. He is the eldest son of Milton B. and Margaret J. (Beistel) Hough, 
and was reared and educated in his native city. He served an apprentice- 
ship at the tinner's trade with Hale & Kirby three years, beginning in 1871, 
and as foreman of their establishment over two years. In 1878, he pur- 
chased their stock of stoves and tinware, and began business for himself at 
his present stand. In 1881, William M. Hough was admitted to the firm 
which controls also one of the largest furniture establishments in the city. 
Mr. Hough erected his present building in 1878, and has since done a large 
business, employing thj'ee hands, and making a specialty of tin and slate 
rooting. Besides his stock, he owns a valuable brick residence on South 
Sandusky avenue. He was married in Reading, Penn., December 12, 1881, 
to Anna E. Beidler, and one child has been born to them — Florence Viola, 
born October 18, 1882. Mr. Hough is one of the most energetic business 
men of the city and merits the generous patronage which he receives. 

FRANK B.^ HOUGH, of the firm of Hough Bros, dealers in furniture, 
also stoves and tinware, was born March 19, 1858, a native of Upper San- 
dasky, son of Milton and Margaret J. (Beistel) Hough. He was educated 
in the public schools of his native town, and at the age of fifteen engaged 
as clerk for the firm of Foucht & King; at seventeen, he took a commercial 
course of study at Duff's Business College, Pittsburgh; spent two years in 
the emploj'^ of Widman, the clothier; at the age of nineteen, he learned the 
tinner's trade at Hayesville with H. J. Hough, with whom he remained two 
years, returning to Upper Sandusky in 1879. He was next employed with 
W. A. Widman until January, 1880, when he formed a partnership with E. 
A. Henderson in the stove and tinware business. He continued in this 
business one year, and about the same length of time in the drug business, 
after which he purchased a one- third interest in the stove and tinware es- 
tablishment, at the same time opening a furniture store which he now has 



606 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

under his especial charge. He does an extensive business, having the lead- 
ing establishment of the kind in the city. Mr. Hough was married June 
15, 1881, to Ida M. Keller, daughter of Adam Keller, a prominent farmer 
of Kidge Township. She was born May 12, 1860. 

MILTON B. HOUGH, of the firm of Hough Bros., dealers in furni- 
ture, undertaking, stoves, tinware, etc., Upper Sandusky, was born in Ash- 
land County February 24, 1830. He is the son of William and Leah 
(Shoop) Hough, natives of Pennsylvania and of English extraction. There 
were nine children in this family, but three now living — Milton B., Almira 
E. and Hiram J. The parents both died in Crawford County, the father in 
1867, aged fifty-two years, the mother in 1853, aged about forty-four years. 
Milton B. Hough was educated in the public schools of Ashland, and subse- 
quently spent three years in the cabinet trade at Bueyrus. He removed to 
Upper Sandusky December 27, 1851, and established himself in the furni- 
ture and undertaking business in 1854. In 1860, he disposed of his stock 
and engaged several years in the trade of a carpenter and joiner; followed 
milling two years, butchering one year, bou.ght and shipped poultry four 
years, dealt in real estate some time, and was quite successful in all these 
enterprises. Mr. Hough is the owner of a fine brick residence on Wyandot 
avenue, valued at $5,000, and carries a stock of goods in both his establish- 
ments, valued at 110,000. His marriage to Margaret J. Beistel occurred 
November 12, 1852; she is the daughter of Christian and Catharine (Hank) 
Beistel. They are the parents of four children, three living — Alvin M., 
Frank B. and W^illiam M. The deceased, Almira O., died, aged one year, 
three months and fifteen days. Mr. Hough began life without a dollar, and 
all that he now possesses has been acquired by patient and incessant toil. 

JOHN M. HOUSTON, ex-Sherifi" of Wyandot County, is a native of 
Shelby County, Ohio, born May 7, 1834, son of David and Cynthia A. (El- 
lis) Houston, the former a native of Kentucky, and the latter of Shelby 
County, Ohio, where they were married in 1832. They were the parents 
of six children, our subject being the only living representative of the fam- 
ily at the present time. Cynthia A., the mother, died in Arkansas July 21, 
1844, and David, the father, passed away in February, 1866. John Hous- 
ton obtained his education in the district schools of the counties of Shelby 
and Miami, and engaged in farming and stock-raising with his father and 
on his own account until the time of his enlistment. May 2, 1864. He was 
a member of Company A, One Hundred and Forty-seventh Ohio National 
Guards, under Capt. Ewart, and was immediately elected Second Lieuten- 
ant, serving as such through his entire service; his Company was on detached 
service performing guard duty at headquarters, Arlington Heights, until 
the close of its service. Mr. Houston i-eturned home in September, 1864, 
and removed with his family in Ai:)ril, 1865, to Marseilles Township, this 
county, where he rented a large tract of land and engaged in farming and 
stock-raising until 1870, when he removed to Upper Sandusky and engaged 
in buying and shipping stock till his election to the office of Sheriff in 
1877. Although a Republican, Mr. Houston received a majority of over 
300 at his first election, and at his second a majority of over 600, the usual 
majority being about 700 Democratic. He served two terms as Sheriff with 
credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. He was married at 
Tippecanoe, Miami County, to Barbara G. Snider, n^e Cecil, November 14, 
1858, and one child, Edward C, has blessed this union. He was born in 
Miami County, Ohio, May 12, 1860. Mr. Houston is one of the leading 
farmers of Crane Township; he served as Trustee of Marseilles Township 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 607 

three years; is an honored member of the F. & A. M., the Knights of 
Honor, Royal Arcanum, and the G. A. K. He owns one of the most pleasant 
homesteads in the vicinity and is one of its most estimable citizens. 

SIMON HUFFMAN,' a native of Ashland County, Ohio, was born No- 
vember 16, 1841 , to Jacob and Eliza (Swineford) Huffman, natives of Penn- 
sylvania, and parents of twelve children, of whom ten are now living. 
The parents removed to Richland County in 1844, and to this county in 
1849, settling in Crane Township, where the father died in 1867, aged 
sixty-seven years: the mother is still living in her seven ty-lifth year, resid- 
ing with our subject. Simon Huffman made his home with Daniel Hale 
five years, and August 21, 1862, enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and 
Twenty-third Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry and entered the war. 
He took part in the battles of Winchester, Piedmont, Lynchburg and Rich- 
mond. He was wounded at Winchester, taken prisoner, and after thirty 
days in Libb} Prison and Belle Island was paroled and joined his regiment 
at Winchester; was taken again at Lynchburg, and lay three months in the 
hospital of that place under care of Sisters of Charity; joined his regiment 
again at Richmond, and served three years, being discharged at Columbus, 
June 27, 1865. Mr. Huffman was married, August 14, 1867, to Ellen Kel- 
ler, daughter of Henry and Mary (Boucher) Keller, born March 81, 1848. 
They had seven children, six living, viz., Edward G., born September 8, 
1869; Harry O., April 24, 1871; Estella G., July 7, 1875; Esworth S., 
Julv 28, 1877; Cora A., July 15, 1880; :Behjamin F., August 28, 1882. 
The deceased was Sadie E., born July 26, 1879— died July 7, 1880. Mr. 
Huffman now owns 140 acres of land valued at $75 per acre, all earned by 
industry and hard labor. He is a member of the G. A. R., and with his 
wife, of the Church of God; in politics, a live Republican. 

COL. S. H. HUNT was born near Worthington, Ohio, December 29, 
1829; he is a son of Jasper and Mary A. (Andrews) Hunt, natives of Ver- 
mont and Connecticut respectively; his parents were poor, and in 1830 re- 
moved to Bowsherville, Crawford County, where they did a small business, 
trading in cattle and other stock, together with a small stock of groceries, 
which they sold to the Indians and the few white settlers of the vicinity. 
Col. Hunt was early inured to the hardships of pioneer life, shoes or boots 
being a luxury accorded only to the wealthy; his education was limited by 
his surroundings, his first teacher being Joel Straw, father of Orrin Straw 
now a resident of this county, and subsequent instructors being W. Y. Ma- 
gill, Martin and others, all well skilled in the flogging art, supposed to be 
a necessary qualification in those days of crude, pedagogic ideas. At the age of 
ten, Mr. Hunt removed to Marseilles with his parents, his father there keep- 
ing a tavern about which our subject was useful in many ways, at the same 
time obtaining further education in the district schools. At the age of fif- 
teen (1844) his father obtained for him a situation as clerk in the dry goods 
store of L. J. Weaver, of Columbus, to which place superbly togged in a 
suit made up of butternut-colored jean coat, blue linsey pants, brown mus- 
lin shirt, cowhide shoes and coonskin cap, he repaired by the first stage 
coach from Marion; he was employed by Mr. Weaver at $3 per month for 
the first year, with an increase of salary promised for the second year, and 
in this position he labored nearly six years. He then returned to Marseilles, 
and began the dry goods business with a Mr. Dill, selling out to a Mr. Pot- 
ter for $400 one year later; he then went to Cincinnati and obtained a situ- 
ation in the wholesale dry goods house of Bowler & Ewing, 25 Pearl street. 
In less than a year Mr. Ewing's death occurred, and Mr. H. obtained a sit- 



608 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

uation with Messrs. Stedman & Maynard in the same business, and with 
whom he remained one year, at the expiration of which time he accepted a 
partnership with his former employer, Mr. Weaver, in a retail store at 
Keynoldsburg, Franklin Co., Ohio. Eighteen months later, the winter 
of 1854-55, he removed to Upper Sandusky where he established a general 
store, doing business under the firm name of Hunt, Potter & Hunt, making 
an investment of $600. The enterprise proving unprofitable, Mr. Hunt dis- 
posed of his interest for $800, two years later, spent a short time in buying 
and shipping stock, and then again embarked in the dry goods trade in 
partnership with Mr. Robbins to whom he disposed of his interest two years 
later. After a short time spent in Cincinnati, Mr. Hunt again engaged in 
the dry goods business in Upper Sandusky in partnership with Mr. Hold- 
ridge, whose interest he purchased two years later. He then purchased a 
large stock direct from New York, preparatory to extending his bus- 
iness, when, being Lieutenant Colonel of a battalion of five companies 
of Ohio National Guards organized in this county, he was called into 
the United States service with orders to report at Camp Chase, Co- 
lumbiis, Ohio, within six days; he then disposed of his goods at a sacri- 
fice, and was made Colonel of the One Hundred and Forty- fourth Ohio 
National Guards, ordered to Baltimore, and thence to Fort McHenry to guard 
rebel prisoners; he was soon after replaced by Col. Len Harris' Regiment, 
and his command was divided, three companies being sent to Annapolis and 
the Junction, one to Wilmington and the remainder to the Relay House to 
guard the viaduct at that place, Mr. Hunt having command of the latter 
division. A part of his regiment subsequently participated in the battle of 
Monocacy. He did full duty as soldier in the field, being placed under the 
command of Maj. Gen. Wright of the Sixth Army Corps. They partici- 
pated in several skirmishes, losing 150 of their 800 men in battles, skir- 
mishes and hospitals during their hundred-day service. Mr. Hunt returned 
home in September, 1864, with health much impaired, and in the spring of 
1865, again opened a dry goods store which he conducted with success till 
1868; he then embarked in the grain business in which he has since con- 
tinued, now enjoying a prosperous trade. He has been a resident of the 
county most of his life, and is regarded as one of its most energetic and re- 
liable business men, being also highly esteemed for his social and civil 
qualities. 

JOSEPH HUTTER, retired farmer, is a native of Bavaria, Germany, 
born February 28, 1828. He is a son of John J. and Mary C. Hutter, the 
former born in Germany, November 12, 1796, and the latter in 1806. 
They emigrated to America in 1852. Joseph Hutter, our subject, emigrated 
to the East Indies in 1849, returning to Rhoderdam, Germany, at the end 
of eleven months, and then embarked for America. The father settled in 
Eden Township, this county, and resided there (with the exception of five 
years in Upper Sandusky) until January, 1877, his death occurring at that 
date; the mother died May 10, 1881. They were the parents of five chil- 
dren of whom but two survive. Louisa, wife of Jacob Kirshner, Joseph, 
George, Charles and Mary are deceased. Joseph Hutter removed from 
Wooster to Mansfield in 1850, and engaged as an overseer of a force of 
twenty- six men on the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad. About 
one year after this he removed to this county, and purchased 131 acres of 
land in Eden Township. He subsequently disposed of this, and purchased 
160 acres in Grand Township, eighty-one of which he still owns. He also 
owns a large amount of valuable town property, all of which he has ac- 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 609 

quired by industry and good management. He was married, February 20, 
1851, to Mary C. Ahlefeld, and two children were born to them, namely, 
Charles and Amanda; the latter is deceased, her death having occurred 
November 15, 1882, in her twenty-eighth year. Mr. Hutter was again 
married, June 19, 1883, to Mrs. Mary Young, widow of Cornelius Young, 
who died November 27, 1869. Charies Hutter, brother of our subject, was 
a soldier in the late war, enlisting in Company K, Fifty-fifth Regiment 
Ohio Volunteer Infantry, to serve three years. He participated in the bat- 
tle of Bull Run, 2d, where he was seriously wounded, death resulting from his 
injuries. He died in the Methodist Hospital at Alexandria, and his remains 
were interred in the Methodist Cemetery of that place. 

CHARLES JAROS, of the firm of Jaros & Co., was born in the city of 
Pittsburgh, Penn., April 7, 1860. He was reared in the city of New York, 
and graduated at the New York City College, in 1877. In 1880, he re- 
moved to Columbus, Ohio, where he resided about one year, then removing 
to Upper Sandusky, where he established himself in his present business — 
the sale of clothing, hats, caps and gents' furnishing goods. He carries a 
fine stock of goods valued at $13,000 and does an extensive business, being 
regarded as one of the leading clothiers of Upper Sandusky. In the few 
years of his business life in this county, he has established a flom-ishing 
trade, and has obtained a wide reputation for his fair dealing. His store 
is conducted in the best style possible, and his stock is selected to meet the 
wants of all classes. He is, perhaps, the most extensive dealer in his line 
in Upper Sandusky, and is therefore best able to give entire satisfaction as 
to styles and prices to all his customers. Besides his business qualities 
which are of the first order, Mr. Jaros is also recognized as one of the most 
enterprising of the young men of his place, and is highly esteemed for his 
sociability and excellency of character. 

FRANK JONAS, of the firm of Frank Jonas & Co., cigar manufactur- 
ers, Upper Sandusky, was born in Germany, June 20, 1842, son of Bar- 
tholomew and Elizabeth Jonas, who emigrated to America in 1847, and set- 
tled in Cincinnati, where our subject was educated, and where he resided 
until 1867, except from 1857 to 1860, which time he spent traveling in the 
West. Having acquired the trade of cigar-making, he engaged in that busi- 
ness a number of years in Galion, removing to Upper Sandusky October 
15, 1870, where he has established an extensive trade, employing ten as- 
sistants constantly. He was married at Cincinnati January 7, 1862, to 
Mary Vill, daughter of Simon and Elizabeth (Karg) Vill, and four children 
have resulted from this union, as follows: Lilly, born March 2, 1863; Jo- 
seph, December 18, 1865; Frank, November 21, 1868, and Carrie, Septem- 
ber 24, 1871. Mrs. Jonas' death occurred April 30, 1874, and her husband 
was again married, September 28, 1875, to Mary Gutzwiler, and five chil- 
dren have resulted from this marriage — Rosa E. was born September 23, 
1876; Victor M., May 10, 1879; Oscar J., July 1, 1881; Willie O., June 
20, 1883. An infant son is deceased. Mr. Jonas served with the Ohio 
National Guaixls, Company B, Eighth Regiment a short time, and with 
Lew Wallace's Scouts in the raid after Kirby Smith in Kentucky. He is a 
member of the Catholic Knights of America, of the Roman Catholic Church, 
and in politics votes for the man and not the party. 

JACOB JUVINALL. This prominent farmer of Wyandot was born in 
Ross County, Ohio, January 29, 1823. He is a son of Jacob and Hester 
(Meeker) Juvinall, of Scotch and Irish ancestry. The former was born in 
Kentucky in 1792, and died in May, 1824, aged thirty -two years; the lattei 



610 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

was a native of Connecticut, born in 1792, and died in August, 1882. They 
were the parents of two children — Anna M. and Jacob. The father died 
when his son was but sixteen months old, and at the age of ten he was 
thrown upon his own resoui'ces. He was employed one year by his uncle, 
Aaron Meeker, at 12| cents per day, and with John Davis, Jr., for some 
time at 25 cents per day. He spent two and one-half years with Uriah 
Chinoweth attending school. In 1837, he removed to Sharoville, Pike 
County, and engaged as clerk for his Uncle, James McLees, in a mercantile 
establishment, where he remained until 1846; in the month of May of that 
year he removed to Upper Sandusky, and opened a store in partnership with 
his uncle, purchasing the latter' s interest and selling the whole stock at 
auction two years later. He subsequently purchased an interest in a steam 
propeller on Lakes Erie and Michigan, losing his entire effects, $3,500, by 
the failure of the enterprise. He next engaged in agricultural pursuits, en- 
tering 124 acres of land, purchasing 204, turning his attention to stock- 
raising and shipping. In 1854, he removed to his present home, one mile 
north of Upper Sandusky, and is now enjoying the fruits of his efforts. He 
owns 400 acres of land, well improved, and other property, unnecessary to 
mention. Himself and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. Mr. Juvinall was married, February 5, 1851, tb Emily Robbins, 
daughter of Nathaniel P. and Laura (Nash) Kobbins, natives of Massachu- 
setts and Vermont respectively. Seven children have resulted from this 
marriage, aamely: James A., born November 24, 1853; Charles D. , born 
September 23, 1855; Jacob H., January 25, 1857; Mary E., August 14, 
1859; Hester A., November 5, 1864, and Martha, May 27, 1867. The de- 
ceased was Alice, born December 25, 1851, died August 14, 1853. Emily, 
the mother, was born in Perry County, Ohio, June 17, 1829. 

WILLIAM D. KAIL, of the firm of Streby, Myers & Kail, millers, was 
born in Mifflin Township, this county, December 13, 1854, son of Andrew 
J. and Julia V. (Lindsey) Kail, both natives of Ohio, and of German and 
Irish ancestry respectively. They were the parents of three children — Sam- 
uel P., William D. and Anna E. Julia Kail, the mother, passed away in 
November, 1856; the father departed this life March 5, 1884, and was bur- 
ied from his late residence, on his farm in Mifflin Township, where he 
located thirty years ago. William D. Kail, our subject, attended the dis- 
trict schools of his native township, subsequently entering the Ada Normal 
School for a few terms, and remained upon the farm, teaching at intervals, 
until 1880. In March, 1881, he removed to Upper Sandusky, and purchased 
a third interest in the mill where he is now engaged, since which time the 
business has been conducted under the firm name of Streby, Myers & Kail. 
They do an extensive business, have a capacity of thirty-five barrels per 
day, and introduced the roller process in 1882. Mr. Kail's marriage to 
Miss Mattie E. Kiser, occurred October 19, 1876, Miss Kiser being the 
daughter of Wesley P. and Malinda (Reed) Kiser. They have four chil- 
dren — Harry E., born April 12, 1878; Lottie E., November 6, 1879; Avery 
L., December 13, 1881, and Mabel B., April 3, 1883. 

JACOB P. KARG, son of Philip and Margaretta (Pfeifer) Karg, was 
born in Salem Township, this county June 9, 1849. His parents were na- 
tives of Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, and emigrated to America in 1847, settling 
in Salem Township, where he purchased forty acres of land, which they 
have increased by subsequent purchases to 21 3 J. Philip Karg assisted in 
constructing the P., Ft. W. & C. R. R. at 50 cents per day, and reared a 
family of eight children. He began work in America with a " five franc " 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 611 

capital, and is now the owner of a farm worth over $20,000. The names 
of the children are as follows: Peter, Jacob P., Margaretta, Catharine, 
George, Philip, Mary and Elizabeth. Both parents are still living, the 
father in his sixty-seventh year, the mother in her sixty-first. Jacob P., our 
subject, remained upon the farm with his parents till 1875, when he re- 
moved to Upper Sandusky and engaged in the grocery business, and in 
which occupation he still continues. He was married, July 1, 1875, to 
Margaret M. Streby, and live children have resulted from this union — Mary 
M., born May 8, 1876; Emma E., September 16, 1877; Edward F., Novem- 
ber 20, 1880; Elizabeth E., May 20, 1881, and Jacob P., December 19, 
1882. 

HENRY KELLER was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, June 30, 
1838. He is the son of Martin and Hannah (Hill, n6e Buskirk) Keller. His 
mother being the widow of Robert Hill, deceased. The family consisted of 
six children, of whom three are living: Wesley C, Henry and Maria, the 
wife of John L. Barick. Their parents removed to this county in 1855, and 
settled in Crane Township, where the father died in August, 1870; the 
death of the mother occurring in Tuscarawas County while on a visit to 
that locality in the following December. Henry Keller obtained a fair 
education in the schools of his native county, coming with his parents to 
this county in 1855. In May, 1862, he enlisted in the war, joining Com- 
pany K, Sixty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry for three years' 
service. He participated in the battles of Freeman's Ford, Sulphur Springs, 
Waterloo Bridge, Bull Run Second, Wauhatchie, Mission Ridge, Lookout 
Mountain, Buzzard's Roost and the skirmish near Hagerstown, Md. He was 
taken prisoner at Bull Run, but was released after one month on parole. His 
regiment was sent to Knoxville, and subsequently went into winter quarters 
at Chattanooga in 1863. Here the regiment veteranized and returned home 
for thirty days on furlough, during which time Mr. Keller, in defending an 
old lady from the assaults of a colored inebriate, received injuries which 
disabled him for further service; he was therefore placed in the Invalid 
Corps and remained at Chicago, 111., till the close of the war, receiving his 
discharge in May, 1865. He then returned to his home, and has since en- 
gaged in agricultural pursuits. Mr. Keller was married at Sulphur Springs, 
Crawford Co. , Ohio, by Rev. Gideon Hoover, October 19, 1865, to Susan B. 
Kotterman, widow of Levi Kotterman, who died from the effects of wounds 
received in the battle of Bull Run Second. Mrs. Kotterman was a daughter 
of Asher J. and Elizabeth (Hargar) Reynolds, and a native of Stark County, 
Ohio, born July 1, 1836. She had two children by her first husband: 
Flora E., born January 29, 1861; and Marion L., born July 3, 1862. Mr. 
and Mrs. Keller had four children, their names are as follows: Nora W., 
born December 31, 1868; Amber M., April 2, 1871; and Clara M., Decem- 
ber 15, 1872. Henry E., born August 9, 1866, was drowned by falling into 
a cellar partly filled with water, March 27, 1869. Mr, Keller owns a farm 
of fifty acres valued at $100 per acre. He votes for Republican principles, 
and is an enterprising citizen of good repute. He voted the Prohibition 
ticket in 1883. 

LEVI W. KELLER, dealer in groceries, provisions, queensware. etc., 
Upper Sandusky, was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, January 22, 1824. He 
is the son of Henry and Christina Keller, natives of Pennsylvania, the 
former of Dauphin County, and the latter of Northampton County. They 
were married in Piqua County, having removed there in an early day, and 
were the parents of seven children, namely: Elizabeth, Levi M., John M., 



612 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Mary A.., Jacob, Henry and Alfred. Iq 1823, they removed to Seneca 
County, where they both died — the mother in 1840, aged forty years; the 
father, in 1853, aged fifty-six years. Levi W. Keller, the subject of this 
sketch, was reared upon the farm, and educated in the common schools of 
Seneca County. At the age of eighteen he went to Wooster, Ohio, and 
learned the painter's trade, operating in Wooster and Tiffin until twenty- 
eicht years of age. He then removed to Upper Sandusky, working at his 
trade about three years, after which he removed to his farm, formerly pur- 
chased, and engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1880. He then moved 
back to Upper Sandusky and engaged in the real estate and butchering 
business until 1882, when, in partnership with his son, he purchased the 
grocery store of Gr. G. Kramer, in which occupation he is still engaged, 
carrying a stock valued at $6,000. In 1881, he disposed of his farm to J. 
F. Myers, for a consideration of $11,000. Mr. Keller was married December 
17, 1851, to Margaret Schriver, of Seneca County, and six children have 
blessed their union, namely: Prudenca C, born September 27, 1852; Levi, 
F., February 18, 1854; Sarah A., July 8, 1855; Mary A., November 6, 
1856; Lewis H., February 24, 1858; and Emma C, February 14, 1860. 
Mrs. Keller was born August 4, 1822. Mr. Keller has amassed a large 
amount of property, located in diflferent parts of the county. He served as 
a public minister in the Church of God forty years, all his family being 
now connected with that orsranization. 

DAVID R. KELLY, merchant tailor, was born in Wayne County, Iowa, 
December 4, 1854, son of George B. and Sarah (Blackburn) Kelly, natives 
of Pennsylvania, who removed to Iowa in 1853, returning to Upper San- 
dusky in 1860. David Kelly obtained a good education in the schools of 
the above city, completing his studies at the age of eighteen and accepting 
a clerkship in the dry goods store of J. A. Maxwell, in whose employ he 
remained eight years with credit to himself and profit to his employers. In 
1880, he formed a partnership with F. P. Kenan in the grocery and provis- 
ion trade, and April 1, 1882, his present tailoring business was established. 
He enjoys a good trade, usually employing eight to ten workmen. His 
marriage to Clara Andrews, of Upper Sandusky, occurred June 27, 1882. 
Mrs. Andrews is a daughter of Robert and Adaline (Patterson) Andrews 
and was born April 9, 1858. They have one child, Howard, born Septem- 
ber 9, 1883. Mr. Kelly is a Republican politically, and, with his wife, a 
member of the Presbyterian Church. 

ALVIN KENAN, of the firm of Kenan Bros. , real estate dealers, Up- 
per Sandusky, was born in Tymochtee Township, April 26, 1832. He is 
the eldest son of Samuel and Minerva (Earl) Kenan, of Irish, German and 
English ancestry. Samuel Kenan was born in Ohio County, Va. , July 6, 
1806. Alvin Kenan was educated in the Tymochtee Schools and remained 
upon the farm with his parents till his twenty- fourth year. In 1860, he 
entered into a partnership with his brother in the shipping of live stock, 
and continued in this occupation twelve years. In 1875, he abandoned his 
agricultural and other pursuits, and established a real estate office in Upper 
Sandusky, in partnership with his brother, George Kenan, in which occu- 
pation tbey are still engaged, doing the most extensive business in that line 
of any firm in the county. Mr. Kenan was married in October, 1856, to 
Miss Olive E. Torey, daughter of Joseph F. and Elizabeth (Wright) Torey, 
early settlers of Tymochtee Township. They are the parents of eight 
children — six living, Ernest E., born October 6, 1857; Cora M., June 16, 
1862; Myrtie, November 18, 1864; Earl T., January 21, 1868; Jessie R., 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 613 

May 30, 1875: Dudley D., October 19, 1877. The deceased were twins, 
born in 1860, and died the same year. Mr. Kenan is a member of the 
Knights of Honor, and a Republican in politics. Himself and wife are 
both members of the Universalist Church. 

FRANKLIN P. KENAN, proprietor of grocery store, Wyandot avenue, 
Upper Sankusky, was born in this county September 25, 1850, He is the 
son of Samuel and Mary (Cutting) Kenan, natives of Virginia and Vermont 
respectively. Franklin P. our subject, was educated in the district schools 
of Tymochtee Township, closing his educational pursuits in the schools of 
Upper Sandusky at the age of tvventy-one. He engaged in agricultural 
pursuits for a few years, teaching school during the winter months, remov- 
ing to Upper Sandusky and embarking in the mercantile business in the 
spring of J 875. He engaged as clerk with S. J. Wirick, one and one-half 
years and with Harper & Waters one year, purchasing their stock of grocer- 
ies in 1880, and forming a partnership with D. R. Kelly. He subsequently 
purchased Mr. Kelly's interest and has since conducted the business inde- 
pendently. He carries a $1,500 stock and keeps a full line of everything 
usually found in a tirst class grocery store. He is a Republican in politics. 

GEORGE KENAN, of the firm of Kenan Bros., was born in the vil- 
lage of Tymochtee October 18, 1837. He is the son of Samuel and Mi- 
nerva (Earl) Kenan, they being the parents of six children, four of whom 
now survive, viz., Alvin, Amanda, George and James. The deceased are 
Samuel and Joel The father is still living, in his seventy-eighth year; 
the mother died in 1843. George Kenan, the subject of this sketch, was 
educated in the village school at Tymochtee, remaining on the farm with 
his parents until eighteen years of age. He engaged in teaching during 
the winter months, and farmed during the summers for five years. In 1860, 
he began buying and shipping stock in connection with his agricultural 
business, and continued in this occupation twelve years, being the largest 
shipper in the county. In 1873, in partnership with his brother Alvin, he 
opened a real estate office in Upper Sandusky, and is still engaged in that 
business on an extensive scale. He was married, July 22, 1867, to Ella 
Ayres, daughter of William and Harriet (Quick) Ayres, and three children 
have been born to them — Eva, born September 2, 1868; Grace, born May 
20, 1870: Clara A., born March 18, 1878. Mr. Kenan is a member of the 
Knights of Honor, the Royal Arcanum and the Universalist Church. In 
politics, he is a Republican. 

SAMUEL KENAN. This worthy and respected pioneer was burn in 
Ohio County, Va., July 6, 1806. His parents were James and Catharine 
(Yhoast) Kenan, the former a native of Ireland, and the latter of New 
Jersey. They were married in Virginia, and after several removals settled 
in Wyandot County in 1830, subsequently migrating to Illinois, but return- 
ing to Fremont, Ohio, where he died, aged seventy- four years; Catharine, 
his wife, survived him about four years, her death occurring in Knox County, 
111., in her seventy-fifth year. Samuel Kenan was reared on the farm, and 
educated in the common schools of Virginia. He resided with his parents 
till twenty-four years of age, making his way to this county, and settling 
in Tymochtee Township in 1829. He was married to Minerva Earl May 19, 
1830, and six children resulted from this union, four now living — Alvin, 
Amanda, George and James. Samuel and Joel are deceased. The death 
of Mrs. Kenan occurred in May, 1844, and Mr. Kenan was again married 
the following October to Mary Freet, whose death occurred in March, 1845. 
In August, 1855, his marriage to Marv Havens occuiTed. She was the 



614 HISTORY OF AVYANDOT COUNTY. 

widow of Benjamin Havens, and by this marriage had four children, namely, 
Elizabeth, Frank P., Hiram and Henry, twins, deceased; the latter was 
accidentally killed by the cars at Pittsburgh in 1865; Hiram died at 
the age of seventeen. Mary Kenan, the third wife died in May, 1877, 
and Mr. Kenan was married May 2, 1883, to Lucy M. Pool, widow of Ira 
Pool. He has always devoted his attention to agriculture and has accumu- 
lated a large amount of property, at one time owning 425 acres of land. 
He is highly esteemed as a citizen, having served as Treasurer of Tymochtee 
Township seven years and as member of the School Board twelve years; he 
is a member of the Universalist Church, and in political sentiment a Re- 
publican. 

GEORGE G. KENNARD, manufacturer of and dealer in harness, sad- 
dles, trunks, etc. , Upper Sandusky, was born in Marion County, Ohio, Feb- 
ruary 15, 1857, son of Gilbert and Elizabeth (Lyon) Kennard, natives of 
Ohio, and of English and Scotch ancestry. They iirst settled in Marion 
County, but removed to this county in 1871, rearing a family of three chil- 
dren — George G. , Charles W. and Thomas J. George G., our subject, was 
educated principally in the Finley Schools, his parents, after several re- 
movals, locating at Finley, and later at Carey, this county. He closed his 
studies at Carey, and began the harness trade at the age of fifteen, working 
with his father four years. In 1876, he engaged in agricultural pursuits 
for the benefit of his health, and in 1878, he opened a harness shop at 
Carey, where he remained till September, 1882, when he removed to Upper 
Sandusky. He was married April 22, 1881, to Ada M. Paul, daughter of 
Rev. William S. and Hannah (Norton) Paul, now residents of Forest, Ohio. 
They have one child, Olive E. , born April 25, 1882. Mrs. Kennard was 
born September 9, 1854. Our subject is a prominent member of the F. & 
A. M. at Carey, a Democrat in politics, and, with his wife, a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 

JAMES KERR, retired house carpenter, was born near Belfast, County 
Antrim, Ireland, April 16, L818, son of Thomas and Jane (Crawford) Kerr, 
natives of the same county. James Kerr remained with his parents on the 
homestead until his sixteenth year, attending the schools of his native 
county. He then acquired the trade of house carpenter, and continued this 
occupation until 1877. He was married, in Ireland, January 19, 1845, to 
Jane Ellis, a native of County Antrim, born May 9, 1823. They bad eight 
children, six now living. Mr. Kerr emigrated April 10, 1847, and settled 
in Upper Sandusky, where he has since resided. He has amassed consider- 
able property, owning eight acres of land adjacent to his residence on 
Eighth street, a two-thirds interest in the Upper Sandusky Flouring Mill, 
and other town property. He is well respected as a citizen, himself and 
family being associated with the Presbyterian Church, to which he is a 
liberal contributor. 

ROBERT E. KERR, one of the proprietors of the Upper Sandusky 
Flouring Mills, was born in the above city February 26, 1854. son of James 
and Jane (Ellis) Kerr. He was educated in his native town. After com- 
pleting his education, he engaged in teaching, working at the carpenter's 
trade during summer seasons till 1876, when his father purchased an interest 
in the Upper Sandusky Flouring Mills, and placed him in charge. The 
firm is now composed of James and Robert E. , the former having had the 
principal supervision of the mills since 1876. They do an extensive busi- 
ness, their mills having a capacity of twenty-five barrels per ten hours; the 
building is a threo-story frame, main room 30x40 feet. They employ three 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 615 

men, and merit the large trade which their careful attention to business has 
secured to them. 

COL. MOSES H. KIRBY. This prominent pioneer and lawyer was 
born in Halifax County, Va., May 21, 1798. He is the son of Obadiah and 
Ruth (Hendrick) Kirby, natives of Virginia and of English and German 
parentage respectively. His father died in his native State in 1809, his 
widow, the mother of our subject, removing to Highland County, Ohio, in 
1815, where she resided three years. She subsequently removed to Marion 
County, where she died in 1839, aged about sixty-five years. They reared a 
family of four children, all reaching the age of manhood. Their names 
are as follows: John, Moses H., Jacob and Pleasant, the second and third 
being twins. Moses Kirby, the subject of this sketch, obtained a classical 
education in the University of North Carolina, graduating with honor in 
1820, then being in his twenty-third year. To attend this college Col. 
Kirby rode his own horse from Hillsboro, Ohio, a distance of 450 miles, and 
there sold it for means to defray cu.rrent expenses. At the end of the term 
he returned home, walking the entire distance. After completing his col- 
legiate course, he returned to Hillsboro, Highland Co. , Ohio, and began the 
study of law under Richard Collins, a prominent member of the bar of that 
place, and was admitted to practice in 1823. His first case offered was that 
of a man accused of mail -robbery. From his client's statement he saw but 
little chance of his acquittal, and promptly so informed him. The client 
said he would pay him $100 if he " cleared him." The Colonel told him 
that for half that sum he would do his best, and when the trial was had be- 
fore Judge Byrd, of the United States District Court, the client was acquit- 
ted and the Colonel received $50, refusing to accept more from the delighted 
client. That sum was a big fee and even stupendous to the young lawyer. 
The same year (1823), he was appointed Prosecuting Attorney for Highland 
County, which office he filled with credit and ability for seven years. In 
1826, while holding this position, he was elected Representative of High- 
land County by a large majority of its votes. In 1828, he was re-elected to 
the same office, serving till 1830, when his popularity and reputation raised 
him to the more exalted position of Secretary of State. Acting in this ca- 
pacity three years, his term of office expired and he returned to the practice 
of law in Columbus. In the prominence of his life at this period, his good 
nature made him the prey of friendly indorsements, which engulfed a 
handsome farm and considerable money — which losses he took philosophi- 
cally. Being elected to the office of Prosecuting Attorney of Franklin 
County in 1838, he performed the duties of this office two years, when he 
was appointed Receiver of the Land Office of the United States by President 
Tyler, with headquarters at Lima, Ohio, where he remained from October. 
1842, to the summer of 1843, the office at the latter date being removed to 
Upper Sandusky. As an illustration of the difference between that and the 
present time. Col. Kirby employed a wagoner to convey the public money, a 
large sum in coin, to Upper Sandusky, and this was done in a large two- 
horse wagon without guards, the Colonel not even accompanying the car- 
rier, and when it reached its new station it was kept in an old oaken trunk, 
and this unlocked as well as the doors of the old Council House, the new 
office. After the expiration of his term of service as Land Receiver, he 
again resumed the practice of his profession at Upper Sandusky, and in 
1845 was appointed Prosecuting Attorney of Wyandot County, serving in 
that capacity at intervals as follows: 1845 to 1852, 1856 to 1858, 1860 to 
1862, 1868 to 1879 — in all twenty- two years. As a public prosecutor he 



616 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

never had an indictment quashed. In 1858, he was elected Probate Judge 
of this county, serving two terms, and in 1879, the people in his senatorial 
district manifested their high appreciation of his character and statesman- 
ship by choosing him State Senator. He was re-elected to this office in 
1881, and in this, as in all other positions to which he has been elected or 
appointed, he performed his duties with the utmost integrity, and in a man- 
ner entirely satisfactory to his constituents. He was at least ten years the 
senior of the oldest member of the Senate. Col. Kirby was married in 
June, 1832, to Miss Emma Minor, daughter of Judge Minor, of Columbus, 
one of the most prominent citizens of Franklin County. Seven children 
resulted from this union — live sons and two daughters, of whom but two 
survive, viz. : Isaac M. and Thomas. The deceased are George, William 
and Henry (twins who died in infancy); Emma, the wife of Curtis Berry, 
who died July 31, 1883; Anna, who died on board a steamboat on her way 
from New Orleans. Emma, the mother, departed this life in October, 1852. 
Col. Kirby is a member of the F. & A. M., and the oldest member of the 
fraternity in Ohio, having been associated with the order since 1820. He 
has been a resident of this county since 1843, and though now in his eighty- 
seventh year, and as the senior member of the law firm of Kirby & Close, is 
still well preserved, physically and mentally. He possesses a retentive 
memory, and is remarkably coi'rect in all his statements in regard to facts, 
figures and dates. He is among the last and most worthy of the pioneers 
of the county, and has a record unstained in social, political and official 
life Col. Kirby is erect and tall in stature, with a dignified carriage, has 
handsome and firm features softened by innate benevolence, and presents a 
striking appearance, and this superb physique, coupled with a silvery elo- 
quence, made him an effective orator often likened to the late Gov. 
William Allen. Possessing the sterling qualities of probity, independence 
and considerate regard for the feelings of others, he is essentially a gentle- 
man of the old school. His life among the people of Upper Sandusky and 
Wyandot County has been one which reflects upon him the highest honor. 
He has lived not so mvich consulting his own interests, as indulging the 
kindness of his sympathetic nature in behalf of others, and his life is rich- 
ly freighted with neighborly acts, and no one ever appealed in vain to Col. 
Kirby for advice or assistance. In keeping with a frequently heard remark, 
he has been an indulgent father to all of us, ever cherishing as his highest 
aspiration the doing of good and the making of life brighter and better 
by his existence. No man is better known and respected in the county than 
he, nor whose memory will be more cherished and revered. 

GEN. ISAAC M. KIRBY, the subject of this sketch, was born in Colum- 
bus, Ohio, February 10, 1835. He is the son of Col. Moses H. and Emma 
(Minei") Kii'by, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. Gen. Kirby 
obtained the rudiments of an education in the old log schoolhouse in the 
Indian village of Upper Sandusky, and is the only living member in the 
county who attended the first school in those pioneer days. He closed his 
educational pursuits at the Hillsboro Academy when in his sixteenth year, 
and began the study of civil engineering, joining a corps with which he 
operated till the beginning of the late war, when he volunteered as a private 
soldier in Company I, Fifteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, going 
into active service in West Virginia. He was soon after made Captain of 
his company, and at the re-enlistment, at the expiration of the three months' 
service, was made Captain of Company D, holding this command till May, 
1862. He then resigned to recruit Company F, One Hundred and First Ohio 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 617 

Volunteer Infantry, and remained in command of this company till Decem- 
ber, 1862, when he was promoted to Major, by mutual agreement, over a 
number of senior officers of the regiment. After the deaths of Col. Stem 
and Lieut. Col. Wooster, in the battle of Stone River, Maj. Kirby was im- 
mediately promoted to Colonel of the regiment, receiving his command in 
January, 1863, and retaining the same till June, 1864, when he took com- 
mand of the First Brigade, First Division, Fourth Army Corps, holding this 
position till June, 1865. In 1865, he received his commission as Brigadier 
General in January, 1865, in which capacity he acted until the close of the war. 
Having served from the beginning to the close of the war, he returned home in 
June, 1865, and engaged in the hardware trade in partnership with G. W. Hale, 
and continued in this business thirteen years. In 1879, Mr. Kirby assumed 
charge of the hardware exclusively — Mr. Hale retiring from the firm with 
the stock of stoves and tinware — and in 1881 admitted Adam Pontius, the 
business since having been conducted under the tirm name of Kirby & Pon- 
tius. They are doing a flourishing business, and are recognized as leaders 
in their line. Gen. Kirby was married June 6, 1867, to Miss Anna White, 
daughter of the Rev. J. W. and Anna (Williams) White, residents of New- 
ark, now of Delaware. They have four children — John W., born May 3, 
1868; Mary E., December 10, 1873; Anna C, January 22, 1879; Thomas 
M., December 4, 1880. Mr. Kirby moved from Columbus to Upper San- 
dusky in 1843, and has been identified with its commercial interests and 
enterprises ever since. He is an honored member of the G. A. R. and F. & 
A. M., and a stanch Republican politically. 

GUSTAVUS G. KRAMER, retired groceryman, was born near Spring- 
field, Ohio, March 1, 1841. He is a son of John W. and Maria T. (Bosse) 
Kramer, natives of Germany, in which country they were united in mar- 
riage. They emigrated to America in 1833, and became the parents of ten 
children, of whom six still survive —Amelia F., Henry W., Gustavas G., 
Henrietta T. , Maria and Christiana. The father died in September, 1880, 
aged seventy- eight years; the mother still survives, residing on the old 
homestead, two miles east of Upper Sandusky, in her seventy-sixth year. 
G. G. Kramer, our subject, was reared on the farm in Crane Township, and 
educated in the district schools. His parents located in the above township 
in 1852, and with them he remained till his marriage in 1863. In March, 
1864, Mr. Kramer enlisted in the civil war, Company K, One Hvindred and 
Ninety- seventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served with his 
regiment through Virginia, but was taken sick near Alexandria and sent to 
the hospital at that place, from which he was discharged June 7, 1865, on 
account of disability. He returned home, and, after five years in agricult- 
ural pursuits, removed to Upper Sandusky in 1872, and established himself 
in the grocery and provision trade, where he continued till 1882, turning 
his attention largely to the buying and shipping of produce, poultry, etc. 
In 1882, he disposed of his stock to Levi F. Keller, and retired from 
business. In the spring of 1884, he again embarked in the grocery and 
provision trade, doing a wholesale and retail business. Mr. Kramer was 
married November 12, 1863, to Maria Hoffman, daughter of Michael and 
Rosanna (Hipp) Hoffman, of Hamilton, Ohio. They have five children — 
Charles W., born October 18, 1864; Elenora C, July 18, 1865; Ida P., 
April 14, 1868; Clara W., January 17, 1870; and Gustavus F., November 
19, 1876. Mr. Kramer has served as Township Trustee, Township Treasurer 
and Corporation Treasurer, and in politics is a liberal Democrat. 



618 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

FREDERICK KROMER was bora in Baden, Germany, February 5, 
1819, son of Fredlen and Mary A. (Ohm) Kromer. who both died in Ger- 
many. Frederick emigrated to this country in 1852; stopped in Bucyrus 
one year, and settled in Eden Township in 1853. In 1859, he purchased 
his present farm of forty-three acres, which he has since improved and on 
which he erected a tine brick residence in 1876. He was married at Bucy- 
rus, April 18, 1853, to Barbara Huft, who died in 1864. They had three 
children, but one living — a daughter, Caroline, born November 8, 1856. 
Two sons died in infancy. His daughter was married, March 27, 1883, to 
Louis A. F. Margraf, son of William and Eugenia (Kark) Margraf, and he 
is now engaged in agricultural pursuits on the farm of his father-in-law. 
Mr. Kromer is a member of the German Lutheran Church, and votes in the 
interests of Democracy. 

SAMUEL KUENZLI, farmer and cheese manufacturer, was born in 
Wyden, Switzerland, December 14, 1822. His parents were Samuel and 
Elizabeth (Parmserier) Kuenzli, natives of Switzerland, who emigrated to 
the United States in 1834, settling in Holmes County, Ohio, where the 
father died in 1864, and the mother in 1872. Of their twelve children, but 
nine are living. The subject of this notice, Samuel Kuenzli, was reared 
on a farm and educated in the district schools of Holmes County. He re- 
moved to this county on April 10, 1847, purchased lands at |2.80 per acre, 
which he has cleared and improved; he now has 160 acres, valued at $75 
per acre. Mr. Kuenzli was married in Tuscarawas County, April 3, 1847, 
to Mary Sicrest, and nine children were born to them, eight living — Sam- 
uel E., Anna E., Sophia, Henrietta, Rosenia, John F., Christian H. and 
William G. Mrs. Kuenzli's death occurred August 9, 1862, and he was re- 
married October 30, 1862, to Angeline Hefler, by whom he has seven chil- 
dren, viz., Martha J., George F., Charles P., Ezra J., Laura E., Ernest and 
Reuben H. Besides his farming interests, Mr. Kuenzli is a stockholder in 
an extensive cheese factory, manufacturing 30,000 to 40,000 pounds of 
cheese per year. Himself and wife are members of the Evangelical 
Church. 

HENRY KUENZLI, farmer, was born in Holmes County, Ohio, De- 
cember 31, I8e38. His parents were Samuel and Elizabeth (Parmseier) 
Kuenzli. He obtained the rudiments of an education in the district schools, 
attending three terms at the Greesburg Seminary, after which he engaged 
in teaching school at intervals for about five years. He learned the tan- 
ning trade, which he followed at intervals till 1867, at which period he re- 
moved to this county and purchased 120 acres of land, part of his present 
farm, to which he has since added forty acres more; he erected an elegant 
brick residence in 1881 at a cost of $3,000, and now values his farm at 
$100 per acre. He raises all ordinary cereals and the best grades of stock. 
He was married, in Stark County, Ohio, June 7, 1865, to Mary E. Slutts, 
daughter of James and Rachel (Slutter) Slutts, natives of Maryland and 
Pennsylvania respectively, and of German parentage. Mrs. Kuenzli 
was born in Stark County, Ohio, October 10, 1845, and by her marriage 
had eight children, seven living — Rachel L., born May 27, 1866; Sarah H, 
September 1, 1867; William A., January 8, 1869; James A., July 6, 1873; 
Avery S., January 28, 1876; Minerva L., September 11, 1881; and Ora A., 
November 26, 1883; an infant is deceased. Mr. Kuenzli was a soldier in 
the ranks, acting as Orderly Sergeant of his company in camp at Mans- 
iield, Ohio, but hired a substitute, and abandoned the army on account of 




B.F. Lee. 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 621 

failing health. He is a strong advocate of Republicanism, a member of the 
Grange, and, with his wife, of the Evangelical Church. 

SAMUEL E. KUENZLI was born in Crane Township January 30, 
1848. He is the son of Samuel and Mary (Sichrist) Kueuzli, and was ed- 
ucated in his native district school. He learned the tanner's trade, but dis- 
liking the business he abandoned it and has since engaged in farming. He 
was married, March 8, 1881, to Laura V. Chew, only daughter of Archibald 
and Elizabeth (Swann) Chew, natives of Richland County, Ohio. Her par- 
ents had two children — Laura V. and Irvin A. ; the former born December 
13, 1856; the latter June 11, 1861. Their father was born January 24, 
1833; removed to this county in 1858, and died August 21, 1876; their 
mother was born June 11, 1836, and still resides in Crane Township. Mr. 
and Mrs. Kuenzli have two children — Edna, born December 28, 1881, and 
Byron, born March 14, 1884. Mr. K. is the owner of 22 acres of land; farms 
110 acres of his wife's homestead and 210 acres of the "Dixon" farm. 
He does a large business, usually employing three hands the year round. 
He rears stock of the best blood, the total products of his farm being about 
$2,000 annually. He is energetic, enterprising, and strong in Republican 
faith. 

GEORGE LAUDENSCHLAGER was born in Germany September 25, 
1844. He is the son of John and Anna Laudenschlager, and was educated 
in his native country. He devoted his spare time to various kinds of work, 
and emigrated to America with his parents in 1859. He settled with them 
in Salem Township, where they remained about six years. The mother died 
in October, 1865, her husband still living, a resident of Wyandot County, in 
his seventy third year. They were the parents of eight children, seven 
now liviug — John, Peter, George, Jacob, Henry, Katie and Lizzie. In 
1862, our subject abandoned farm labor and acquired the baker's trade of 
N. F, Goetz, of Upper Sandusky, with whom he was engaged four years. 
From 1866 to 1880, he was engaged in various places, chief among which 
are Cincinnati, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Warsaw, Fort Wayne and Cleveland. 
In 1880, he settled permanently in Upper Sandusky, where he is at present 
conducting a grocery store and bakery, and doing a flourishing business. 
He is the owner of a two-story brick building which he now occupies, and 
which he erected in 1883, at a cost of $4,500. In politics, Mr. Lauden- 
schlager is a Democrat. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and, with his fam- 
ily, of the German Lutheran Church. He was marrjed, at Ada, Hardin 
Co., Ohio, in 1869, to Bulah Elberson, and two children have been born to 
them — George B., born January 15, 1871; William, born July 11, 1874; 
both born in Ada, Hardin Co., Ohio. Mrs. Laudenschlager was born in 
Starke County, Penn., January 11, 1850. 

JOHN LIME, proprietor of the Hudson House, is a native of Richlaod 
County, Ohio, where he was born August 10, 3842. His parents, Jacob 
and Margaret (McGuire) Lime, were natives of Cumberland County, Penn., 
and removed to Richland County, Ohio, before their marriage. They reared 
a family of three children — John, James and Lillian E. Jacob Lime was 
one of the first five who enlisted in the war from this county. He was a 
member of Company — , Fifteenth Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry. 
He served three months and re-enlisted in Company D, Eighty-first Regi- 
ment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. Tyler, participating in the bat- 
tles of Corinth, Pittsburg Landing and others, and being discharged on 
account of disability resulting from sickness. John Lime, our subject, was 
reared to the age of fourteen in Richland County, coming with his parents 

24 



622 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

to Wyandot County in 1855. He attended the schools of Upper Sandusky two 
years; was engaged two years as clerk for Robbins & Hunt, in the dry goods 
busineHs; was employed one and one half years by Jacob Juvinall; by S. 
G. Worth until 1861; by Straw & Bombgartner, of Carey, two years, and 
later with Col. S. H. Hunt, of Upper Sandusky, with whom he was en- 
gaged when Gov. Brough issued his call for the " 100-day" recruits. Com- 
pany D, of Carey, of which he was a member, was called into active service 
and assigned to the One Hundred and Forty-fourth Begiment, Ohio Na- 
tional Guards, participating in the battles of Monocacy and Berryville, 
where the rebel Gen. Mosby attempted to capture the provision and ammu- 
nition train and $110,000 of Union money. The enemy having succeeded 
in taking the latter, Mr. Lime was one of the ten who volunteered to re- 
cover it; he was discharged at Camp Chase and retiirned to Upper Sandusky 
in 1865; since that time he has been engaged as clerk in various establish- 
ments, besides doing a large amount of business on his own account. Mr. 
Lime was married, August 23, 1866, to Henrietta Wiseman, of Clarion 
County, Penn. They have two children— Balph H., born September 12, 
1867, and Maggie, born March 5, 1876. The latter is a veritable musical 
prodigy. At the age of three years she could perform on any instrument 
she could manipulate, and is the youngest child living who possesses such 
remarkable skill; she has received special mention Iq many of the leading 
papers. In 1877, Mr. Lime erected the Hudson House, which he is now 
conducting, and he is also lessee of the Upper Sandusky Opera House, 
Politically, he is a Republican. 

JOSIAH S. LOWRY, the pioneer miller of this county, was born in 
Allegheny County, Penn., April 22, 1820. His parents were Robert and 
Elizabeth (Scott) Lowry, the former born in Allegheny County, Penn., Sep- 
tember 4, 1794, the latter in Washington County, Penn., March 28, 1794. 
His death occurred in Huntington County, Ind. , September 3, 1854, hers 
in this county October, 1858. They were the parents of eleven children, 
five now living — Josiah S., our subject; Mary (widow of James White), 
born February 8, 1819; Elizabeth, October 14, 1823; Robert, March 18, 
1826; John S., September 22, 1832. Josiah Lowry acquired the miller's 
trade with his father, with whom he came to Richland County in 1833, 
where he was employed fourteen years. He came to this county in 1846, 
and settled in this township, leasing a farm of eighty acres, and con- 
ducting the old Indian Mill for several years. He now owns ninety- 
nine and a half acres, which he purchased in 1874, and on which 
he erected a commodious brick residence in 1877, and a fine 
"bank" barn in 1880. He was married, May 12, 1841, to Mary J. 
Crossen, five children being born to them, two now living — Milton, born 
September 16, 1845, and Robert S., September 30, 1847. The deceased all 
passed away in infancy. Mrs. Lowry died September 6, 1853, and Mr. L. 
was married in this county, November 1, 1855, to Barbara Kalor, this 
marriage being followed by five children, of whom four are living — Sarah 
J., born November 16, 1856; John R., May 6, 1858; James A., May 31, 
1860; William E., December 12, 1863. The deceased was Elizabeth, born 
January 25, 1862, died September 29, 1863. The mother was born in 
Lancaster County, Penn., September 16, 1833. Mr. Lowry is a successful 
farmer, and highly esteemed as a citizen. He has served on the grand and 
petit jury several sessions, was a member of the City Council while in 
Upper Sandusky, and was reared in the Presbyterian faith. 



CRANE TOWNSHir. 623 

WILLIAM J. LOUDERMILCH was born in Dauphin County, Penn., 
June 28, 1843, son of Joseph and Sarah (Lemon) Loudermilch, natives of 
the same county. Their children were William J., Mary E., George L. 
and John A. The parents removed to this county in 1858, and two years 
later to Jones County, Iowa, where they now reside. William Loudermilch 
worked upon his father's farm till August, 1861, when he enlisted in Com- 
pany — , Forty-ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for four years and 
a half, and participated in the following battles and skirmishes: Shiloh, 
Surret Hill, Liberty Gap, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Knoxville, Buz- 
zard's Roost, Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, Love- 
joy Station, Nashville, New Market and Greenville. In the battle of Chick- 
amau.ga he was wounded in the stomach by a grape shot, which disabled 
him several weeks. He joined his legiment at Chattanooga, and veteranized 
at Knoxville, receiving his discharge at Columbus, Ohio, December, 1865. 
He returned home and engaged in farming, purchasing his present farm in 
1877. He was married, October 24, 1867, to Hattie H. Ensminger, daugh- 
ter of Rev. Lyman and Debora (French) Ensminger, natives of Ohio. 
Their children are Montie M., born January 4, 1869; Blanch. January 23, 
1871, and Joseph L., March 19, 1875. Mrs. L. was born in Allen County, 
Ohio, August 10, 1848. Mr. Loudermilch served as School Director several 
years, is a member of the G. A. R., and a Republican in politics. Joseph 
Loudermilch, father of our subject, enlisted in Company F, One Hundred 
and First Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in August, 1862, and par- 
ticipated in the battle of Berryville, after which he was on detached service 
as private guard until his discharge at Columbus in January, 1864. 

GIBSON A. MAFFETT, farmer, is a native of Crane Township, born 
March 8, 1851, sou of David and Louisiana (Arnold) Maffett, the former a 
native of Westmoreland County, Penn., and the latter of Ashland County, 
Ohio. They reared a family of six children — all living at the px-esent time. 
Gibson Maffett obtained the rudiments of an education in the district 
schools, completing his studies in the Northwestern Normal school at Re- 
public, Ohio, graduating from that institution in the scientific class of 1873. 
He engaged in teaching at the age of nineteen, and continued this work 
at intervals in connection with his agricultural pursuits until 1880. He 
was married, Februaiy 12, 1879, to Malissa Gregg, daughter of An- 
drew and Eliza (Lemert) Gregg, natives of Jefferson and Coshocton 
Counties respectively, and of Irish and French parentage. She was 
born in Tymochtee Township August 22, 1851, and graduated from the 
Normal School of Republic in the same class with her husband in 1873. 
She engaged in the pedagogic profession at the age of sixteen, and con- 
tinued in the work about eleven years. Mr. and Mrs. Maffett have but one 
child — Monte Grace — born December 10, 1879. After his marriage, Mr. 
M. purchased the farm of 115 acres, where he now resides. He has a 
desirable location, and devotes his entire attention to agricultural pursuits, 
valuing his land at $90 per acre. 

GEORGE MANN is a native of Mercer County, Penn., and was born 
December 18, 1832. He is a son of John B. and Hannah (Willard) Mann 
(see sketch of Isaac Mann), with whom he resided till his twenty-third 
year. In 1856, he purchased eighty acres of land near Kirby, paying $30 
cash and making the following payments by cutting cordwood at 90 cents 
per cord. He was engaged in farming on this farm till 1878, doing some 
milling in the meantime, and then purchased his present tract of 160 acres, 
which he now values at $90 per acre. He deals somewhat in stock, and 



624 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

keeps good grades, some short-horn cattle, merino sheep and Poland-China 
hogs. Mr. Mann served during the war of the rebellion as private and 
Sergeant of Company F, One Hundred and First Ohio Volunteer Infantry. 
He participated in five battles, viz., Pei-ryville, Liberty Gap, Stone River, 
Hoover's Gap and Chickamauga. He was captured at the last-named battle 
September 20, 18G3, and was confined in the noted rebel prisons, Belle 
Island, Libby at Richmond, Va. , Danville, Va., Andersonville, Ga., 
Charleston and Florence, S. C, and was finally exchanged on the 6th day 
of March 1805, at Goldsboro, N. C. Mr. Mann was married, October 22, 
1859, to Sarah E. Albert, who was born in this county May 22, 1844. Her 
parents were Jacob and Mary A. (Cordrey) Albert, who were early settlers 
in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Mann have had ten children — John S. , born 
March 6, 1861; Minor M., July 26, 1866; Ida M., August 22, 1868; New- 
ton I., October 30, 1870; Mary A., March 14, 1873; Myrtie I., May 16, 
1875; Willis R., June 17, 1878; Ralph G. F., September 22, 1881; Louisa 
E. Z. R., January 23, 1884. George is deceased; he was born January 5, 
1863. Mr. Mann is a Republican, and one of the many thorough-going 
farmers of this township. 

ISAAC MANN was Wn in Armstrong County, Penn., May 10, 1827, to 
John B. and Hannah (Williard) Mann, natives of New Jersey and Bedford 
County, Penn., respectively, and of English and German parentage. The 
parents located in this county July 6, 1834, the father's death occurring in 
1857; the mother passing away in 1861. Their seven childi'en are all liv- 
ing — Samuel, John, Margaret, Isaac, William, George and Williard. Isaac 
Mann, the subject of this sketch, left the paternal roof at the age of twenty 
and learned the trades of house- carpenter and cabinet-maker in Butler 
County, Penn. He opened a shop in Upper Sandusky in 1851, and in 
1853. purchased a farm and has since engaged in agricultural pursuits. 
His farm being timbered land, he bought a saw mill, and by its operation 
was enabled to pay for both mill and land. His present home was pur- 
chased in 1872, and he is now the owner of 185 acres. His home farm is 
adorned by a fine brick residence built in 1874, and on this tract the old 
Indian Mill is located. Mr. Mann was married, December 7, 1853, to Ru- 
anna Carr, daughter of John and Mary (Relph) Carr, early settlers of Meigs 
County, Ohio. They had nine children, six surviving — La Fayette, born 
May 13, 1855; Silas S., born March 4, 1863; Susanna, July 29, 1865; Ru- 
anna, December 17, 1867; George G. , July 5, 1870; Isaac A., January 5, 
1873. The deceased are Hanna J., born March 3, 1855, died May 28, 
1856; an infant, born March 3, 1857, died March 25, 1857; Margaret, born 
November 29, 1860, died December 25, 1878. Mrs. Mann was born in Meigs 
County, Ohio, November 18, 1834. In politics Mr. Mann is a Republican. 
He served one year as Trustee of Mifflin Township, and is highly esteemed 
as a citizen. 

JOB G. MANN, of the firm of Mann & McCoj-mick, dealers in carriages, 
buggies, agricultural implements, etc., was born in Salem Township, this 
county, September 21, 1848. He is a son of John and Su.san (Mattsou) 
Mann, natives of Pennsylvania and Vermont, and of Scotch and English 
ancestry. They were married in Marion County, and reared a family of 
eight children. Job G., our subject, was reared on the farm and educated 
in the common schools. He engaged in various pursuits until 1879. at 
which time he removed to Upper Sandusky and entered into a partnership 
with N. N. Breinmyre in the sale of agricultural implements for a short 
period. January 1, 1880, the firm of Mann & McCormick was established, 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 625 

since which time they have done a flourishing business. Mr. Mann was 
married, May 8, 1873. to Jennie T. AVagoner, daughter of Samue] and 
Nancy Wagoner, and four children have resulted from this union, namely, 
Alpha E., Wheeler H., Zella and Franklin R. In politics Mr. Mann is 
a Republican, himself and wife both being members of the Church of God. 

WILLIAM MARGRAF is a native of Saxena, Stadtilm, Germany, 
born May 22, 1826. He is a son of Louis and Catharine Margraf, of whose 
seven children, four emigrated to America — Frederick, Albert, Louisa and 
William. The remaining were Andrew, Christian and an infant daughter. 
The father embarked for America in 1851, but died on the voyage, and was 
buried at sea, aged seventy-five years. William Margraf emigrated to the 
United States in 1848, and located at Bucyrus, Ohio, where he engaged in 
the shoe-making trade, previously learned in Germany. He came to this 
county in 1854, and has since engaged in farming, having bought and sold 
several tracts of land, now owning 196 acres valued at $100 per acre. Mr. 
Margraf was married, at Bucyrus, Ohio, April 20, 1851, to Justina Karg, 
born Apri) 3, 1826. Nine children were born to them, seven now living — 
Ludwig, born January 28. 1852; Charles, Mav 23, 1853; Julia, September 
4, 1854; Albert, February 24, 1858; Catherina, January 3. 1863; Fred- 
erick, January 28, 1866; Mary, August 5, 1870. The deceased were AVill- 
iam, born March 9, 1856, died January 2. 1859; and an infant, born Au- 
gust 14, 1861. Mr. Margraf is one of the substantial farmers of the town- 
ship, being a Democrat in politics. Himself and wife are members of the 
German Lutheran Church. 

GEORGE O. MASKEY, M. D., was born in Nevada, this county, Feb- 
ruary 7, 1856. He is the son of Benjamin and Adaline (Zook) Maskey, 
natives of Cumberland County, Penn.. and Wayne County, Ohio, respect- 
ively, and of German and Scotch parentage. They were married in Craw- 
ford County, and located at Nevada in 1853. rearing a family of three chil- 
dren, viz., George O., William F. and Jacob A. William F. is deceased, 
his death occuri'ing July 25, 1882. George O. Maskey, the subject of this 
sketch, came to Upper Sandusky, with his parents in 1870. He was edu- 
cated in the schools of Nevada and Upper Sandusky, graduating at the lat- 
ter place in 1874. He entered the Ohio Wesleyan University in 1875, and 
remained at that institution three years, after which he returned to Upper 
Sandusky, and was engaged as Principal of the Union schools of that place 
during the school year of 1879-80. He began the study of medicine under 
the instruction of Robert A. Henderson in 1879, and entered the Cleveland 
Medical College in 1880, graduating in March, 1882. He located imme- 
diately at Upper Sandusky, forming a partnership with Dr. R. A. Hender- 
son in 1882, with whom he still continues in the successful practice of his 
profession. He is a member of the Legion of Honor, and of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. 

JOSEPH A. MAXWELL, dry goods merchant, was born in Cumberland 
County, Penn., August 5, 1829. He is a son of George and Mary (Fulton) 
Maxwell, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Scotch-Irish ancestry. They were 
the parents of eleven children, our subject being the youngest. The father 
died in his native county and State in 1847, aged sixty-six years; the 
mother died in 1853, aged sixty-six years. Joseph Maxwell, the subject 
of this sketch, ensfasfed in teachincf school in his native county at the age of 
nineteen years, and continued in this pi'ofession until 1856. when, having 
removed to Upper Sandusky, he was employed as salesman six months with 
Dr. Orrin Ferris in the drug business. He subsequently purchased Dr. 



626 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Ferris' interest in the establisliment, and formed a partnership with J. H. 
Hoi ton. Two years after, Mr. Holton was succeeded by George J. Maxwell, 
and two years from this date J. A. Maxwell purchased his brother's interest 
and became sole proprietor, continuing the business six years, He disposed 
of his stock of drugs in 1866, and was one of the incorporators of the 
Wyandot County Bank, of which he was cashier eighteen months, and also 
a stockholder. In September, 1869, Mr. Maxwell entered into a partner- 
ship with T. E. Beery in the dry goods trade, in connection with which 
they dealt extensively in grain and wool, and this business relation was 
sustained three and a half years, at the end of which time the partnership 
was dissolved by mutual consent, Mr. Maxwell continuing in the dry goods 
trade. He erected Centennial block, a large two-story brick building on 
Wyandot avenue, the main room being 40x85 feet, and the grocery room 
20x85 feet in dimension. Mr. Maxwell occupies the main room with a large 
stock of dry goods, carpets, etc., and owns a half interest in the grocery store, 
which is also well stocked. In politics, Mr. Maxwell is a Republican. 
His wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church, to which he is known as 
a liberal contributor. Mr. Maxwell was married November 17, 1857, to 
Miss Mattie A. Edwards, daughter of Hampton H. and Maria (Bean) 
Edwards, of Upper Sandusky. Six children were born to them, five living 
—Mary M., born June 30, 1859; Anna B., October 8, 1861; Ella J., June 
19, 1864; Joseph E., August 16, 1869; Lottie B., January 8, 1875. The 
deceased is Charles A., born May 5, 1868, died May 27, 1868. Mr Max- 
well is, perhaps, the l<^ading merchant of Upper Sandusky, carrying a stock 
the year round valued at $20,000. He is a man of large business experience 
and ability, and is thoroughly versed in all the various branches of his 
vocation. He is also a man of unquestionable character and gentlemanly 
beai'ing, and is entitled to a position in the front rank of citizenship not 
only for his superior ability as a business agent, but also for his inherent 
worth as an individual. 

ABRAHAM McCLAIN, one of the most highly esteemed pioneers of 
this county, was born in Ross County, Ohio, April 14, 1810. He is a son 
of James and Mary (Osborn) McClain, who were both natives of Pennsyl- 
vania. His parents were married in Ross County, Ohio, to which locality 
they both had migrated in their early single days, and where they reared a 
family of four sons and two daughters, our subject being as this date, the 
only surviving member. His father moved from Madison County to Wyan- 
dot in April, 1846, and settled in Pitt Township, where he purchased a farm 
on which he died in 1855, in his eighty-fourth year; his wife, Mary, after 
his death removing to her son's home where she died in 1865, in a log cabin 
erected by John Bearskin, a full-blooded Indian. Our subject resided 
with his parents till his sixth year in his native county, then removed 
with tbem to Pickaway County, and three years later to Madison County, 
where he grew to manhood. Living on the frontier in those early days, the 
advantages of schools were almost entirely denied him. He was employed 
on the farm with his parents till his marriage to Mary A. Netf, November 
15, 1831, soon after which he removed to what is now this county, arriving 
here in February, 1834. This locality was then an unbroken forest inhab- 
ited chiefly by Indians, with whom Mr. McClain was on quite familiar 
terms, being personally acquainted with the chiefs Sumundewat, Bearskin, 
Peacock, Matthew Mudeater, Dr. Greyeyes, James Rankins and Jonathan 
and Isaac Zorne. Amid these surroundings he began the toilsome task of 
building up a home, and right manfully he has fought his way through the 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 627 

years of an industrious life. We find him now the owner of 224 acres of 
valuable land, and comfortably housed in a substantial brick residence, en- 
joying the comforts of life in his old age, though somewhat broken in health 
by the years of toil. His farm is well stocked with the best grades of cat- 
tle, sheep and hogs, and he yet does quite an extensive farming business. 
By his first wife, who died August 9, 1853, Mr. McClain had nine children, 
six of whom are now living — John G., born November 15, 1834; Jane E., 
August 23, 1838; Archibald, March 24, 1841; Marv R., May 14, 1843; 
David P., April 15,1845, and Zachary T., May 6,' 1847. Mrs. McClain 
was born November 12, 1808. Mr. McClain's second wife was Catharine A. 
Beriien, to whom he was married, January 29, 1856. She is a daughter of 
Jacob and Saloma (Zimmerman) Beriien, and was born in Westmoreland 
County, Penn., May 12, 1833. By this union eight children have resulted, 
seven still living, viz.: Sarah E., born October 30, 1857; Abraham L., May 
20, 1860; Leefe B., February 18, 1862; Elmore J., November 2, 1863; 
Emma A., June 17, 1865; Myrtie E., March 25, 1870, and Charles A., Au- 
gust 16, 1875. Saloma, who was born December 8, 1858, died August, 
1859. Mr. McClain is an enthusiastic Republican and ii true patriot. 
Three sons were soldiers in the late war and his father, James McClain, was 
a soldier in the war of 1812. He began his business life a poor boy, but 
has accumulated a valuable property, and with his garnered stores, his three 
score years and ten failed not to crown him with gray hairs and honor. 

ARCHIBALD H. McCLAIN, son of Abraham and Mary A (Neff) Mc- 
Clain, was born in Pitt Township, this county, March 24, 1841. He ob- 
tained a fair education in the schools of his neighborhood, and remained 
with his parents on the farm until the opening of the late war when he en- 
listed in Company F, One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer In- 
fantry, September 24, 1862, and participated in eleven severe battles promi- 
nent among which was that of Winchester 1st, where his company suffered 
heavy losses, himself being taken prisoner, and detained at Belle Island 
about thirty days, after which time he was paroled and returned home on fur- 
lough. He subsequently rejoined his regiment and served till the close of 
the war, being captured at the battle of Richmond, and witnessing the sur- 
render of Gen, Lee's army at Appomattox. He was discharged at Columbus, 
Ohio, as Hospital Orderly, having been a faithful soldier, seldom missing 
an engagement. He returned to his home in Crane Township, and in 1866 
was married to Minerva Waterhouse, of St. Joseph County, Ind. They 
have four children — Elmore, James, Abraham and Earnest. In 1875, Mr. 
McClain removed to the West, locating in Washington County, Iowa, in 
1877. He owns a farm of 160 acres near Brighton, Iowa, and this he has 
well- improved, valuing the same at $40 per acre. He has many friends in 
this county. 

DR. JAMES McCONNELL, whose portrait appears in this work, and 
one of the oldest physicians of this county, was born in Huntingdon County, 
Penn., March 8, 1802, and is a son of John and Sarah (Armitage) McCon- 
nell. He was educated in the district schools of pioneer times, and while 
quite a youth began the study of medicine under the instruction of Dr. John 
Henderson. He graduated at the Baltimore Medical College and immedi- 
ately entered upon the practice of his profession at Lewiston, Penn., where 
he remained till 1845. He then disposed of his property in Lewiston, sur- 
rendered his practice in that locality and removed to Upper Sanduskj', where 
he has since resided, and where he established an extensive and profitable 
practice. He was faithful to his calling till the lapse of years compelled 



628 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

him to abandon it, which, with reluctance, he did in 1868. Since that time 
he has been " npon the retired list," and his son, Dr. Robert N. McConnell, 
has assumed his practice. He has been very successful in his profession, 
and has accumulated a large amount of property, lands, lots and business 
rooms. Dr. McConnell was married at Columbus, Ohio, in 1842, to Mar- 
garetta Nelson, daughter of Robert Nelson, and live children were born to 
them, two of whom are now living — Robert N. and John B. The deceased 
are Martha S., Jane and an infant. The Doctor was one of the most highly 
esteemed of the citizens of Upper Sandusky, having always led an honora- 
ble life. His character was of the sternest excellence, and his social as well 
as his professional career has been marked by the utmost sincerity and can- 
dor. Both he and Mrs. McConnell were members of the Presbyterian 
Church. In politics. Dr. McConnell was a stanch Republican. His death 
occurred April 12, 1884, at the advanced age of nearly eighty-two years. 
The following notice of his life and character appeared in the Wyandot 
C/mow of April 17: " Another venerable and esteemed citizen has passed 
away. He died Saturday morning, April 12, at half past 9 o'clock. About 
a week preceding death, he took a severe cold, which developed into con- 
gestion of the lungs. Up and until Ihat time, aside from the usual infirmi- 
ties of age, the Doctor had enjoyed remarkable health. A line constitution, 
which he guarded with correct habits, extended to him its results, and he 
rarely sufiei'ed physical affliction. He was one of our first settlers, coming 
here during the land sales in 1845. He had faith in the new town and the 
then surrounding country, and watched their progress with no little interest. 
He was one of our first physicians, and held in high esteem for his skill and 
usefulness in the profession, continuing practice until the year 1868, when 
the tendency of years required a more inactive life, and even then he re- 
luctantly retired from practice, but with the proud satisfaction of seeing the 
mantle fall upon an able and efficient son. The deceased was somewhat 
eccentric, yet this phase in his nature was a pleasing one which endeared 
the Doctor to all our people. His it was to be enthusiastic and positive, 
but the silver lining to this peculiar quality was a willing consideration for 
the opinion of others, even when he was almost sure to utter a difference. 
He was ever genial and kind, with a heart full of sympathy, taking a deep 
interest in everything that affected our people. He had a strong attach- 
ment for neighbors and friends, especially for those connected with the 
early settlement of the town, which was made quite manifest in his every- 
day walk and conversation. For the past fifteen or twenty years the de- 
ceased contented himself in looking after his valuable landed interests in 
this city and n ear it, which was the result of judicious investments at an 
early day; and made his life and the life of others agreeable by his friendly 
contact. Until age had brought those infirmities which it seems humanity 
is not permitted to escape, the Doctor enjoyed unusual health, and scarcely 
a day passed but his manly form was seen moving upon our streets. He 
seemed to admire the open day, and was one of the few men who rarely 
found fault with the weather or surrounding circumstances. This pecu- 
liarity he no doubt contracted by a long and active practice in his pro- 
fession. His many years within our midst are without a blemish, and al- 
though positive in conclusions and never loath in asserting his convictions 
of right, he had not an enemy; nor one who did not feel a degree of pleas- 
ure in his presence. His social qualities were a little singular, yet not the 
less attractive; and above all, he enjoyed a rehearsal of old times in which 
he would grow animated and intensely interesting. He never forgot his old 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 629 

State of Pennsylvania, and seemed to cling to the recollection of liis youth 
with a pleasurable pride. He was one of our best citizens, pure and honest 
in all his actions, living with a desire of seeing others live to enjoy life; 
and never negligent in his responses when a friend needed his services or 
advice. He was an exemplary citizen — living a life worthy of imitation. 
No one will be more sadly missed that Dr. McConnell, who has been one of 
us so long, and whose very presence seemed to identify the place. After ap- 
propriate services at his late residence, by the Rev. S. Fenner, on Monday, 
at 3 o'clock, his remains were interred in the family lot at Oak Hill Ceme- 
tery.'" 

ROBERT N. McCONNELL, M. D., was born in Lewiston, Penn., 
April 29, 1843; son of James and Margaretta (Nelson) McConnell. He came 
to Upper Sandusky with his parents when but two years of age, and was 
educated in the public schools of that place, entering the Ohio Weslyan 
University in 1859, taking a preparatory course, and subsequently entering 
the Jefferson College at Canonsburg, Penn.. with the intention of taking a 
classical course. This arrangement was thwarted, however, by his enlist- 
ment in Septembev, 1862, in Company F, One Hundred and Twenty third 
Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, to serve three years as a private in the 
late war. He was commissioned as Hospital Attendant, serving until the 
battle of Winchester, June 15, 1863, at which engagement the entire regi- 
ment was taken prisoners and confined at Belle Island. After four weeks 
Dr. McConnell was released on parole and returned home and during his 
sojoui-n attended a course of lectures at the Starling Medical College having 
begun the study of medicine while in the service. He was discharged from 
the One Hundred and Twenty-third Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, by 
special order from the War Department to accept a commission as Assistant 
Surgeon in the One Hundred and Thirty third Ohio National Guards, in 
the spring of 1864, and served with the regiment until the expiration of 
its term of service in the fall of the same year. He entered the medical 
department of the Wooster University at Cleveland, and graduated in 1865, 
in the first class that graduated from that institution Immediately after 
taking his degree he was appointed Assistant Surgeon General of the State 
by Gov. Brough, and continued in this office till it was abolished, a year 
afterward. Dr. McConnell then returned home, and during the winter of 
1866-67 attended the Hahnemann Medical College of Chicago, after which 
he opened up a drug store in Upper Sandusky in connection with his prac- 
tice. In 1869, he disposed of his interest in the drug establishment to L. 
A. Brunner and devoted his entire attention to his profession, attending a 
course of lectures during the winter of 1870-71 at Belleview Medical Col- 
lege, New York City. In order to lay the foundation for more complete 
success in the practice of his profession. Dr. McConnell proceeded to Europe 
in 1878, and attended the Imperial Medical XTniversity at Vienna, Austria, 
returning to Upper Sandusky after an absence of about one year. He was 
in 1874, appointed Director of the Ohio Penitentiary under Gov. Allen's 
administration, serving in that capacity two years with great credit to 
himself and to the institution. In 1882, Dr. Connell entered into a part- 
nership with Isaac N. Bowman, which connection still exists. He has 
established a lai'ge practice and is among the foremost of the physicians of 
this section of the State. He is an honored member of the F. & A. M. , 
having attained the thirty-second degree; also a member of the Knights of 
Honor and the G. A. R. In politics. Dr. McConnell is a thorough Repub- 
lican. 



630 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

NELSON McFAKLAND is a native of Belford County, Penn., born 
October 20, 1839. His parents were of Scotch-Irish descent and came 
from Pennsylvania to Ohio in 1843. His father w^as a soldier in the war of 
1812, being wounded in the battle of Tippecanoe. He died in Illinois in 
1863; his wife's death occurred in 1849. Of their thirteen children but 
five are living, namely: Andrew, John, Elizabeth, Jane and Nelson. The 
latter came to this State with his parents and grew up in the counties of 
Belmont and Guernsey in which he attended school and engaged in farm- 
ing and teaming. He subsequently spent five years in Illinois returning 
the first of the year 1860. In April, 1861, he enlisted in Fifteenth Ohio 
Volunteer Infantry, and at the close of three months' service re-enlisted in 
the One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for three 
years. He took part in the battles of Moorefield, Winchester, New Market, 
Piedmont, Lynchburg, Snickersford, Marti nsburg, Strawsburg, Cedar Creek 
and several minor engagements. His regiment was captured at Winchester; 
was paroled and exchanged, and afterward re-organized at Martinsburg in 
February, 1864. He was subsequently twice captured, the last time three 
days before Lee's surrender. He received his discharge in June, 1865, and 
returned home; farmed rented land a few years; purchased eighty-five acres 
on which he resided eight years; and in June, 1881, purchased his present 
farm of 133 acres valued at $70 per acre. Mr. McFarland was married, 
October, 1865, to Mary A. Moody, who was born in this county October 1, 
1835. She is a daughter of Timothy and Susan (Bower) Moody, and has 
always resided in this county. Mr. and Mrs. McFarland have no children; 
their adopted son James W., was born October 24, 1875. Mr. McFarland 
is a Kepublican and a member of the G. A. E. , and is associated with 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

HON. ROBERT McKELLY is a native of Lancaster County, Penn., 
and was born April 8, 1815; he is a son of Alexander and Mary (Torrence) 
McKelly, who were natives of County Antrim, Ireland, from whence they 
emigrated to America in 1800. They first settled in Lancaster County, 
Penn., residing thei'e till 1823, then removing to Allegheny County, near 
Pittsburgh, where Mr. McKelly died in his eightieth year, and Mrs. Mc- 
Kelly in her sixty-third, the death of the latter occurring September 22, 
1845. They reared a family of ten children, of whom but three are now liv- 
ing, namely: Martha, wife of James Orr, of Barnesville, Ohio; Robert and 
Elizabeth H. Robert McKelly, the subject proper of this notice, obtained 
a good education in the schools of Lancaster and Allegheny Counties, where 
he taught several tei'ms, beginning at the age of fifteen. In 1834, he came 
to Ohio, and was employed in the schools of Bellville, Lexington and in 
Knox County; he began the study of law at Mt. Vernon under the instruc- 
tion of Hem-y B. Curtis, in 1838, and continued under his regime one year. 
He theu further prosecuted his studies with Col. John K. Miller, and was 
admitted to the bar in 1842, serving as Deputy Postal Clerk in the mean- 
time. He began the practice of law at Bucyrus in July, 1842, removing to 
Upper Sandusky in June, 1845, to assume the duties of Register of the 
United States Land Office, to which he had been appointed by President 
Polk. This office having been removed to Defiance. Mr. McKelly resigned 
in 1848, and returned to Upper Sandusky. In 1851, he was appointed 
Probate Judge of this county, by Gov. Wood, the election having resulted 
in a tie vote. In 1854, he was chosen Dii-ector of the Ohio & Indiana 
Railroad (now the P., Ft. W. & Chicago, Railroad), and served in this ca- 
pacity till about 1870; he was chosen President of the same line prior to 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 631 

the consolidation of the three roads, Ohio & Pennsylvania. Ohio & Indiana 
and Ft. Wayne & Chicago, serving seven months and holding an interest in 
the road, till it was leased by the Pennsylvania Company. In 1857, Mr. 
McKelly vpas elected State Senator and creditably filled the duties of that 
office one term, since which time he has devoted his attention almost wholly 
to his profession. In September, 1881, he was appointed by the Court to 
serve an unexpired term in the office of Prosecuting Attorney, and was elect- 
ed to the same office in October, 1881; he has practiced the legal profession 
in this county almost forty years, and his labors have been bountifully re- 
warded both in a financial and professional sense; he is one of the oldest 
members of the Wyandot bar and is also recognized as one of its ablest rep- 
resentatives; he is a man of great force of character, and for keen business 
sagacity is perhaps unsurpassed by any of his cotemporaries. Mr. Mc- 
Kelly was married at Bellville, Ohio, to Kebecca J. Ogle, daughter of 
Enoch and Catharine Ogle, and ten children were born to them, three of 
whom are all that are now living, namely: Robert A., born May 20, 1843; 
Roberta A., August 13, 1817, and James M., May, 13, 1851. The mother 
of these children passed away June 12, 1863, and Mr. McKelly was mar- 
ried December 31, 1870, to Isabel, daughter of Jesse and Sarah (Miles) 
Snyder. He is a prominent member of the F. & A. M., the I. O. O. F., and 
affiliates with the Democratic party. As a representative citizen of this 
county we present the portrait of Mr. McKelly in this work. 

ROBERT A. McKELLY was born in Bucyrus, Ohio, May 13, 1843; he 
is a son of Robert and Rebecca (Ogle) McKelly, who removed to Wyandot 
County in 1845; he was educated in the public schools of Upper Sandusky, 
afterward attending the Ohio Weslyan University one year; he closed his 
educational pursuits at the ago of seventeen, and engaged as clerk in the 
Auditor's office, under the administration of Peter B. Beidler, and subse- 
quently formed a partnership with Thomas Shissler in the drug business. 
This firm existed one year, when Mr. McKelly purchased his partners in- 
terest, and conducted the business independently until 1865; he then re- 
tired from business one year, but subsequently engaged as clerk in the dry 
goods store of S. M. Worth until appointed Deputy Auditor, under the 
regime of Jonathan Maffet. In 1872, he was elected Auditor, and re-elected 
in 1874, at the expiration of his second term entering into a partnership 
with C. B. Hare in the hardware business, in which occupation he has since 
continued, the business being transacted under the firm name of Hare & Mc- 
Kelly. They have established a good trade, and carry a large stock of 
goods, consisting of everything usually found in a first-class hardware store. 
Mr. McKelly was married May 10, 18*66, to Mary J. Campbell, of Coshoc- 
ton, Ohio, and three children have been born to them — Isabel R. , born 
April 27, 1867; Thomas M., September 23, 1869. and Robert C, February 
10, 1872. Mr. McKelly has been a member of the School Board for ten 
years, and was instrumental in the erection of the fine New Union School 
Building of Upper Sandusky, during the year 1883; he is a distinguished 
member of the F. & A. M., advancing as far as the Chapter, also a member 
of the Royal Arcanum. In political sentiment, he is a Democrat. 

ROBERT McKELVY, whose portrait we present in this work, and who 
is one of the county's most esteemed pioneers, was born in County Antrim, 
Ireland. February 2, 1819. He is a son of John and Mary McKelvy, who 
were both natives of the same county, where the former died in 1866: the 
latter in 1864. They reared a family of five children, three of whom — 
Margaret, Robert and Mary — emigrated to America. Robert McKelvy 



682 HISTORY OF AVYANDOT COUNTY. 

crossed the Atlantic in 1843, and stopped at St. Thomas, Canada, where he 
learned the tanner's trade. In 1846, he came to Upper Sandusky and 
engaged in the tanning business with William Trimble till 1850, when the 
latter retired, Mr. McKeIvy continuing in the business till 1870, when he 
established a harness shop on the corner of Main and Hick streets, where 
he conducted a flourishing business. Mr. McKelvy recently erected a large 
ice house, and this business will claim a portion of his attention in the 
future. He has been one of the important business factors of Upper San- 
dusky for nearly forty years, and is well known to the community for his 
habits of industry and perseverance. In his time he has had a vast busi- 
ness experience, and his knowledge of the world and its ways is no less ex- 
tensive. Born and reared amid the brave, hardy and freedom -seeking sons 
of Erin, schooled among the cautious and skillful Canadians in the rules of 
his trade, and energized by business contact with the shrewd commercial 
Yankees, he is well qualified for the strong position which he occupies in 
the business sphere of his community. By hard labor and persevering 
industry Mr. McKelvy has accumulated a handsome competence of this 
world's goods, owning two acres where he resides, ten acres within the cor- 
poration, and other town property of value. He is a Democrat in political 
sentiment, and though not an office-seeker, he served two years as Township 
Trustee, and two years in the City Council of Upper Sandusky. He and 
his family are associated with the Presbyterian Church. Mr. McKelvy is 
one of the most thoroughl}'^ respected of the pioneers of the county, always 
having sustained an unblemished character, and kindly regarded by the citi- 
zens with whom he is associated. He was married, February 14, 1850, to 
Eliza Ellis, Rev. James R. Bonner, of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian 
Church, officiating. Mrs. McKelvy was a daughter of Robert and Sarah 
Ellis, and was born in County Antrim, Ireland, March 9, 1826, emigrating 
to America in 1847. Seven children blessed this union, sis of whom are 
now living— William J., born March 8, 1854; Mary E., April 6, 1858; Hes- 
ter J., October 9, 1860; John S., March 10, 1862; Robert E., March 14, 
1864; Margaret C, April 7, 1866. Sarah A., eldest, who was born Novem- 
ber 19, 1851, died February 25, 1881. She was married to James H. Kerr 
November 19, 1872, and was the mother of one child, Robert Mc. Kerr, who, 
since his mother's death, has been adopted by his grandfather, Mr. McKelvy. 

WILLIAM J. McKELVY, dealer in and manufacturer of harnesses, sad- 
dles, collars, etc., was born in Upper Sandusky March 8, 1854. He is the 
son of Robert and Eliza (Ellis) McKelvy, and was reared and educated in 
the city of his birth. At the age of seventeen he engaged in the harness 
ti'ade with his father, with whom he remained five years. He subsequently 
became a partner of his father, doing business under the firm name of Mc- 
Kelvy & Son two years. At the end of this time he purchased his father's 
interest, and has since conducted the business independently. He carries a 
stock of $2,500 to 13,000, employing three to five hands constantly. He 
owns the building which he occupies, the stock which it contains, and 
is doing a thriving business. He was married, September 30, 1880, to Miss 
Rosalind Engel, daughter of Christian and Mary (Hipp) Engel, residents 
of Upper Sandusky. Mrs. McKelvy was born March 6, 1859. Mr. Mc- 
Kelvy is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and Mrs. McKelvy of the 
German Luthei-an Church. In politics Mr. McKelvy is Democratic. 

CAPT. HENRY MILLER, son of Henry and Mary (Ziegler) Miller, 
was born in Union County, Penn., May 1, 1818. His parents were natives 
of Pennsylvania, and were married in that State about 1814. They removed 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 633 

to Juniata County, Penn., in 1820, and resided in that locality until 1845, 
wlien they came to Ohio and settled in this county. They were the par- 
ents of five children, three living — Samuel, Henry and Sarah. John, an 
infant, is deceased, also Mary, the vp^ife of Michael Depler, who died in 
1863. The father died in this count}- in 1848, aged about fifty-five years. 
The mother survived her husband a number of years and died in her seven- 
ty-third year. Henry Miller, the subject of this sketch, was engaged upon 
a farm during his earlier years, subsequently serving an apprenticeship at 
the printer's trade, pursuing this occupation five years, and finally abandon- 
inof it on account of failing health. In 1845, he removed to Ohio and en- 
gaged in the carpenter's trade with his father till June 3, 1846, at which 
time he enlisted in Company F, Third Ohio Kegiment, in the Mexican war, 
He enlisted as private, but was commissioned Brevet Second Lieutenant 
about six months afterward, serving until the close of his term of service — 
one year. He was discharged in June, 1847, and returned to Upper San- 
dusky, where he engaged in the butchering business five years. In 1854, 
Mr. Miller removed with his family to Iowa and engaged one year in agri- 
cultural pursuits, but returned to Upper Sandusky at the expiration of that 
time and engaged in various vocations until elected Recorder of the county 
in 1859. During his term of office Mr. Miller enlisted in the late war, 
Company K, Fiftv -fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantiy, for three years, 
entering the service in 1861. He was commissioned First Lieutenant and, in 
1862, as Captain, participating in the following battles: Chancellorsville, 
Gettysburg, Mission Ridge, and the battles of the entire Atlanta campaign. 
In 1864, he tendered his i-esignation and returned to his family in Upper 
Sandusky, engaging in the grocery and provision trade from 1865 to 1878, 
being then appointed Deputy Auditor, in which capacity he is now serving. 
He held the office of Township Clerk eight consecutive years, and as member 
of the City Council a number of years. He was a member of the Union School 
Board, and a Republican in politics. Himself and family are members 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Miller was married January 4, 
1849, to Ellen Walker, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Newman) Walk- 
er, residents of Upper Sandusky, and ten children have been born to them, 
three now living — Virginia E., Delia E and Mary E., wife of Frank Myers, 
residents of Upper Sandusky. The deceased are Charles B., Henry Will- 
iam, McCandlish, Rhoda I., Clara E., Rose May and Harry E. 

GEORGE A. MITCHELL was born in Knox County, Ohio, May 30, 
1819, son of Joseph and Martha (Carr) Mitchell, the former a native of 
Washington County, Penn., born January 1, 1782; the latter of Bucks 
County, Penn., born August 22, 1795; the latter died June 21, 1835; the 
former August 23, 1865. They were married in Knox County, Ohio, Sep- 
tember 10, 1811, and were the parents of six children, three — Nathaniel, 
George A. and James— still living. The family resided in Richland Coun- 
ty from 1821 till the father's death. George Mitchell came to this county 
in 1846 and has since engaged in agricultural pursuits. He purchased his 
present farm in 1865 at $40 per acre; this he has improved and provided 
with good buildings, now estimating its value at $100 per acre. Mr. Mitchell 
was married November 28,1848, to Catharine L. Davre, daughter of David 
and Amanda (Hawk) Duvre, the former a native of Philadelphia, Penn., 
the latter of W^arren County, N. J. The death of Mrs. Mitchell occurred 
October 20, 1849, and Mr. M. was again married April 6, 1851, to Sarah 
M. Snover, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Hawk) Snover, and one 
child has been born to them — Joseph O. , September 1, 1852. Mrs. Mitchell 



634 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

was born in New Jersey June 19, 1828. They have a pleasant home and 
hold a high position in the esteem of their fellow citizens. 

JOHN MITSCH, farmer, was born near the city of Worms, Germany, 
December 23, 1828. He is the son of Henry and Elizabeth (Reyrner) 
Mitsch, who emigrated to America in 1841, and settled in Crawford County. 
In 1859, they removed to thi^ county, and located in Antrim Township, where 
the father died in 1864, aged sixty-two years — the mother, January 7, 1878, 
in her eightieth year. They were the parents of six children, the living 
being John, Catharine and Magdalena. John Mitsch spent six years in 
the schools of Germany, and subsequently acquired some learning in 
this country. He resided with his parents on the farm in Crawford County 
till 1852. when he migrated to California in search of the "yellow dust," 
his efforts being crowned with success. He returned to the ''paternal 
roof " in 1857, and in the following year purchased 160 acres of land at 
112.50 per acre in this county, whei'e has since resided and on which farm 
he erected a handsome brick residence at a cost of $3,000, in 1881. He 
has since added eighty acres to his original purchase and values the whole 
at $75 per acre. He has acquired his possessions by industry and good 
management, inherit! nor but a small sum from his father's estate; he is a 
scientific farmer and makes a specialty of rearing tine grades of cattle, 
horses and hogs. Mr. Mitsch was married, February 6, 1859, to Rose A. 
Kipfer, and five children have resulted from this union, four living — Albert 
H., born June 23, 1860; George F., May 6. 1864; Emma R. and Mary R. 
(twins) born January 2, 1866. An infant daughter is deceased; it was born 
July 13, 1861, and died in September of the same year. Mrs. Mitsch's 
death occurred January 19, 1866, and Mr. M. was again married, March, 
1879, to Mrs. Elizabeth Ritter, n6e Kipfer, sister of his first wife and a 
native of Switzerland, born March 24, 1824; they have no children. Mr. 
Mitsch, with his wife, is a member of the German Reformed Church, to which 
they are liberal contributors. He has served as School Director during the 
greater part of his residence in the township, and favors the Democratic 
school of politics. 

JOHN F. MYERS was born in Stark County, Ohio, December 23, 
1827. He is the son of Peter and Susannah (Flickinger) Myers, natives of 
Pennsylvania. They were the parents of two children — Jeremiah A. and 
John F. The father's death occurred in January, 1828; the mother 
survived till August, 1882. She was born November 30, 1799. John F., 
our subject, spent the first thirteen years of his life in Paris, Starke County, 
subsequently removing to Canton, where he finished his education at the 
age of twenty-two. He engaged in the tailoring trade at Canton four years, 
and after several changes of place and business, opened a grocery store in 
Upper Sandusky in 1869. In this occupation, at the corner of Sandusky 
and Wyandot avenues, he is still engaged. Mr. Myers was married at 
Little Sandusky, April 18, 1852, to Martha J. Eggleston, daughter of Da- 
vid and Elizal3eth (McCleary) Eggleston, natives of New York and New 
Hampshire respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Eggleston settled in this county 
in 1841-42, and were the parents of six children, five of whom are now 
living — Mary, Martha J., Charles, George A., Chloe E. The deceased was 
Rosena, who died in Marseilles Township, in 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Myers 
are the parents of ten children— five living, namely: Fx'ank E., born 
March 27, 1853; Emma J., September 18. 1854; Delia M., in 1863; 
George, August 16, 1868, and Edward S., December 6, 1876. Mr. Myers 
served as Township Clerk in Pitt Township two years; as Township Treas- 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 635 

urer several years; was elected City Councilman in 1874, and re-elected in 
1883. In politics, Mr. Myers is a Democrat. He is the owner of a valu- 
able farm southwest of the city of Upper Sandusky and a comfortable resi- 
dence on Seventh street. 

JOHN F. MYERS, Jr., was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, October 
15. 1844. He is a son of Michael and Susan (McClain) Myers, the former 
a native of Hancock and the latter of Pickaway County. The parents set- 
tled ill this county in 1846. Our subject was educated in the common 
schools and enlisted in the war in May, 1863, joining Company A, One 
Hundred and Forty-fourth Regiment Ohio National Guard, Capt. Regan 
commanding company; Col. Hunt commanding regiment. He participated in 
the skirmishes at Berryville and Monocacy Junction, and was honorably dis- 
charged at Columbus, Ohio. He resided on the farm of his wife's parents 
till 1882, when he purchased his present farm of 110 acres, paying for the 
same $100 per acre. He has a desirable location, makes a specialty of 
rearing good stock, and is one of the model farmers of the county. He was 
married September 13, 1868, to Frances Hale, daughter of John and Eliza- 
beth (Donor) Hale. Their children are Harry E., born July 24, 1869; 
James B., October 26, 1872; William F., January 17, 1875; Elizabeth E. 
and Mary E. (twins), born February 17, 1878; Ralph E. , September 11, 
1876; George F., October 29, 1879. The latter two are deceased — Ralpk 
E. dying August 21, 1877, and George F., September 14, 1880. Mrs. 
Myers was born in Cumberland County, Penn., October 27, 1846; died 
March 16, 1882. Mr. Myers is a member of the Church of God, the G. A. 
R. , and a Democrat in politics. 

LEVI T. MYERS, of the firm of Streby. Myers & Kail, city flouring 
mills, was born in York County, Penn., April 11, 1840, He is the son of 
Solomon and Elizabeth (Toner) Myers, also natives of Pennsylvania, and 
who were married in Carroll County, Md. They were the parents of eight 
children, namely, Levi T., Mary C. , Susan, John T. and Jacob T. (twins), 
Ann M. and Elizabeth M. Sarah M. is deceased, her death occurring at the 
age of twenty-two. Levi T., our subject, was educated in the schools of 
Hanover, Penn., and at the age of ten began his work in the milling busi- 
ness, which he has ever since engaged in, with the exception of two years' 
grocery business in Bucyrus, Ohio, and eighteen months in jewelry in Penn- 
sylvania. After operating in the milling business for a number of years in 
the various places of Emmittsburg, Md., Milan, Bucyrus, Napoleon, and 
Wooster, Ohio, he removed to Upper Sandusky October 28, 1878, and formed 
a partnership with R. E. Kerr and Christian Merrick in the old Upper San- 
dusky Mills; this partnership existed two years. In 1880, he entered into 
a partnership with W. J. Streby, and a year later the present firm of Streby^ 
Myers & Kail was formed. Mr. Myers was married at Boiling Springs, 
Penn., October 19, 1869, to Matilda D. Shaffer. They have one child — 
Dustin S. , born August 6, 1870. Mrs. Myers is a native of Cumberland 
County, Penn., and was born in January, 1843. Mr. Myers is a member 
of the F. & A. M., and, with his wife, of the English Lutheran Church. 

MICHAEL MYERS, son of Michael and Mary M. (Clore) Myers, na- 
tives of Pennsylvania, was born in Pickaway, Ohio, February 24, 1819. He 
is one of thirteen children, six living — Polly, Henry, Sarah, David, Hannah 
and Michael. Their parents were early settlers of Pickaway, but removed 
to Hancock County in 1832, where the mother died in 1835, and the father 
in 1853, the latter aged seventy-seven. Michael Myers was educated in his 
native county, and was there married, February 2, 1843, to Susan Mc- 



636 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Clain, daughter of Zachariah and Susan (Spahr) McClain, of Irish and Ger- 
man ancestry. They havo fifteen children, eleven living — John F., born 
October 15, 1844; George W., October 23, 1846; William M., February 9. 
1849; James M., October 5, 1851; Bertha E., July 28, 1857; Michael U., 
October 3, 1859; Sue E., October 11, 1861; Dessa E. and Crissa A. (twins), 
Aiagust 28, 1866; Peter D., August 10, 1869, and Blanch, February 12, 
1874. The deceased were Harriet, born September 14, 1853, died February 
20, 1857; Mary E., born September 2, 1855, died April 22, 1857; Samuel 
E., born October 11, 1863, died March 3, 1864; Henry E., born December 
30, 1864, died in September, 1865. Mrs. Myers was born in Pickaway 
County, July 24, 1826. Mr. Myers removed to this county in 1846, and 
purchased government land in Crane Township at |2.50 per acre, obtaining 
his title from James K. Polk, President. His farm is now valued at $80 
per acre. Mr. Myers is a Democrat, self and wife members of the United 
Brethren Church. 

T. Y. MOODY, retired farmer, was born in Waterbury, Vt., January 2, 
1809. He is a son of David and Prisciila (Cady) Moody, natives of Massa- 
chusetts. They settled in Vermont before marriage, and were the parents 
of eleven children, of whom but two are now living, namely, Timothy and 
Prisciila. the latter residing in Upper Sandusky, wife of John Justice. The 
parents removed from their native State to Clark County, Ohio, in 1819. 
and five years later to Crawford County (now Wyandot), purchasing land 
near Bowsherville, where they resided until their death; the father's decease 
took place about 1840, at the age of sixty-six years; the mother survived till 
1868, and died in her ninety-sixth year. With the exception of eight years 
in Indiana, Mr. Moody has resided in Wyandot County since 1824. He 
was married near Bowsherville, August 27, 1831, to Susan Bowsher, daugh- 
ter of Peter and Elizabeth (Harpsteri Bowshei', and eleven children have 
blessed their union— Eliza, born August 7, 1832; Mary A., October 1, 1835; 
John, August 2, 1837; Prisciila, March 21, 1839; David, January 22, 1849; 
Lyman C, November 21, 1842; Maria, February 23, 1845; Ellen, October 
1, 1848. The deceased are Matthew, born November 18, 1833, died May 
— , 1867; Leeland, born August 13, 1850, died December 31, 1864, and 
William A., born July 13, 1856, died March 19, 1871. These were followed 
by their mother, Susan Bowsher, July 29, 1880, her age being sixty- four 
years. Mr. Moody was married, December 29, 1881, to Orpah Lloid, of 
Upper Sandusky. They are members of the English Lutheran Church, 
and well respected as citizens. Mr. Moody has accumulated considerable 
property, and is now enjoying the fruits of his earlier labors. 

HON. CHESTER R. MOTT, a leading attorney of Upper Sandusky, 
was born in Susquehanna County, Penn., July 15, 1813. He is the son of 
Orange and Ruhanna (Shattuck) Mott, natives of Connecticut, and of 
French and English extraction respectively. They were married in Con- 
necticut, and were the parents of nine children, of whom eight are still 
living, namely, Oi'ange, Julia, Marilla, Louis, William K., Chester R. , 
Harriet and Amasa. The mother died in 1821, aged thirty-nine years; the 
father died about 1870, aged nearly ninety-nine years. Judge Mott, as he 
is familiarly known, obtained as good an education as the common schools 
of the place of his nativity afforded. He became a teacher in such schools 
at the age of nineteen. After teaching in his native place for two consecu- 
tive winters, he pursued a course of studies in a seminary endowed by the 
Hon. Gerrit Smith, of Peterboro, N. Y., and located at Florence, Oneida 
Co., N. Y., under the name of Florence Manual Labor Institute. From 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 637 

this institution Mr. Mott went directly to Erie County, Penn., where he 
studied law; was admitted to the bar of the several courts of that State, 
including the Supreme Court and the United States District Court for the 
"Western District of Pennsylvania. Ke opened an office in Erie in 1838, and 
continued the same until the' spring of 1844, when he removed directly to 
Upper Sandusky, Ohio, where he has ever since resided. At the organiza- 
tion of the new county of "Wyandot, in April, 1845, he was elected Prose- 
cuting Attorney, and again elected at the October election in 1845, for the 
full term of two years, and after two years' service he resigned his office, 
and M.. H. Kirby succeeded thereto by appointment. In 1849, Mr. Mott 
was elected County Auditor, and re-elected in 1851; his second term ex- 
pired in March, A. D. 1854. In 1857, he was elected by the counties of 
Hardin and "Wyandot their representative in the General Assembly of the 
State, in which body he served daring its sessions of 1858 and 1859. De- 
clining to be a candidate for a second term, he continued the practice of 
his profession in connection with his partner, Hon. John Berry, now de- 
ceased, until 1865, when he was again elected to the office of Prosecuting 
Attorney of his county, just twenty years after his first election to the same 
office, but, before the expiration of this latter term, he was obliged to re- 
sign the same, to assume the duties of Judge of the Court of Common 
Pleas of the Third Judicial District of the State, embracing twenty coun- 
ties, being the largest territorial district of the State, and then embracing 
four subdivisions. Judge Mott was elected in the fourth subdivision, com- 
posed of the counties of "Wyandot, Crawford, Seneca and Hancock, for the 
term of five years, expiring February 9, 1872, since which time his atten- 
tion has been turned to his professional pursuits. He was several times 
elected to the office of Mayor of Upper Sandusky, and for several years 
served as Councilman and a member of the Board of Education. Mr. 
Mott was married May 17, 1838, to Eleanor Chase, daughter of Briton and 
Eleanor (Carr) Chase, natives of New Lebanon, Columbia Co., N. Y. 
They have two married daughters now living — Harriett E., wife of James 
M. Orr, and Ella C, wife of S. A. Magruder. Judge Mott has spent many 
years in the public service and for the public good, and his long official 
career has been characterized by its integrity, intelligence and firm adher- 
ence to principle under all circumstances. 

JAMES N. NELSON, Coroner, Upper Sandusky, is a native of Beaver 
County, Penn., born September 10, 1831, son of William A. and Isabel 
(Patty) Nelson, natives of Lancaster Co., Penn. They had nine children, of 
whom but four are now living— Maiy, George, Katie and James. The 
father died in Cleveland, Ohio, April 10, 1844, aged tifty-foiu* years. 
James Nelson removed with ' his parents to Cleveland, and attended 
the schools of that city. In 1849, he removed to Pittsburgh and en- 
gaged in steamboating till 1856 or 1857, when he located in Upper 
Sandusky. At the beginning of the civil war he enlisted at the first 
call for volunteers in April, 1861, taking part in several skirmishes. 
September 1, 1861, he re-enlisted in Company D, Eighty-first Regiment 
Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Capt. P. A. Tyler in command of company and 
Col. Thomas Morton commanding the regiment. He was engaged in the 
battles of Shiloh, Corinth, luka, Mission Ridge, Lookout Mountain, Sec- 
ond Corinth, and joined Sherman's army at the siege of Atlanta. Being 
seized by sickness at the latter place, he was taken back to Paducah. trans- 
ferred to Nashville and finally to Taylor Hospital, Louisville, where he was 
placed on a hospital boat and sent to St. Louis, where he was discharged 

25 



638 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

September 9, 1864. He returned home with health impaired, and has since 
engaged in various kinds of light labor. Mr. Nelson was married, in Upper 
Sandusky, January 14, 1858, to Amanda Chambers. They have one child — 
Lizzie Belle, now the wife of Frank L. Cross. Our subject is at present 
serving as Coroner of the county, and is a member of the G. A. R. He 
owns a valuable residence on Sandusky avenue, and votes the Democratic 
ticket. 

MICHAEL O'DONNEL, restaurant and saloon proprietor, was born in 
Ireland November 18, 1839, and emigrated to America in 1853, settling near 
Newport, R. I. He engaged in farm labor in that locality about two 
years, removing to Clark County, Ohio, in 1855; engaged in farming 
and teaming till 1862. After spending some time in various enterprises, he 
began the restaurant and saloon business in Up})er Sandusky in 1869, and 
in this he is still engaged. By strict attention to business has accumulated 
considerable property. He was married, February 15, 1869, to Catharine 
Haley, daughter of John and Margaret Haley, natives of Ireland, who came 
to America in 1847 and 1848 respectively. Nine children have resulted 
from this marriage, seven living — John, born February .12, 1870; Simeon, 
September 6, 1871; Margaret, August 26, 1873; James C, December 27, 
1876; Michael, February 2], 1879; Thomas A. , March 11, 1881, and George, 
August 31, 1883. The deceased are Mary, born May 2, 1882, died Septem- 
ber 2, 1882; Michael, born January 20, 1876, died July, 1876. Catharine, 
the mother, was born in Urbana, Ohio, November 9, 1853. Mr. O'Donnel 
has served four years as city Councilman and manifests a great interest in 
local politics, voting for Democratic principles. 

PETER FEIFER, manufacturer of and dealer in boots and shoes. North 
Main street. Upper Sandusky, was born in Germany, July 22, 1835. He 
emigrated to America, in 1852, settling in Philadelphia, where he learned 
his trade and resided eighteen years, removing to Upper Sandusky in 1870. 
He was educated in the German language in Germany. On arriving in 
Upper Sandusky he engaged with Michael Katzenmaier, with whom he re- 
mained three years, at the expiration of which he began the boot and shoe 
business in his present location. He employs two assistants the year around, 
and carries a stock of $2,000. He was married in Philadelphia, November 
1, 1862, to Mary Kessler, her parents former residents of the above city, 
both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Kessler have two childi-en — Anna T., born 
February 17, 1864, and Emma L., born June 10, 1865. Mrs. Peifer was 
born in Germany, February 6, 1839, and emigrated to America in 1846. 
Mr. Peifer owns a valuable property on Seventh street where he resides. 
Himself and family are associated with the German Reform Church, to which 
he is a liberal contributor. Politically Mr. Peifer is a Democrat. 

HENRY PETERS, son of Samuel and Mary (Stevenson) Peters, and one 
of the oldest and most honored pioneers of this county, was born in York 
County, Penn., October 1, 1796. His father was born in Philadelphia, 
September 27, 1772, and died September 10, 1829. Mary, his wife, was 
born in Baltimore County, Md., September 28, 1773, and died February 15, 
1861. They were married in Maryland, and removed from that State to 
Ohio April 1, 1812, locating in Fairfield County. They were the parents 
of thirteen children, eleven of whom still sui'vive, the youngest being in his 
sixty-seventh year. Their names are as follows: Henry, Robinson J., Wesly, 
Rachel, Stevenson, Andrew, Leah, Mary, Lewis, Elizabeth and Ebenezer. 
Henry Peters, the eldest of the family and the subject of this sketch, ob- 
tained but a limited education, attending school but three months in Man- 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 639 

Chester, Md. He removed to Ohio with his parents and at the age of sixteen 
left the paternal roof to engage in blacksmithing at Zanesville, Ohio. He 
was here engaged eighteen months with Phillip Munch, after which time, 
by the assistance of his father, he purchased a set of tools and began work- 
ing at his trade on his father's farm, in Fairfield County. He remained 
at this point two years, at the expiration of which time he had saved $107 
and paid for his outfit. In 1820, he bade adieu to his parents and brothers, 
and, with 1107 in money and all his other worldly effects in a small sack 
strapped to his back, he started for Upper Sandusky, arriving at his desti- 
nation in April, 1820, only to find a reservation of Indians. Changing his 
plans he returned to Marion County, and witnessed the sale of the land now 
lying within the corporate limits of Marion. About the same time Mr. 
Peters and Judge Ozias Bowen, about 1829, purchased a quarter section of 
land which they divided, Mr. Peters taking the west part and subsequently 
laying out what is now the southern portion of Marion. He here engaged 
in his trade until 1829, when he and Thomas Sloan purchased forty 
head of horses and took them on foot to Philadelphia, selling them at a 
profit of $1,300. They then purchased a stock of general merchandise at 
a cost of $2,700, " wagoned " it over the mountains and opened a store in 
Marion on the exact ground now occupied by T. P. Wallace's bank. This 
partnership existed one year, during which time they dealt largely in horses, 
taking three droves to Eastern markets with financial success. In 1830, the 
partnership was dissolved, Mr. Peters having accumulated $3,000 up to that 
date. He resided in Marion twenty-six years, during which time he col- 
lected $20,000, and removed to Upper Sandusky in 1846. He purchased 
land at the first Government sale in 1844, and at each subsequent sale until 
the reservation was disposed of. 800 acres were procured at a cost of 
$2 per acre. At present Mr. Peters is the owner of 500 acres of well-im- 
proved land, valued at $100 per acre; he also owns valuable property in 
Marion and Allen Counties. He was married, April 12, 1829, to Phoebe 
Anderson, daughter of H. Anderson of North Carolina. She was born 
March 6, 1807. But one child resulted from this union, her name being 
Corrilla A., born May 10, 1830; her death occurred in May, 1850. When 
twenty years of age, Mr. Peters declined the office of Associate Judge on 
account of extreme youth, favoring Judge Idleman, who was elected. He 
has declined several other prominent offices, but served as Coroner three 
years in Marion; was a stock- holder and Director of the Pittsburgh, Fort 
Wayne & Chicago Railroad three years, and has contributed largely to 
the interests of Upper Sandusky. He has reared ten children, including 
his only daughter, and all have died at about the age of twenty yeai's ex- 
cept four. lu politics Mr. Peters is independent, voting for the principle 
and not for the party. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
and contributed $2,200 to the erection of the present church building in 
Upper Sandusky. As a worthy representative pioneer of the county, we 
give the portrait of Mr. Peters on another page of this volume. 

HENRY W. PETERS, of the firm of King & Peters, dry goods mer- 
chants, was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, April 25,1840, son of Lewis S. 
and Margaret (Retter) Peters, both natives of Ohio, and of English and 
German extraction. They were married in Pickaway County, and were the 
parents of seven children, four now living — Mary, Henry W., Samuel R., 
and Wilson L. The deceased were Lucinda, Francis and Mattie. The 
mother departed this life in Pickaway County in 1861, aged about forty-two 
years. The father, Lewis Peters, still survives, residing at the "old home" 



640 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

in Pickaway, aged sixty-seven years. Henry W. Peters, the subject of this 
notice, was reared on the farm, and shared the advantages of the district 
schools till his sixteenth year, when he entered the Ohio Wesleyan Univer- 
sity, taking a classical course and graduating in 1862. He subsequently 
devoted two years to teaching and farming, and in May, 1864, enlisted as 
private in Company E, One Hundred and Fifty-fifth Eegiment Ohio Na- 
tional Guards. On the organization of his company he was made its Cap- 
tain, his regiment being mostly engaged in patrol duty, stationed at Mar- 
tinsburg, City Point and Norfolk, Va. He was honorably discharged at 
Camp Deoison, Ohio, September 10, 1864, and returued home. In April, 
1865, he purchased 180 acres of land in this county, aud in October of the 
same- year moved upon the same, engaging in agricultural pursuits from 
that time till 18S3, when he purchased J. W. Foucht's interest in the dry 
goods store of Foucht & King, and began the mercantile business under the 
firm name of King & Peters. The marriage of Mr. Peters to Mary M. 
White, daughter of the Rev. John W. and Ann C. (Williamn) White, oc- 
curred March 22, 1866. They have four children, as follows: Fred W., 
born March 8, 1867; Earl H, August 8, 1869; Orrin R., February 4, 1871; 
and Avery W. , May 16, 1877. Mrs. Peters was born February 4, 1835, a 
native of Marietta, Ohio. Mr. Peters is a member of the Knights of Honor, 
the G. A. R. and the Methodist Episcopal Church — of the latter organiza- 
tion since his twelfth year. 

DAVID S. PETERSON, Supervisor of Subdivision 4, P., Ft. W. & C. 
Railroad, was born in Carroll County, Ohio, October 4, 1826; son of Will- 
iam and Jane (White) Peterson, natives of Jefferson County, Ohio, and 
Westmoreland County, Penn., respectively. They ware married in Jeffer- 
son County, and were the parents of thirteen children, twelve attaining their 
majority. After several changes in their placid of residence, the family 
located in Adams County, Ind. , where the mother died in 1875, aged seventy- 
five years; her husband, William, survived till 1879, and died at Ada, 
Hardin Co., Ohio, aged eighty-two years. David Peterson, our subject, 
was reared on a farm in Carrol County, where he obtained a common school 
education. In 1843, he removed to Indiana with his parents, and engaged 
in farming and carpenter's work till 1852, at which time he became an em- 
ploye of the Ohio & Indiana Railroad Company, with which he has since 
been connected, with the exception of one and one half years on the Wabash 
Railroad. In 1867, he received his appointment on the P., Ft. W. & C. 
Railway, and this position he still holds. Mr. Peterson was married August 
20, 1850, to Harriet McDowell, of Carroll County, Ohio. They had four chil- 
dren — Hugh, Sarah J., Laura A. and William L. The death of Mrs. Peter- 
son, the mother, occurred, and Mr. Peterson was again married at Fort 
Wayne, Ind., to Amanda E. Zook, of Wayne County, Ohio. Jay E., their 
only living son, was born in December, 1874; three children under three 
years of age are deceased. 

DELILAH PIERSON, widow of the late Christopher Pierson, was born 
in Frederick County, Md., October 18, 1807. She was the second child of 
Joseph and Magdalene (Smith) Groif, who were natives of Maryland, and 
who reared a family of eight children, five of whom still survive — Zebulum, 
Delilah. Hezekiah, Joseph and Mary, the latter now the wife of James Rob- 
erts. The inother, Magdalene, departed this life about 1831, but the father, 
Joseph, survived till June 10, 1873, his demise occurring at the house of his 
daughter, Mrs. Pierson, on Sandusky avenue, Upper Sandusky. Mrs. Pier- 
son removed with her parents from Maryland to Seneca County, Ohio, be- 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 641 

fore her mai'ria^e. She began her united life with Christopher Pierson 
September 23, 1833, their marriage occurring near Tiffin, Ohio. Their 
children were Naomi, born October G, 1834; Tottie, March 6, 18-10; Matilda 
L., May 15, 1843; Joseph, May 20, 1849; and Cora L., November 1, 1854, 
all now (1884) living. Mary A. was boi'n February 1, 1837, and died Octo- 
ber 30, 1856; Emeline was born August 24, 1838, and died September 12, 
1841; Charles D., born December 25, 1845, and died May 2, 1878. Their 
father, Christopher Y., was a son of Joseph and Charity (Youngs) Pierson, 
who were natives of Sussex County, N. J., where he was born in 1809. He 
was reared to manhood in his native county, and on arriving at that state in 
life he came West and settled at Tiffin. In 1842, he removed with his family 
to Upper Sandusky, where he engaged in hotel keeping, a business to which 
he was itost admirably adapted. In 1847, he erected the brick building 
known as the Pierson House, and through all his life was a citizen of great 
value to his community — always energetic, active and enterprising. He 
amassed a considerable fortune, and was perhaps the most widely known of 
any citizen of Upper Sandusky. He was identified with most of the business 
and public interests of his resident town up to the date of his decease, and 
those who shared his acquaintance or hospitality, either as landlord or pri- 
vate citizen, bear ample testimony as to his genial and generous nature. 
He died at his home in Upper Sandusky, December 31, 1876, aged sixty- 
seven years. Mrs. Pierson is still living, and enjoying fair health for one 
of her years. 

JAMES M. POOL, farmer, was born in Richland County, Ohio, January 
11, 1823. His parents are William and Elizabeth (Harris) Pool, natives of 
Pennsylvania and New Jersey respectively, and of English parentage. They 
were married in Washington County, Penn., and had eleven children; the 
four living are Mary, Annie, James M. and William H. They removed 
to Knox County, Ohio, in 1809, and to Richland in 1811, where he entered 
160 acres of land, on which he resided till his death, November 30, 1846. 
He was born October 30, 1787; his wife was born March 19, 1787 and died 
in Mansfield, Oliio, June 16, 1863. James M. Pool grew up in his native 
county and engaged in carpentering and farming, removing to this county 
in 1850 and settling on his present farm, paying $7.50 per acre. He now 
owns 140 acres, provided with excellent buildings and valued at |90 per 
acre. Being a member of Company A, One Hundred and Forty-fourth 
Ohio National Guards, his company was called into service in May, 1864; 
he participated in the skirmish at Berryville, Va., where he was captured, 
but made his escape into the Union lines on a Confederate mule; he was 
also in several skirmishes prior to this, and was discharged September 2, 
1864. Mr. Pool was married in Richland County, Ohio, November 4, 1847, 
to Mary E. Hartupee, daughter of William and Rachel (Logan) Hartupee, 
natives of New Jersey and Pennsylvania respectively; the latter born in 
Washington County, Penn., April 29, 1799. She was married to William 
HartujDee November 11, 1819, and moved with him to Ohio in April, 1822. 
settling in Richland County. They had twelve children. Their son. Rev. 
G. H. Hartupee, D.D.. is an active and efficient member of the Northern 
Ohio Conference. Mrs. Hartupee died January 19, 1879. Her husband is 
still a resident of Richland County, in his eighty-eighth year. Mr. and 
Mrs. Pool have had eleven children, nine surviving: William F., born July 
23, 1848; Emma E., October 7, 1850; Weller B., September 7, 1854; Al- 
bert H, November 6, 1856; Ora B., February 22, 1859; Elmer E., March 
18, 1861; James C, August 6, 1863; Frank L., November 5, 1865; Havley 



642 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

A., December 24, 1868, The deceased were Candace A., born March 7, 
1855, died October 8, 1855, and an infant. Mrs. Pool was born in Rich- 
land County November 17, 1827. 

WILLIAM F. POOL, son of James M. and Mary E. Pool, was born in 
Richland County, Ohio, July 23, 1848. He came to this county in 1851, 
and settled in Crane Township with his parents, where they still reside. 
Mr. Pool obtained a good education in the public schools, closing his liter- 
ary pursuits at the age of twenty-tive. He began teaching at the age of 
nineteen and continued at intervals in that profession for eight years. In 
1872, he began the study of law under the instruction of Henry Maddux, of 
Upper Sandusky, and was admitted to the bar to practice in Common Pleas 
Courts in 1874. He was engaged one year in the High School of Upper 
Sandusky, and began the practice of the legal profession in 1875, which 
occupation he has since continued to pursue. He first formed a partner- 
ship with George G. Bowman, which existed eighteen months, and subse- 
quently practiced one year with Adam Kail, this partnership being dissolved 
by the death of Mr. Kail in December, 1881. Since the above date he has 
continued his profession independently, and has established a fair practice. 
Mr. Pool was married March 16, 1874, to Anna Eaton, daughter of James 
and Oresta Eaton, and three children have been born to them: Barley E., 
born February 14, 1876; James C, October 11, 1877; and Howard L., 
July 10, 1880. Mr. Pool is an energetic business man, and in politics, a 
stanch Republican. 

JOHN RAGON, one of the oldest pioneers of this locality, -was born in 
Ross County, Ohio, May 7, 1807. He is a son of Eli and Rebecca (Stew- 
art) Ragon, the former a native of Maryland, and the latter of Virginia, of 
Irish and English parentage. Of their nine children but three survive — 
John, Ealey and Eli. The father was born July 30, 1778, and died in 
Warren County, 111., April 9, 1856; the mother was born April 9, 1784, 
and died July 30, 1856, John Ragon came to this county with his parents 
in 1827, and settled among the Indians of Tymochtee Township, where he 
worked by the month for a number of years. In 1842, he removed to Crane 
Township, where he was elected Justice of the Peace, serving eighteen 
years. In 1859, he was elected Land Appraiser, and in 18 — , lacked but 
seventeen votes of election as County Treasurer. Mr. Ragon owns 100 
acres of well- improved land valued at $75 an acre, and has been a success- 
ful farmer. Our subject was married January 22, 1829, to Elizabeth Dud- 
dleson, a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, born October 20, 1807, and 
daughter of Ralph and Catharine (Bush) Duddleson, the former a native 
of Maryland, born July 24, 1768, and died October 6, 1848; the latter was 
born in Virginia, August 15, 1775, and died May 29, 1833; both deaths 
occurring in this county. Of twelve children born to Mr. and Mrs. Ragon 
nine survive— William M., born March 8, 1830; Eli P., December 3, 1831; 
Irene, April 18, 1834; Henry H., March 8, 1837; Mary J., September 17, 
1838; Eliza A.. February 22, 1840; Lydia M., April 14, 1841; George W., 
March 28, 1843; and Harvey B., February 24, 1845. The deceased are 
Julia, born June 16, 1833, died June 30, 1833; Rebecca, born September 
17, 1835, died October, 1836; Albert, born November 2, 1847, died Octo- 
ber 1, 1848. His four sons, Eli, Henry H., George W. and Harvey, all 
served in the late war: Eli B, was First Lieutenant of Company A, One 
Hundred and Forty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Henry H. was Lieuten- 
ant of Company H, Fifty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served two years. 
He then returned home, and in 1864, raised a company for the One Hun- 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 643 

dred and Forty-fourth Regiment, and was subsequently made Captain of 
Company A, of said regiment. Harvey B. was taken prisoner three days 
before Lee's surrender, and was afterward compelled by hunger to eat raw 
corn that had previously done service as food for the mules. Mr. Ragon's 
father was also a soldier, and served in the war of 1812. 

JOHN F. RIESER was born in Baden, Germany, December 31, 1837. 
He emigrated to the United States in 1846, locating in this county, where 
his parents purchased lands on which they resided till his father's death, 
which occurred in 1875. His parents, John G. and Reginia Rieser, had 
five children: John G., Mary A., Sophia, Caroline and John F. The latter 
enlisted in Company K, Fifty-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, 
October 17, 1861, and participated in the battles of Cross Keys, Cedar Mount- 
ain, Shenandoah Valley, Bull Run, second, Chancel lorsvi lie, Gettysburg and 
several skirmishes. He was color bearer of his regiment during the Gettys- 
burg campaign. He was transported to the Western army, subsequently 
taking part in the engagements at Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge; veter- 
anized in January, 1864, taking part in all the battles of the Atlanta cam- 
paign and with Sherman to the sea, witnessed the Grand Review at Wash- 
ington, and was discharged at Louisville, Ky., July 20, 1865, having served 
nearly four years. Mr. Rieser enlisted as private, but was soon after pro- 
moted to Fourth Sergeant, then to First Sergeant, latter to Commissary Ser- 
geant, and finally commissioned First Lieutenant, April 20, 1865. At the 
close of the war Mr. Rieser returned home and has since devoted his atten- 
tion to agricultural pursuits and stock-raising on the old homestead. He 
was married, March 18, 1859, to Nancy Ewing, daughter of Samuel and 
Christina (Mason) Ewing. and ten children were born to them — four living: 
George W., born November 9, 1860; Minnie, April 18, 1866; Anna, Feb- 
ruary, 1868; and Harry S., December 11, 1870. Mr. Rieser is a Republican. 
He has been a member of the F. & A. M. twenty-one years, and is the pres- 
ent Worshipful Master of the lodge (Warpole No. 176), and has attained 
the Knight Templar degree. At "Marion, Ohio, was the first Post Com- 
mander of Robins, Post No. 91, and is a member of the Presbyterian 
Church. Mr. Rieser was appointed Postmaster at Upper Sandusky, Feb- 
ruary 26, 1884, and assumed the duties of his office on the 1st of the fol- 
lowing April. 

JAMES G. ROBERTS is a descendant of a Quaker gentleman of that 
name, who came to America with William Penn, in 1682, and settled with 
Penn's Colony in the vicinity of Philadelphia, Penn. He purchased a 
large tract of land near Philadelphia, which, in 1876 formed part of the 
Centennial Grounds. He was an ardent Quaker, as all his descendants 
have been excepting two families. The Roberts were prominent in 
England and were wealthy, but it being at a very remote date the 
American descendants have never derived any benefit from that wealth. 
James P. Roberts, the father of the subject of this sketch, and a direct 
descendant of Penn's colonist, above mentioned, was born in Philadelphia, 
in 1781. He was a tailor by trade,' and when twenty-five years of age he 
went to Sussex County, N. J., where he married Miss Hannah Bell, a mem- 
ber of a Scotch-Irish family, and in 1806, removed to New York City. To 
them were born twelve children, all in New Jersey, except the eldest, who 
was born in the city of New York. James P. Roberts with his wife and 
eight younger children removed from Sussex County, N. J., in 1835, and 
settled in Richland County, Ohio. In 1838, he removed to Knox County, 
where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1861 or 1862, at the 



644 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

age of eighty-two years. His wife died also in Knox County, Ohio. 
James G. Roberts was born near Newton, Sussex Co., N. J., December 3, 
1825. Until fifteen years old he had attended the common schools and the 
Academy at Fredericktown. Ohio. He then became a clerk in the store of 
Messrs. Struble & Roberts, of Fredericktown, and continued in their 
employ for five years, thus acquiring a thorough knowledge of the mercan- 
tile business. In 1845, he began portrait painting, under the instruction 
of Prof. Van Sickle, and continued to be so employed vintil 1846, when on 
the 5th day of June, of that year he came to Upper Sandusky. He aban- 
doned the occupation of painting in March, 1848, and assumed the duties 
of Deputy Auditor, of Wyandot County, under Samuel M. Worth. He 
remained in the Auditor's office two years. He then engaged in the drug 
business with Joshua Cross, under the name of Cross & Roberts. At the 
close of one year, Mr. Roberts sold his interest to Dr. H. P. Roberts, and 
embarked in the dry goods trade with George P. Nelson, under the firm 
name of Roberts & Nelson. One year later he purchased Nelson's interest, 
and did business alone two years, at the end of which time he admitted 
Joseph H. Groff" as a partner. The firm of Roberts & Groff continued as 
one of the leading dry goods firms in the town until 1859, when Mr. 
Roberts, having sold his interest in the store to F. W. Martin, retired from 
the mercantile business. The business of Roberts & Groff was conducted 
from 1854, by Mr. Groff alone, Mr. Roberts, meanwhile devoting his atten- 
tion to the banking interests of Harper, Ayres, Roberts & Co., of which he 
was a partner. In 1858, he, with Joseph H. Groff, erected the Upper San- 
dusky Steam Flouring Mills, now owned by James Kerr & Son. Mr. Rob- 
erts remained in the bank until the fall of 1859, when he took charge of 
the mills, and conducted them till March, 1863. Soon after he accepted a 
position in the then newly-organized First National Bank, and subsequently 
was elected Cashier, a position he still occupies (see history of Upper San- 
dusky for sketch of that bank). He disposed of his interest in the flouring 
mills, in 1866. He was also prominent in the organization of the Wyandot 
County Agricultural Society, and the Upper Sandusky Gas Light Company. 
Never an aspirant for office, yet he has served two years as Mayor, and four 
or five years as Village Councilman. He was a Democrat until 1862, when 
he became a Republican. During the late war he rendered effective service 
as President of the County Military Committee. The town has almost 
entirely been built up since his advent here, and every public enterprise 
and improvement has secured his cordial support. He came here without 
capital, and by his excellent and honorable business management has 
acquired a handsome competency. In 1867, he erected an elegant two-story 
and basement brick dwelling, at the corner of Sandusky Avenue and South 
street, at a cost of |16,000. He also owns much other valuable real estate 
in this town and county. He was married November 16, 1848, to Mary 
A., daughter of Joseph Groff, a pioneer of Seneca County, Ohio, and for- 
merly of Frederick County, Md. Mrs. Roberts was born near Emmittsburgh, 
Frederick Co., Md. Their only child, Mary A., was born June 16, 1850, 
and died July 10, of the same year. However, Mr. Roberts has raised 
and educated six foster children, all of whom are married. 

GOTTLEIB H. ROPPOLD, upholsterer and manufacturer, was born in 
Wittenburg, Germany, November 10, 1838, son of Gottlieb and Louisa 
(ShuUe) Roppold. natives of Germany, in which country they were mar- 
ried. They emigrated to America in 1839, settling in Lancaster, Penn., 
and after several removals, located in this county in 1848. They were the 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 645 

parents of eight children, three only now living, namely; Leonard, Rosenna 
and Gottlieb. The latter, the subject of this sketch, was educated in the 
public schools of Upper Sandusky, and at the age of sixteen was apprenticed 
to the baker's trade, engaging in this occupation until 1860, and subsequently 
being employed as cook on the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway 
one year. He was engaged in the bakery and grocery business from 1862 to 
1865; in the hardware business four years, with J. A. Godfrey & Co. ; returning 
September 19, 1868, engaged as salesman in the hardware business three 
years for Hale & Kirby; in 1871, he opened up an establishment in the 
queensware trade, continuing one year; engaged in the manufacture of 
carriages and buggies six months during the year 1873. In 1874, Mr. Rop- 
pold again engaged in the grocery trade, continuing four years. He began 
the upholstering business in 1877, in connection with his grocery, but dis 
posed of the latter in 1878, since which time he has devoted his entire atten- 
tion to the u.pholstering business. He has acquired considerable property, 
owning his present business I'oom and lot, valued at $3,400, and his resi- 
dence, valued at $3,000. He does an extensive business, employing five 
workman during the entire year. Mr. Gottlieb Roppold was married in 
Upper Sandusky, to Miss Catharine Veith, April 1, 1862, and seven children 
have been born to them — five living, viz. : Ella M., born October 8, 1862 ; 
William G., March 24, 1866; John, January 22, 1868; Clara O., August 
19, 1869; Julia, July 7, 1871. The deceased were an infant and Minnie 
C, born October 26, 1864, died August 13, 1882. The death of Mrs. Rop- 
pold occurred February 1, 1873. In 1875, May 22, Mr. Roppold was mar- 
ried to Miss Bertha Miller, her parents residents of Peru, Ind. Four chil- 
dren are the result of this marriage, but one living, Joseph O., born Sep- 
tember 7, 1878. The deceased were Anna I., born July 17, 1876. died 
September 21, 1880; Ralph A., born March 29. 1877, died August 10, 1877; 
Jennie A., born May 22, 1881, died October 22, 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Rop 
pold are both members of the German Lutheran Church. 

WILLIAM R. SALTSMAN was born in Upper Sandusky, August 20, 
1847; son of Geoi-ge W. and Harriet (Robbins) Saltsman, natives of Penn- 
sylvania and Massachusetts respectively; they were married in Seneca 
County, Ohio, and were the parents of three children, our subject being the 
only one surviving. The deceased are Mary and an infant; the former died 
when about four years of age. George W., the father, removed to Upper 
Sandusky prior to 1845, and was extensively engaged at intervals in pack- 
ing pork for fifteen years. He was identilied with most of the enterprises 
of the city in an early day, and acqu.ired considerable property as a result 
of his labors. He was an honored member of the F. & A. M. and I. O. O. 
F., in which societies he took an active interest. Harriet, his wife, departed 
this life in 1852, he joined her in " the realm of shade " October 15. 1876, 
aged sixty years. William R. Saltsman, our subject, was educated in the 
public schools of his native town, supplementing this knowledge by one 
year's study at Hayesville College and a commercial course in Cleveland, 
in 1865. He subsequently engaged in the packing business with his father 
for a number of years, and has acquired valuable town property through 
his efforts. He was married March 1, 1870, to Miss Letitia Frederick, 
daughter of Joseph and Barbara Frederick, and three children: Nellie, 
George W. and Hattie have been born to them. 

HON. JOHN D. SEARS, of Upper Sandusky, Ohio, is a direct descend- 
ant of one of the Pilgrim fathers — men whose deeds, and whose desperate 
struggle for existence, in midwinter on the bleak shores of Massachusetts, 



646 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

have since been emblazoned in history, and made the theme of many an 
entertaining song and story. Thus, as early as the year 1632, Richard Sears, 
a native of old England, and the progenitor of a large majority of the Searses 
of America, was a tax-paying inhabitant of Plymouth, Mass. Subsequently, 
he became a resident of Yarmouth, on Cape Cod, vrhere he passed the re- 
mainder of his days, and where many of his descendants are yet living. 
At an early day, however, a branch of the family settled in Connecticut, 
where Benjamin Sears, the grandfather of John JD. Sears, was born. The 
former married in the State of bis birth, and soon after removed to Greene 
County, N. Y. He was the father of seven children, of whom Elkanab was 
the eldest child and son. While the latter was quite young, Benjamin, the 
father, made another change of residence, and settled in Delaware County, 
N. Y. , where Elkanah Sears grew to manhood and mai'ried Miss Desiar 
Phelps, a native of Connecticut. To them were born in Delaware County, 
N. Y., four children — John D., the subject of this article; Benjamin, a 
present resident of Bucyrus, Ohio; Ai'minda, now Mrs. Nicholson of East 
Rockport, Ohio, and Cyrus, who is also a resident of Ohio — Wyandot 
County. Accompanied by his wife and the children just named, Elkanah 
Sears removed, in 1836, from Meredith, Delaware County, N. Y., to Ohio, 
and early in the next year settled on a farm near Bucyriis, where in peace 
and comfort he passed many years. His wife died in 1872. Since that time 
he has resided with his daughter, Mrs. Nicholson, at East Rockport, Ohio, 
and is now nearly ninety years of age. 

John D. Sears, the subject of this notice, was born in Delaware 
County, N. Y. , February 2, 1821, and thus was in his sixteenth year when 
he became a resident of Crawford County, Ohio. In 1838, he entered 
the Ohio University at Athens, as a student, and diligently pursued his 
studies in that institution, for a period of three years. Afterward he taught 
school for one year in the town of McConnellsville, Ohio. He then returned 
to Bucyrus, and taught for several months, and at the same time began the 
study of law, under the instructions of Hon. Josiah Scott, later a Judge of 
the Supreme Court of the State of Ohio. In 1844, he was admitted to the 
bar, and began to practice law with his preceptor, under the firm name of 
Scott & Sears. Soon after the erection of Wyandot County, but before its 
organization, Mr. Sears deemed it advisable to establish an office for the 
practice of his profession in the chief town of the new county. Hence, on 
March 3, 1845, he became a resident of Upper Sandusky — a town which 
has since been his continuous place of abode. During all these years he 
has ever taken an active part in promoting the prosperity of the town, as 
well as that of the whole county of Wyandot. He has not been an office- 
seeker, but has given his principal attention to the practice of his profes- 
sion, in which he has been eminently successful. He is still an active and 
very prominent member of the bar, and is regarded as one of the most 
sound and able lawyers in Northwestern Ohio. Notwithstanding his aver- 
sion to office holding, he served some twelve or fifteen years as school 
examiner for Wyandot County, and two terms as Mayor of the town, which 
has entirely grown up under his personal observation. In 1873, he was 
elected a member of the third State Constitutional Convention, which as- 
sembled at Columbus, Ohio, during the summer of that year. He served on 
many important committees, and was recognized as an able and accomplished 
member of that gifted body. Possessing fine literary tastes, and a true ap- 
preciation of the value of rare books, etc., he has also found time, during 
an active professional career, to gather an extensive library of choice and 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 647 

costly volumes, complete tiles of county newspapers, and a large and varied 
assortment of archseological specimens, in the possession of which, as would 
most men,, he evinces a pardonable pride. Quiet and unassuming in his 
manners, yet ever frank and genial, he has won and retains the esteem 
and respect of all who know him. In his domestic relations he is 
most happy. He was married in 1847, to Miss Frances E. Manley, of Up- 
per Sandusky. Their only child, Clai'a, is the wife of Pliny Watson, a 
wholesale grocer of Toledo, Ohio. Mr. Sears was a Whig, until that party 
ceased to exist. Since he has been a consistent, but liberal and independ- 
ent member of the Republican party. His elegant residence, southwest 
corner of Eighth and Johnston streets, was built in 1852. It is surrounded 
by spacious, shaded, well-kept grounds, and, taken as a whole, affords a fair 
index of the gentlemanly instincts and tastes of its owner. 

JOHN SEIDER, of the firm of Seider & Ludwig, carriage manufac- 
turers, was born in Wittenburg, Germany, March 31, 1833. He is the son 
of Jacob and Catharine Seider, the former being accidentally killed in his 
native country in 1837. John Seider emigrated to America with his mother 
and six children in 1852, and located in Upper Sandusky. He acquired a 
knowledge of carriage-making in Germany, and on settling in Upper San- 
dusky, engaged with William Barringer at $6 per month, remaining in his 
employ four years. At the expiration of this time he began business for 
himself on a capital of $150, manufacturing wagons and ox carts. He 
continued this business nine years, forming a partnership with D. Hale in 
1865, and conducted the business six years under the firm name of Seider & 
Hale. He then pm'chased Mr. Hale's interest, and subsequently admitted 
Frank Beidler; in 1880, Mr. Beidler retired and the partnership of Seider & 
Ludwig was established, which continued till the spring of 1884, when Mr. 
Seidler became the sole owner and proprietor. He employs from fifteen to 
twenty workmen, and does an extensive business, manufacturing wagons, 
carriages and buggies. Mr. Seider estimates his property at about $20,000. 
He was married November 22, 1857, to Rosina Agerter, four children result- 
ing from this union, viz.: Clara V., Minnie B. and Elizabeth. The de- 
ceased was an infant, Harry, who died in 1861. The death of Mrs. Seider 
occurred December 23, 1863, and Mr. Seider was again married January 5, 
1865, to Amelia Meyer, widow of Jacob Meyer, by whom she had one child, 
Louisa A., born in Switzerland, November 24, 1858. She emigrated to 
America with her mother in 1861, then three years of age. By this second 
marriage Mr. Seidler has had five children — four living — John J., Edwin, 
Anna and Alice. Mr. Seidler has served in nearly all the city offices, and 
has been a prominent member of the F. & A. M. since 1872. He is a Dem- 
ocrat, and member of the German Lutheran Charch, and is recognized as 
one of the most successful business men of the city. He is a man of excel- 
lent character, of generous impulses, aiad though always carefully guarding 
his own interests, has never lost an opportunity to lend his aid in enhanc- 
ing the interests of the public generally. 

REV. JOHN W. SENSENY, V. D. M., was born in Carroll County, 
Md., May 12, 1818. He is a son of Christian and Ann (Appier) Senseny, 
his mother being one of the legal heirs to the Hyde Park estate, valued at 
$14,000,000. The father is a native of Germany, the mother of Frederick 
County, Md. Their four children are Alexander H., John W. , Angeline 
(wife of David Heltibridle), and Col. William T. , now of Parkersburg, West 
Va. The father died March 1, 1833; the mother March 5, 1853. John W., 
our subject, was educated in the common schools of Maryland, and while a 



6i8 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

youth learned the carpenters trade, which he engaged in till his removal to 
this county, in 1844. He engaged for a time in manufacturing wagons, 
buggies and farming implements, and then opened up the second dry goods 
store in Upper Sandusky, on Sandusky avenue, following this occupa- 
tion ten years. He settled on his present farm in 1860; he owns thirty 
acres of good land, and is at present engaged in hatching chickens by in- 
cubation — patent process. At the organization of this county Mr. Senseny 
was elected the first Justice of Crane Township, and from all decisions ren- 
dered by him, but two appeals were made to higher courts, and in these his 
decisions were not reversed. He has solemnized many marriages and been 
an active worker in the cause of morality. In 1852 he labored as a local 
minister in Marion and Wyandot Counties, and su.bsequently engaged in 
ministerial work in various places, building a number of Bethels and organ- 
izing a number of societies of the Church of God. Mr. Senseny is a mem- 
ber of the F. & A. M., and was one of the leading workers in the order of 
Sons of Temperance. He was married at Fort Seneca, Ohio, October 17, 
1841, to Ann R. Bell, daughter of Vincent and Rachel BelJ, a native of 
Berks County, Penn., born October 14, 1818. She died July 26, 1864. Mr. 
Sensney was again married, February 28, 1869, to Lovina Coltrin, widow 
of John Coltrin, a native of Lincoln County, Me., born September 13, 
1811, and now is laboring in the holy evangelistic work for the salvation of 
men and the sanctification of believers. 

JOHN SHEALEY, of the firm of Stoll & Co., manufacturers of sash, 
doors, blinds, etc., was born in Liberty Township, Crawford County, Ohio, 
December 27, 1838; son of Philip A. and Elizabeth (Bry) Shealy, natives 
of Germany, who emigrated to America about 1830, and settled in Crawford 
County, where they both died, the mother in 1833, aged about twenty-eight 
years, the father in 1874, aged eighty-six. They were the parents of four 
children, three now living — Mary, Christopher and John. The latter re- 
mained at home, engaged in agricultural pursuits, until twenty years of age, 
at which time he began the carpenters' trade in Bucyrus with Stoll Broth- 
ers, with whom he has since operated either as employe or partner. In 
1868, he established himself in Upper Sandusky, the present firm of Stoll & 
Co., comprised of J. Shealey and J. J. Stoll, being formed in 1881. Mr. 
Shealey was married at Sulphur Springs, Crawford County, April 4, 1861, 
to Lena Hi ley, her father a native of Germany and her mother of Pennsyl- 
vania. Eight children have been born to them, namely : Frank, born March 
1, 1862; Charles F., February 19, 1864; William, September 23, 1866; John 
Edward, June 18, 1869; Emma E., February 13, 18^2; Christian O., Sep- 
tember 22, 1874; George A., October 20. 1877, and Mary E., February 4, 
1880. William died November 16, 1S68; Emma E. passed away March 29, 
1876; and the death of George A. occurred March 8, 1882. Mr. Shealey is 
an independent voter, and with his family is associated with the German 
Lutheran Church. 

HENRY SHULTZ was born in Perry County, Penn., April 4, 1840. 
His parents were Henry and Mary (Meek) Shultz, of German parentage. 
They had six children, four now living — Levi, George, Henry and Catha- 
rine. The parents died in Perry County, Penn. Henry Shultz resided with 
his parents till twenty-three years of age, and then engaged in bridge 
buildiug and general carpenter work till 1868. He then began in agriculture, 
which occupation he has since followed. He purchased his present farm in 
September, 1879, and has made much improvement on the same, now valuing 
it at 175 per acre. He was married November 29, 1868, to Joauna Crane, 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 649 

daughter of James and Electa (Southwick) Crane, natives of Northumber- 
land, England, of English and German ancestry. Mr. and Mrs. Crane were 
tbe parents of five children — Joanna, Medora. John and Mary. The de 
ceased was Arnold, born January 22, 1858, died January 12, 1881. Mrs. 
Shultz was born October 31, 1847, in the old tavern stand on " Battle 
Island," on the Killburn road. She was the first white child born in Crane 
Township. Mr. and Mrs. Shultz are both members of the Church of God. 

ALLEN SMALLEY was born in Ashland County, Ohio, December 26. 
1841. He is a son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Smith) Smalley, also natives of 
this State. His father was the parent of twenty children, seventeen by his 
first marriage. Of this family those still living are Allen; Katie, now Mrs. 
Emmersou; Nan(!y A., widow of William R. Bliss; Matthias A.; Lily, wife 
of Robert Rosendale; Mary. Tracy and Benjamin F. By a second marriage, 
Jacqb W. and William were born. Elizabeth, the mother of our subject, 
died in September, 1870; his father still survives and resides on his farm 
in Crawford Township. Allen Smalley obtained a good education in the 
district schools, finishing his studies in the Ohio Wesleyan University. 
March 3, 1862, he enlisted in Company D, Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteer In- 
fantry, and participated in some of the most spirited skirmishes of the 
times, but was discharged by special order at Nashville, Tenn,, on account 
of temporary disability. He subsequently returned home, taught a term of 
school, and in the spring of 1864 enlisted in the Signal Corps, United States 
Army, and continued therein till the close of the war. He was one of the 
number who participated in the exploits of Admiral Farragut, and Capt. 
Leroy, Commander of the gunboat " Ossipe," running the gantlet between 
the confederate strongholds of Fort Gaines and Ft. Morgan. He partici- 
pated in the capture of the rebel ram "Tennessee." and the reduction of 
Forts Powell, Gaines and JMorgan. He was discharged by special order at 
New Orleans, in November, 1865. In 1866, Mr. Smalley began the study 
of law at the University of Michigan, and in 1868, graduated at that insti- 
tution, being admitted to the bar soon after at Olney, 111., where he opened 
a law office and did business till 1870. He then went to the South and en- 
gaged in the wood and lumber trade one year, and after teaching a winter 
school in Posey County, Ind., removed to Upper Sandusky. He su])erin- 
tended the schools of the latter place one year, and subsequently taught two 
terms at Little Sandusky. In 1874, he was elected Justice of the Peace of 
Crane Township, at Upper Sandusky, and in 1876, was re-elected, serving 
with credit and ability. Mr. Smalley was married September 23, 1868, to 
Ellen Burke, daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Burke, early settlers of this 
county. Of nine children which have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Smalley, 
but four are living, namely: Lily G., born December 29, 1869; Isaac, De 
cember 28, 1870; Lulu, January 9, 1874, and Edwin M., January 26, 1879. 
Mr. Smalley takes an active part in politics, being an enthusiastic Demo- 
crat. He is a member of the A., F.& A. M., the K. of H., Royal Arcanum, 
and G. A. R., being Chaplain of the latter order. He is a Secretary of the 
Agricultural Society and one of its most active members. He is favorably 
known as a man of enterprise and public spirit and is held in high esteem 
by the citizens of the community. He is rapidly advancing in proficiency 
as a lawyer, and is destined to take a place among the first of his profession 
in the near future. 

JACOB W. SMALLEY, M. D., retired physician, was born in Wayne 
County, Ohio, August 30, 1822. He is the son of Richard and Catharine 
(Emmons) Smalley, natives of New Jersey, and of Holland descent. 



650 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

They were the parents of thirteen children, all attaining their majority — 
five living at the present time, viz., Benjamin, Richard, Isaac, Abraham and 
Jacob W. They removed to Wayne County in 1816, Mr. Smalley having 
entered 320 acres of land one year previous, where they resided until his 
death in April, 1845, aged seventy-seven years. Mrs. Smalley died in 1861, 
aged eighty-six years. Dr. Smalley, the subject of this sketch, was brought 
up on the farm, and shared such advantages of education as the district 
schools afforded. He remained at home with his parents until twenty -one 
years of age, at which time he entered college at Ashland, Ohio, taking a 
preparatory course, and beginning the study of medicine at the age of 
twenty-four, under the instruction of Drs. Cook & Maxwell, at Berlin, 
Holmes Co., Ohio. He graduated at the Western Reserve Medical College, 
Cleveland, and began the practice of his profession at Shanesville, Tusca- 
rawas County, forming a partnership with Dr. Strese. He removed to Fred- 
ericksbui'g, Wayne County, in 1818, and in 1862 to Upper Sandusky, where 
he formed a partnership with R. A. Henderson. In 1869, Mr. Smalley 
withdrew from the partnership, and resumed his practice independently, 
continuing the same until 1878, when he retired from the profession. Dr. 
Smalley was married in Fredericksburg, April 15, 1856, to Margaret C. 
Armstrong, nee Porter, daughter of William and Mary (McNeal) Porter, 
early settlers of Holmes County. Mr. Porter was at one time Representa- 
tive of Holmes County; he died about 1839. Mrs. Porter still survives, in 
her eighty-second year, and resides at Peru, Ind. Mr. and Mrs. Smalley 
are the parents of seven children, four now living — William P., born June 
8, 1860; Walter Mc, Januarj^ 19, 1862; Charles E., February 21, 1864; 
Richard E., May 10, 1871. The deceased are: Mary C, born March 13, 
1857, died April 6, 1861; Anna E., September 5, 1858, died March 21, 
1861; Rolla, June 25, 1867, died September 30, 1868. Mrs. Smalley was 
born June 8, 1832. Mr. Smalley has been a member of the F. & A. M. 
since 1847, and was a member of the Upper Sandusky School Board nine 
consecutive years. In politics, he is a strong Republican. 

JAMES SMALLEY was born in Ashland County, Ohio, February 23, 
1823, son of Isaac and Priscilla (Scott) Smalley, natives of New Jersey and 
Ohio respectively. They were the parents of ten children, three now living 
— James, Richard and Henry. The parents both died in Ashland County 
— the father in 1859, aged about one hundred years; the mother in 1874, 
at an advanced age. James Smalley, the subject of this notice, resided at 
the old homestead in Ashland County till his twenty-first year, locating in 
this county in 1843. He engaged in daily labor a number of years, pur- 
chasing his present homestead of eighty acres in 1846, since adding 163 
acres, now valued at $85 per acre. The first tract was purchased for $3.50 
per acre, and with money earned by days' labor at 50 cents per day. Mr. 
Smalley was married, in Eden Township March, 1847, to Catharine Ulrich, 
daughter of Peter C. and Catharine (Bowsher) Ulrich, natives of Maryland, 
and of English and German ancestry. She was born September 5, 1828. 
This marriage was followed by six children, five of whom are living — John 
\V., born March 24, 1852; Catharine A., December 28, 1855; James S. , 
May 15, 1860; Dencie A., January 29, 1865; and Harriet I., December 2, 
1866. The deceased was Amanda, born May 11, 1849, died February 23, 
1871. Mr. Smalley votes in the interest of Democracy, and is well esteemed 
as a citizen. 

JESSE SMALLEY, farmer, was born in Crane Township, this county, 
October 24, 1846, son of Isaac and Margaret (Snyder) Smalley, both deceased, 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 651 

the former during in 1848, the latter in 1862. They were the parents of 
three children — Jesse, Isaac and Sarah J., who died in 1860. Jesse, our 
subject, was reared on the farm, and educated in the district schools of his 
neighborhood. After the death of his father, he took up his residence with 
James B. Alden, with whom he remained till his eightecmth year, at which 
time he enlisted in Company A, Fourteenth Regiment Ohio National Guards, 
and entered the war. He participated in a spirited skirmish with Morgan's 
cavalry at Berryville, though his company was stationed most of the time 
of its service at Raleigh on guard duty. He enlisted May 2, and was dis- 
charged September 4, 1864. He was married, in Upper Sandusky, to Rath 
Cordray, daughter of Andrew and Rachel (Franklin) Cordray, December 
29, 1870, and two children have been born to them — Robert Mc. , born 
October 8, 1871, and Joel G., November 7, 1877. Mrs. Smalley was born 
in Salem Township July 30, 1849. Mr. Smalley has always engaged in 
agricultural pui-suits, and now owns eighty acres of land, valued at $75 
per acre. In politics, he favors the Republican school. 

JOSEPH M. SMITH, one of the most prominent farmers of this town- 
ship, was born in Seneca County, Ohio, December 28, 1832. He is a so.x 
of Daniel and Mary (Duddleson) Smith, the former a native of Connecticut, 
the latter of Fairfield County, Ohio. They came to this locality in 1822, 
and i-esided here the remainder of their lives. There were nine children 
in the family, of whom but four are now living, namely, John, Henry H., 
Antoinette (wife of Robert Gier) and Joseph M. Mr. Smith was one of the 
leading stock-dealers and farmers of the county during his life, at one 
time controlling over 3,000 acres of land. He died in 1865, his wife sur- 
viving till 1882. Joseph M. , the subject of this notice, was engaged on 
the farm with his father till 1859, spending five years as a " cowboy," herd- 
ing cattle on the open land. He was then tendered 400 acres of land, which 
he has since cultivated and improved, having cleared nearly 300 acres "from 
the sprout." Ho has dealt extensively in stock, and also conducted a 
large agricultural business, harvesting as many as 2,000 bushels of wheat 
in one season. He takes an active interest in agricultural matters, general- 
ly exhibiting stock at the county fairs, and keeping improved grades, with 
some thoroughbreds. He now owns 525 acres of excellent land, valued at 
$75 to $100 per acre, on which in 1876-77 he erected an elegant brick 
mansion at a cost of $12,000. It is provided with all the modern improve- 
ments — pantries, closets, hot and cold water, baths, etc.; is excellently 
planned, and, without doubt, one of the finest farm houses in the county. 
Mr. Smith was married, November 6, 1860, to Miss Sallie M. Straw, who 
was born in this county July 4, 1839. She is the daughter of Samuel C. 
and Christina (Staily) Straw, her father being a native of Vermont, her 
mother of Pickaway County, Ohio. They had eleven children, six of whom 
are now living, namely, David, Malachi, Martin, Samuel, Eunice and Sallie 
M. Her parents located in this county about 1830, and resided here till 
their respective deaths, November 22, 1856, and August 11, 1876. Mr. and 
Mrs. Smith have nine children, all living, namely: William S,, born Au- 
gust 13, 1861; Nettie M., August 16, 1863; Anna V., August 10, 1865; 
Eunice E., October 16, 1867; David S., April 15, 1870; Mary C, August 
5, 1873; Sallie M., November 24,1876; Joseph M., March 16, 1880; George 
R., September 29, 1882. Mr. Smith is not a politician, but favors Repub- 
licanism. He is known throughout the county as one of its most substantial 
and successful farmers, and is highly esteemed, both as a citizen and busi- 
ness man. 



652 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

LANDLINE SMITH is a native of Kichland County, Ohio, and was born 
Ma\^ 21, 1845. He is a son of John and Teresa (Coler) Smith, who are na- 
tives of Germany. They emigrated to America in 1832 — before their mar- 
riage — and were among the first settlers of Uichland County, Ohio; resid- 
ing there till 1867, when they moved to this county, and located in Carey, 
where they resided about twelve years. In 1879, they located in Upper 
Sandusky, where they have since resided. Their children were Frank P., 
John A., Teressa, Landline and Louisa, now living; and Mathias, Peter and 
Mary, deceased. Landline Smith, the subject of this sketch, was reared on 
a fai'm and attended the district schools, abandoning his studies and the 
" paternal roof " at the age of sixteen to engage in agricultural pursuits, to 
which he devoted his attention two years. He then embarked in the produce 
and poultry trade, which occupation he has, at intervals, since continued. 
In the fall of 1878, he was elected to the office of County Auditor, and iu 
1881 he Avas re-elected to the same position, which he still retains. Mr. 
Smith enlisted May 2, 18G4, in Company D, One Hundred and Forty-fourth 
Ohio National Guard, and entered the service. He participated in several 
skirmishes, and was also in the battle of Berryville, where two other com- 
panies and a number of his own were captured. He was discharged at 
Columbus, Ohio, September 2, 1864. He was married, June 18, 1874, to 
Elzina A. Boucher, who was born in Seneca County, Ohio, February 27, 
1855, and two children have been born to them — Harry H., born February 
18, 1876; and Bernice, May 29, 1879. Mr. Smith is a member of the K. 
of P., the I. O. O. F., Royal Arcanum, and though a Republican in politics 
in this county so largely Democratic, he has been twice elected to his pres- 
ent position, the duties of which he has honorably and efficiently discharged. 

JESSE SNYDER, one of the old pioneers of this county, was born in 
Chester County, Penn. , September 17, 1799, son of Henry and Margaret 
(Trey) Snyder, natives of Germany and Pennsylvania respectively. They 
had nine children, our subject being the only one living; the deceased were 
Benjamin, Samuel, Thomas, Henry, Mary, Sarah. Hannah and John. 
Their parents removed to Wayne County, where the mother died about 
1836; the father then moved to Indiana, where he died. Jesse Snyder was 
educated in the common schools of Chester County, Penn., where he en- 
gaged in farming and wagon making for several years. He removed to 
Wayne County in 1830 or 1831, and purchased 160 acres of land, on which 
he resided thirteen years. He removed to this county in 1843, settling 
among the Indians, at one time occupying one end of a cabin while an In- 
dian family dwelt in the other —living in this way two months. He was 
familiar with many of the chiefs, and after the Indians' departure in 1843, 
he purchased 560 acres of land at Government prices. He now owns 322 
acres, valued at $75 per acre, and much other property gained by hard 
labor and good management. He was married in Chester County, Penn., 
to Sarah Mills, who was born in 1798, and died August — , 1874. They 
had twelve children, four now living — Eliza A., born November 7, 1824; 
Isabella, wife of Robert McKelly, born January 31, 1830; Jesse, born Oc- 
tober 5, 1833; and Sarah A., September 27, 1840. In politics, Mr. Snyder 
votes for the best man; in religion, he associates with the United Brethren 
Church. He has always been a liberal contributor to the churches, hav- 
ing subscribed $2,700 to the erection of the Church. He is notable 
for his i^ublic spirit, always being ready to assist in meritorious en- 
terprises. He came to this county a poor man, but, by his pluck, energy, 
perseverance and business sagacity, he has wrought out an enviable fortune. 




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C^*ty»J-tyX^\^^f-\rj0* 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 655 

From the poor wagon-maker, by the work of his own hands — the sweat of 
his own brow — he has risen to the wealthy landholder: and in the brilliant 
success of his ripened years bears the same spirit of kindness and gener 
osity toward his fellow-men that characterized his less fortunate days. 

GEORGE J. STECHER is a native of Ellhofen, Oberamt Weinsberg, 
Konigreich Wiirtemberg, Germany, and was born October 29, 1807. He is 
a son of Peter and Christiana (Schmalzhoff ) Stecher, who were natives of 
the same locality, his father born March 31, 1779, his mother November 17, 
1788. His father was an office-holder in his county most of his life, and 
died in 1861. His mother's death occurred in 1842. Mr. Stecher resided 
on the farm with his parents till about thirty- live years of age, being chiefly 
engaged in vineyard culture and horticulture. He was educated in the Ger- 
man schools, and attended quietly to his pursuits till emigrating to Amer- 
ica, in 1854. He reached Upper Sandusky April 28, and since that time 
has been a resident of the place. For many years he was engaged in horti- 
cultural pursuits, but has now retired from active labor and business, having 
obtained a comfortable home as the result of his labors. Mr. Stecher was 
married in Germany, November 25, 1844, to Miss Christina Nollenberger, 
who was born in Ottmarsheim, Oberamt Marabach, K' nigreich "Wiirtemburg, 
October 2, 1822. She was a daughter of John C and Christina (Long) 
Nollenberger, her parents being natives of the same place, her father born 
in 1786, her mother in 1790. Her father was eleven years in the war under 
Napoleon, with whom he made the famous march to Moscow, being one of 
thirty-six survivors of a company of 300 soldiers from his locality. During 
the last few years of his service, he was a commissioned officer. Mr. and 
Mrs. Stecher have eight children, namely: Hannah, born June 27, 1846, 
now the wife of Michael Burckhardt; Charles F.. born January 26, 1848; 
Christian J., June 24, 1850; Frederick C, March 29. 1852; Gottlob C, 
March 25, 1854; George J., May 29, 1857; Caroline F., born September 
14, 1859, now the wife of J. H. Kinley; Mary C, October 10, 1864. Of 
these children, the four eldest were born in Germany, the fifth on the ocean 
daring their voyage to America, and the three latter in Upper Sandusky. 
Mr. Stecher is a member of the Evangelical Association, and a devoted 
Christian, always having borne an excellent character. 

MICHAEL STERNER, deceased, was a native of Pennsylvania, born 
August 7, 1820, son of Daniel and Esther (Smith) Sterner. He settled in 
this county with his parents in 1849, residing in Upper Sandusky until his 
death, which occurred April 3, 1882. He was engaged in agricultural pur- 
suits and teaming, and was well respected as a citizen. May 2, 1871, he 
had the misfortune to lose his left limb. He was married. November 20, 
1854, to Mary A. Hale, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Donor) Hale, and 
their union was blessed by nine children, seven living, namely : Cyrus W., 
born January 26, 1856; John D., November 27, 1857; Libbie S., February 
27, 1861; Margaret E, March 1, 1865; Emmet S., December 9, 1867; 
George B., August 17, 1870; L-a H, born July 12, 1872. The deceased 
were Mary J., born September 9, 1859, died August 28, 1864, and David 
H., born November 23, 1863, died July 24, 1865. Mrs. Sterner was born in 
Cumberland County, Penn., September 17, 1828. 

JOHN D. STERNER, of the firm of Hale & Sterner, manufacturers of 
wagons, carriages, etc.. Upper Sandusky, was born in the before-named city 
November 27, 1857. He is a son of Michael and Mary A. (Hale) Sterner, 
natives of Pennsylvania, and of German parentage. The parents came to 
this county before their marriage. They had nine children, seven still 

26 



656 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

living — Cyrus "W., John D., Sarah E., Elma M. , Samuel E., George B. and 
Ira H. The deceased are Mary J. and David H. The father departed this 
life April 3, 1882, aged sixty-one years, seven months and twenty- six days, 
the mother still surviving, a resident of Upper Sandusky, in her lifty-sixth 
year. The subject of this sketch was reared and educated in the above- 
named city, and now resides with his mother in the house in which he was 
born. He acquired his trade in the shop of Hale & Freet, with whom he 
was employed five years, purchasing Mr. E reefs interest and entering into 
a partnership with Mr. Hale in August, 1882. This partnership still exists, 
the firm doing a thriving business, employing twelve to fourteen workmen 
constantly. 

GEORGE B. STEVENSON, the founder of the Stevenson Engine Works, 
of Upper Sandusky, was born in Stark County, Ohio, December 25, 1840. 
He is a son of James M. and Susan (Hite) Stevenson, natives of Westmore- 
land County. Penn. His parents came to Ohio before their marriage and 
subsequently reared a family of nine children, seven of whom are still liv- 
ing, namely: Aaron B., Sarah E. , George B. , Candis V., Rand L., Irene 
M. , Roe M. The deceased are Ada F., and John M. His father 
moved to Upper Sandusky in 1866, and here his mother died in 
1867, aged fifty-three years. His fether survived until December 20, 
1880, and died, aged seventy. George B. Stevenson obtained but a 
limited education in the district schools of Stark County. At the age 
of sixteen, he engaged as tow-path boy on the Ohio & Erie Canal. Two 
years later, he became an apprentice in the machine shop of C. Aultman & 
Co., of Canton, Ohio, serving three years, remaining with the firm till 1863. 
During this time he was married to Sarah Pearson, daughter of Andrew 
and Abigail Pearson, and by this marriage five children resulted, of whom 
but three are living — Mamie A., born September 13, 1865; George B., Sep- 
tember 11, 1870; Blanch M., October 25, 1874. Florence I. was born Oc- 
tober 28, 1863, died July 15, 1864; Nellie I., born January 7, 1868, died 
May 1, 1871. Mrs. Stevenson is a native of Stark County and was born 
November 15, 1842. Her marriage to Mr. Stevenson occurred August 15, 
1861. In 1863, our subject went to Gallon in the employ of the " Bee Line " 
Railroad Company as engineer and machinist, remaining in their employ 
until April, 1865, when he returned to Aultman & Co., with whom he was 
engaged until November, the same year, then locating in Upper Sandusky. 
He purchased a small concern of John Cams, the building being located on 
the ground now occupied by the well-known Stevenson Engine Works, 
which he himself founded. In 1866, he invented the celebrated "Wyandot 
Chief circular saw mill, which has found a sale in nearly every State of 
the Union. In 1868, Mr. Stevenson erected a two-story brick shop build- 
ing, 36x100 feet in dimension, main building, and in 1870, the foundry 
building was erected; the latter also a brick structure 36x75 feet. The 
firm was first established as Stevenson & Gump; two years later Mr. Gump 
retired and Mr. Stevenson continued the business as sole proprietor until 
1870, when Cyrus Sears was admitted. The fii-m of Stevenson & Sears con- 
tinued till 1872, when the latter's interest was purchased by J. K. Mc- 
Cracken, Wesley Hedges, Jacob Juvinall, John R. Layton and D. S. Miller, 
the business being conducted from that time till April, 1874, under the firm 
name of George Stevenson & Co. Mr. Stevenson then became sole proprietor 
and continued as such till 1881, when the present firm was established, with 
the following members: George B. Stevenson, George W. Bury, Sr., Roe 
M. Stevenson, John Agerter. The institution represents a capital of $32,- 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 657 

000 and about thirty workmen are employed, the institution being Upper 
Sandusky's most important industry. The establishment to date has been 
the means of bringing over $2,000,000 into this county, and is one of which 
the citizens may justly be proud. Great credit is due Mr. Stevenson for 
the energy and enterprise he has displayed in giving to Upper Sandusky 
so valuable an acquisition to its business interests, the influence of which can 
scarcely be estimated. Mr. Stevenson is a Republican in politics and an 
honored member of the Masonic fraternity. He is a man of estimable char- 
acter, and his extensive operations in this county are ample evidence of his 
superior business qualities and genius. 

JAMES M. STEVENSON, of the Stevenson Engine Works, Upper San- 
dusky, was born in Paris, Stark County, Ohio, October 1, 1853; son of 
James N. and Susanna (Hite) Stevenson. James M. was educated in the 
public schools of Canton and Upper Sandusky, having removed with his 
parents to the latter place in his thirteenth year, in 1866. In 1870 or 1871, 
he entered the machine shop of Stevenson & Sears, and, with the exception 
of eleven months' employment in the Union Iron Works, of San Francisco, 
Cal., has remained in the establishment through all its changes ever since. 
In 1881, he was admitted to the firm as pai'tner, which relation he still sus- 
tains. Mr. Stevenson was married in Upper Sandusky in 1875, to Alice 
L. Vandenburg, daughter of John and Lucia D. (Sturtevant) Vandenburg, 
natives of Herkimer County, N. Y. Four children have blessed this mar- 
riage, namely: Alice M., John V., James M. and Noi-man S. Mr. Steven- 
son has been engaged in the engine works fourteen years, and is one of the 
most reliable and highly respected citizens of his native city. In politics, 
he is a Republican. 

JAMES A. STOCKTON, dentist, was born in Licking County, Ohio, 
March 17, 1846; son of Thomas and Sarah (Rea) Stockton, natives of 
Washington County, Penn., and of Scotch and Irish parentage. They 
were married in their native county in January, 1835, and had seven chil- 
dren, five living — Joseph R. ; Belle S., wife of Henry C. Adgate, Lima, 
Ohio; Robert G., James A. and John V. The deceased are Thomas M. and 
Mary A. The parents came to Ohio in 1835 and settled in Licking Coun- 
ty, when Newark, the county seat, contained but two houses. They pur- 
chased 320 acres of land, upon which they resided till 1865, when they re- 
moved to Allen County, having purchased 280 acres near Lima. They re- 
sided on this farm till 1872, when they retired from active life and removed 
to Lima, where the father died August 27, 1875, the mother in April, 1879. 
Dr. Stockton, the subject of this sketch, was reared on a farm and shared 
the advantages of a common school education. He entered the Vermillion 
Institute at Hayesville at the age of nineteen, remaining one year. In 
1868, he began reading dentistry under the instructions of Dr. C. N. 
Swisher, of Lima, and subsequently with Drs. Moon and Hall, remaining 
one year with each, at the same time beginning his practice. In 1876, he 
attended lectures at Cincinnati and graduated in 1879. He located in Up- 
per Sandusky March 19, 1872, and has built iip an extensive practice. He 
was married December 29, 1870, to Callie S. Hover, of Lima, Ohio, and 
four children have been born to them, three living, viz.: Carrie I., Luella 
M. and Rea H. Leola Blanche is deceased; she died April 30, 1880, aged 
two years and seven months. Dr. Stockton is a member of the Knights of 
Honor and is a Ruling Elder in the Presbyterian Church. In politics, he 
is a Republican. 



658 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

JOHN L. STOKER is a native of Rushville, Fairfield Co., Ohio, born 
September 1, 1834. His parents were John and Sarah (Lowmaster) Stoker, 
the former born in Frederick County, Md. , February 15, 1804, died in Up- 
per Sandusky, October 4, 1877; the latter born in York County, Penu., 
October 4, 1809 — still living. Their children were ]\[elanchthon, John L., 
Noah, Edna, Anna aud Allen, the two latter deceased. The parents were 
married in Fairfield County, January 14, 1830, and settled in this county 
in 1839. John L. Stoker, oui* subject, resided with his parents till 1853, 
when he learned the saddle and harness trade in Tiffin, but subsequently 
abandoned that vocation on account of failing health and engaged in the 
trade of house carpenter, coatinuing in this work eight years. In 1869, he, 
with his father, purchased his present farm and has since engaged in agri- 
cultural pursuits. He owns ninety-five acres, valued at $75 per acre. Mr. 
Stoker's marriage to Rachel Bowsher occurred in Cai'ey, March 31, 1857; 
her parents being Henry and Margaret (Dickens) Bowsher. Their children 
were Melancbthon, born July 17, 1858; Orren J., April 9, 1860; Noah A. 
W., June 5, 1862; John, September 5, 1864. Mrs. Stoker was born Octo- 
ber 2, 1835, and died November 22, 1866. Mr. Stoker's second wife was 
Sarah Brown, their marriage taking place May 9, 1872. Her parents were 
Abraham and Frances (Coon) Brown, both natives of Pennsylvania, the 
former born in Bucks County, June 6, 1804, his father losing his life in 
the war of 1812. He was married to Frances Coon in 1825, and died at 
his son-in-law, our subject's, home, January 26, 1880. Mr. Stoker being a 
member of the Home Guards, his company was called into service in May, 
1864, and he participated in the battle at Berryville, with Mosby's cavalry. 
He was discharged September 1, 1864. In politics, Mr. Stoker is a Repub- 
lican. 

JOHN J. STOLL, of the firm of Stoll & Co., manufacturers of sash, 
doors, blinds, etc., was born in Germany, May 25, 1827; son of John and 
Dorothy (Zoller) Stoll, who emigrated to America in 1832, settling in New 
York, and removing to Bucyrus in 1838. John Stoll, the father, died in 
New York City in 1837, aged fifty-six years; his wife survived until 1868; 
and died in her eighty-fifth year. They were the parents of thirteen chil- 
dren, four now living: Rosanna, Eva, John and John J. The latter, with 
whom this sketch deals, began the trade of carpenter at the age of seven- 
teen and pursued this occupation in various places until 1859, when he 
established himself in the planing mill business in Bucyrus. This was 
continued till 1868, at which time he removed to Upper Sandusky and 
established his present business. Several changes have occurred in the 
management at different times, the present firm, comprised of J. J. Stoll 
and J. Shealey, being formed in 1881, since which time the business has 
been conducted under the firm name of Stoll & Co. They do an extensive 
business, usually employing fifteen to twenty workmen. Mr. Stoll was 
married July 1, 1851, to Elizabeth Reiger, daughter of John P. and Cath- 
arine (Peters) Reiger, and eight children have been born to them — four 
living: Elizabeth A., born March 21, 1853; Martha, born November 27, 
1857; Ida M., May 10, 1862; and Cora, June 30, 1868. The deceased are 
Catharine, born August 1, 1855, died July 2, 1856; Franklin, born Novem- 
ber 25. 1859, died February 28, i860; Anna A., born August 31, 1865, died 
April 10, 1869; and an infant unnamed. Mrs. Stoll was born in Franklin 
County, Penn., July 5, 1833. Mr. Stoll served two years as City Council- 
man; is a member of the Knights of Honor, Royal Arcanum, and votes for 
the best man in political issues. 



CRANE TOWNSHIP, 659 

JOHN STRASER, son of John and Elizabeth (Simons) Straser, is a 
native of Seneca County, Ohio, born August 24. 1834 His parents were 

natives of ^ and emigrated to the United States in 1832. In 1833, 

they located in Seneca County, Ohio, where his father died in 1868; his 
mother is still living and resides with him in this township. Seven of their 
ten children are living, viz., Catharine, Peter, John, Adam, Elizabeth, 
Mathias and Mary E. Our subject was reared on a farm, and at the age of 
eighteen began to work on the Mad River Railroad, which he continued a 
number of years, but subsequently engaged in farming, and in 1862 re- 
moved to this county, where he now owns seventy-eight and one-half acres 
of laud well stocked and improved. Mr. Straser was married August 19, 
1856, to Mary Stark, daughter of John and Mary (Walker) Stark, natives 
of Germany. They emigrated in 1853, Mrs. Stark dying the same year; 
Mr. Stark died in Pulaski County, Ind., December 17, 1881. They were 
the parents of ten children, six of whom are living, viz., John, Mary. Car- 
oline, Anthony, Jacob and Christena. Nine children were born to Mr. and 
Mi's. Straser, seven living: Elizabeth, born August 31, 1857; Henry, born 
February 27, 1860; Mary A., December 1, 1864; Anthony, November 4, 
1867; Clara, January 27, 1870; William E., July 18, 1872; Frank A., 
March 26, 1875. The deceased were John A., born December 2i, 1862 — 
died November 1, 1863; John P., born July 8, 1879— died January 9, 1880. 
Mrs. Straser was born in Germany, December 25, 1835. Mr. Straser is a 
Democrat in politics, and the family are members of the Catholic Church. 

WINFIELD J. STREBY, of the firm of Streby, Myers & Kail, City 
Flouring Mills, is a native of Richland County, Ohio, where he was born 
October 6, 1848. His parents were Elias and Elizabeth (Foguelsong) 
Streby, natives of Pennsylvania and York State respectively. They were 
married in Richland County, and reared a family of five children, named 
as follows: Winfield J., Maggie, wife of J. P. Karg; Savilla, Samuel O. 
and Almira. Elizabeth, a sixth child, died at the age of fourteen. Win- 
field J., our subject, obtained a fair education in the district schools of his 
native county, finishing his studies in the Union Schools of Upper Sandus- 
ky. He remained on the farm with his father, and in 1875, purchased the 
first steam threshing machine in Crane Township. He operated this ma- 
chine with great success for twelve seasons, threshing 41,014 bushels the first 
year; the largest result of one day's work was obtained the second year, 
consisting of 1,188 bushels of oats and 188 bushels of wheat — in all 1,376. 
June 1, 1879, he purchased a one-third interest in the City Flouring Mills 
and another third in 1881, turning his entire attention to the business. 
He rented the remaining third one year, and during that time assumed full 
control. In 1880, the firm of Streby & Myers was established, and in 1881, 
Mr. W. D. Kail was admitted as a third member. Their mill has been 
provided with the latest improvements, and the firm is doing an extensive 
business under its efficient management. In August, 1883, Mr. Streby in- 
troduced the roller process into the mills. He has operated different kinds 
of machines more than twelve seasons. 

JAMES SWANN, farmer and wool-grower, was born in Richland County, 
Ohio, July 18, 1831; son of Jesse and Sarah (Erwin) Swann, natives of 
Anne Arundel County, Md., and Westmoreland County, Penn. Jesse Swann 
was born October 6, 1795, settled in Richland County, Ohio, in 1828, and 
died in Mansfield December 3, 1876; his widow is still living and resides 
in the same door-yard with her son James. Their children were James, 
George, Elizabeth, wife of A. E. Chew, William; Caroline, wife of Norman 



660 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Baker; Mary A., wife of Washington McBride, and Edwin; the three latter 
being deceased. James Swann resided in Richland County till February 
29, 1860, at which time he removed to this county and settled in. Crane 
Township, on 135 acres of land purchased at the land sales of 1845, by his 
father. He has since added forty-five acres and values the whole ai $100 
per acre. He makes a specialty of Atwood Spanish Merino sheep, having a 
number on hand; his favorite sheep, known as "Jason " No. 95 — two years 
old — is valued at $4,000. Mr. Swann was married April 30, 1857, to An- 
geline Robinson, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Stansbury) Robinson, 
(natives of Brook County, W. Va.), born June 1, 1839. Her parents moved 
to Richland County in 1853, where her father died in 1873; her mother is 
still living. James and Angeline Swann have six children: Mary J., born 
September 7, 1858; William A., January 16, 1860; Frank, February 27, 
1866; Jissie, June 3, 1871; Delia, February 9, 1874, and Edna, March 21, 
1875. Mr. Swann is one of the leading farmers of thecouutv, andalthouirh 
a Republican, he was elected Township Trustee in 1874, in a township 
usually 250 Democratic. Himself and wife are members of the English 
Lutheran Church. 

JACOB SWARTZ is a native of Schuylkill County, Penn., born July 
31, 1837, son of Abraham and Christena (Celmer) Swartz, of German 
descent. The surviving children are Daniel, Anna, Abraham, Christena, 
Polly, Lovina, Jacob and John; four others are deceased. The parents 
came to Richland County, Ohio, in 1840, where the father died in 1861, 
aged sixty-seven years; the mother in 1882, aged ninety-three. Our subject 
came to Wyandot County in 1859, having been educated in the district 
schools of Richland. He erected the first circular saw mill in the county, 
and, in partnership with George W. Moon, continued in the milling busi- 
ness about two years. He then purchased 160 acres of land, which, in 1882, 
he sold to his nephew and bought his present tract of 138 acres, paying $75 
per acre. He was married in Richland County June 19, 1864, to Sarah 
Balliet, daughter of David and Elizabeth (Williams) Balliet, a native of 
Richland County, born January 26, 1837. Mr. Swartz is a good fanner, 
selling annually $500 to $800 worth of stock. In politics, he favors the 
Democratic school, 

WILLIAM M. THOMPSON, Ex-Postmaster at Upper Sandusky, was 
born in Washington Co., Penn., September 6. 1832. He is the son of William 
and Nancy (McNary) Thompson, of Irish and Scotch ancestry, and natives 
of Pennsylvania, in which State they were married. They removed from 
their native county to Carroll County, Ohio, and from that jjoint to Hancock 
County in 1848, where Mrs. Thompson died in 1850. Her husband is still 
living, being a resident of Findlay, Ohio, in his seventy-fifth year. They 
were the parents of six children, William, our subject, being the eldest. 
He obtained a fair education in the common schools, and embarked in life 
upon his own resources at the age of twenty-one. He learned the carpen- 
ter's trade when a mere boy, and followed this occupation several years. 
He was a soldier in the late war, enlisting August 12, 1861, in Company 
E, Forty ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under command of Will- 
iam H. Gibson. He enlisted as a private, and participated in the following 
battles: Stone River, Liberty Gap, Chickamauga and Mission Ridge. At 
the battle of Chickamaugfa, he was wounded in the right shoulder, but con- 
tinned with his company until after the battle of Mission Ridge, where he 
received a wound in the left arm. which rendei'ed him iTutit for duty. He 
was sent to the Nashville Hospital for a short period, and subsequently re- 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 661 

moved to Evanaville, Ind., where he was discharged as Orderly Sergeant, 
June 27, 1864, on account of his wounds. He returned to Marseilles, Ohio, 
and was commissioned Postmaster at that place September 25, 1865, by 
William Dennison. Postmaster General. Was appointed Assistant United 
States Marshal in 1870. In 1873, Mr. Thompson removed to Upper San- 
dusky, and was appointed Deputy Postmaster at that place, serving in that 
capacity four years. July 1, 1877, he was commissioned Postmaster by 
President Hayes, and re commissioned January 12, 1882, by President Ar- 
thur. He was married, February 17, 1859, to Miss Jennie Livenspire, 
daughter of Levi and Jane (Cochran) Livenspire, and five children have re- 
sulted from this union, tliree living— Leon, born July 13, 1865; Mary B., 
February 3, 1872; Gail, August 25, 1881. Josephine and Leroy are de- 
ceased. Mr. Thompson is a member of the Royal Arcanum and the G. A. R. 
CHARLES O. TILTON, one of the foremost farmers and stock-dealers 
of this township, was born on the old homestead, where he now resides, Jan- 
uary 18, 1850. He is a son of Green and Maria (Smith) Tilton, who were 
natives of Hampton County, N. H., and Seneca County, Ohio, respectively. 
His grandfather left New Hampshire in an early day and went to Vermont, 
moving later to New York, locating near Rochester, and purchasing a farm 
on the " Genesee Flats." Later in life he came West, and settled in San- 
dusky County, Ohio. While a young man, Green Tilton was employed as 
a stage driver on the route from Bellevue to Perrysburg five years, and, 
later, running from Bellefontaine to Zanesville. He located in this county 
in 1841, and herded sheep on the Sandusky Plains, being the second to en- 
gage in that business. In 1844, he purchased forty-one acres at the first 
land sales, and in 1845, forty-one acres more, increasing this number be- 
fore his death to 575 acres. In 1855, he drove sheep to Illinois, and herded 
one year, and in 1861, July 4, in company with Moses Kirby, started with a 
second drove, being three years gone. In this pursuit he lost his health, 
and died September 26, 1863, his wife following September 19, 1867. 
Charles Tilton, the subject of this sketch, resided at home till his mother's 
death, overseeing the farm during his father's absence. At seventeen, he 
took up his abode with Joseph M. Smith, with whom he lived two years. 
He subsequently attended school one year at Fremont, Ohio, and taught 
two terms, farming in the meantime. In 1872, he obtained 100 acres of 
land by inheritance, going to Kansas in the same year and purchasing 160 
acres of land, which he has disposed of, and has since resided on his pres- 
ent farm, which now contains 180 acres, all thoroughly drained by tile, and 
valued at $125 to $150 per acre. In 1881, he erected a handsome frame 
dwelling, at a cost of $7,000, it being the finest of the kind in the vicinity. 
Mr. Tilton has dealt extensively in stock, and has also done a large farming 
business, harvesting 2,000 bushels of wheat in 1879, and 1,500 in 1880. He 
keeps a herd of thoroughbred cattle — short- horn — and also a tine lot of 
Poland-China hogs. In the spring of 1884, he opened one of the largest 
sugar-camps in the county, tapping 550 trees, and conducting the business 
on the improved plan. Mr. Tilton was married, September 1, 1872, to 
Miss Sarah C. Curlis, who was born in this county March 1, 1852. She is 
a daughter of David and Charity (Snover) Curlis, who came to this county 
from New Jersey in 1836. Three children have blessed this union, namely: 
Cora B., born October 2, 1873; Anna M., October 24, 1875; and David G., 
May 30. 1882. In politics Mr. Tilton is a Republican. He is a young 
man of keen business tact, and is recognized as one of the leading farmers 
of the community. 



662 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

JOHN TILTON, son of Green Tilton (see sketch of C. O. Tilton), was 
born in this township January 27, 1854. Ho began business for himself 
independently at the age of eighteen, working two years by the month. 
Having inherited eighty acres of land, he then began farming, and has, by 
his success, been able to increase his possessions to 191 acres, valued at 
$100 per acre. In 1877, he opened a grocery store at Upper Sandusky, 
conducting the business two years, then returning to the farm, where he has 
since been prosperously engaged. He is a good farmer, and does a thriv- 
ing business, keeping considerable stock of the best grades — cattle, sheep 
and hogs; the latter thoroughbreds. Mr. Tilton was married, September 
2, 1877, to Laura A. Divins, who was born in Clarion County, Penn., April 
18, 1861. Her parents were David and Nancy E. (Baird) Divins; her 
father died in 1864; her mother is still living in this county. Mr. and 
Mrs. Tilton have two children, namely: Minnie B. , born July 14, 1878; 
Virgil D., May 25, 1883. In politics, Mr. Tilton is an earnest Republican. 
He is an energetic and enterprising young farmer, and a citizen of excel- 
lent character. 

ELIZABETH J. TOBIAS, widow of Peter Tobias, deceased, was born 
in Cumberland County, Penn., January 26, 1819. Her parents were John 
and Mary (Povenmeyer) Hale, of German ancestry; they had eight chil- 
dren — Anna, Johu, Jacob, Samuel, Michael, Mary M. and Elizabeth J. ; one 
child is deceased. The parents both died in Cumberland County, Penn., 
the father, about 1856, the mother in 1860. The marriage of our subject to 
Peter Tobias, occurred at Newville, Penn., October 19, 1837. Rev. D. P. 
Rosenmiller officiating. Peter Tobias was a son of Benjamin and Mary 
(Snyder) Tobias, and was born in Berks County, Penn., August 16, 1809. 
He spent his boyhood in his native county; he subsequently removed to 
Cumberland County, Penn. , and to this county in 1852. He pui'chased the 
farm on which his widow resides in 1859, and here his death occurred April 
24, 1876; he was highly respected as a citizen; served as Trustee a number 
of years, and was in political faith a Democrat. Mr. and Mrs. Tobias had 
four children, three living — John H., born April 26, 1841; Mary C. May 
11, 1845, and Rebecca E., June 13, 1848. The deceased was Sarah A., 
born July 16, 1838, died December 6, 1876. Mr. Tobias had amassed con- 
siderable property, his widow still holding eighty acres, on which she re- 
cently erected a good frame dwelling. She is universally respected and 
adheres to the English Lutheran doctrine, but attends the Church of God. 

HAZARD P. TRACY, Justice of the Peace, Upper Sandusky, was born 
in Hancock County, Ohio, September 27, 1852. He is a son of Bowen and 
Sarah (Geddis) Tracy, natives of Ohio, and of Irish and English parentage. 
They had nine children, seven now living — Mary A., Amanda E., Emily, 
Winfield S., Hazard P., Johnson G. and Almeda. The deceased were Al- 
fred and Royl. The latter enlisted in the late war early in 1862, being a 
member of Company A, One Hundred and Twenty-third Regiment Ohio 
Volunteer Infantry, and died at home October 9, 1862, at the age of nine- 
teen, of typhoid fever contracted while in the army. Alfred was a member 

of Company , Eighty-second Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He 

enlisted in March, 1864, and died at Bridgeport, Ala., in the following 
April, aged about seventeen years. Bowen Tracy, the father of our subject, 
removed to Wyandot County in 1857, settling in Richland Township, pur- 
chasing lands upon which'he resided until his death, which occurred Novem- 
ber 15, 1862, in his fiftieth year. His wife, Sarah Tracy, still survives, 
residing at Carey, Ohio, in her sixty-seventh year. Hazard P. Tracy, the 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 663 

subject of this eketchi, was reared upon the farm and attended the district 
schools, closing his educational pursuits by two years' attendance at Ober- 
lin College in 1873, taking only a preparatory course. He engaged in 
teaching about nine years, during which time he was employed as Superin- 
tendent of the Little Sandusky Schools, the schools of Wharton and also of 
the Union Schools of Green Camp, Marion County. In 1881, he removed 
to Upper Sandusky and opened an insurance ofl&ce, and in 1883, was 
elected Justice of the Peace on the Republican ticket, overcoming his com- 
petitor by a majority of sevenfcy-thi'ee, the usual majority being about 300 
Democratic. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., the Legion of Honor, and 
Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Universalist Church. Mr. Tracy 
was married, August 17, 1875, to Miss Mariah Mullholand, daughter of Hugh 
Mullholand, a resident of Crawford Township. Two children resulted from 
this marriage — Ora H.,born July 17, 1877, and ZelandG., October 1-4, 1879. 
The death of Mrs Tracy occurred October 24, 1879, and Mr. Tracy was again 
united in marriage, July 10, 1883, to Miss Laura B. Clark, daughter of 
George and Martha (Randolph) Clark. Mr. Tracy is doing a good biisiness 
in insurance, and is a popular young Republican. 

PHILIP TRACHT, manufacturer of and dealer in boots and lihoes, Tip- 
per Sandusky, was born in Crawford County, Ohio, April 1, 1834. His 
parents, Adam and Ann Elizabeth Tracht, were natives of Germany and 
emigrated to America September 17, 1831, settling permanently in Craw- 
ford County, where he purchased 200 acres of land, upon a portion of which 
he resided until his death, which occurred May 14, 1871, aged ninety-one 
years and four months. The death of Mrs. Tracht occurred September 5, 
1862, her age being about sixty-five years. They were the parents of eigh- 
teen children, eleven attaining their majority, seven now living^ — Eva E., 
Adam, Barbara, Philip, John, Ann M., and Michael J. Philip Tracht, oiir 
subject, was reared upon the farm and obtained his education in the Craw- 
ford County schools. At the age of sixteen he abandoned the farm and 
served an apprenticeship at the shoemaking trade with J. M. Schneider, of 
Mansfield, Ohio, where he remained two years. He afterward spent six 
years in Gallon, a short time in Cleveland, and removed to Upper Sandusky, 
March 7, 1858. He immediately opened a boot and shoe store on the old 
" Yellow Corner, No. 2," forming a partnership with Michael Katzenmeyer. 
In 1863, this partnership was dissolved by mutual consent, and Mr. Tracht 
began business with his brother, Michael J., which partnership lasted three 
years. They then sold out, and the subject of this sketch started on his 
individual account in 1870, in the " Old Yellow Corner," which place he 
occupied till April 1, 1884, when he moved to the room occupied by the late 
Central Bank. He employs from three to five assistants, and carries a 
stock valued at $2,500 to $3,000. He is the owner of a fine residence on the 
corner of Finley and Fifth streets, and an adjoining lot and building. He 
was married at Bucyrus, Ohio, October 28, 1858, to Lucinda Kile, and five 
children have been born to them — W. A., born April 17, 1860; H. A., Au- 
gust 26, 1862; Cora E., August 29, 1867; Mary^M., May 19, 1870, and 
Emma S., August 31, 1875. Mrs. Tracht was born March 20, 1837. The 
family are members of the German Lutheran Church. A.dam Tracht, father 
of our subject, was ton years a soldier under Napoleon, serving in the coun- 
tries of France and Spain. He participated in several severe battles and 
was twice captured, but each time made his escape. 

FRANK TRIPP, Sr., manufacturer of carriages, wagons, etc.. Upper 
Sandusky, was born in Philadelphia, Penn. , May 13, 1823. His father, 



664 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

John Tripp, was born in Wilmington, Del., January 3, 1789, and died in 
Upper Sandusky March 14, 1868; the mother, Catharine (Hugg) Tripp, 
was born in Philadelphia, Penn., December 23, 1790, and died in Upper 
Sandusky, November 14, 1872. They were married in Philadelphia about 
1815, and reared a family of six children — Edwin, Albert, Mariah, Frank, 
John and Elizabeth; Catharine and an infant are deceased, the former dy- 
ing at about the age of six years. After several removals they settled 
permanently in Upper Sandusky in 1846, and resided in that place until 
their decease. Frank Tripp, our subject, obtained a limited education in 
the pioneer schools; learned the blacksmith trade in Columbiana County 
when about eighteen years of age, and opened a shop in Upper Sandusky 
in the fall of 1845. He pursued his trade in this place, with the exception 
of one year's residence at Bowsherville, until August, 1861, when he en- 
listed to serve three years in Company M, Eleventh Regiment Pennsylvania 
Cavalry. He was detailed as company blacksmith, to which occupation he 
devoted most of his time during the service. He witnessed the engagement 
between the Mefrimac and the Monitor; was at the battle of White Horse 
Landing, Va., and was honorably discharged at Bermuda Hundreds, having 
been in the service three years and eleven days. He returned to Upper 
Sandusky and resumed his trade, beginning the manufacture of carriages 
and wagons in 1870, in which occupation he is still engaged. Mr. Tripp 
was married April 29, 1847, to Elizabeth Bowsher, daughter of Henry and 
Margaret (Dickens) Bowsher, and one of a family of fifteen children, of 
whom but six are living — Elizabeth J., Mary, Susan, William, Almeda and 
Sarah. Mrs. Tripp was born near Bowsherville December 25, 1828. The 
Indians were her neighbors and their children were her playmates; she 
taught in the old mission schools under the noted missionary, Rev. James 
B. Finley, and was personally acquainted with the Indians Lumpeys, Half- 
John, Warpole, Peacock, Sumundewat and Between-the-logs. Mr. and Mrs. 
Tripp are the parents of seven children, five living — Frank T., born Sep- 
tember 26, 1850; Allen G., November 16, 1852; William H., November 16, 
1859; Addie M., March 3, 1861; Lizzie B., November 6, 1866; George W., 
born July 22, 1848, and Margaret, born August 10, 1855, are deceased; the 
death of the former occurred April 11, 1850, and the latter passed away in 
infancy. During the winter of 1882-83, Mr. Tripp invented an arrange- 
ment now known as "Tripp's Buckeye wagon-tongue support," on which 
he obtained a patent, and this appliance is now in great demand, having an 
extensive sale in Kansas, Missouri and other Western States. 

CHRISTIAN TSCHANEN, express agent, was born in Canton Berne, 
Switzerland in October, 1827, the only son of Christian and Maria (Stem- 
phfli) Tschanen, who emigrated to America in 1834, and settled in Tuscara- 
was County, Ohio, where the father died in the same year, aged about 
thirty years; Maria, the mother, died in 1867. Christian Tschauen 
spent his boyhood in Tuscarawas County, and attended school in the 
log schoolhouses of those times. In 1846, he came to this county and 
engaged in teaching during winters, and in various kinds of labor in sum- 
mers, until 1850, at which time he returned to New Philadelphia and 
opened a grocery and provision store, which he conducted till 1864. He 
then enlisted in Company G, Eighty- eighth Regiment Ohio Volunteer In- 
fantry, for three months, under Capt. Weaver. The regiment was detained 
at Camp Chase, performing guard duty duriug its entire term of service, 
at the expiration of which Mr. Tschanen was honorably discharged. In 
1864, he returned to Upper Sandusky, where he has since pursued various 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 665 

occupations. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. — -its Permanent Secretary 
for a niimber of years —a Democrat in politics, and has served two years as 
City Marshal. He was married in 1850, to Elizabeth Baumgartner, 
of Salem Township, and nine children resulted from this marriage — eight 
living — Emma C, Caroline, William T. , George W., Charles F. , Franklin, 
Edward and Hattie B. are deceased. 

GEORGE W. TSCHANEN, druggist, of the firm of Tschanen Brothers, 
was born in New Philadelphia, Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, March 22, 1858, son 
of Christian and Elizabeth (Baumgartner) Tschanen, natives of Canton 
Berne, Switzerland (see sketch). George W. came to Upper Sandusky with 
his parents in 1864, and obtained a good education in the schools of that 
place. At the age of thirteen he began business as clerk in a drug estab- 
lishment, pursuing this occupation eight years. He subsequently spent two 
and one-half years traveling for his brother taking orders for crayon por- 
traits, and in November, 1881, they established their present business in 
partnership. They carry a large and well selected stock of goods, and are 
doing a good business as a result of their low prices and fair dealing. 
George W. is a popular young business man, and has the honor of being a 
charter member of the Wyandot Lodge No. 174, Knights of Pvthias. 

WILLIAM T. TSCHANEN, of the firm of Tschanen Brothers, druggists, 
was born at New Philadelphia, Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, November 18, 1855. 
He is a son of Christian and Elizabeth (Baumgartner) Tschanen, Canton 
Berne, Switzerland (see sketch). William T. removed from his native town 
to Upper Sandusky with his parents in 1864, being then in his eighth year. 
He attended the public schools of the latter place until sixteen years of 
age, clerking at intervals in the drug store of A. Billhardt, holding the lat- 
ter situation from 1866 to 1881 — in all fifteen years. In November 1, 1881, 
he with his brother, George W., opened their drug establishment on San- 
dusky avenue, opposite the post office, where they are now extensively en- 
gaged. They carry a large stock of everything to be found in a well reg- 
ulated drug store, with a full line of stationery, wall paper, window-shades, 
etc., in addition; they are also agents for the American Express Company. 

CARL F. VEITH, Sr., was born in Hesse -Darmstadt, Germany, February 
7, 1838. He is a son of John Veith and Mary (Briehl) Veith, who emi- 
grated to America in 1862, locating in Upper Sandusky, where Mrs. Veith 
died in 1864, aged fifty-six years; the father was born December 15, 1801, 
and now resides with his son, Carl F. Veith, well preserved in body and 
mind. Our subject came to America in 1860, and established himself in 
the boot and shoe business in Upper Sandusky (having learned the shoe- 
making trade in Germany) where he continued this occupation till 1876, 
at which time he removed to his present farm consisting of eighty-two 
acres, now valued at $85 per acre, and where he has since resided. Mr. 
Veith was married, March 12, 1863, to Mary A. Althouse, daughter of 
Christian, a native of Switzerland, and Magdalene Althouse, a native of 
Holmes County, Ohio, born September 9, 1840. Their children are Emma O., 
born September 10, 1867: Ferdinand C, July 7, 1869; Minnie M., February 3, 
1875; Emil J., September 25, 1876; Adolph G., Julv 7, 1878; Carl W., 
November 29, 1879, and Hilda L. A., November 10, 1881. The deceased 
are Herman F. , born May 2, 1864, died September 23, 1869; Caroline C, 
born February 18, 1866,died August 8, 1867; Otto E., born May 15, 1873, 
died August 24, 1874. Mr. Veith is an enterprising farmer, a Demo- 
crat, and with his wife, a member of the German Lutheran Church. 



(^66 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

CRARLES F. VEITH, Jr., of the firm of Veith & Altstaetter, was bom 
in Upper Sandusky, June 9, 1859. He is the son of Casper and Caroline 
Veith, the former a native of Germany, and the latter of Holmes County, 
Ohio. They were married in this county, and were the parents of fifteen 
children, ten living — Charles F., William, Mary, Robert, Anna, Oscar, 
Amanda, Louisa, Minnie and Reinhold. Charles Veith, our subject, was 
educated in the public schools of Upper Sandusky. In 1871, he removed 
with his parents to Crane Township, and engaged ten years in agricultural 
pursuits. He subsequently engaged in the grocery business in Upper 
Sandusky, where he is now engaged with Mr. Altstaetter doing a good busi- 
ness. He was married, September 29, 1881, to Caroline Engel, daughter 
of Christian and Mary Eugel, and one child has been born to them, namely, 
Clara M., born August 11, 1882. Besides his half interest in the grocery 
store, Mr. Veith is the owner of a two-story brick building on the corner of 
Sandusky avenue and Walker street, valued at $8,500. He is a member of 
the German Lutheran Church. 

CASPER VEITH, farmer, is a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, 
born December 15, 1832, son of John and Mary E. (Briehl) Veith. The 
parents emigrated to America in 1861, settling in Upper Sandusky. The 
father was a shoe-maker, and was engaged all his lifetime at that craft. He 
was born December 15, 1801, and is still in good health. The mother died 
in 1864, aged fifty- four years. Casper Veith emigrated to this country in 
1852, and engaged two years at shoe-making in the city of New York, and 
two years in Chicago, locating in Upper Sandusky in 1856. He obtained a 
good education in Germany, and has acquired a fair knowledge of English 
by observation, He pursued the shoe-making trade in Upper Sandusky till 
1872, when he removed to his farm on which he has since been engaged. 
He owns 120 acres well stocked, and earned by the work of his own hands. 
Mr. Veith was married, October 19, 1857, to Caroline Baumgartner, by 
whom he has had fifteen children, eleven still living — Charles F., born June 

9, 1859; Frederick AVilliam, June 28, 1801; Mary C, January 31, 1863; 
Herman R. , June 5, 1864; Anna J., February 6, 1871; Oscar F., October 
1, 1873; Amanda A., September 8, 1876; Louisa O., February 4, 1878; 
Bertha W., July 22, 1879; John R., September 5, 1881, and Alma F.,born 
November 1, 1883. Mrs. Veith was born in Holmes County, Ohio, Jiily 7, 
1841. Her parents, Nicholas and Barbara Baumgartner, natives of Swit- 
zerland, are noticed in C. Tschanen's sketch. Mr. Veith has been elected 
Trustee of Crane Township three successive years; he contributed liberally 
to the Union cause in the late war; is an honest and respected citizen, and 
with his wife, a valued member of the German Lutheran Church. 

JOHN H. VON STEIN, senior partner of the firm of Von Stein & 
Berg, druggists. Upper Sandusky, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, January 

10, 1853. He is the son of George and Margaret (Runck) Von Stein, 
natives of Germany, who emigrated to America about 1848, and were mar- 
ried in Cincinnati in 1849. They were the parents of five children, four 
of whom still survive — John H. , Malinda, George P., William C. and a 
half-brother, Frederick Shaffer. John H. Von Stein, the subject of this 
sketch, came to Upper Sandusky with his parents in 1857, and was educated 
in the public schools of that city. He completed his education at the age 
of fifteen, when, his father dying, he was thrown almost entirely upon his 
own resources. At the age of nineteen, he engaged with Dr. Billhardt as 
clerk in his drug store, serving in this capacity five years. In 1877, Mr. 
Von Stein formed a partnership with Frederick Berg, and this connection 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 667 

still exists. They do an extensive business, and carry a large and complete 
stock of everything in their line, including a fine assortment of wall-paper, 
stationery, etc. Mr. Von Stein was married, September 14, 1876, to Emma 
C. Stutz, daughter of Adam and Caroline Stutz, natives of Germany, now 
residents of this county, Mr. Stutz at one time serving in the oUHce of 
County Kecorder. Mr. and Mrs. Yon Stein are the parents of two children, 
one living, viz.: Edna C. M , born May 4, 1880; Rudolph, born in June, 
1879, is deceased, dying in infancy. September 2, 1879, Mr. Von Stein 
assisted in the organization of the Ohio State Pharmaceutical Association 
at Columbus, Ohio. The association has grown from a membership of 
forty-five to eight hundred, and is now a permanent institution of the State. 
He also is Secretary of the Business Men's Union, and a member of the 
Eoyal Arcanum. Mr. Von Stein was elected City Clerk of Upper Sandusky 
three consecutive terms, now serving his sixth year. He is Treasurer of 
the Northwestern Ohio Volunteer Firemen's Association, is one of the Board 
of Trustees of the Supreme Lodge of P. O. of A.; also Deputy Supreme 
Ruler and Past Ruler. He is the owner of valuable town property on 
Sandusky avenue, and, with his wife, is a member of the German Lutheran 
Church. In politics Mr. Von Stein is a Democrat. 

LEONARD VON STEIN, M. D., was born at Steinau, Germany, Jan- 
uary 17, 1831. He emigrated to America September 1, 1849, and settled 
in Richland County, Ohio, in his nineteenth year. After spending some 
time in various occupations, he purchased forty acres of land in Richland 
County, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits from 1861 to 1868. At 
this later date, he removed to Upper Sandusky to look after the interests of 
his deceased brother's family, and has since resided at that city. He has 
acquired considerable property, owning a farm of eighty acres, a two-story 
brick store-room occupied by Von Stein & Berg, druggists, and a comfort- 
able residence on Third street. Mr. Von Stein is a self-made physician, 
having acquired his early training from his father. He has built up a large 
practice, making a specialty of chronic cases, in which he is very successful, 
and to which he has devoted his attention for fifteen years. Mr. Von 
Stein was married, May 11, 1851, to Elizabeth Retig, her parents, natives of 
Germany, emigrating to America about 1830. They are the parents of four 
children, two now living — John P., born April 1, 1855, and Minnie M. , 
November 27, 1859. The deceased are Elizabeth C. born January 19, 1858, 
died May 24, 1854; John H., born October 18, 1856, died October 3, 1858. 
Mrs. Von Stein was born in Germany June 14, 1816. Although Mr. Von 
Stein was not a soldier in the late war, he contributed liberally to the cause. 
He and his family are members of the German Lutheran Reform Church. 

FRANK VOGEL (deceased), of the firm of F. Vogel & Sons, merchant 
tailors, Upper Sandusky, was born in Baden, Germany, June 28, 1829, and 
emigrated to Amtjrica in August, 1853, first settling in Sandusky City, but 
after six months removing to Mansfield, where he was employed as sales- 
man four years. He removed tc Upper Sandusky in 1861, and began busi- 
ness in merchant tailoring on borrowed capital, and by strict attention to 
business has established a good trade. He has replaced his borrowed capi- 
tal, and in 1879 erected a large two-story brick building at a cost of §7,000. 
He carries a stock valued at $9,000, and owns a large amount of valuable 
town property. Ho landed in New York without a penny, being compelled 
to borrow ten cents with which to buy a loaf of bread to i-eliove his hunger. 
His property is now valued at $50,000, the fruits of a life of incessant toil 
He was married at Sandusky City, three months after his emigration to that 



668 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

place, to Miss Susie Fleck, November 7, 1853, and twelve children are the 
fruits of their union, ten yet living, namely, Frank, John, William, Henry, 
Anthony, Joseph, Katie, August, Eddie and Lena. The deceased are 
Susanah and Elizabeth. The ten children living are all well educated in 
both English and German languages, the father having received his educa- 
tion in the " Fatherland." 

LYMAN P. WALTER, M. D., was born in Crawford County, Ohio, 
January 24, 1857; he is a son of Jeremiah and Jane (Barrick) Walter, na- 
tives of this county and of Pennsylvania respectively. His parents were mar- 
ried in Crawford County, where they still reside. Their children are xUice, 
Lyman P., Dora E. and Scott. Dr. Walter obtained the rudiments of an 
education at the district school, subsequently attending the Union School at 
Bloomville and closing his literary studies at the Otterbein University, of 
Westerville, Ohio. He taught one term of school at the age of thirteen, 
and after completing his collegiate course at Westerville began the study of 
medicine with Dr. Jerome Bland, of Benton, Crawford County. He after- 
ward entered the Starling Medical College, of Columbus, at which he grad- 
uated in 1879; he practiced one year as assistant surgeon of the St. Fran- 
cis Hospital, and then located for six months at Mexico, this county, mov- 
ing to Upper Sandusky in November, 1881. Dr. Walter was married Jan- 
uary 1, 1879, to Miss May Van Gundy; her parents, William and Elizabeth 
(Patten) Van Gundy, were residents of this county, where her mother died 
in December, 1882. Dr. and Mrs. Walter have one child. The Doctor is 
achieving considerable of a reputation as a surgeon, and is meeting with ad- 
mirable success in his profession generally; he has already established a 
lucrative practice to which his strict attention to the duties of his profes- 
sion fully entitles him; he is the Examining Physician for the Royal Ar- 
canum and the Legion of Honor; is a member of the K. of P. and I. O. O. 
F., and is Vice President of the Wyandot County Agricultural Society. He 
possesses the elements of good character, is industrious, energetic, and com- 
bines the qualities of the gentleman with those of the professional to a most 
creditable degree. 

HENRY WATERS, dealer in pine lumber and manufacturer of doors, 
sash, blinds, etc., was born in Green County, N. Y., July 10, 1830, son of 
William and Mary A. (Sitcer) Waters, natives of Canada and New York re- 
spectively. The parents were married in New York, and reared a family 
of ten children, six now living, namely, George W., Arthur, Henry, Almeda, 
Charles and Charlotte. The deceased are Louisa, Grovener, Harriet and 
Anninas. The father died at Coeymans, N. Y., in 1881, aged sixty-nine; 
the mother is still living, a resident of West Hurby, N. Y. Henry AVaters, 
our subject, was reared to the age of fifteen in his native county, educated 
in the common schools, and embarked in railroad and steamboat work at 
sixteen, continuing in these occupations till 1874. He was engineer of the 
first feri'y boat that crossed the Hudson at Catskill. He resided with his 
family one year in Alliance, Ohio, and seven years in Cleveland, removing 
with his family to Upper Sandusky, and establishing his present business 
in 1874. He also opened a factory at Carey, where in 1883 he erected his 
main building, two-stoiy, 40x133 feet. In 1861, Mr. Waters enlisted in 
the civil war, Company F, One Hundred and Fifty-sixth New York Volun- 
teer Infantry, as private, remaining with his regiment on detached service 
as Acting Assistant Surgeon at medical headquarters diiring his entire year's 
.service, receiving his discharge at Kingston, N. Y. Mr. Waters was first 
married in New York in 1860, to Hannah Traver,who died the following 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 669 

year. His second marriage occurred May 15, 1865, Mary E. Burtone, of 
New Philadelphia, Tuscarawas County, becoming his wife. He had one 
child by his lirst marriage, and four by the second, three of the latter liv- 
ing, namely: Edward T. , born September 12, 1868; Harry C. , Novem- 
ber 7, 1873, and Jesse A., October 23, 1878. Mrs. Waters was born March 
9, 1840. Mr. Waters is one of the most enterprising citizens of the town, 
and does a large business, employing usually about fifteen workmen, his 
factory being provided with the latest improved machinery. He is a mem- 
ber of the Knights of Honor, Royal Arcanum, and the Universalist Church. 

JAMES W. WHITE, M. D., Upper Sandusky, was born in Lancaster, 
Ohio, October 11, 1842. He is the son of Dr. James and Mariah (Beecher) 
White, natives of Pennsylvania and Cincinnati, Ohio respectively. James 
W., the subject of this sketch, remained at home with his parents till twenty- 
one years of age, and attended the village schools. He afterward obtained 
a classical education at the Denison University of Granville, Ohio, and en- 
tered the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati in 1859, graduating in 1861. 
He began the practice of his profession at Lancaster, but a few months 
after, passed a medical examination at Columbus, Ohio, and was appointed 
assistant Surgeon on Gen. Granger's staff; he served in this capacity a few 
months, and after passing a second examination at Louisville, Kv., was pro- 
moted to Acting Surgeon, and placed in charge of the field hospitals at 
Huntsville and Decatur, Ala., serving at these places eleven months. At 
the close of the war Mr. White returned to Lancaster for a short period, and 
subsequently removed to Upper Sandusky in 1866. He opened a drug store 
in connection with his practice, but disposed of his stock in 1868, since 
which time he has devoted his entire attention to his profession. He has 
established an extensive practice, being at present the attending physician 
of the Wyandot County Infirmary; he is also a member of the Ohio Medi- 
cal Association. 

WILLIAM WITZEL is a native of Prussia, born October 1, 1827; his 
parents were Gotlieb and Theresa (Byron) Witzel who died while he was 
yet an infant; he resided with his uncle, Charley Brange, till fifteen years 
of age, and then learned the trade of house carpenter, which he followed 
ten years in Germany; he came to America in 1853, and located in Marion 
County; he enlisted in Company B, Sixty-fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer 
Infantry, September 22. 1862, and entered the war, participating in the 
battles of Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, siege of Knoxville, Buzzard's Roost^ 
Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, and others. In the engagement at Kene- 
saw Mountain he was wounded in the shoulder on accoiint of which 
he was discharged at Columbus, February 9, 1865. Mr. Witzel pur- 
chased his present farm of fifty- one acres in April, 1865, and has since 
engaged in agricultural pursuits; he was married June 13, 1855, to 
Frances A. Kramer, a native of Franklin County, Ohio, born October 3, 
1837. Eight children were born to them, two deceased — August W., was 
born April 5, 1856; Gustavus G., January 20, 1861; Anna M., June 
14, 1863; Maria A., August 2, 1866; Jacob H., December 26, 1873; Clara 
P., December 27, 1880; Charley H.. July 23, 1858. The latter died No- 
vember 22, 1861, and an infant is also deceased. In politics, Mr. Witzel 
is an Independent, himself and family being members of the German Luth- 
eran Church at Upper Sandusky. 

DARIUS H. S. WILLIAMS is a native of Lorain County, Ohio, born 
July 13, 1822, and son of Dr. Hiram S. and Julia (Hays) Williams, natives 
of Berkshire County, Mass., and of English and Scotch ancestry respective- 



670 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

ly. They were married in their native county, and were the parents of six 
children, three of these — Darius H., John Q. , and Charlotte C — are still 
living. Dr. Williams removed from Massachusetts to Lorain County, Ohio, 
in 1817, where, with the exception of two years in Chippewa County, he en- 
joyed an extensive practice till 1838, his wife's decease occurring in that 
year. His death took place, March 2, 1841, in his forty-eighth year. Darius 
Williams, the subject of this sketch, spent his childhood and youth in the 
counties of Lorain and Medina, removing, to Wisconsin at the age of twen- 
ty and engaging in various callings in that State, till his return to Medina 
County in 1852; he resided in Medina County, engaged in agricultural pur- 
suits, till 1871, at which time he removed to this count}-, purchasing sixty 
acres of land in Crane Township. From 1868 to 1871, he was agent of the 
Ohio Farmer's Insurance Company, and traveled over Wyandot County. In 
the spring of 1872, he was appointed Superintendent of the County Infirmary, 
holding this oflSce five years, after wiiich he returned to his farm, which he 
sold in 1881, subsequently purchasing his present farm of eighty acres, 
where he is now engaged in general farm pursuits. Mr. Williams was mar- 
ried, January 1, 1853, to Mary Parmeter, a native of Pennsylvania, born in 
1825. Two children were born to them — George I., born January 22, 1859, 
and Myrta M., born May 22, 1867. Mrs. Williams' death occurred March 
8. 1869 and Mr. W. was again married, March 22, 1870, to Mrs. Annie H. 
Ward, widow of Enos B. Ward, deceased. She was a daughter of Cyrus 
F. and Mary (Bidwell) Beebe, born in Franklin County, Ohio, January 1, 
1840; her parents wei-e natives of Vermont and Ohio respectively, and of 
English ancestry. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have but one child — Frank D., 
born December 23, 1870. Although a Republican, Mr. Williams held his 
position as Superintendent of the Infirmary five years, with a full Dem- 
ocratic Board of Directors; he Is a member of the I. O. O. F. , and a sub- 
stantial and well respected citizen. 

SAMUEL J. WIRICK, of the firm of Wirick, Cook & Co., was born 
in Perry County, Ohio, September 4, 1845, son of Valentine and Elizabeth 
(Bowman) Wirick, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German ancestry. They 
came to Ohio before their marriage, and settled in Perry County, where they 
reared a family of eight children, all living at the present time. Samuel 
J. Wirick was reared upon a farm, and attended the district schools, clos- 
ing his literary pursuits at Heidelberg College, Tilfin, Ohio, at the age of 
nineteen. He engaged in teaching during the winter months, and worked 
upon the farm in summer for a few years, but abandoned his peda- 
gogic work at twenty-three, turning his entire attention to agricul- 
ture for four years. In 1872, he began business in the grocery trade 
on the corner of Sandusky avenue and Johnson street, and was engaged 
in that occupation, with the exception of two years, devoted exclu- 
sively to the nursery business, in which he still engages to a limited 
extent; he removed to Billhardt's block in 1883, when he carried an 
extensive stock of everything pertaining to their line, until the spring of 
1884, when he sold his stock to G. G. Kramer, and formed a partnership 
with his- brother, J. Q. Wirick, and has since been engaged in the imple- 
ment trade, under the firm name of Wirick Bros. They make a specialty 
of the Deering Twine Binder, having sold ninety of these machines during 
the years 1880-83, besides seventeen of the Minneapolis Binders, and a 
large number of smaller implements. They carry a stock of $8,000 to |10,- 
000, and do an annual business of about $18,000 to $20,000. Mr. Wirick 
was married October 10, 1867, to Margaret C. Hale, daughter of John and 



CRANE TOWNSHIP. 671 

Elizabeth (Donor) Hale, early settlers of this county. They are the parents 
of six children, five still living, namely: Carrie B., Lizzie M., Grace E., 
Mary V. and Myrtle A. John V. is deceased, dying at the age of ten months. 
Mr. Wirick is a member of the I. O. O. F., Royal Arcanum and Knights of 
Honor. In politics, he is a Democrat. 

HON. SAMUEL M. WORTH, Justice of the Peace, and a time-honored 
pioneer, was born in Starksboro, Vt, May 1, 1814. He is the son of Joseph 
and Charlotte (Ellison) Worth. Mr. Worth learned the printer's trade at the 
age of fourteen, and engaged in this craft about eight years, after which time 
he removed to Ohio, settling at Little Sandusky, where he resided a number 
of years. In 1845 he was elected County Auditor, being the first officer 
chosen for that position in this county, and served in that capacity with 
credit to his constituents five years. At the expiration of his term of office 
he returned to Little Sandusky, where he engaged in mercantile pursuits 
fifteen years. In 1865 he was elected Representative of the county, and in 
1867, re-elected to the same office, after which he removed to Upper San- 
dusky, where he has since resided, and where he engaged in the dry goods 
business several years. Mr. Worth served two years as County Commis- 
sioner, was one year in the City Council, and was elected Justice of t^he 
Peace in 1882, in which capacity he is now serving. He was captain in 
the militia in 1837, and has always been a thorough Democrat. His mar- 
riage to Betsey A. Fowler occurred April 28, 1846. She is a daughter of 
Dr. Stephen and Leefe (Stephens) Fowler, the former being one of the 
founders of Little Sandusky, and among the earliest and most distinguished 
pioneers of this section. Mr. and Mrs. Worth are the parents of six chil- 
dren, five of whom are living — Charles F., Irene, Efifa, Leefe and Zilla. 
The deceased was Wayne W., whose death occurred at the age of four 
years. 

ELIZABETH ZIMMERMAN was born in Westmoreland County, 
Penn., March 5, 1808. She is the widow of Henry Zimmerman and 
daughter of Jacob and Susan (Williams) Steelsmith. Her marriage to 
Henry Zimmerman, also a native of Westmoreland County, Penn., occurred 
October 28, 1830, and twelve children were born to them — eight now living; 
their names are as follows: Jacob, Rebecca L., Susan, Margaret, Minnie, 
Lydia, Henry S. and Annie B. The deceased are Catharine A., Mary A. 
and Zeruiah — all infants, and Bela B., who died at the age of thirty-eight, 
and was a soldier in the late war in Company D, Fifteenth Regiment Ohio 
Volunteer Infantry, serving three years. During the greater part of this 
time he was engaged in the Signal Service on Lookout Mountain, receiving 
an honorable discharge at the expiration of his term of enlistment. He re- 
turned home and soon after entered the Poughkeepsie Business College, 
graduating in 1865, and subsequently engaged seven years as conductor on 
the Pittsburgh, Fort W^ayne & Chicago Railroad. His health failed, and 
after three years as proprietor of the Zimmerman House, at Greensburg, Penn., 
he died June 29, 1880. Henry Zimmerman, husband of our subject, removed to 
Stark County, Ohio, from Pennsylvania, in 1840, and to Upper Sandusky in. 
1845. He was among the first settlers, and was proprietor of the old " Blue 
Ball Hotel " from J 848 to November 22, 1866— the date of his death. Mrs. 
Zimmerman is still living, now in her seventy-sixth year. Her second 
daughter, Rebecca L., who has been for many years a teacher in the public 
schools of Upper Sandusky, was married October 31, 1867, to William H. 
Jones, who died March 8, 1870, aged forty-nine years. He was a promi- 
nent citizen of the county, having served both as President and Secretary of 

27 



672 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 



tlie Agricultural Society, and as member of the Union School Board. Jacob, 
the eldest son, is a leading citizen — Representative of his district — of Wabash 
County, 111. , to which place he removed in 1852. The first decade was spent in 
journalism, editing at one time the Illinoisan, of Clark County, and sub- 
sequently the Constitution, of TJrbana, Champaign County. Since then he 
has been engaged in agricultural pursuits, but ever taking a deep interest 
in everything that pertains to the elevation of the community at large. 




ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 673 



CHAPTER II. 
ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 

Antrim Township Prior to 1845— Location and Physical Features- 
Early Settlers— Owners of Real Estate and Personal Property 
IN THE Township in 1845— Schools— Churches— History of the Vil- 
lage OF Nevada— Hotels — Mercantile and Manufacturing Inter- 
ests—Deposit Bank— Churches — Cemetery Association — Schools- 
Secret Societies— Village Officers— Biographical Sketches. 

PRIOR to 1845, the territory now comprised in Antrim Township was 
included in the counties of Marion and Crawford. At the organization of 
this county it assumed its present boundaries — the east and south by Craw- 
ford and Marion Counties respectively, the west by Pitt and Crane Town- 
ships, and the north by Eden Township. Sections 3 to 10 inclusive of the 
southern part of this township was detached from Grand Prairie, of Marion 
County, these divisions comprising a tract two miles wide, extending en- 
tirely across the township. The old Reservation line extends east through 
the northern part of Sections 31, 32 and 33, to a point near the center of 
the northwest quarter of Section 34, from which it extends directly north 
through Sections 27, 22, 15, 10 and 3 respectively. 

Throughout the entire township the surface is undulating and well 
watered by the Sandusky, its tributaries and several constant springs. The 
Sandusky River enters at a point near the center of the eastern line of the 
southeast quarter of Section 34, and extends in a northwesterly direction 
through the same; also through Section 28, in the same direction, converg- 
ing to a due west course at a point about midway of the half-section line in 
the northern part of Section 20; thence trending southwest from a point 
near the eastern boundary of the northeast quarter of Section 19, passing 
out at the southwest corner of the latter. Broken Sword Creek enters the 
township at the north at a point near the northeast corner of Section 5, and 
flows in a south and southwest direction through Sections 4, 8, 17 and 18, 
cutting the northeast and southwest corners of the latter respectively, and 
entering the Sandusky near the center of Section 19. Grass Run and Gray 
Eye Run flow from the eastern part of the township, form a juncture in Sec- 
tion 21, and empty into the Sandusky near the southwest corner of Section 
20. The soil of Antrim Township is very fertile and well adapted to wheat 
raising, as well as to the culture of oats, corn and other ordinary cereals. 
Large crops of corn from the bottom lands, and wheat from the elevated as 
well as the lower tracts are annually gathered, and the township has the 
honor of supporting some of the most prominent farmers of the county. 

THE early settlers. 

The first white settler who located in Antrim Township was John Kirby. 
He settled on land in 1819 that Col. M. H. Kirby entered in 1820. He was 
born in Halifax County, Va., and came to Highland County, Ohio, in 1814, 
and from there to this county, where he died about 1847 or 1848, having 
reared a large family of children. Jacob Coon also located in this township 



674 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

in the fall of the same year. He came from Pickaway County, and located 
in the southeastern part of the township in 1819, and resided on the same 
fai'm sixty years. 

Zachariah Welsh came to this county in 1821, and settled in Wyandot 
Village. He died in 1849; his wife'b demise occurred in 1857. Edmund 
R. , his son, was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, in 1810. He came to this county 
with his parents and died January 29, 1880, in Nevada, to which place he 
removed in 1865. He came from Fairfield County. 

Jesse Jurey came from Highland County in 1820 or 1822, and settled 
west of the village of Wyandot, where he lived and died. Walter Wool- 
sey came from New York State and settled in the township in 1820. 

In 1820, Col. M. H. Kirby entered 640 acres where Wyandot now is 
situated. He made additions to this till he owned L200 acres, on which he 
moved from Columbus in 1839, remaining till 1843, when he was appointed 
Receiver of the Northwestern Land Office. Ttiese were the principal set- 
tlers up to the date last mentioned, and, in fact, to the date of the organ- 
ization of the county, 1845, after which time settlements were rapidly made. 

Isaac Longwell came from Licking County in 1821, and took up his 
abode in this township. William T. Howe settled here about the same 
time. Thomas Terry came soon after from Highland County, Ohio. He 
was formerly from Old Virginia. He died in Marseilles Township. His 
son-in-law, Josiah Robertson, moved to the township with him. Abner Jurey 
located in Antrim in 1822. He was born in Virginia, and was married in 
this county to Priscilla Winslow, who now resides at Wyandot. He died in 
1851. Jacob Brewer moved to the township from the Darby Plains in 1824. 
Henry Brown, born in Pennsylvania, moved to Wayne County, Ohio, in 
1818, and to this township in 1826. 

Thomas Thompson moved from New Philadelphia to this township in 
1827. He was afterward a missionary, and was employed on the Mission 
farm. He was also a school teacher. He died in Seneca County, Ohio, in 
1884. Isaac Miller first settled here in 1836. He was born in Rockingham 
County, Va., in 1784. John Leith came from Fairfield County in 1832 or 
1833. 

George W. Leith moved to Antrim in 1837. In 1845, he was appointed 
Associate Judge, serving seven years. He died at Nevada March 10, 1883. 
Lair, Isaac and Jacob Miller were also settlers of 1836-37, coming with 
their parents, and being then almost grown to manhood. Jacob Keller first 
purchased land here in 1825, and still lives in the township. He was born 
in Virginia in 1797. Benjamin Hitecame in about 1840. He was born in 
Perry County in 1815. D. W. Wilson was one of the early settlers, as was 
also James Daughmer. Peter Brewer was born in this Township in 1825. 

The first house, a hewed-log structure, was erected by John Kirby, on 
the land entered by Col. Kirby in 1819. Isaac Longwell and Sarah Wins- 
low were the first who were joined in marriage in the township, and Re- 
becca Welsh, daughter of Zachariah and Hannah (Stein) Welsh, was the first 
white child born therein, the date of her birth being 1822. Magdalene 
Hite was born in 1823, probably the second white child born in the town- 
ship. Abner Jury, an infant, was the first to pass away, the date of his 
death being August, 1821. He was buried in the Macedona Graveyard, 
and the little marble slab that marks the spot is brown with age. In 1825-26, 
David Bibler built a grist mill east of Wyandot on the Sandusky River, 
the first mill constructed in the township. He was also the first " tavern- 
keeper " in the township. John Kirby had the honor of being the first 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 675 

merchant of Antrim, his store being located in the village of Wyandot. 
Most of the settlers, the early settlers, were located within the village of 
Wyandot, south and east of the Reservation line, but at the date of the 
organization of the county, or soon after, the settlement was more general, 
and quite extensive, as will be seen by the following list of tax payers of 
the township in 1845, and the number of acres owned by each: 

OWNERS OF REAL ESTATE. 

John Bibler, 169 acres; George Brioker, 90^ acres; Bain & Williams, 
bh acres; William Bain, 62 acres; Goodlove Bowman, 160 acres; John A. 
Bibler, 92 acres; Samuel Bretz, 12 acres; Michael Battentield, SO aci'es; 
Cox & Hampton, 240 acres; Bank Clinton, 664^^ acres; Jacob Coon, 80 acres; 
John N. Cox, 320 acres; Josiah Copeland, 80 acres; Benjamin Cope, 2 acres; 
Reuben Drake, 160 acres; Mary Drake, 80 acres; James Daughmer, 48 
acres; Joseph Drake, 27 acres; Andrew Eby, 80 acres; Zurial Fowler. 220 
acres; Tira Garrett, 98 acres; Charles B. Garrett, 312 acres, also carding 
machine; John Goshorn, 80 acres; George Garrett, 159 acres; Eli W. 
Groyman, 160 acres; David Hite, 35 acres; Benjamin Hite, 72 acres; Will- 
iam T. Howe, 240 acres; Jacob Howenstine, 80 acres; Abner Jurey, 80 acres; 
Lewis Jurey, 200 acres; John Ju^rey, 80 acres; Jacob King, 365 acres; Den- 
nis Leninger, 52 acres; Isaac Longwell, 157 acres; George and James H. 
Moore, 320 acres; John McElvain, 805 acres; Neil & Neiewanger, 840 acres; 
Carson Porter, 80 acres; Carson and Mary Porter, 80 acres; Rodney Spald- 
ing, 11^ acres; Thomas Salmon, 58 acres; Jacob Staley, 80 acres, also a 
tannery; Solomon Sturges, 267 acres; Gottlieb Schellhorn, 160 acres; 
Charles White, 130 acres; Daniel Wilson, 160 acres; John W. Winslow, 49 
acres; Benjamin Welch, 240 acres; Samuel AVinslow, 38 acres; Abigail 
Winslow, bi; acres; Walter Woolsey, 108 acres; Daniel Wright, 109 acres; 
Wilson, Butler & Baldwin, 641 acres; James S. Reed, 40 acres. 

TOWN OF WYANDOT. 

William Brown, Inlot No. 14; Hiram Chapman, Inlots 8, 9, 1, 4, 7; 
Hannah French, Inlot No. 13; David Miller, Inlot No. 5; State of Ohio, 
Inlots 2, 3, 6, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 10, 11; H. N. Wheeler, Inlot No. 
15; Charles White, Inlot No. 20;' Wayne Rood, 80 acres; John A. Bibler, 
80 acres; James S. Reed, 40 acres. 

TOWN OF HALIFAX. 

state of Ohio, Inlots, 1 to 20 inclusive. 

OWNERS OF PERSONAL PROPERTY. 

Zira Alford, Frederick Alford, William Anderson, Joseph L. Brooks, 
Thomas Blunder, Eli Bricker. George Bricker, John Bricker, Samuel Burk- 
hart, Joseph Bochtel, Samuel Beals, Charles Beals, John Barger, Benjamin 
Cope, Hiram Chapman, Jacob Coon, Thomas Comstock, Jacob Collins, 
James Corbin, William Daily, David B. Drake, James Daughmer, James 
Eldridge, Noah Ely, Noah French, Zuriel Fowler, James Fredregill, Wil- 
liam Ford, Samuel Gorman, John Gorman, Christian Hoover, William T, 
Howe, William Howe, Benjamin Hite, Elizabeth Hite, Jacob Holderman, 
David Holderman, Benjamin Hawk, John Leith, George Longwell, 
Lewis Longwell, Isaac Longwell, Joseph Mount, Jason Miller, Augus- 
tus W. Munson,* Irum Porter, Samuel Reamy, Joseph Remington, 

*A physician. 



676 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Abner Jurey, John Jm-ey, Lewis Jurey, Reuben Johns, Ambrose King, Al- 
fred Keller, Jacob King, Jacob Keller, John Kirby, Virgil Kirby, Samuel 
Kirby, Jacob Staley, Abraham Smith, John Shepard, Orlando Shepard, 
John Shields, Jacob Schellman, Asa Sherwood, George I. Smith, David 
Wilson, Hezekiah Woolsey, Elizabeth Winslow, Daniel Wright, Walter 
Woolsey, Robert Wolverton, John Wilmoth, Benjamin S. Welch. 

SCHOOLS. 

The early schools of Antrim were conducted under very great difficulties, 
the neighbors being far apart and the facilities meager. According to the 
best iaformation we are able to obtain, the first schools of the township were 
held in a log cabin in the door-yard of Thomas Terry, Ethan Terry being 
the first teacher. It is also stated that schools were held in the dwellings 
of Messrs. Howe and Ijongwell, and that Nathan Howe was, perhaps, the 
first teacher. It is quite certain that the first schoolhouse was erected in 
the village of Wyandot in 1827-28. It was, of course, a cabin, and the 
first teacher who flourished the " rod of correction and shot the young idea " 
within its walls was Thomas T. Thompson, who subsequently taught in the 
mission schools. One Martin lays some claim to the same honor, however. 
William Brown was the third teacher in this educational institution. The 
schools of the township at the present time are perhaps as well conducted 
as any in the county, and their interests are as carefully guarded, most of 
the schoolhouses being built of brick and well furnished. 

CHUKCHES. 

As early as 1820 the people of Wyandot and vicinity began to assemble 
occasionally for divine worship. The first meetings were held in the old 
log schoolhouse in the northeast part of the village, and these were continued 
with more or less regularity till 1835, when an organization was effected. 
The members were of the Methodist Episcopal pei'suasion and few in num- 
ber, William Brown and his wife Margaret being the only members from 
the village. In 1838, the Methodist Episcopal Church building was erected 
just south of the village, being the first building of the kind erected in the 
township. It has since been abandoned and is owned by H. M. Welsh, 
and will be converted into a township hall. In 1858, the United Presby- 
terian denomination erected a frame building, 40.k()0 feet in dimensions, 
and in 1884, this was purchased by the Methodist Episcopal Church at a 
cost of $300. The pastors who have labored in this field are Revs. Pilch- 
ard, Blampede, Rogers, Feckley, Close, Bruce, Neal, Barron and perhaps a 
few others. The present incumbent is George Zeigler. The present Trus- 
tees are Noah Bunnel, Jacob Ranch and James Shaffer. The society now 
comprises seventy-four members. The most important revival was con- 
ducted by Rev. Barron, in 1880, resulting in about thirty members being 
added to the list. The church has had many trials, but the outlook for the 
future is promising, as the society is in good working order and now has 
the advantage of a commodious and comfortable building. 

Broken Sword Presbyterian Church. — This society was organized 
in 1850, at the schoolhouse, which is located on the southwest corner 
of Section 17; the first meeting having been held in the same year at 
the same place under the supervision of Rev. Charles Thayer. The 
society then comprised six members, namely: Sireno Burke, Tirza 
Burke, Susan Burke, Mrs. McBeth, Lemon Armstrong and Mrs. Arm- 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 677 

strong. In 1856, a church building was erected on the southeast quarter 
of Section 8. It is a frame structure 26x36 feet, and cost $1,000. It is 
now owned by the Methodist Episcopal society. 

NEVADA. 

This beautiful and thriving village bearing the above title was named 
from the State bearing the same name and which was attracting considera- 
ble attention in the year 1852. 

The town as originally laid out was situated in the northwest fractional 
quarter of the northeast quarter of Section 4, Range 15 east, and contained 
seventy- two lots, each 60x180 feet, making an area of 10,800 square feet. 
Railway street is 100 feet wide; Morrison street, or Main street, 80 feet 
wide; Ayres and Garrett streets each 60 feet wide, and situated east and 
west of Morrison street respectively. All the regular streets and alleys 
cross each other at right angles, their bearing being 1 ° 30' east. The stone 
which by law is required to be placed at the corner of one of the lots is 
situated at the southwest corner of Lot 18, the original survey having been 
made by J. K Williams, October 14, 1852. 

The additions made to the area included in the original plat, with the 
names of the persons who made them are as follows: William Welch's 
addition, twenty-four lots, was made May 16, 1860; William F. Good- 
bread, twenty lots, January 12, 1863; J. L. Cook, twenty-five lots, March 
28, 1863; Goodbread, Welch & Dombaugh, seventy-one inlots, four out- 
lots, February 26, 1866; Joseph Braun, four lots, April 20, 1866; Robert 
Dixon, sixteen lots, March 11, 1864; George I. Miller, sixteen lots, and 
two outlots, September 18, 1865; William Balliet, twenty-one lots and four 
out-lots, April 13, 1866; W. S. Gregg, ten lots, June 21, 1876; Will- 
iam Fetrey, four lots, February 26, 1877; William Welch's second addi- 
tion, fifteen lots, July 3, 1879; James McLaughlin, twenty lots, 18 — ; H. 
D. Keller, six lots, October 8, 1881; and J. L. Cook's Secoad Addition, 
thirteen lots, December 2, 1881. 

The founders of Nevada were Jonathan Ayi'es and George Garrett. The 
land on which it is located was purchased of the Government by William 
McKibben, of Ashland County, Ohio, and was purchased of him by Messrs. 
Ayres and Garrett, who laid out the town, consisting of seventy- two lots, 
in October, 1852. Garrett was of mixed blood — Indian and white. 

Jonathan Ayres is a son of Dr. Isaac and Eliza (Coulter) Ayres, and 
was born in Beaver County, Penn. , March 12, 1822. He removed with his 
parents to Richland County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood. In 1846, 
he moved to Upper Sandusky, and has been a resident of that city most of 
the time since. In 1854, he engaged in the dry goods business and con- 
tinued in this trade ten years. Being a member of the Ohio National 
Guards, he was called into service in 1864, and was made Adjutant of the 
One Hundred and Forty- fourth Regiment, participating in the battle of 
Monocacy Junction, and also an engagement with Mosby's Cavalry, the 
regiment under his command doing gallant service in the latter action. He 
was discharged as Lieutenant Colonel March 1, 1866, and is now a resident 
of Upper Sandusky. He was married in 1856, to Miss Jennie Harris, of 
Detroit, Mich., a daughter of Norman and Lucy Harris. Mr. Ayres' father, 
Isaac Ayres, was born in York County, Penn., in September, 1782. 

When the site for Nevada was first chosen by its founders, the future for 
the town was not promising, or at least not brilliantly so. The site had the 



678 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

advantages of an elevated location and the proper distance from county 
seats; but this was the most that could be claimed for it. The land at that 
point was at that time covered by a dense growth of timber, and the con- 
trast in surroundings between the future Nevada and the sleepy, old village 
of Wyandot, which was henceforth to be considered a rival, was strongly in 
favor of the latter town. But the embryo Nevada had within it the " ele- 
ments of greatness," and with the Pittsburgh Railroad to strengthen its spine, 
and the rich farming country both north and south to supply it with the 
proper commercial nourishment, its success was soon placed beyond ques- 
tion. The woods were rapidly cleared away, the mercantile establishments 
began with a vitality that was unquestioned, and the point was settled. 
Nevada was to be a town and have a history. 

ORIGINAL IMPROVEMENTS. 

When the survey for the original plat of Nevada was made, the only 
houses standing within its limits were the dwellings of Lair Miller, James 
McLaughlin and Samuel Ellison. Mr. Miller's residence was built about 
1846-47; Mr. McLaughlin's in 1850, and Mr. Ellison's in the same year 
in which the town was laid out, 1852. After that date building proceeded 
quite rapidly as the success of the village was soon a pronounced certainty. 

William McJunkins has the honor of being Nevada's pioneer merchant. 
He erected the first storeroom in the place in 1853. It was a frame struc- 
ture of considerable dimensions and was well tilled with a stock of general 
merchandise valued at not less than $2,000. Mr. Me-Iunkins was Postmaster 
and railroad agent at the same time and did a good business, continuing in 
the place several yeai's. William Fredregill had previously erected a small 
frame building 18x26 feet, and did a small grocery business in front and a 
large saloon business behind. The building which he occupied is now used 
by W^illiam Nye as a dwelling. The McJunkins building was destroyed by 
fire in 1872. 

The second store-room was built by Jonathan Ayres who sold the same 
to J. L. Cook and William F. Goodbread. It was also a frame structure 
20x40 feet and is still standing near where it was first erected — on Main 
street, east side, south of the railroad — vised for a general storage room. 
The store was opened by the firm of Cook & Goodbread with a stock of 
$4,000 to $5,000 and an extensive and profitable business was conducted by 
this firm for about three and one-half years when they sold out to William 
Balliet. Their stock consisted of general merchandise and in connection 
with this branch of their business they erected the first stock scales in the 
town and did an extensive business in the purchase and sale of all kinds of 
grain, live stock, etc. Messrs. Cook & Goodbread may also be considered 
pioneer merchants of Nevada. For complete sketches of their respective 
lives the reader is referred to the biographical notices given in connection 
with the history of this township in succeeding pages. 

The third store of the village was established by S. S. Miller, who died 
a few years afterward and his stock of $2,000 in general merchandise was 
sold out at auction. From this time the mercantile interests went strongly 
forward till at the present date (1884) Nevada is second to but few "coun- 
try " towns in Central Ohio, being provided with numerous stores, a sub- 
stantial bank, good schools and churches, shops, mills and factories. 

MERCANTILE ESTABLISHMENTS. 

One of the foremost stores of Nevada at the present date is that of Cook 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 6?9 

& Morris, Main street, east side, north of railroad. It was first established 
in 1865 by J. S. Leith & Co., who, after coaducting it about two years, sold 
out to the Elliott Brothers, who again disposed of it to Hall & Cook in 
1879. Two years later Mr. Hall sold his interest to Mr. Cook who con- 
ducted the business one year alone, then admitting W. H. Cook, the firm 
afterward operating two years as J. L. & W. H. Cook. The establishment 
was then consolidated with that of George Benedict, making three depart- 
ments, dry goods and notions, boots, shoes and clothing, and groceries and 
provisions. One year after this change, De Jean purchased Benedict's in- 
terest and the business was conducted two years under the firm name of 
Cook, De Jean & Co. W. H. Cook subsequently withdrew and the firm of 
Cook & De Jean continued the trade till July 1, 1881, when S. Cook pur- 
chased De Jean's interest and the firm became J. L. & S. Cook, doing busi- 
ness as such till January 1, 1883, when R. E. Morris purchased S. Cook's 
interest and the present firm of Cook & Morris was established. They 
carry a stock of dry goods, notions, carpets, boots and shoes valued at about 
$7,000 and do a large business. J. L. Cook the senior partner of the firm 
has been identified with the mercantile interests of the town for about 
thirty years. 

Goodbread & Son, druggists of considerable prominence, are located on 
the west side of Main street, north of railroad. The establishment was 
first opened as a branch store by Joseph A. Maxwell, of Upper Sandusky, 
with Lewis Nichols as salesman. Mr. Nichols afterward purchased the 
stock, and still later consolidated his store with that of Dr. Jones, the firm 
doing business for some time under the title of Nichols & Jones. In 1871, 
Mr. Goodbread purchased Mr. Nichols' interest, and the business was ct)n- 
ducted till 1879 by Goodbread & Jones, J. N. Goodbread purchasing Mr. 
Jones' interest at that date. The firm has since been known as Goodbread 
& Son. They carry a full stock of goods of all kinds peculiar to the trade, 
and do a large and profitable business. William F. Goodbread, as will be 
seen by the preceding pages, was one of the pioneer merchants of the town, 
and has always been more or less prominently identified with its business 
interest. 

D. B. Wolf established himself in his present business at his present 
place in September, 1872. He occupies the storeroom originally used by 
Cook & Goodbread in 1853. It is located just south of railroad, east side 
of Main street, and was sold by the last-named firm to G. W. Balliet, Mr. 
Goodbread becoming a partner of Mr. Balliet one year later. The next 
change was effected by Mr. Goodbread purchasing the whole stock. He 
was succeeded by Dumbaugh & Huffman, and they by H. H. Welsh, who 
admitted D. B. Wolf, as stated above. The firm was known as Welsh & Co. 
till 1877, when Mr. Wolf purchased Welsh's interest, since which time he 
has conducted the business independently. His stock is estimated at about 
$4,000, and he enjoys a fine trade. His line is dry goods, notions, groceries, 
boots, shoes and queensware. 

C. Pfisterer, the only merchant tailor of Nevada, first began business in 
the town in April, 1869. He opened up an establishment in a frame build- 
ing which occupied the site of the present storeroom of Cook & Morris. 
In 1876, he removed to the building now occupied by D. B. Wolf, and in 
1879 to his present place of business, the Pease building. Mr. Pfisterer 
has always been sole proprietor of his establishment. He carries the largest 
stock of cloths and cassimeres in the county, and does a large business. 
His stock of readv-made clothing is also quite complete, the whole valued 
at $5,000. 



680 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Stewart & Hall, prominent hardware dealers, are located on Main street, 
east side, just north of railroad. The original lirm was known as Stewart & 
Wallace, and was founded in 1869, in the staves and heading and hardware 
business, at Edenville. In 1882, Mr. Hall purchased Wallace's hardware, and 
the firm has since been known as Stewart & Hall. They carry a stock valued 
at $10,000, and do an immense business, their annual sales estimated at 
$30,000 per year. Their present storeroom is 20x186 feet, and is well 
filled with a well- selected stock of hardware, tinware, agricultural imple- 
ments, etc. The building was erected by M. 11. Hull in 1876-77, and was 
purchased by Stewart & Wallace in the spring of 1878, Mr. Hull having 
made an assignment. 

E. R. Williams, a popular druggist of Nevada, became identified with 
the business interests of the place in 1882. The store was first put in 
operation in 1879 by R. M. Stewart, J. A. Stewart and William B. Wool- 
sey, who conducted the establishment under the firm name of Stewart & Co. 
until the sale of J. A. Stewart's interest, after which the firm was known as 
R. M. Stewart & Co. till September, 1882, when the stock was purchased by 
A. N. Williams & Son. The death of the father in September, 1883, left 
the stock in the hands of the sou, E. R. Williams, who now has charge of 
the business. His stock is complete, consisting of a full line of tine drugs, 
patent medicines, books, wall-paper, paints, oils, varnishes, etc., and his 
business is carefully managed. His store is located on Main street, east 
side, north of the railroad. 

W. M. Maskey, grocer. This firm began business in 1881, as Morris & 
Maskey, the latter member of the firm having purchased the interest of J. 
W. Morris, of the firm of Morris & Son, who established the business in 
1880. He now cai-ries a stock valued at $1,500 to $2,000, and has a fine 
trade, located one door north of Cook & Morris' dry goods store. 

Gregg & Co. This firm was established in 1877, the members being G, 
W. Grregg and Andrew Flickinger. Their stock consisted of clothing, hats, 
caps, boots, shoes and gent's furnishing goods. April 1, 1884, William 
Scott purchased the stock, and soon after turned the clothing over to the 
Cook Bros., who are now doing business in a brick building opposite the 
Kerr House, purchased of W. Myers. 

T, P. Miller, groceries and provisions. Mr. Miller began business on 
the corner of Morrison (Main) and Center streets in 1879. In April, 1884, 
he purchased and moved into his present building, a few doors north of the 
old establishment. The building he now occupies was built by Perry Hopp 
in 1868-69, and is a two-story frame structure, 18x45 feet in dimensions. He 
carries a stock valued at $1,000 to $1,200, and enjoys a fair trade. 

B. Hopp, dealer in furniture, and undertaker. The firm was first known 
as Hopp & Benedict, their stock of furniture being purchased of William 
Windish in 1873, The stock was burned May 15, 1875, and Mr. Hopp 
revived the business soon after, and has since conducted it. He established 
the first undertaking in the town, and does a thriving business. His new 
store-room is large and comfortable, brick, with two stories and a cellar. 

B. B. Myers & Co., hardware, stove and tinware merchants. The firm 
was established in 1875 as S. Myers & Son. In 1879, B. B. Myers purchased 
his father's interest, and has since been sole proprietor. He occupies two 
rooms, each 20x60 feet, located just south of railroad, on west side of Main 
street. His new brick building was erected in 1883. He carries a full line 
of shelf hardware, stoves, tinware and agricultural implements, and enjoys 
a flourishinfif trade. 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 681 

J. Koerber & Co. This firm began business in Nevada February 7, 1883, 
operating on a cash system from the start. The store is located on Morri- 
son (Main) street, in the Balliet room, twenty by ninety feet in dimension. 
The stock is valued at $8,000, and is well selected, consisting of dry goods, 
notions, groceries, etc. The firm is doing an excellent business, and thus 
proving beyond question both the possibility and feasibility of the cash 
system. 

A. N. Sawyer, furniture and undertaking. Main street. This establish- 
ment was opened up in July, 1882, in a new frame building, 18x60 feet, 
erected in the same year at a cost of $1,000. The building was erected by 
T. D. Keller, and purchased by Mr. Sawyer a few months later. He car- 
ries a stock of goods valued at $800 to $1,000, and does a fair business. 

Franklin James established himself in the grocery and provision business 
in December, 1879, at the place known as Williams' Corner, and in the old 
building erected by S. P. Shaw about 1864. He carries a stock of groceries, 
provisions and notions, valued at $1,500, and enjoys a fair trade. 

William Balliet, groceries, confectionery and bar. This establishment 
began business in 1879, in a frame building, which was destroyed by tire 
February 12, 1883. The px'esent brick building occupies the same site, and 
was erected immediately after the destruction of the frame structure. Mr. 
Balliet was first engaged seven years in the hardware business; the same 
length of time in the livery business, and has been engaged five years in his 
present vocation. He has a flourishing trade. 

E. R. Irmer, bakery, confectionery and provisions. 'Mv. Irmer began 
business in Nevada in November, 1875, in partnership with Philip Ruhl- 
man. They purchased their stock of groceries of John Good, and continued 
their partnership till January, 1876, when Mr. Irmer purchased his partner's 
interest, since which time he has conducted the business alone. He owns and 
occupies a brick building 21x75 feet, situated on Main street, second door 
north of railroad, east side, and has an excellent trade. 

W. P. Morris has the only jewelry shop and store in town. He has been 
engaged at the trade several years, but put in his stock in January, 1884. 
He carries a small but well-selected stock of goods, and does a fair business. 
He does all kinds of jewelers' work — engraving, clock and watch repairing, 
etc., and is located at present in the post office building. 

J. M. Kliugler conducts an old-fashioned shoe shop on South Main street. 
He began work in 1860, and for many years did a thriving business. The 
extensive use of factory goods has of late reduced the demand for home- 
made work. He makes all kinds of coarse and fine boots and shoes, and does 
mending neatly and promptly. He is one of the oldest bench workmen in 
the town. 

E. Lidle, manufacturer of and dealer in harness, saddles, etc., west 
side Main street, north of Commercial Hotel. Mr. Lidle began business in 
Nevada in 1867, and has built up a large and lucrative trade. He is the 
owner of his building, a two-story brick, 20x80 feet, and has the leading 
harness emporium of the city. He keeps a full stock of harness, saddles, 
trunks, valises and furnishing goods, and enjoys a liberal patronage. He 
learned his trade in Germany. 

L. Wilson, saddler and harness manufacturer, is located on east side of 
Main street, one door north of Sawyer's furniture store. He began business 
in Nevada in 1873, moving to his present room in 1882. His stock — all his 
own work — is valued at $600. He is an excellent workman and deserves a 
liLeral patronage. 



682 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Mrs. S. M. Wilcox established her millinery business in Nevada in 1871. 
In 1874, she erected her present business room, brick, 20x25 feet, located on 
Main street, east side, south of railroad, where slie keeps a full line of 
millinery goods valued at about $1,000. She enjoys a good trade. 

Mrs. Marie Steiner conducts a millinery business on Main street, east 
side, north of the new livery. She keeps a well-selected stock and is well 
patronized. 

A. G. Carr, proprietor of livery and feed stable, began operations in 
January, 1884. He occupies the new barn erected by James Welch in 1882. 
It is a line building 38x90 feet, with neat office, and cost about $2,000, in- 
cluding lot, wind pump, etc. The stock owned by A. G. Carr is valued at 
$2,800. It is the only livery of the village and does a good business. The 
first livery was established by Cart. Hoxten, of Marion. He sold out two 
years later. A. N. Sawyer next started the enterprise in 1867, and in 
1868, erected the first livery barn in the place. He sold out three years 
later to Balliet & Welch and established a second stable, conducting the 
business up to 1882, two years excepted. The Balliet firm continued with 
various changes till 1875. A third stable was subsequently erected by Ben- 
jamin Balliet, and four livery barns of Nevada have been destroyed by tire; 
one in 1875, one in 1877 and two in 1883. 

Myers & Lidle are now the proprietors of the Nevada meat market. 
The business was established in 1863. In 1869, Mr. Myers opened a shop 
in partnership with V. O. Tuttle, which connection existed till 1871, when 
the firm became Myers & Son. One year later Mr. Keltner was admitted to 
the firm, which was known afterward as Myers & Keltner till the spring of 
1884, when E. Lidle purchased a half interest in the business, since which 
time the firm has been known as Myers & Lidle. They have the only shop 
in town and do a good business. 

HOTELS. 

The Commercial Hotel was built by B. Hopp in 1862. It is located 
just north of the railroad, on Main street, west side, the main building being 
36x40 feet with a kitchen 30x30 feet in the rear. The house is a frame 
structure, two stories, with a roofed balcony, and contains eighteen rooms. 
Thomas J. Hinkle was the first landlord and he was succeeded by Mr. De 
Jean, to whom he sold the property. Jesse Ritz purchased the house of 
De Jean and subsequently sold it to Robert Kerr, who disposed of it to 
William Montee in 1879, who in 1884 disposed of the property and took 
charge of the Kerr House. 

The Kerr House at Nevada was erected by Robert Kerr in 1882, at a cost, 
when furnished, of $18,000. It is a fine brick structure, containing twenty- 
five good rooms, well lighted and ventilated. The building was opened for 
business in 1883, under the management of H. S. Slough, who in 1884 gave 
way to William Montee. It is by far the finest hotel property in the 
county, and, with the present efficient management, will have an excellent 
patronage. The house is well furnished, is in a desirable location — one 
door north of post office, west side Main street — and will be a lasting testi- 
monial of the enterprise of its founder. Besides the spacious parlors and 
elegant sleeping apartments, the house is also provided with an excellent 
bathroom for the accommodation of its guests. 

MILLS AND OTHER INDUSTRIES. 

Nevada Orist Mill, — The first and only grist mill of Nevada was 
erected by a stock company in 1861, H. W. Williams being the principal 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 683 

stockholder, chief instigator and millwright. The other members of the 
company were W. F. Goodbread, J. L. Cook, James McLaughlin and Sam- 
uel Junck. The cost of the institution was about $10,500. Two run of 
buhrs were at first used, two more being subsequently added, making the 
capacity of the mill 100 barrels per day. In 1884, under the management 
of L. Gr. Russell, who is present owner of the mill, the roller system was 
introduced, and the capacity is now 125 barrels per day. In 1864, the mill 
was purchased by Williams & Gregg, and in 1866, Mr. T. Daily purchased 
Mr. Gregg's interest, the firm being known as Williams & Daily, until 
1866. In the latter year Mr. A. B. Benedict purchased Mr. Williams' in- 
terest, and this firm existed till 1872, when the property became the posses- 
sion of Messrs. Daily. Russell & Williams. In 1883, the interests of the 
other members of the firm were purchased by Mr. L. G. Russell, who is now 
sole proprietor. 

Planing Mill, Door and Sash Factory. — The first planing mill es- 
tablished in Nevada was built in 1863. It, like the grist mill referred to 
above, was erected by a stock company — capital, $6,000. The original 
stockholders were Homer and Nelson King, who put in a patent bee hive at 
a large figure, James Anderson, C. P. Hopp and R. Dixon. The company 
was organized for the purpose of manufacturing the patent bee- hive referred 
to, and was denominated the American Bee- hive Company. A saw mill 
was subsequently added, and for some time quite an extensive business was 
done, though during the whole existence of the institution the enterprise at 
intervals languished and the stock depreciated. By degrees the shares were 
sold out, and J. L. Cook became the chief stockholder, and afterward sold 
his interest to G. W. Leith. The establishment was next purchased by A. 
Lance, and while in his possession was destroyed by fire in 1872. In the 
same year, S. Beaver purchased the lot made vacant by the destruction of 
fire, and erected his present mill and factory. For the first nine months 
the firm was known as Beaver & Tucker, the latter owning a one-third inter- 
est. In 1878, a saw mill was added and has since been continued. The 
establishment does an extensive business both in the sawing of lumber and 
the manufacture of doors, sash, window- frames, store-fronts, etc. The main 
building is 58x65 feet, with iron roof; the office and stoi'age room, 20x70 
feet, and the blacksmith and storage room is 26x40 feet— all two stories. 
The total value of buildings and machinery is about $6,000. Five to ten 
workmen are usually employed, and the mill was formerly operated day and 
night. 

Brick and Tile Factory. — This industry was begun in 1873 by the pres- 
ent proprietor, John Russell. He first began the manufacture of brick 
only, and continued this about five years, bringing the horse- power machine 
into general use. In 1878, he began the manufacture of tile of various 
diameters, and has conducted the business on an extensive and gradually 
increasing scale since that date. He employs from eight to sixteen work- 
men during the working season. 

Blacksmith Shoj^s. — McDermot & Schwartzkopf represent this inter- 
est in a very able manner, their shop being located just north of the Advent 
Church, Main street. The business was begun by McDermot in 1879, and 
Schwartzkopf was admitted as a partner in 1881. They occupy a substantial 
brick building, erected by them at a cost of $500, and do all kinds of re- 
pairing, horse-shoeing, etc., neatly and promptly. Plow work is made a 
specialty. Their annual receipts amount to about $2,000. 

Henry G. Lea began work at blacksmithing when quite young, and also 



684 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

spent some time at the jeweler's trade. He began the former work in Ne- 
vada in 1863, and has since engaged in that vocation. He does all kinds 
of repairing peculiar to the trade, his work giving general satisfaction. 

Carriage and Wagon Works. — J. F. Knapp is now the only representa- 
tive of this industry in Nevada. He erected his shop, a frame building, two- 
stories, 26x46 feet, in 1866, and has since been engaged in the manufacture 
of all kinds of wagons, carriages, buggies, etc. He also does general re- 
pairing, having the entire trade of the vicinity in that line. He formerly did 
a profitable business in manufacturing, bat of late years his trade has been 
crippled by the extensive use of factory work. His building cost about 
$1,000. 

A similar enterprise was established by John Harter in 1866, and after 
ten or twelve years operation was sold to George Schwartzkopf, soon after 
which it was destroyed by fire. It was located south of the i*ailroad, east 
side Main street. 

Nevada Elevator. — This enterprise was established by William F. 
Goodbread, Henry Welsh and others — a joint stock company — who erected 
the building in 1873, and in 1874 sold the same to S. H. Hunt, of Upper 
Sandusky. The building is a substantial frame structure with a receiving 
capacity of 3,000 bushels per day, and a storage capacity of 20,000 bushels. 
After a successful operation for some time, Mr. Hunt sold the elevator to 
William Blair and O. C. Ewart, who subsequently sold it to the present 
owners. 

Nevada Hook and Ladder Company. — This protective institution 
was organized April 8, 1872, the following officers being elected at 
that date: J. A. Brown, Foreman; F. Mollenkopf, Assistant Foreman; 
J. N. Goodbread, Secretary; D. E. Jefferson, Treasurer; O. S. Camp- 
bell, William Price and Stephen Kerr, Trustees. The company began 
operations with an outfit consisting of a chemical engine, hook and 
ladder trucks and fifty rubber buckets; but the engine was discarded in 
1876, and has not since been in use. The company has been engaged in 
several important fires at home, and has done excellent work. It is also 
well known throughout this section of the State as a sporting com]:»any, 
having taken part in many of the tournaments, and in each instance carried 
ofi" a fair share of the honors. In 1878, it won the second prize at the Bu- 
cyrus Tournament against the Norwalk Company, which holds the cham- 
pionship of the United States. The company has also participated in 
many other contests of the same nature, and has acquired a State reputa- 
tion for its skill and fleetness. The original number of members was about 
fifteen, but has now reached sixty, including retired members. The present 
officers are as follows: J. A. Brown, Foreman; Levi W^ilson, Assistant 
Foreman; W. A. Wolf, Secretary; W. M. Maskey, Treasurer; E. R. Irmer, 
George Schwartzkopf and A. Cronice, Trustees. 

Weaving Loom. — James Anderson is now the sole representative of this 
craft in Nevada. Although owning a good farm, he spends considerable 
time in carpet weaving, at which business he is quite an expert. He oper- 
ates one of the old-fashioned looms, which is almost a curiosity to the 
present generation. The shuttle slides through and then slides back, fol- 
lowed up by the "bumper'' che-whack, che- whack; and ere one has woven 
a twenty-pound pack he is weak in the knees and lame in the back. 

Nevada Deposit Bank. — This institution was incorporated April 10, 
1873, with W. L. Blair, President, W. F. Goodbread, Vice President, and 
J. K. Agnew, Cashier; and began business May 5, 1873, with a capital stock 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 685 

of $52,000. At its organization the principal stockholders were Robert 
Kerr and W. L. Blair, whose shares numbered 200 and 120 respectively. 
Other stockholders were G. W. Leith, W. F. Goodbread, J. L. Cook, Ben- 
jamin Ulrich, C. W. Bnrke, J. N. Goodbread, Michael Lambright, J. H. 
Hershberger, J. S. Leith, G. W. Balliet, and J. K. Agnew, with shares 
ranging in numbers from two to eighty. 

Soon after beginning operations, the stock of the lesser holders began 
to be bought in by the principals, and on September 2, 1878, the entire 
stock was represented by Robert Kerr, W. L. Blair and O. C. Ewart, who 
still conduct the business. In February, 1878, the charter under which the 
bank was established, according to the State law, was surrendered, and the 
corporation was re-organized into a co partnership represented mainly by 
the above firm, and on this plan the business has since been carried for- 
ward. The bank was first opened in the "old bank building" east side of 
Main street, south of the railroad, but, in 1879, was removed to the new 
brick bank building which was erected in 1878-79, and which is the finest 
structure used for the purpose in the county. It is regarded as one of the 
most substantial institutions of the kind in this section of the State; it is 
strongly secured bj; real estate; is well managed; does an excellent business, 
and has the entire confidence of the public. The present officers are W. L. 
Blair, President; Robert Kerr, Vice President; O. C. Ewart, Cashier; and 
J. A. Williams, Assistant Cashier. 

CHURCHES. 

Evangelical Lutheran Church. — The first meeting of this society was 
held in a schoolhouse one mile south of Nevada, Rev. A. B. Kirtland, offi- 
ciating. In the same year and at the same place by the same minister, the 
church was organized with thirty members, David Kreichbaum, Daniel Rex 
and James Gillam being remembered as among the number. The first 
church building was erected in April, 1859. It was a frame structure, and 
cost $1,175. Rev. A. B. Kirtland was the first pastor, and he was suc- 
ceeded in 1861 by Rev. Hammer. Rev. Hamilton was engaged from 1862 
to 1868; Rev. D. A. Kuhn from 1869 to 1877; Rev. H. Nodle, the present 
incumbent. There are now sixty members in the society. The present offi- 
cers are Conrad Lohr, Samuel Bell, Mathias Maskey, Tilghman Balliet and 
Daniel Kreichbaum. 

United Brethren Church. — The few original members of this organiza- 
tion held their first meeting in James McLaughlin's barn in May, 1857, Rev. 
Tabler officiating on that occasion. In 1860, an organization was effected 
through the efforts of Rev. D. W. Downey, the meeting being held for that 
purpose in Clave's hall. Twenty-eight members were listed at that time, 
James Hilborne acting as leader and Samuel Miller as Class Steward. In 
1875, the society erected their first and present church building on an out- 
lot of Cook's Addition to Nevada. It is a frame structure of 50x35 feet in 
dimensions, and was dedicated by Bishop J. Weaver. The cost of the 
building was $700. Rev. J. Paul was engaged on this work one year; Rev. 
J. P. Lea, two years; Rev. W. Nevill, one year; Rev. Easterbrook, one year; 
Rev. W. R. Leaword, one year, and Rev. George Bender to the present time. 
The present officers are J. Burnside, George Rinehart, Isaac Kemp and H. 
G. Lea, Trustees; H. G. Lea, leader, and Mrs. M. Fraize, Class Steward. 
The society now numbers ten members. 

Methodist Episcopal Church. — As early as 1859, meetings were held by 
this society one-half mile north of Nevada, where perhaps the organization 



686 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

was efifected. In 1867, they erected their present church building, which is 
a brick structure 40x70 feet, and which cost $1,200. It is located on Lot 
No. 9, McLaughlin's Addition, and is rather a fine building. The list of 
pastors with the years they were engaged on this charge is as follows: Rev. 
Jacob Monsinger, one year; James Albright, one year; W. H. Painter, two 
years; B. A. Disney, two years; D. M. Conant, two years; G. L. Hanna- 
walt, two years; C. H. Baldwin, two years; George A. Marshal, one year; 
Charles Galimore, one year; C. M. Gay, one year; Charles Crawford, one 
year. The present pastor is Rev. George Zeigler. The society now num- 
bers eighty-nine members. The present officers are L. A. Pease; J. C. Rose- 
grant, W. A. White, Goodwin Hall and J. E. Funk. 

Presbyterian Church.— This society was organized by Rev. J. P. Loyd, 
Rev. George Graham and Mr. John Black at the residence of James An- 
derson April 26, 1859. The organization then consisted of ten members, 
as follows: John Todd, Francis Todd, James L. Armstrong, Jane Arm- 
strong, Joshua Cook, Elizabeth Cook, James Anderson, Elizabeth Anderson, 
Henry Aten and John Aten. The society erected their present brick build- 
ing which is 30x110 feet in 1876, at a cost of $4,000. Rev. Thomas Wal- 
lace was first placed in this charge, and served about two years; Rev. J. P. 
Lower, eighteen months; Rev. S. A. Hummer, eighteen months; Rev. S. 
Cook, five years; Rev. R. J. Laughlin, one year; Rev. Matur (?), one year; 
Rev. O. C. Colmerry, one year. The present church officers are James An- 
derson, Joshua Cook and W^. H. Gay, Riiling Elders; Henry Aten, W. H. 
Cook and J. Gillam, Trustees. The society has Sabbath school in opera- 
tion, which is in a flourishing condition. 

Advent Christian Church. — This church was organized February 18, 1867, 
in the early part of the winter of which year Elder Jonas W^endell, of Penn- 
sylvania, and Elder D. R. Mansfield and wife, of Michigan, came to Nevada 
and conducted a series of meetings in the Lutheran Church building, as a 
result of which there was an extensive revival, and the above named minis- 
ters assisted by Elder King effected an organization. Elder King was the 
prime mover in securing the services of the clergyman referred to, and had 
prepared the field for their effective work by having previously promulgated 
the doctrines of the Advent denomination to quite an extent throughout the 
vicinity. By his influence and that of others the services of the able Dr. 
G. W. Stetson, as pastor, were subsequently secured. Prominent among the 
original members were H. A. King, Henry Welty, Martin Bacon, Catharine 
McJuncken, Rebecca McJuncken, Martha Young, Cornelius McLaughlin, 
Benjamin Hopp, C. P. Hopp, Mary A. Hopp, R. M. Stewart, Truman Daily, 
George Benedict and Andrew Benedict. The first and present church build- 
ing was erected in 1869, and was dedicated in October of the same year. 
The edifice is made of brick, and cost when completed and furnished $11,- 
000. It is located within Antrim Township on lots two and three, of Petrey's 
Addition, and is 40x70 feet in size. Elder H. G. McCulloch was the first 
pastor engaged and remained with the chui'ch about one year; his brother, 
Elder Eusebius McCulloch was next called and was retained eleven years; 
Elder J. W. Hobbs, of New York began his pastorate November 20, 1881, 
and has continued to the present time (1884). The church has suffered 
some by the removal of many of its members to other parts of the country. 
During the pastorate of Elder E. INEcCulloch, Elder Miles Grant, a promi- 
nent Adventist Evangelist, of Boston, Mass. , came to Nevada and assisted 
in a series of meetings in which the church experienced quite a revival. 

In 1888, the ladies of the church organized a " home mission society" 



#' 



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■••fs^ 




^^.,$i-v2^ 



Ua-yvn-' ^) .^^e^/^--^^^ 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 689 

with the following ofificers: Mrs. W. J. Hobbs, President; Mrs. Charles 
Young, Vice President; Mrs. John Russell, Secretary; Mrs. Joseph Spon- 
hauer ( ?), Treasurer. The church building has recently been provided with 
a bell and refurnished. The present officers of the society are Dr. R. M. 
Stewart, Benjamin Hopp, Truman Daily, William Snyder and Hirara Young, 
Trustees; John Russell and Cornelius McLaughlin, Deacons. A Sabbath 
school is kept up with considerable interest by the society, and is now in a 
prosperous condition, John Russell, Superintendent. The organization has 
always received liberal aid from those citizens of Nevada who are not mem- 
bers of any denomination. 

EDEN CEMETERY ASSOCIATION, 

This company came into existence November 19, 1868, the original mem- 
bers being John Markley, John Kisor, Josiah Andreas, David Balliet, Til- 
man Balliet and Cyrus McCauly. At the time of the organization, John 
Kisor, Josiah Andreas and John Markley were elected Trustees, David Bal- 
liet, Treasurer, and Tilman Balliet, Clerk. The association purchased a 
tract of three acres one mile north of Nevada, at a cost of $600, exclusive 
of the expense of grading and fencing, and at once proceeded to lay off the 
ground in burial lots, selling the same to those who were able to purchase, 
and donating to those who were not. The grounds are kept in good con- 
dition, and the location is decidedly pleasant. The first remains deposited 
therein were those of Elizabeth Balliet, who died September 8, 1866. Since 
that time this city of the dead has made many accessions to its numbers. 
The association has been reduced by deaths, removals, etc., to two mem- 
bers — Cyrus Mc-CaulyandT. Balliet; the former is Treasurer, and the latter 
Secretary. 

SCHOOLS. 

For some time after the town of Nevada had been surveyed, the school- 
going population was so small as to render a special subdistrict inexpedi- 
ent, and during this time the youth of the new village were compelled to 
" plod their weary way" to the district school one mile south of town. By 
the year 1863, however, the village had assumed metropolitan airs to such a 
degree as to render a village schoolhouse necessary, schools having been 
conducted for about three years previous in a town hall which was situated 
on Lot No. 20. The Nevada subdistrict was created in 1860, and 
the " special district" according to law in 1866. The first building was 
erected in the northeast part of town at a cost of 1590. It was a frame 
structure, and was in constant use up to the time of the completion of the 
new brick building in 1876. The old edifice was but one story in height, 
and contained two rooms, these being inadequate to accommodate the large 
and increasing number of pupils for some time before the new building was 
erected. 

April 5, 1875, it was voted by the people of Nevada to raise by tax 
$8,000 for the erection of a new schoolhouse according to plans and specifi- 
cations which were duly set forth; but this amount being insufficient to com- 
plete the edifice, a tax of $4,000 more was voted April 29, 1876. In the 
same year the work was completed, and the pupils systematically disposed 
in their new quarters, the total cost of the new building amounting to $14,- 
500. It is one of the neatest and most convenient school buildings in this 
section of the State, and is the best evidence of the intelligence, culture and 
enterprise of the people of Nevada that could possibly be given. It con- 

28 



690 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

tains six regular school rooms, besides the Superintendent's office and class 
room and basement. It is heated by the Theobald steam heater, manufact- 
ured at Canton, Ohio. The class rooms are well furnished, and the whole 
structure, interior and exterior, bears the marks of good taste and judgment 
in its construction. 

The Superintendents or high school teachers who have had charge of 
the schools since the erection of the frame building in 1863, are as follows: 
J. L. Cook, Charles Williams, Emily Servis, Julia Moe, Mrs. L. Dumbaugh, 
Mollie Forbes, Mr. Nye, W. R. Crabbs, W. F. Car, Mr. Dwire, M. E. 
Stearnes and D. E. Niver. The schools are in excellent condition, and are 
managed by an efficient corps of teachers, headed by an able Superintend- 
ent, Mr. Niver, as mentioned above. The total number of pupils is about 
290. The subordinate teachers are: I. C. Ginther, A Gx'animar Department; 
Mary Colby, B Grammar; Ida McDermot, Intermediate; Ida Peas, A Pri- 
mary; Miss M. A. Barr, B Primary. 

SOCIETIES. 

F. & A. M., Nevada Lodge, 343. — The few members of the Masonic 
fraternity in the vicinity of Nevada congregated at the store of Cook & 
Goodbread, where they conducted their preliminary meetings, which were 
quite frequent; and by the untiring efforts of the worthy brothers, John 
Tudhope, Benjamin Eaton, J. H. Crabbs, W. F. Goodbread and others, 
jurisdiction from adjoining lodges was obtained, and application was made 
to the Grand Lodge for a charter, which was received May 12, A. L. 5862, 
A. D. 1862. The first members under the dispensation were William B. 
Miller, John Tudhope, William F. Goodbread, James H. Gillam, Edward 
G. Steiner, William McJunkin, James S, Cummins, H. W. Williams, Peter 
Doty and James H. Crabbs. 

November 6, A. L. 5862, the Most Worthy Grand Master, by his proxy, 
Brother M. Smith, by authority conferred by a charter granted by the 
Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio at its annual session held at the city of 
Columbus on the 21st day of October, A. L. 5862, proceeded to install the 
ofBcers, assisted by Brother M. H. Kirby as Deputy Grand Master, and 
Brother Sands as Grand Marshal. The charter was then read by the order 
of the Grand Master, whereupon the Grand Marshal proclaimed Nevada 
Lodge fully organized and authorized to take rank and precedence as Ne- 
vada Lodge, No. 343. And it was so. The names of the officers under the 
dispensation were as follows: William B. Miller, W. M. ; John Tudhope, 
S. W. ; William F. Goodbread, J. W. ; Peter Doty, Secretary; James S. 
Cummins, Treasurer; Ed. D. Steiner, S. D. ; James H. Crabbs, J. D. ; James 
H. Gillam, Tiler. The society has prospered since its organization, and 
now has a membership of forty-six, with $1,200 in the treasury. The reg- 
ular time and place of meeting is the first Thursday on or before each full 
moon, at Nevada. The present officers are Thaddeus B. Armstrong, W. M. ; 
George W. Gregg, S. W. ; Joseph M. Wilcox, J. W. ; James N. Goodbread, 
Secretary; William F. Goodbread, Treasurer; David B. Wolf, S. D. ; John 
A. Ankrum, J. D. ; A. B. Stansell, Tiler. 

I. O. O. F., Nevada Lodge, No. 025. — The dispensation for this society 
was received from the Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio June 2, 1876. 
The first members under the dispensation were M. R. Hull, J. D. Rex, A. A. 
Harding, J. C. Rosegrant and G. Hall. The officers installed under the 
dispensation were M. R. Hull, N. G. ; J. D. Rex, V. G. ; A. A. Harding, 
Secretary; J. C. Rosegrant, P. G. ; G. Hall, Treasurer. The order first 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 691 

held its meetings in the Hull Block, but, after two years, removed to E. 
Lidle's block, where their meetings are still conducted. The present mem- 
bership is twenty-five, and the financial condition is good. The present 
officers are J. C. Rosegrant, N. G. ; Benjamin Hopp, V. G. ; Samuel Fisher; 
W. H. Gay. 

Knights of Honor, Lodge 277. — The dispensation granting a charter to 
this society was received from the Grand Lodge April 7, 1876, the members 
under the dispensation being A. J. Flaherty, H. F. Bemendefer, Samuel Be- 
ver, J. C. DeJean, C. H. Denjer, J. N. Good bread, B. F. Hopp, C. P. Jones, 
Henry Kurtz, John Klingler, H. G. Lea, John McMahon, C. Pfisterer, B. 
F. Smith, B. W. Nye, A. N. Sawyer, H. W. Williams, W. B. Woolsey, H. 
H. Welsh and D. B. Wolf. At the organization, H. W. Williams was in- 
stalled as Dictator; H. H. Welsh, V. D. ; S. Bever, Assistant D.; A. J. Fla- 
herty, Chaplain; H. G. Lea, Guide; T. C. DeJean, liep. ; J. N. Goodbread, 
F. R. ; A. N. Sawyer, Treasurer; B. F. Smith, Guardian; John Klingler, 
Sentry; B. W. Shay, W. B. Woolsey and C. Pfisterer, Trustees; D. B. 
Wolf, Post Dictator. The financial standing of the order is reported good; 
the number of members is now twenty-five. The present officers are: John 
Russell, Dictator; James McMahon, Vice Dictator; H. G. Lea, Assistant 
Dictator; A. J. Gillam, Chaplain; J. A. Brown, Rep; A. N. Sawyer, F. R. ; 
J. W. Goodbread, Treasurer; H. L. Snyder, Guide; W. B. Woolsey, Guar- 
dian; A. Cromer, Sentry. The society meets on Monday evening of each 
week, in I. O. O. F. Hall, Lidle building. 

G. A. R., Leith Post, No. 127, Department "of Ohio. — This post was or- 
ganized by Mustering Officer Col. H. A. Brown, in 1881, the charter being 
received from the headquarters Department of Ohio, August 24 of that 
year. The charter members were J. K. Ankrum, J. A. Brown. Irvin Bacon, 
R. B. Conaut, T. C. DeJean, E. W. Davis, G. W. Gregg, Daniel Good, John 
Hehr, M. N. Keltner, J. S. Leith, T. P. Miller, R. C. Miller, William Mon- 
tee, C. O. Oldfield, John Russell, R. M. Stewart, B. F. Smith, J. A. Stew- 
art, A. N. Sawyer and Levi Wilson. At the organization of the post, the 
members were commissioned as follows: J. A. Stewai't, P. C. ; J. A. Brown, 
S. V. C. ; J. S. Leith, J. V. C. ; John Russell, Chaplain; Dr. R. M. Stew- 
art, Surgeon; A. B. Conant, Adjutant; T. P. Miller, Quartermaster; Levi 
Wilson, O. D.; B. F. Smith, S. M. ; J. A. Ankrum, Q. M. S. ; R. C. Miller, 
O. G. Since its organization, the post has held its meetings in the I. O. 
O. F. Hall. The present membership is forty-one, and the order is in good 
condition financially. The present officers are : Orin Campbell, P. C; Wes- 
ley Grubb, S. V. C. • Amos Miller, J. V. C. ; Rev. D. S. Caldwell, Chaplain; 
Dr. R. M. Stewart; L B. Kemp, Q. M.; J. A. Ankrum, O. D. ; Samuel 
Fisher, O. G. ; J. S. Leith, S. M.; Eli Maskey, Q. M. S. 

OFFICIAL. 

At the spring election of 1866, the first town officers of Nevada were 
elected. W. R. DeJean has the honor of being the first to occupy the 
Mayor's chair, and Valentine Dombaugh was elected first Recorder. The 
original Councilmen, as shown by the old records, were E. R. Welsh, Will- 
iam McJunckins, John Tudhope, C. P. Hopp and C. F. Hoftman, the sixth 
member being unrecorded. In the course of events, the history of these 
officers has partially repeated itself, W^. R. DeJean being re elected to the 
Mayorship in the spring of 1884. The present Recorder is R. E. Morris. 



692 HISTORY OF AVYANDOT COUNTY. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

JAMES ANDERSON is a native of Lancaster County, Penn., born 
September 9, 1813. His parents, Hugh and Sarah (Miller) AndersoD were 
natives of the same county, were of Irish and Scotch descent, were married 
there and reared a family of nine children. They removed to Washington 
County, Penn., in 1821, and to Ashland County, Ohio, in 1833, there pur- 
chasing 160 acres of land on which he resided until his death which oc- 
curred about 1819-50, his wife's decease taking place about one year later. 
James Anderson resided with his parents in the counties of Lancaster, 
Penn., and Ashland, Ohio, and attended the schools afforded in those times. 
He was married in Ashland County, January 25, 1838, to Elizabeth Hill- 
born, born December 27, 1819, daughter of Amos and Mary (George) HUl- 
born, her parents being natives of Pennsylvania, and of Irish parantage. 
The children resulting from this marriage wero Rachel A., born November 
20, 1841; May M., September 3, 1813; Sarah E., May 5, 1845; James L., 
May 6, 1847; Peggy J., May 18, 1850; Catharine J., August 5, 1852; 
Hannah M., January 13, 1855. An infant and Joseph Mc. are deceased. 
The latter was born July 4, 1840. He enlisted in the three months' service 
under Capt. Kirby, in April, 1861, and at the close of his service enlisted in 
Company F, One Hundred and First Ohin Volunteer Infantry, for three 
years. He was killed in the battle at Rocky Face Ridge May 11, 1864, and is 
buried in Southern soil. In 1846, our subject removed from Ashland to 
this county and purchased dt the sales eighty acres on Indian Run. This 
farm, purchased at $2.65 per acre, he has cleared and improved and now 
values the same at $80 per acre. He has a comfortable home in Nevada — 
the fruit of hard labor, se^-ved as Trustee several years; was one of the 
founders of the Presbyterian society at Nevada, having been an Elder over 
forty years, and is highly esteemed as a citizen, favoring the Republican 
policy of government. 

JOSEPH BACHTELL, deceased, was born in Frederick County, Penn. , 
September 14, 1805. His father. Christian Bachtell, was born in Pennsyl- 
vania February 11, 1772, and his mother, Catharine (Smith) Bachtell in the 
same State February 17, 1771. The children were Jacob, Samuel, Lanah, 
Susan, Christian, Joseph, Catharine and David. The father died in Stark 
County, Ohio, February 18, 1828; the mother in this county June 11, 1846. 
Joseph Bachtell was married in Stark County, Ohio, November 5, 1829, to 
Ann M. Moore, daughter of William and Mary (Gil let) Moore; the former 
born in Maryland in 1778, the latter in same State August 20, 
1778, their children having been John, Ann M. and Elizabeth. Her par- 
ents were married March 31, 1805, the father dying in this county in June, 
1855; her mother in Stark County November 27, 1842. Joseph Bachtell 
came from Stark County, Ohio, in 1845 and purchased 100 acres of land in 
Antrim Township, which he labored on till 1875, when he removed to Ne- 
vada, where his death occurred July 30, 1883. His wife previously depart- 
ed February 9, 1872. He was a man of good character and generous im- 
pulses. His children were Susan, born August 29, 1830; Samuel, April 
17, 1833; Henry, September 5, 1835; Uriah L., August 3, 1837; Mary L., 
March 23, 1840; Sarah E., August 27, 1842; Adah, May 11, 1844, and 
Emmet E., April 6, 1849. 

EMMET E. BACHTELL resided with his parents till about twenty- 
live years of age, and obtained a good education in the common schools. 
He has always resided on the homestead, where his father located in 1845, 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 693 

and is an energetic and successful farmer. He was married, Februaiy 18, 
1875, to Miss Nancy 0. Castanien, daughter of John and Christina (Als- 
poch) Castanien, natives of Perry County, Ohio. (See sketch of John Castan- 
ien — Pitt Township). Mr. and Mrs. Bachtell have oae child — Elton E, born 
February 17, 1876. They are membf^rs of the Emanuel Reformed Church and 
held in high esteem by the members of the community in which they reside. 
In politics, Mr. Bachtell is a Republican. He had two brothers in the late 
war — Uriah L. and Samuel. 

SAMUEL BACHTELL enlisted in the Fifteenth Regiment Ohio Volun- 
teer Infantry, was made Second Lieutenant, and served three months, sub- 
sequently enlisting in the three years' service, holding the same rank. He 
was detailed for duty in the Signal Service at Munfordville, Ky., on Gen. 
Thomas' staff, in March, 1863, remaining on this duty till promoted to 
First Lieutenant, with an order to return to his regiment. This order was 
countermanded by Gen. Rosecrans, however, and he was ordered by the 
Secretary of War to report for examination, after which he was made Cap- 
tain of the Signal Corps September 1, 1864. He was assigned to 
duty as Chief Signal Officer of the Army of the Cumberland, on Thomas' 
staff, but was subsequently transferred to Gen. Sherman's staff by the re- 
quest of the latter, having been complimented for getting dispatches from 
Marietta to Rome, Ga., thereby saving the garrison two million rations and 
8,000 head of beef cattle. Mr. Bachtell was with Sherman to the sea, and in 
the campaigns of the Carolinas, witnessing the surrender of Johnson's 
army. At Washington, he was promoted to Brevet Major for meritorious 
service rendered in the campaign of Atlanta, Savannah and the Carolinas. 
He was mustered out of service in June, 1866, having been the only Cap- 
tain in the regular signal corps from the State of Ohio, though twelve were 
presented at the Senate for contirmation. He had thirty officers and 250 
men under his command, and received several letters from Gen. Sherman 
complimenting him on his successful management. 

IRVIN BACON was born in Crawford County, Ohio, December 1, 1837. 
He is a son of Charles and Parmelia (Nation) Bacon, natives of Pennsylva- 
nia and Tennessee respectively, and born in the respective years, 1801 and 
1811. His parents were married in Bucyrus about 1833-34, and resided in 
Crawford County most of their lives. His father was a carpenter and mil- 
ler, and did some work at various other trades, closing his life in 1851; his 
mother died in 1877. The children of the family were Ralph W. , Irvin, 
Martin F., John D. and Catharine J. Irvin, the subject of this sketch, re- 
sided with his parents until his father's death, and then began life on his 
own resources. He was employed two years in a carding factory at Bucy- 
rus, and was subsequently employed in various kinds of labor till he en- 
listed in the army August 11, 1861. Through the unauthorized action of 
Col. Harland, he became a member of the Eleventh Pennsylvania Volun- 
teer Cavalry, and participated in the battles of Big Bethel, Newport News, 
siege of Suffolk, South Quay, Franklin, South Anna Bridge, Asbland Sta- 
tion, Jackson, Bottom's Bridge, King's Court House, Garrett's Station, Pe- 
tersburg, Pine Level, Roa,noke Station, Ream's Station, Stony Creek, Je- 
rusalem Plank Road, Charles City Road, Darby Town Road and many other 
minor engagements. He was captured at Darby Town Road, and held in 
custody in the Libby, Salisbury and Danville Prisons from October 7, 
1864, to February, 1865. On the 22d of the latter month, he was parolled, 
and in the month of March, 1865, he was exchanged and joined his regi- 
ment, the war ending with Lee's surrender a few days later. Mr. Bacon 



694 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

was promoted to Sergeant; then to First Sergeant, 1862; Second Lieuten- 
ant, July 1, 1864; and to Captain, October 1, 1864. He served his country 
four years and eight days, receiving his discharge August 19, 1865. In 

1866, Mr. Bacon purchased eighty acres of his present farm, where he has 
since been engaged in agriculture and stock-raising, now controlling 139 
acres, valued at 175 per acre. He has dealt some in line stock, and usually 
keeps good grades. He is a stanch Republican, and served as Assessor two 
years; Trustee two years, and was a candidate for Sheriff in 1883. Mr. Ba- 
con was married, March 1, 1866, to Azaba Leith (see sketch of Hiram 
Leith), who died May 17, 1878, leaving one child — Clara, born July 1, 

1867. His second marriage to Mrs. Lydia Grove, nee Spenny, occurred 
May 10, 1881, and one child— Carl — was born to them October 24, 1883. 
By her first marriage Mrs. Bacon had six children, namely, Jonas E., Emma 
v., Aaron A., Dorsey L., James H. and William H. Mr. Bacon is a mem- 
ber of Grange No. 771, K, of H. , 277, and G. A. R., 127. He is a very en- 
ergetic and successful business man and is popular as a citizen. 

SAMUEL BEVER, proprietor of the Nevada Planing Mill and Lumber 
Yard, was born in Seneca County, Ohio, August 30, 1833. His parents 
were George and Sabina (Bretz) Bever, the former a native of Rock- 
ingham County, Va. , born March 22, 1800; the latter born in Penn- 
sylvania. There were eleven children in the family, the only living at 
the present time being Melissa A., Samuel, Joseph, xldaliae, Sarah A., 
Gideon and Amanda. The father died in Seneca County in 1869, the 
mother in 1874. Samuel Bever, our subject, resided with his pa- 
rents on the farm, attending the district schools till 1860. On Janu- 
ary 11 of that year, he was married to Chistina Miller, born in Craw- 
ford County in the year 1835, daughter of Daniel and Lovina (Strat- 
ton) Miller. By this marriage, three children were born — Ross A., Octo- 
ber 12. 1860; Earl R., May 15, 1863; and Sabina E., July 19, 1873. In 
1867, Mr. Bever removed to Nevada, and established himself in the saw 
mill business, which he conducted four years. He next engaged in the 
walnut lumber trade one year, and erected his planing mill in 1872. He 
now does a flourishing business, manufacturing to order all kinds of doors, 
sash, store fronts, etc., usually employing six workmen. Mr. Bever served 
one year as Trustee of Eden Township, and four years in the Council. He 
is a Democrat and member of the Knights of Honor — Post Dictator. His 
father. George Bever, settled in this county in 1824. 

I,: : AVILLIAM L. BLAIR, President Nevada Deposit Bank, is a son of James 
and Sarah A. (Lineberry) Blair, and was born in Warren County, N. J. , De- 
cember 20, 1831. His parents were of Scotch ancestry, who emigrated from 
that country in 1729 and 1749, and settled in New Jersey to aid in estab- 
lishing civil and religious liberty. They were instrumental in establishing 
Princeton College, New Jersey, John Blair having been Vice President and 
Professor, and Samuel Blair having been chosen President but resigning in 
favor of Dr. Wetherspoon, one of the signers of the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence. James and Sarah Blair were married in Warren County, N. J., 
where they resided the greater portion of their lives. After the death of 
his wife, which occuri'ed August 8, 1853, Mr. Blair migrated to Ohio, set- 
tling in this county, on what is known as the Judge Welch farm, near the 
village of Mexico, residing here till his death, which occui'red September 
17, 1867. He had served as a soldier in the war of 1812. There were 
eight children of the family, six of whom survive, viz. : William L., Eme- 
line, Matilda, Theodore F., Caroline and James A. The deceased were 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 695 

Marshal and Malinda. The father owned nearly 1,000 acres of improved 
land at the time of his death. In early life, he was a prominent citizen of 
New Jersey, having filled several responsible county offices. He was influ- 
ential as a citizen and highly respected in his community. William L., 
the subject of this sketch, obtained the rudiments of an education in the 
district schools of New Jersey. He resided on the farm till eighteen years 
of age, when he embarked in life on his own resources. He first came to 
this county in 1853, to engage in the stock business, driving cattle and 
sheep over the mountains to Eastern markets. Attracted by the fertile lands 
in the Sandusky Valley, he decided to make this county his future home, 
and purchased 160 acres of improved land, near Sycamore, settling here 
permanently in the spring of 1854. Since that time, Mr. Blair has been 
identified with various business enterprises; he was one of the incorporators 
of the Nevada Deposit Bank, which began business in May 5, 1873, and at 
the first meeting of its stockholders, May 5, 1873, he was elected President, 
still holding that position. He is also President of the Farmers' Bank, of 
Winfield, Kan., and one of its principal stockholders. He owns a valuable 
and well- improved farm, near the corporation of Nevada, and is one of the 
substantial citizens of the county. Mr. Blair was married December 16, 
1857, to Henrietta B. Fox, daughter of Charles C. and Caroline (Boyd) Fox, 
natives of New York and Kentucky respectively, of Scotch descent, and res- 
idents at that time, of this county, but now deceased. Six children are the 
fruits of this marriage. Idella B. was born November 5, 1858; Francis P., 
February 2, 1860; Caroline S., August 24, 1861; James A., May 7, 1863; 
William C, August 18, 1866; Mary E., June 3, 1874. Mr. Blair has been 
highly successful as a financier, and is held in high esteem as a citizen. 
He is a Republican, himself and family being associated with the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. 

EMANUEL BOWLBY was born in Somerset County, Penn., Septem- 
ber 19, 1821; he is a sou of James and Sarah (Gross) Bowlby, natives of 
Hunterdon County, N. J., and Somerset County, Penn., the former born 
September 11, 1796, the latter April 1, 1801. His parents were married 
in Somerset County, Penn., and resided there till March, 1831, moving to 
Crawford County, Ohio, in 1852, the father dying there in 1870, the mother 
in 1859. His father died of apoplexy, falling in the Nevada Depot. There 
were fourteen children in the family, nine living — Emanuel, James, Joseph, 
Jacob, Hannah, Elizabeth, Maria, Catharine and Sarah. Mr. B. resided 
with his parents till of age; he then rented land, and farmed two years in 
Wayne County, and seven yeai's in Stark County, moving to Wyandot, and 
locating on his present farm of eighty acres in 1852. This farm was pur- 
chased while covered by a dense growth of timber, but has been cleared and 
improved by Mr. Bowlby till it is now valued at $75 per acre. Mr. Bowlby 
was married April 7, 1842, to Sarah Stall, native of Wayne County, Ohio, 
born November 11, 1822, daughter of Michael and Sarah (Bowers) Stall, 
natives of Somerset County, Penn., the former born in 1792, the latter in 
1795. They had eleven children, six living — Abraham, Henry, William, 
Elizabeth, Sarah, Barbara. The deceased are George, Michael, Jackson, 
John and Susan. The father died in 1841, the mother in 1871. Mr. and 
Mrs. Bowlby have ten children living, namely: Samantha, wife of Levi 
Lawbright, deceased, born October 22, 1843; Rachel, wife of U. L. Bach- 
tell, born December, 1844; Dr. W.. July 4, 1846; Hester A., wife of 
Mitchel Sigler, born September 5, 1848; Lydia, wife of Lewis Dinkle, born 
March 7, 1850; Wellington, July 27, 1851; Nelson, October 18, 1854; Mar- 



696 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

shall, May 9, 1858; Alice, wife of James H. Traxler, October 16, 1860; 
William Sherman, April 15, 1864; James, January 11, 1868; Marshall and 
an infant are deceased. Mr. Bowlby has a comfortable home, and is well 
respected throughout his community; a Republican, politically. 

ABRAHAM BROWN was born March 3, 1822. He is a native of 
Wayne County, Ohio, and is a son of Henry and Margaret (Nitz) Brown, 
natives of Pennsylvania. His father was born February 22, 1798, was mar- 
ried in Pennsylvania, and removed to Wayne County, Ohio, about 1818. In 
1826, he brought his family to this county, and located near Wyandot Vil- 
lage. In 1828, his first wife died, and in 1830 he was married to Elizabeth 
Nitz, of Fairfield County, Ohio; he subsequently moved to Belle Vernon, 
residing in this county till his death in August, 1881. By his first mar- 
riage there were five children, three living — David I., Lucretia and Abra- 
ham, the former a prominent lawyer in Ottawa, Ohio; Lucretia, now Mrs, 
Johnson, resides in Minnesota. Abraham Brown, the subject of this sketch, 
resided with his parents till eighteen years of age. He then paid his father 
$95 for the remainder of his minor years, and began business for himself, 
working four years by the month for S. Bretz. He continued in this work 
till twenty-four; then rented land one year, purchasing fifty-three acres in 
1845. on which farm he lived twenty-five years. By subsequent purchases, 
INEr. Brown has increased his possessions till he now owns 685 acres, valued 
at $60 to $75 per acre. He has done an extensive farming and stock bus- 
iness; his operations having all been confined to this county; he has done 
considerable in the sheep business, and usually keeps good grades. Mr. 
Brown was married March 20, 1845, to Mary J. Ekleberry, a native of Mus- 
kingum County, born May 4, 1826. Her parents were Ezekiel and Mary 
(Towbridge) Eckleberry, and were married in Muskingum County, subse- 
quently moving to this county, and locating near Belle Vernon about 1830; 
her father and mother are both dead. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have had 
eleven children, seven living, namely: Ezekiel, born January 24, 1850; 
Mary A, April 12, 1854; Ella, April 3, 1856; Kate. December 29, 1857; 
Effie C, January 12, 1860; Abraham L., March 5, 1862; Charles F., 
March 3, 1863. Mr. Brown has been a resident of this county fifty-eight 
years, and has done considerable for its development; he was one of the 
first settlers, having worked one year on the old Mission farm, and is 
quite familiar with the Indian language and customs. He is ranked among 
the foremost farmers of the county, and one of its most worthy citizens. 

JOSEPH A. BROWN was born in Ashland County, Ohio, July 16, 
1844. He is a son of James S. and Rebecca (Zimmerman) Brown, the 
former a native of Ross County, Ohio, the latter of Huntingdon County, 
Penn. He was reared to manhood in his native county and educated in the 
district schools, enlisting May 1, 1861, in Company G, Twenty-third Ohio 
Volunteer Infantry, under command of Gen. Rosecraus. His regiment 
at length halted on the banks of the Monongahela, West Virginia, from 
whence Mr. Brown made his first trip as scout, engaging in an action near 
Fort Pickens with a party of " bushwhackers," and on his return to camp 
at Camp Scott, his father, who was a teamster iu the same company, was 
fatally seized with typhoid fever. He was afterward moved to Camp Look- 
out, where he died October 1, 1861, at the home of a colored family. In 
this situation, Mr. Brown had the trying experience of making his own 
father's coffin, of boards torn from an old corn crib, and burying him with 
his own hands in an old graveyard near by. He then joined his regiment, 
and in the winter of 1862, with a scouting party of twenty, captured 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 697 

twenty prisoners, and fired but three shots, after which he was ordered 
East in August of that year. He subsequently participated in the battles 
of Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, aod othex's. Being wounded at 
the latter place, he was kept at the hospital several weeks, joining his regi- 
ment at Charleston, where he x'e-enlisted December 18, 18G3. He was 
afterward engaged as scout under Capt. Blazer for Gens. Crooks and Sheri- 
dan, and passed through some thrilling experiences. On the morning of 
October 4, 1864, he was captured by four of Mosby's rebels, disguised as 
Union soldiers, while on his way to Cedar Creek, and escaped only by shoot- 
ing three of the guards, this being done by the assistance of a fellow-pris- 
oner. The history of this capture and escape is replete with incident and 
interest, but the limits of this sketch will not admit its thrilling details. 
Besides the battles enumerated above, Mr. Brown was engaged at Opequon, 
Winchester, Cedar Creek, Snicker's Gap, Fisher's Hill, Cloyd's Mountain, 
Lynchburg, Petersburg and Fredericksburg. He was honorably discharged 
August 5, 1865, and returned to Wellington, Lorain County, where he en- 
gaged in the tinner's trade one year. He then removed to Ashland, where 
he engaged in the same business till 1867, when he came to Nevada, and 
went into the employ of David and William Balliet, with whom he remained 
live years. Mr. Brown was married, August 4, 1867, to Miss Mary J. Smith, 
whose letters addressed to him in " care of Capt. Blazer, commanding 
scouts," had so nearly betrayed his position to his captors. She is the 
daughter of Wilson and Eliza (Simmons) Smith, early settlers of Crawford 
County. This marriage has been followed by four children, viz., lona (born 
July 27, 1870), Adella (November 15, 1872), James W. (September 10, 
1874), Daisy (November 10, 1878). Mrs. B. was born in Crawford County 
December 3, 1846. Mr. Brown has been chief of the fire department in 
Nevada since its organization in 1870; was Marshal one term, and now a 
member of the Council. He is a member of the K. of H., L O. O. F., and 
G. A. U., having passed all the chairs of the respective orders. 

BENJAMIN F. BRYANT, son of Isaac Bryant (see sketch), was born 
in the house where he now resides May 29, 1858. He resided with his par- 
ents till his father's death, his mother subsequently removing to Bucyrus, 
where she still lives. He was educated by a governess in his own home, 
the truant tricks of the average school boy being unknown to him. After 
abandoning his studies, he engaged two years in the dry goods and grocery 
trade with his brother, Charles Bryant, carrying a stock of goods val- 
ued at $4,000 to $5,000, but has since devoted his time to agi-icultural pur- 
suits and stock-raising, doing an extensive business. Mr. Bryant was mar- 
ried, March 17, 1880, to Ella De Lancy, daughter of Joseph and Rebecca 
(Deardoff ) De Lancy, now residents of Bucyrus. She was born in Rich- 
land County, Ohio, January 3, 1863. Mi'. Bryant is a young man of large 
business experience, good character, and genial disposition, commanding 
the respect of his entire community. He controls considerable property, 
assisted in his efiforts bv an accomplished wife. 

SAMUEL BURBAUGH, son of Conrad and Mary (Beckman) Burbaugh, 
natives of Germany, was born in Marion County, Ohio, March 25, 1846. 
He resided with his parents till twenty- two years of age; then farmed rent- 
ed land two years, and purchased his present farm of eighty acres in 1875. 
Since that date, he has been engaged in this county farming and raising 
stock, doing a good business. Mr. Burbaugh was married, January 19, 
1872, to Barbara Weist, a native of Morrow County, born October 4, 1853, 
daughter of Christopher and Mary (Wilt) Weist, natives of Germany and 



698 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Pennsylvania respectively. (See sketch of C. Weist, Pitt Township.) The 
marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Burbaugh has been blessed by live children, 
namely: Anna C, born March 27, 1872; Mary L., March 7, 1874; Lena, 
July 25, 1876; Bertha E., April 5, 1878; and Frank J., May 27, 1881. 
Lena is deceased. In politics, Mr. Burbaugh is a Democrat. He and Mrs. 
Burbaugh are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

CHARLES W. BURKE was born in West Haven, Vt., November 30, 
1832. He is the son of Sirenve and Tirza (Wheton) Burke, natives of 
Hubbertown and Fair Haven, Vt. , respectively, the former born April 2, 
1795, the latter October 31, 1802. His parents were married by Rev. 
Daniel Kent March 19, 1818, and in 1850 settled in this county, where Mr. 
Barke died February 8, 1882, aged nearly eighty-seven years. Mrs. Burke 
still survives. Charles W., the subject of this notice, was brought to Ash- 
land County by his parents in 1834, and was there reared and educated. In 
1850, he came with them to this county, where he has since made his 
home. He was married, January 1, 1807, to Miss Henrietta A. Cavens, a 
native of Knox County, born January 9, 1834, daughter of John and 
Rachel (Paxten) Cavens, both natives of Loudon County, Va., the former 
born September 22, 1790, the latter August 22, 1800. Her parents were 
early settlers of this county, the father dying April 8, 1867, the mother 
April 12, 1868. Mr. and Mrs. Burke have four children living, viz.: Milo 
W., born April 27. 1869; Mary P., Februarv 16, 1871; Clara T., November 
8, 1873, and Hattie A., May 24, 1876; Bennie F., born February 20, 1879, 
died July 14, 1879, and an infant son is also deceased. Mr. Burke served 
as Justice of Antrim Township nine years, and as Mayor of Nevada six 
years. He spent two summers in Colorado, and has since established a cat- 
tle ranch in Kansas, owning, with Mr. Shepherd Martin, 1,500 acres of land 
and 1,000 head of cattle. He is a live business man, and an active Repub- 
lican, highly esteemed in his community. 

JAMES BURNSIDE was born in Seneca County, Ohio, July 3, 1827. 
He is a son of Joseph and Sarah (Vanette) Burnside, who were natives of 
Butler County, Penn., and Essex, N. J., the father born September 20, 1804, 
the mother January 26, 1809. His parents were married in Seneca County, 
and resided there most of their lives, his father having located in that 
locality in 1817. Their children were James, Joseph W., John, Nancy J., 
Isabel, Rebecca and Abigail, living, and Martha, Tabitha, Benjamin F. 
and Abel, deceased. The father died May 6, 1875, the mother January 16, 
1854. James Burnside, the subject of this notice, resided with his parents 
till near twenty-seven years of age. In November, 1853. he purchased 120 
acres of his present farm, to which he has since added eighty acres, and has 
since been engaged here in tilling the soil, his farm being valued at $90 
per acre. Mr. B. was married, May 1, 1855, to Catharine Neikirk, a native 
of Seneca County, born June 11, 1830, daughter of Michael and Christina 
(Smith) Neikirk, natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania I'espectively. Her 
parents were married in Pennsylvania, and soon after removed to Seneca 
County, Ohio, where her father died May 17, 1880, her mother August 
31, 1849. Mr. and Mrs. Burnside had seven children, namely: Emmet T., 
born April 4, 1856; Sarah A., December 11, 1857; John O., May 7, 1859; 
Kate F. I., June 20, 1860; Michael W., October 4, 1862; James E., Decem- 
ber 16, 1867; Estie L., November 14, 1870. Mr. Burnside is a member of 
the United Brethren Church, a Democrat in politics, and one of the honor- 
able, successful and well-respected farmers of the township. 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 699 

REV. DAVID S. CALDWELL was born in Washington County, Md., 
December 22, 1820. He is a son of William and Susanna (Curfman) Cald- 
well, the former a native of Cumberland County, Penn., the latter of Fred- 
erick County, Md. He was reared to manhood in Hagerstown, Md. , and 
was there educated. In 1848, he removed to Seneca County, Ohio, and en- 
tered the ministry of the United Brethren Church, with which he was con- 
nected from 1857 to 1883. Since the latter date, he has been connected 
with the Tiffin classes of the Ohio Synod of the Reformed Church, and is at 
present date pastor of the congregation at Berwick, Seneca County, and 
Zion's Bloom, Hancock County. He labored in Upper Sandusky during 
the years 1865, 1866 and 1867, and was four years Presiding Elder of the 
United Brethren Church, taking up his abode in Nevada in April, 1882. 
Mr. Caldwell was mustered into the service at Monroeville, September 24, 
1862, and recruited Company H, One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio 
Volunteer Infantry, being commissioned First Lieutenant September 24, 
1862, and promoted to Captain in the following February, 1863. As one of 
the casualties of war, he became a prisoner June 15, 1863, in a three days' 
engagement with rebel forces of Gen. Ewell's corps at Winchester, W. Va. ; 
was taken to Richmond, and after eight months' confinement in Libby 
Prison he, with others to the number of over 100, escaped by means of a 
tunnel from said prison February 9, 1864, and with fifty-seven of the 100 
succeeded in reaching the Union lines, the balance being re captured and 
re imprisoned. Mr. C, as a result of the fortunes of war, is very much 
broken in constitution, but is still engaged in the ministry upon the before- 
mentioned charge to the extent of his ability. He was married, August 8, 
1843, to Sarah Creager, four children blessing this union, viz., Susan J., 
Henry C. , Sarah J., and Laura B. Mrs. Caldwell passed away June 1, 
1859, and Mr. C. was re-married, September 20, 1860, to Sarah J. Doyle, 
four children being born to this union, namely, James E., Angie M. , Blanch 
D. and Alpha O. Rev. Caldwell is held in high esteem by the people of 
his community both as a citizen and a public minister. 

JAMES P. CHANCE was born in Harrison County, Ohio, March 31, 
1841. He is a son of Aaron and Jane (Beall) Chance, the former born in 
Jefferson County, Ohio, May 27, 1816, the latter in Washington County, 
Penn. , January 6, 1817. They were married in Harrison County, Ohio, 
March 26, 1840, where they resided till 1852, when they moved to Crawford 
County, Ohio, where they still live. Their children were James P., born 
March 31, 1841; Sarah I., June 20, 1843; Minerva J., June 12, 1845; 
Zephaniah B., May 26, 1855; William A., July 10, 1859; the first three of 
these were born in Harrison County, the others in Crawford County. Sarah 
I. died September 18, 1877, and Minerva J. April 23, 1869. James P., oui- 
subject, resided with his parents till twenty-one year of age. He obtained 
his first start in business by procuring a sheep, which has increased its 
value many fold. He was engaged in farming and stock-raising in partner- 
ship with his father three years, and was at home more or less till his mar- 
riage, except the years 1868-69, since then transacting his business inde- 
pendently. After his marriage, Mr. Chance I'ented land two years in Craw- 
ford County, purchasing eighty acres in Fulton County, Ind., in 1872, and 
residing there till 1878, at which time he traded for his present farm of sixty 
acres, where he has since been engaged. He was married October 27, 1870, 
to Elizabeth J. Pendry, a native of Richland County, Ohio, born November 8, 
1848, daughter of James J. and Jane (Andrews) Pendry, the former born 
January 25, 1823, the latter June 16, 1820. Her parents were married in 



700 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Richland County, December 3, 1846, and their children were Elizabeth J. , 
born November 3, 1848; Mary A., November 25, 1849; Ada A., December 
23, 1850; James F., December 17, 1852; Sarah E. R., January 5, 1855; 
Thompson G., February 28, 1857; Robert F., January 17, 1859. The in- 
fant daughter died July 16, 1847; Ada A., May 12, 1852; and Robert F., 
February 26, 1860. Mrs. Chance's grandfather was born February 20, 
1787, and her grandmother, Elizabeth (Duncan) Pendry, October 10, 1790, 
their children being Margaret A., Elmer J., James J. and Clarkson S. Mr. 
and Mrs. Chance have had six children — James M., born in Crawford County, 
July 30, 1871; Herbert, born in Fulton County, Ind., March 9, 1873; Louis 
E., born in same county April 13, 1875, died May 13, 1876; Edna E., born 
October 25, 1877; Sarah O., born in this county September 3, 1879; Elmer, 
September 6, 1883. Mr. Chance's paternal grandfather, a native of Mary- 
land, moved to Jefferson County, Ohio, where he married and had two 
children, tbe youngest of whom was Aaron. Mrs. Chance was a daughter 
of James P. and Sarah (Leonard) Beall. Mr. Beall was born March 3, 
1795, and his wife March 22 of the same year. They were married January 
6, 1817, and had two children, Jane and Zenas; the latter was born Septem- 
ber 28, 1818. Mrs. Beall died September 28, 1818, and Mr. Beall married 
for his second wife Minerva Huff, December 9, 1819. This union was blest 
with eleven children, three of whom are living — James P., born May 13, 
1828; Minerva, August 28, 1839; and Zephaniah, born February 19, 1847. 
James P. Beall, Sr. , died in Crawford County, Ohio, February 24, 1869. 
His widow survived him about six years, her death occurring January 15, 
1875. 

JAMES L. COOK, of the firm of Cook & Morris, Nevada, was born in 
Harrison County, Ohio, March 1, 1830. He is a son of Joshua and Eliza- 
beth (Larkins) Cook, the former born in Steubenville, Ohio, September 6, 
1800. His father's residence was then the only building in that place, and 
he removed with his parents two years later to Virginia, where he spent his 
early years, coming again to Ohio in 1824. He was married in Carroll 
County in 1826, and subsequently purchased 100 acres in this county, where 
he died December 15, 1860. The decease of his wife (born May 4. 1806) 
occurred in November, 1878. They were the parents of seven children — 
Solomon, James L., John W., Joshua and William H. surviving. The de- 
ceased are Nancy and Catharine. James L. , our subject, obtained a fair 
education in the district schools of Seneca County, closing his educational 
pursuits at the Hayesville Academy at the age of twenty-four. At nineteen 
he began teaching in the old log school houses, continuing this in ccmnection 
with farming for several years, teaching fifteen terms. In 1855, Mr. Cook 
gave up farming and spent two years in the West, returning two years later 
and establishing himself in a general store at Nevada, where he has since 
been engaged in mercantile pursuits. He is the oldest merchant of Nevada, 
having begun as clerk in the employ of William McJunkin in 1854. He has 
been quite successful in business, nuw owning 100 acres of good land and 
thirteen town lots. Mr. Cook was married May 24, 1860, to Miss Jane 
Gregg, daughter of Samuel and Rebecca (Berrington) Gregg, six children 
having been born to them — Elizabeth F. was born March 17, 1862; Edith 
M., May 23, 1864; Alice B., April 22, 1866; Martha R., August 17, 1868; 
Elvaretta J., September 19, 1871. The deceased was an infant son, born 
March 9, 1861. Mr. Cook is a Republican. He served as Justice of the 
Peace in this township six years, as Notary Public twelve years, and several 
years as a member of the Town Council — being now a member. He is also a 
member of the Knights of Honor, and highly esteemed. 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 701 

LOUIS CEANER, son of Christian and Elizabeth (Smith) Craner, was 
born in Crawford County, Ohio, May 27, 1836. His parents were natives 
of Germany, and emigrated to America when quite young. They located 
near Galion. where they resided most of their lives, the father dying Octo- 
ber 10, 1867, the mother in January, 1879, They had eight children, 
namely: Henry, Louis, Mary, Elizabeth, Christian, Caroline, Eose A. and 
Anna — all living but Caroline. Mr. Craner remained the allotted time 
with his parents and then worked out by the month, four years, at $10, $11, 
$12 and $15 per month respectively. He then farmed rented land seven 
years, and purchased 127 acres, his present farm, in 1867. His farm is in 
good condition, and valued at $85 to $100 per acre. Mr. Craner was mar- 
ried October 29, 1865, to Mary J. Beach, of Crawford County, Ohio; born 
April 9, 1817, daughter of Peter and Magdalene (Myers ) Beach, natives of 
Germany and Pennsylvania respectively. Her parents were married in 
Crawford County, where her father was a prominent farmer, owning 420 
acres of land. He died in October, 1865. His wife is still living in Craw- 
ford County, in her sixty-fifth year. Their children were Eebecca, Mary J., 
Levi, Samuel, Laui-a A., Charley E. , Elizabeth, Henry, Catharine, Isaac, 
Anna and an infant — the latter five deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Craner are 
blessed with five children, namely: Amanda M. , born Mai'ch 8, 1867; 
Charles W., March 24, 1870; Levi H, November 10, 1873; Magdalena M., 
May 14, 1875; Emma, October 23, 1881. Hany A., born July 19, 1880, 
died August 11, 1880. Mr. Craner began life a poor boy, but by honest in- 
dustry has accumulated an excellent farm. He is a good Democrat, and is, 
with his wife, a member of the Lutheran Church. 

EPHRAIM W. DAVIS, son of George N. and Eliza (Eogers) Davis, 
was born in Bedford County, Penn., January 14, 1834. His parents were 
married in the above county, and the children resulting from the union were 
Eebecca, Ephraim W., Charles M. and an infant daughter, deceased. 
Charles M. enlisted in Company H, Fifty-fifth Eegiment Pennsylvania Vol- 
unteprs, October 11, 1861, and was shot by a sharpshooter at Cold Harbor 
June 5, 1863. Ephraim W., our subject, was reared to manhood and edu- 
cated fairly in his native county. He taught school a few terms, but was 
chiefly engaged at the shoe-making trade till October 11, 1861, when he 
enlisted in Company H, Fifty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and entered 
the service for three years, participating in the skirmishes at North Edisto 
Island, where his regiment was more or less engaged two weeks; in the bat- 
tle of Pocataligo, W. Va., being honorably discharged by reason of disability 
at Port Eoyal, S. C, July 25, 1862. In 1865, Mr. Davis removed from 
Bedford County, Penn., to this county, where he has since resided, having 
been engaged at his trade at Little York, Kirby and Nevada, at different 
periods, and being now engaged as druggist clerk in the latter place when 
his state of health will permit. Mr. Davis was married in Bedford County, 
Penn., June 3, 1858, to Miss Sarah A. Blackburn, their only child being 
Charles S., born March 3, 1859. He was re-married, October 15, 1865, to 
Mary L. Fisher, and this union has been blessed with four children — Ann 
E., Grant B., George H. and Harry F. — all living. Mr. Davis lost his 
health in the service. He is a member of the G. A. E. and aflfiliates with 
the Democratic party. He owns a comfortable home and other property in 
Nevada, and is in good standing as a citizen. 

ANDEEW DOTTS was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, December 2, 
1829. He is a son of Simon and Margaret (Eeeder) Dotts, natives of Vir- 
ginia and Columbiana County respectively, his parents having married in 



702 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

the latter place. They subsequently moved to Stark County, where Mrs. 
Dotts died in August, 1853. Mr. Dotts was married a second time and 
moved to Owens County, Ind., where he died. Andrew Dotts, the 
subject of this sketch, resided with his parents till twenty- one years 
of age, and attended the district schools, more or less, during that time. 
He then worked by the month five years, operated a threshing ma- 
chine two years, purchasing his present farm in March, 1857, moving on 
the same in 1859. He first purchased this farm with his brother-in-law, 
who afterward sold out his interest to Mr. Dotts. He erected a fine brick 
residence in 1874, at a cost of $3,000, and has made many other improve- 
ments. Mr. Dotts was married, January 1, 1856, to Ellen Slack, a native 
of Stark County, Ohio, born June 10, 1837, daughter of Abraham Slack. 
Three children have been born to this union, namely: William H., born 
June 4, 1858; Jesse, February 24, 1862, and Mary, September 12, 1875. 
Mr. Dotts is one of the most substantial farmers of this township, and is 
well respected as a citizen. He has an excellent farm and is very successful 
in his management of the same. 

WILLIAM H. DOTTS was born io Stark County, Ohio, June 4, 1858. 
He is a son of Andrew and Ellen (Slack) Dotts, and came to this county 
when but one year of age. He resided with his parents till his twenty- 
second year, engaged in farming, in the meantime operating a threshing 
machine several seasons. In 1881, he purchased his present farm of ninety- 
four acres, on which he has since resided, doing a general farming busi- 
ness, dealing in stock to the capacity of the farm. Mr. Dotts was married, 
August 3, 1880, to Miss Fannie J. McBeth (see sketch of T. C. McBeth), 
and one child has blessed their union, namely, Sidney E., born April 24, 
1882. Mr. Dotts has been identified with the interests of the county all 
his life, and is one of its most energetic and enterprising young farmers. 
He is a Republican in politics, and a young man of good business qualifi- 
cations and excellent character. 

ANDREW DYE was born in Greene County, Penn., August 28, 1822. 
He is a son of John and Rachel (Morris) Dye, who came to Ohio about 
1849, and located in Morrow County, where the former died in 1852, the 
latter April 29, 1883. Their children were Andrew, Pierson, Sarah, Hester, 
Justus, William, Owen, Eliza, Priscilla, Mary A., Minor, John, Barney, 
Samuel and an infant, the three latter deceased. Andrew Dye, the subject 
of this sketch, walked from Greene County, Penn., to Richland County, at 
the age of twelve years. He spent nine years in farm work in the latter 
locality, and then moved to Gallon, where he engaged in the grocery trade 
a short time. He then purchased eighty acres in Morrow Cou.nty, where he 
resided two years, when he removed to this county and purchased his present 
farm of eighty acres May 16, 1857. He also purchased twenty acres ad- 
joining this May 14, 1864, and in June, 1883, purchased 160 acres in Mis- 
souri. Mr. Dye was married, October 2, 1843, to Catharine Orndorfl", the 
children by this marriage being John P., born August 29, 1844, and Mary 
C, March 13, 1847. Mrs. Dye passed away March 20, 1847, and Mr. D'. 
was married February 3, 1848, to Sarah Brewer, who was born in Morrow 
County March 8, 1829, daughter of Jonathan and Jane (Maxwell) Brewer, 
the former born March 11, 1797, the latter September 12, 1800, natives of 
Pennsylvania. Her parents came to Morrow County when young, and both 
died there. They had nine children, viz., Sarah, Susanna, Eliza J., Dili- 
van and Samuel, all now living, and Enoch, Mary A., Rachel and Electa, 
deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Dye have had nine children — John, born July 11, 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 703 

1849; Sarah, July 24, 1851; Belle, October 26, 1853; Jasper, June 21, 
1856; La Fayette, February 3, 1859; Winfield, November 15, 1862; Retta, 
April 22, 1864; Bertie, May 17, 1867; Minnie, August 18, 1870, all living 
but La Fayette, who died March 26, 1883. Mr. Dye is a Democrat, and one 
of the substantial citizens of the township. 

OLIVER C. EWART, one of the partners of the Nevada Deposit Bank, 
was born in Knox County, Ohio, November 26, 1855. He is a son of Rob- 
ert and Eliza (Kerr) Ewart, the former a native of Ireland, the latter of 
Knox County, Ohio. Robert Ewart was born on the Brook) and, near 
Tempo, County Fermanagh, Ireland, December 25, 1799, and emigrated 
with his parents, two brothers and three sisters (all now deceased but Ann, 
wife of Jacob Haver, a resident of Martinsburg, Knox County, Ohio), and 
first settled (1823) in Greene County, Penn., where he resided seven years, 
then moving to Knox County, Ohio. Eliza (Kerr) Ewart was born in the above 
county March 29, 1816, and was married there in 1851, the children result- 
ing from this marriage being as follows: Ira H, Carey B. , Oliver C. and 
Mary E. Their father was the owner of 172 acres of land, which he tilled 
from 1830 to 1863, at which time he died, at the age of sixty-three, his 
wife, Eliza, being still a resident of Morgan Township, Knox County, in 
her sixty-eighth year. Oliver C, the subject of this sketch, was reared in 
his native county, and educated in its public schools. At the age of eight- 
een, he emigrated to White County, Ind., where he was employed as a 
teacher during the winter of 1874-75, and from whence he returned and 
entered Duff's Commercial College at Pittsburgh the following June. In 
1876, July, he located in Nevada, and in May, 1877, was made Cashier of 
the Nevada Deposit Bank, still retaining that position. He was married, 
March 21, 1878, to Miss Idella Blair, daughter of AVilliam L. Blair, their 
only child being Robert W., born February 23, 1879. Mr. Ewart is a 
young man of large business experience. He is manager of the Farmers' 
Bank of VV infield, Kan., and one of its stockholders. 

ANDREW H. FLICKINOER is a native of Crawford County, born 
January 29, 1847. His parents were Samuel and Philinda (Healey) Flick- 
inger, who settled in Crawford County in 1832. His father entered the 
lands on which his death occurred June 20, 1871, in his eightieth year; his 
mother died June 4, 1875. Of twelve children, ten are still living. An- 
drew H. was reared on the farm and educated in the district schools. He 
learned the carpenter's trade at the age of twenty, following this occupa- 
tion at intervals for ten years. He was married, March 29, 1876, to Miss 
Addie Leke, and one child — ^Maud E., was born to them, the date of birth 
being May 11, 1877. In 1876, Mr. Flickinger removed with his family to 
Nevada and engaged in mercantile pursuits with G. W. Gregg, of whom he 
has since been a partner. They carry a full stock of clothing, boots, shoes, 
etc., and are doing a good business. Mr. F. is a Democrat, and is now 
serving as Township and Corporation Treasurer. 

DANIEL FLOCK is a native of Crawford County, Ohio, and was born 
February 28, 1845. He is a son of Henry and Catharine Flock, natives of 
Germany. His father was a merchant in Bucyrus, where he resided till 
1853, when he opened a store at W^yandot, and conducted the same till 
August, 1869. He then returned to Crawford County, where he is now 
engaged in agricultural pursuits. Mrs. Flock's death occurred in October, 
1862, and Mr. F. has since married. Daniel Flock, the subject of this 
sketch, resided with his parents till about twenty-six years of age. In 
1869, he opened up a store of general merchange in Wyandot Village, 



704 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

where he has since engaged in mercantile pursuits. He carries a full stock 
of dry goods, groceries, glassware, queensware, notions, etc., and enjoys a 
fair trade. Mr. Flock was married, April 16, 1873, to Jane Wilson, Avho 
was born in Marion August 22, 1847. She is a daughter of Richard Wil- 
son, who was one of the most honored citizens of IMarion County, having 
served as its Auditor five years and as its Treasurer eighteen years. Mr. 
and Mrs. Flock have three children — Sophronia, born November 26, 1874; 
Velma, born June 1, 1877, and Richard H, born July 22, 1880. Mr. Flock 
is one of the leading spirits in the business interests of Wyandot. 

JOHN GANGWER was born in Ashland County, Ohio, January 1, 
1851. He is a son of Philip and Hannah (Long) Gangwer, natives of 
Westmoreland County, Penn., the former born in 1813, the latter in 1821. 
His parents were married in Pennsylvania, and soon after moved to Ashland 
County, Ohio, where his father died in 1876; his mother is still a resident 
of Ashland County. Mr. Gangwer resided with his parents till twenty-two 
years of age, and then farmed rented land five years, purchasing his present 
farm of 87f acres in March, 1878. He has made many improvements on 
this farm, and now values it at $70 per acre. He was married, February 
2, 1874, to Miss Katy A Swartz, who was born July 25, 3 257, daughter of 
Abraham and Catharine (Balliet) Swartz. Her father was born in Schuyl- 
kill County, Penn., February 15, 1819, son of Abraham and Christina 
(Zener) Swartz, and her mother was born in the samj? county May 19, 1822, 
daughter of Henry and Katy A. Balliet, also natives of Schuylkill County, 
Penn. Her parents resided in Morrow County, Ohio, about twenty- eight 
years, and then moved to their present home in this township. Mr. and 
Mrs. Gangwer have three children — Ira, born November 29, 1874; Iva, Jan- 
uary 13, 1879, and Purl, June 4, 1880. Mr. Gangwer is a member of the 
F. & A. M., a Democrat in politics, and well respected in his neighborhood. 
So far he has been very successful in his business enterprises. 

WILLIAM F. GOODBREAD, druggist, is a native of Rentlingen, Wit- 
tenberg, Germany, born August 5, 1828. He is a son of John J. and Agnes 
C. (Smith) Goodbread, natives of Germany, the former born July 15, 1788, 
the latter November 29. 1786. They emigrated to America May 14, 1832, 
and were the parents of eight children, two living to the age of maturity — 
William F. and Margaret B., wife (deceased; of Michael Schanweker. She 
was born September 18, 1815, and died in August, 1852. The grandfather 
of our subject was born in Edinburgh, Germany, in a house which dates 
back to 1426, and is still in the possession of the Goodbread family. John 
J. Goodbread entered the war against Napoleon in 1811, but subsequently 
became a soldier under him in the war against the Cossacks William F. 
emigrated with his parents and settled in Richland County in 1833. He 
was reared and educated in this locality, serving an apprenticeship in the 
shoemaker's trade, which he afterward abandoned for farm pursuits. In 
October, 1853, Mr. Goodbread came to Wyandot County and pui'chased 202 
acres in Eden Township, paying $18 per acre, and selling the same in 1858 
at $35 per acre. In April, 1859, he moved to Nevada, where he conducted 
a dry goods store till 1865, being elected County Treasurer in the fall of 
that year. At the expiration of four years' service in this oflice he spent a 
short time in stock-dealing, establishing his present business in partnership 
with Dr. C. P. Jones in 1871. In 1879, Mr. Jones retired, and a son of 
Mr. G. being admitted, the business has since been conducted under the firm 
name of Goodbread & Son. Mr. Goodbread was married in Richland 
County, February 20, 1850, to Susanna, daughter of John and Margaret 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 705 

(Baughman) Wolf. Her father was born in Washington County, Penn. , about 
1794, and was an officer in the war of 1812, his death occurring in 1876. 
Margaret Baughman was a native of Richland County, her father having 
settled there in 1810. He was once compelled to seek safety from the In- 
dians b}' entering a blockhouse, the savages having made an attack upon the 
neighborhood. Mr. and Mrs. Goodbread have one child, James N., born in 
Richland County, March 21, 1851. Mrs. G. is also a native of Richland, 
and was born January 12, 1828. Mr. Goodbread is a Democrat. He is a 
member of the A., F. & A. M, the Knights of Honor and the English Luth- 
eran Church. 

JAMES N. GOODBREAD, of the firm of Goodbread & Son, was born 
in Richland County, Ohio, March 21, 1851. He is the only son of William 
F. and Susanna (Wolfe) Goodbread, and was brought by them to this county 
in 1853. At the age of seven he came to Nevada and was educated in the 
public schools of that village. At the age of seventeen he abandoned his 
studies to assist his father in the duties of the Treasurer's office, in which 
capacity he was employed three years. In 1871, his father purchased a 
half interest in the drug store of Nichols & Jones, of Nevada, and our sub- 
ject was employed as clerk, acting in this capacity till 1879, when he pur- 
chased Mr. Jones' interest and became a partner in the firm, the same since 
being known as Goodbread & Son. Mr. Goodbread was married in Nevada 
October 24, 1872, to Miss Mary Leith, born in Eden Township, August 1, 
1852, daughter of George W. and Margaret (Steele) Leith, one child having 
been born to them, namely, Harry L., October 3, 1873. Mr. G. is a mem- 
ber of the A., F, &. A. M., K. of H, and with his wife of the Lutheran 
Church. He is a zealous Democrat and has held several responsible posi- 
tions of public trust. 

GEORGE W. GREGG, of the firm of G. W. Gregg & Co., was born in 
Crawford County, Ohio, May 25, 1849. His parents, Samuel and Rebecca 
(Bevington) Gregg, were natives of Harrison and Wayne Counties respect- 
ively. They were married at Wooster in November, 1839, and were the 
parents of eight children, five of whom are now living, namely, Mrs. Jane 
Cook, JohnH., George W., Henry F. and Fi'anklin. The deceased are An- 
drew C, Francis and Thomas B. They located in this county in 1850, and 
after three years removed to Iowa. One year later they returned to this 
county and purchased fifty-six acres known as the Pool farm. The father 
died in March, 1859, aged forty-two years; the mother still living, aged 
sixty-five years, a resident of Nevada. Mr. Gregg was reared principally 
in Antrim Township, working on the farm till his enlistment in the army, 
August 7, 1864. He joined Company B, One Hundred and Seventy-ninth 
Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under command of Capt. Lyman Parcher, spend- 
ing most of his time in patrol and picket duty at Nashville, serving till the 
close of the war, being discharged at Columbus, June 29, 1865. Returning 
home, he was employed in a drug store three years; in the stave and heading 
business three years; in the lumber business at Grand Haven, Mich., one 
year; in general merchandise at Nevada with Cook Brothers till 1876, and 
later in the boot and shoe business with William Kieffer, whose interest he 
purchased in 1877. In the same year, Andrew H. Flickinger entered the 
firm with a stock of clothing, since which time the busines has been con- 
ducted under the firm name of G. W. Gregg & Co. Mr. Gregg was mar- 
ried May 13, 1875, to Sarah A. Hilborn, daughter of Robert and Elizabeth 
(Eckes) Hilburn. She is a native of Crawford County, and was born July 
3, 1850. Their only child, Rush M., was born June 2, 1878. Mr. Gregg 

29 



706 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

was elected Township Treasurer in 1S81, and Councilman in 1879 and 1883. 
He is a member of the A.. F. & A, M., of the G. A. R., and a Republican 
in political sentiment. 

LAUREN GRAY is a native of Steuben County, N. Y., born August 
15, 1823. His parents were Levi and Tryphonia (Baker) Gray, and were 
natives of Connecticut and New York respectively, the former born in 1792, 
the latter in 1793. His father moved to New York when a young man, was 
married there and resided in the State till his death in 1867. His mother 
removed to Seneca County, Ohio, a few years later and died in Tiffin in 
August, 1882. The family consisted of ten children, namely, Daniel, Frank- 
lin, Harriet^ Lauren, Richard, Jane, Lucretia, Eunice, Samuel and Eliza- 
beth, tbe two latter deceased. Lauren, our subject, resided with his parents 
till about twenty-two years of age. He came to this county in 1845, and 
purchased 160 acres of land, locating on the same in 1846, and has since 
resided thereon, except six months in the pine lumber business in Saginaw, 
Mich., 1867, and two years in the boot and shoe trade at Nevada, 1868 and 
1869. Mr. Gray was married, June 18, 1849, to Phidelia A. Burke, who 
was born in Benson, Rutland Co., Vt., April 21, 1829. She is a daughter 
of Sireno and Tirza (Whilon) Burke, the former born in 1795, the latter 
October 31, 1802. Her parents moved from Vermont to Ashland County, 
Ohio, in 1835, and to this county in 1849. They resided in this county till 
April, 1875, when they removed to Walnut Hills, Cincinnati, which is still 
her mother's proper home, her father having died in Nevada, February 8, 

1882. The children of this family are Sophronia M., Sarah E. , James E., 
Phidelia A., Charles W., Lucy J. and Mileo D. Sherman W. and Martha 
M. are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Gray had but two children, namely, Jennie 
C, born March 24, 1861, now the wife of Henry Abnett, and Carles R., 
born in Saginaw, Mich., June 20, 1867; the latter deceased since August 2, 
1868. Mr. Gray is a member of the P. of H. He is one among the best 
farmers of the township and is highly esteemed as a citizen. 

EDWARD HALL, retired farmer and merchant, was born in County 
Antrim, L-eland, October 31, 1813. He is a son of Joseph Hall, his moth- 
er's maiden name being Conner. She died in Ireland about the year 1818. 
Joseph Hall sailed from Belfast, Ireland, in 1821, and settled in Colum- 
biana County, Ohio, near New Garden. After several years' residence here 
he moved to New Alexander, where he resided till his death, May 12, 1832, 
engaged in hotel keeping and merchandizing. Edward Hall, our subject, 
and one sister, Ann J. , were the only children that attained maturity, the 
latter dying at New Alexander in her seventeenth year. He obtained a 
" log schoolhouse" education and after his father's death was employed as 
salesman in various establishments till he began business for himself in 
1840, at Canton, Ohio. In 1863, he came to Antrim Township, Wyandot 
County, Ohio, and purchased 221 acres of land (of which he still has eighty- 
four acres), engaging in farming fifteen years; he previously engaged in the 
mercantile trade eight years in Bucyrus; in the same business at Nevada 
from 1870 to 1872; and in 1879 retired. Mr. Hall was married, December 
28, 1843, to Ann Fielding, a native of Leeds, England, and seven children 
were born to them — live living, namely: Mary L. , born October 21, 1849; 
Elizabeth A., November 28, 1851; Edward W., March 1, 1854; Josephine 
J., February 22, 1860; and John F., January 26, 1863. Mrs. Hall de- 
parted this life June 11, 1879, and Mr. Hall was re-married, December 16, 

1883, to Julia A. Serviss. 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 707 

GOODWIN HALL is a native of Bricks County, Penn. , born near Phil- 
adelphia, November 10, 1S08. He is a son of Goodwin and Phoebe (Car- 
ver) Hall, natives of the same county, where they resided till their death, 
his father having died when our subject was but a child, his mother in 3862. 
Mr. Hall resided with his grandfather (who was a Revolutionary soldier) 
till about twenty years of age. He then began operations on his own re- 
sponsibility, owning and farming forty acres of land in Chester County, 
Penn., where he resided fifteen years. He then moved to Delaware County, 
Penn., where he was engaged seven years in a cotton manufactory, and 
afterward to Saint Clairsville and Steubenville, where he was engaged in the 
same business. In 1850, he located where he now resides, and has since 
engaged in farming on a small scale. Mr. Hall was married in 1829, to 
Margaret Houpt, a native of Chester County, Penn., born September 12, 
1796, and daughter of Antony and Francina (Starkey) Houpt, the latter a 
native of Montgomery County, Penn. By this union there were six chil- 
dren, Damely: Anna E., born November 20, 1827; Phoebe, August 20, 1829; 
Charles, May 7, 1831; Francina, June 1, 1834; Gilbert G., June 8, 1836; 
and Catharine, April 25, 1839. Mrs. Hall died in November, 1860, and Mr. 
Hall was married in March, 1861, to Nancy Zook, n6e Steel, who died De- 
cember 4, 1881, aged sixty five years five months and eighteen days. He 
is an old and respected citizen and has endured many vicissitudes of for- 
tune in his lifetime. He has been a member of the I. O. O. F. forty years 
and of the Methodist Episcopal Church fifty years. 

BENJAMIN HITE is a native of Perry County, Ohio, and was born 
February 8, 1815. He is a son of Samuel and Anna (Cautfman) Hite, 
natives of Rockingham and Shenandoah County, Va. , the former born Sep- 
tember 19, 1787; the latter December 3, 1787. His ancestors for several 
generations were located in Virginia, the earlier ones settling there in the 
days of William Penn. His parents were married in May, 1814, and came 
at once to Perry County, where they afterward resided; the father dying 
there in 1857; the mother in 1851. Mr. Hite, till his twenty-fifth year, re- 
sided with his parents and then located in this county, where he began 
farming and has since continued it, having resided on his present farm, 
with the exception of seven years, since first locating in the county. He 
obtained one portion of an estate by his wife's inheritance, and subsequently 
purchased the interests of the remaining heirs, owning at one time 300 
acres of good land. He now owns 154 acres, and is still doing a good 
farming business. Mr. Hite was married September 3, 1840, to Anna, 
daughter of David and Elizabeth (DeLong) Hite, born December 19, 1821, 
in Perry County, her parents being natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania 
respectively. One child was born to them only, namely: Lorenna J., Octo- 
ber 13, 1845. Mr. Hite is one of the most successful wheat-growers in the 
township, and is a substantial farmer in general. He is a Democrat, voting 
first in 1836 and never having missed a vote since that campaign except in 
1840, then "traded off" with an opposite voter. He is also one of the 
pioneers, having resided in the county since 1840. 

JOHN HITE was born in Perry County, Ohio, October 19, 1844, and 
is a son of Martin and Emily (Swick) Hite, the former born February 28, 
1819; the latter July 22, 1821. His parents were married in Perry County, 
and resided there till their death — the father passing away July 25, 1863, in 
Perry County; the mother March 12, 1879, in Wyandot County. Their chil- 
dren were Rebecca, John, Benjamin, Isaac, Simon, Ambrose B. and Margaret 
A. In October, 1864, the family moved to this county and purchased 120 



708 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

acres, which has been divided among the children, the parents being now 
deceased. John Hite, our subject, began work for himself in his twenty- 
second year; he woi'ked for wages three years; farmed, rented land four 
years, and purchased sixty acres of his present farm in April, 1872. He 
also owns two other tracts of twenty and forty acres each. In 1879, Mr. 
Hite erected a fine frame dwelling at a cost of $1,500, his former house 
having burned February 12, 1877. He has also a good barn, built at a cost 
of $800. Mr. Hite was married January 23, 1868, to Margaret A. H. Sher- 
wood, who was born in Delaware County, Ohio, February 19, 1842. Her 
parents were David and Margaret (Bishop) Sherwood, natives of Smith 
County, Va., her father born October 27, 1802; her mother August 17, 1802. 
Their children were Levi B., Louis D., Jesse H. , Catharine, Rachel, 
Margaret A. H. and Sarah E. Their father died January 23, 1873; their 
mother July 12, 1877. Mr. and Mrs. Hite have seven children, viz. : Levi 
v., born August 14, 1869; Laura E., December 4, 1871; Emily J., August 
23, 1873; Bentson C, July 4, 1875; Amos T., January 30, 1877; Julia E. 
A., March 31, 1881; and Rebecca A., September 3, 1883. Mr. and Mrs. 
Hite are members of the Regular Baptist Church, in which Mr. Hite has 
been officially appointed Deacon several years. Mr. Hite united with the 
church March 27, 1867, and Mrs. Hite December 19, 1858. Mr. Hite is a 
Democrat in politics, and has served as Township Trustee. 

SIMON HITE was born in Perry County, Ohio, December 22, 1850, 
and is a son of Martin and Emily Hite. (See sketch of J. Hite.) He re- 
sided with his parents till twenty-one years of age; worked one year by the 
month for his mother, farmed rented land about five years, purchasing 
his present farm of forty acres in 1878. He also owns thirty-seven acres, 
which he inherited from his father's estate. Mr. Hite was married Febru- 
ary 18, 1875, to Maria E. Rosa, a native of Marion County, born August 24, 
1852, daughter of Charles W. and Barbara (Cope) Rosa; the former now 
living in Nebraska, the latter deceased, her death having occurred in 1859. 
Four children blessed this marriage^ three of whom were cut down by the 
reaper. Death, in one week. Fred L. was born January 12, 1876; Clarence 
A., May 20, 1878; Orrin F., March 28, 1880; and Alma F., July 14, 1882. 
The deceased are Fred, Orrin and Clarence; the dates of their respective 
deaths being December 20, 26 and 27, 1880 — dying of scarlet fever. Mr. 
Hite is a good farmer, and well respected as a citizen. 

BENJAMIN HOPP, dealer in furniture and undertaking, son of Fred- 
erick and Susan (Gamby) Hopp, was born March 16, 1824. He is a native 
of Seneca County, N. Y. , his parents being natives of Pennsylvania, and of 
German extraction. They were married in New York, and were the parents 
of ten children, the surviving being Aaron, Benjamin, Commodore P., Lavi- 
na Ann, Sarah A., Cornelia, Christina and George G. Mary died in 1874. 
The family located in Seneca County, N. Y,, in 1822; moved to Niagara 
County soon after, and to Richland County, Ohio, in 1837, the Father's 
death occurring there in the year 1839, at the age of forty-five. The moth- 
er died at the home of her son, Benjamin, Nevada, January 22, 1883, in 
her eighty- fourth year. Our subject was reared in Richland County, ob- 
taining the rudiments of an education in the district schools of that local- 
ity. He learned the carpenter's trade at twenty-four, and plied his trade 
till 1873, then establishing the first undertaking business in Nevada. He 
moved from Richland to Crawford in 1853, and to this county in 1862. 
He opened up his business in Nevada, with Andrew Benedict as partner, 
with a stock of furniture, which was destroyed by fire May 15, 1875. Mr. 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP, 709 

Hopp afterward established the business od his own resources, and has 
since conducted it, having the leadinor store of the place, and doing a good 
business. Mr. Hopp was married in Richland County, January 6, 1850, to 
Mary A. Bare, a native of the State of Pennsylvania, daughter of Benjamin 
and Mary Bare. Of their live children but one survives — Nellie B., born 
in June, 1867. Mr. H. has served one term as City Marshal; is a member 
of the I. O. O. F., Vice Grand of the order; member of the F. & A. M., 
and of the Advent Church, being a Trustee of the same; in politics, he is 
a EeDublican. 

PHILIP M. HOWE was born in this county, November 29, 1846. He 
is a son of AVilliam and Kachel (Longwell) Howe, who cnme to this county 
with their parents about 1821. His father was one of the substantial farm- 
ers of this locality, and resided here all his life, his death occurring 
April 9, 1874. His mother, Rachel, is still living on the old homestead. 
She was born in Licking County, Ohio, in 1820, daughter of Isaac and 
Phoebe Longwell, her parents also among the first of the few settlers who 
located there in 1821. Her marriage to William Howe occurred about 
1845, their children being Philip M. , Amelia — now Mrs. Bowers — Cicero, 
James G. , Fremont and Alice. Philip M., the subject of this notice, was 
brought up on a farm, and resided with his parents till his twenty-fourth 
year. He then farmed rented land four years, after which time he pur- 
chased with his brother his present farm of eighty acres, since purchasing 
his brother's interest. He is a good farmer, keeps good stock, and is in 
the front as an agriculturist genei'ally. His farm gives an average yield of 
$1,200 to $1,500 per annum, and is valued at $80 per acre. Mr. Howe was 
married, January 5, 1871, to Rebecca Hite, who was born in Perry County, 
Ohio, June 11, 1843 (see sketch of John Hite). They have no children. 
Mr. Hite has an elegant home and enjoys the respect of his entire commu- 
nity, being one of its most energetic and successful citizens. 

EARNEST R. IRMER is a native of Rosslau, Germany, born May 16, 
1849. He is a son of William and Sophia (Bock) Irmer, also natives of 
Rosslau. His father was born November 23, 1808, and died in Germany, 
March 5, 1875; his mother is still a resident of her native land, and was 
born December 18, 1812. Ernest learned the baker's trade in Germany 
and emigrated to the United States in July, 1871. After being engaged at 
his trade for several years in the various places of Newark, N. J., Syracuse, 
N. Y. , Cleveland and Chicago, he finally located in Nevada November 6, 
1875, at which time he purchased his present grocery store in partnership 
with Philip Ruhlman, buying the latter's interest and conducting the busi- 
ness alone since 1876. He was married in Nevada, June 1, 1876, to Miss 
Henrietta Woolsey, their only child living being Inez M., born October 7, 
1882. Three infants are deceased. Mrs. Irmer is a native of this county, 
and was born November 22, 1849. Mr. Irmer has established a good trade, 
and owns the brick storeroom which his stock occupies, and other property. 
He is a member of the F. & A. M., and is well respected as a citizen. 

CHARLES P. JONES, M. D., was born in Wales September 3, 1834. 
His parents were David E. and Ann (Price) Wales, also natives of Wales, and 
emigrated to America with their six children in 1837. They settled at Utica, 
N. Y., where they resided till 1847, when they removed to Ohio, locating 
in Portage County, where they pui'chased fifty acres of land, on which the 
father died in 1856, aged sixty-nine years; the mother passed away August 
29, 1882, aged eighty-three. Five of their eight children are still living — 
Jane A. (widow of Robert Jones), Winnifred (wife of John C. Jones), Mary 



710 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

L. (wife of Asba P. Burris), Charles P. and John C. The deceased are Ed- 
ward, Ann F. and David E. Charles P., the subject of this notice, was 
educated in the public schools of Cleveland, abandoning his studies at 
eighteen. He subsequently engaged in a mercantile establishment as sales- 
man, attending school at intervals, and began the study of medicine at To- 
ronto. Canada, in 185G, under the instruction of Dr. F. Tumbloty, remain- 
ing with him nearly four years. In 1857, he entered the Toronto Medical 
Institute, graduating in 1859. In 1860, he began the practice of his pro- 
fession at Chicago, 111., where he remained one year, when, on account of 
failing health, he was compelled to suspend his practice for about one year. 
He subsequently resumed his practice, and in 1865 located at Nevada, where 
he has since been engaged. He has a good practice, and has accumulated 
considerable property as a result of his labors, owning a good house and a 
two-story brick building on Main street, Nevada, the same costing $5,000 
in 1880. Dr. Jones is a member of the Northwestern Medical Association; 
Medical Examiner of the Knights of Honor, of which order he is also a 
member; member of the Lutheran Church, and a Republican in politics. 
He was married at Bucyrus, June '27, 1860, to Emma E. Caldwell, daughter 
of Judge Hugh R. and Ann (White) Caldwell, three children having been 
born to them; Gussie E., born May ]4, 3875, is the only one living; Lewis 
A. and Charles N. are the deceased. 

JOHN R. JURY was born in this county October 2, 1839. He is a son 
of Abner and Priscilla (Winslow) Jurey, natives of Virginia and New York 
respectively. His parents were married in what is now this county about 
1835-36, and were therefore among its first settlers, having located in this 
section of the country about 1821-22. Mrs. Jury is still living, and is per- 
haps the oldest resident of the county, though she and Mr. Welsh located 
here about the same time. The children of this family were Henry, Sarah, 
John R., Margaret, Samuel W., Olive and Cyrus, the latter deceased. John 
R., our subject, resided with his parents till twenty-one. He then enlisted 
in Company I, Fifteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for three months, at the 
expiration of which time he re-enlisted in the Eleventh Ohio Battery, and 
served three years. He participated in the battle of Island No. 10, first and 
second battles of Corinth, luka, siege of Vicksburg, Champion Hill, Jackson, 
Little Rock and several minor engagements, having the good fortune to es- 
cape either wounds or capture, yet never absent from his command twenty- 
four hours. On his return home, Mr. Jui'y farmed rented land about two 
years, a;fter which he engaged in farming in Marion County about nine 
years. In 1875, he purchased his present farm of 126 acres, where he has 
since been engaged in agricultural pursuits. His farm is valued at $70 per 
acre. Mr. Jury was married, October 11, 1866, to Miss Anna Campbell, 
who was born in Marion County, Ohio, September 24, 1811. Her parents 
are Michael and Mary (Bibler) Campbell, and have spent most of their lives 
in Marion County. The children of the family are Ezra, Samuel, Anna, 
John, Barbara, Ellen, Catharine and Lizzie, the two latter deceased. Mr. 
and Mrs Jury have had seven children, four living, namely, Byron, born 
September 13, 1867; Bertha, March 31, 1873; Arthur, March 24, 1875; 
Lewis, May 22, 1877. Ellen, Maggie and an infant are deceased. Mr. 
Jury is a member of the K. of H. , G. A. R., and is a Republican in politics. 

THOMAS KENDALL is a native of Clinton County, Penn., born July 
11, 1817. His parents, Richard and Elizabeth (Hayes) Kendall, were na- 
'tives of England and Ireland respectively, both born in 1775. They emi- 
grated to America when quite young, and located in Pennsylvania, where 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 711 

they were married and reared two children — Thomas and Robert. By a 
former marriage in England, our subject's father had four children — Jane, 
John, Mary and Ellen — who emigrated to America. Thomas Kendall, the 
subject of this sketch, resided with his parents till twenty-one years of age; 
he then rented land several years as a farmer, coming to this county in 
1867. and purchasing his present farm of forty acres, where he has since 
resided. He values his farm at $80 per acre. His father died in 1853; his 
mother in 1861. Mr. Kendall was married, December 27, 1838, to Miss 
Hannah Lunger, a native of Northumberland County, Penu. , born Novem- 
ber 10, 1819, daughter of Isaac and Mary Langer, also natives of Pennsyl- 
vania. Her parents are deceased, her father having died in 1851, her mother 
a few years later, leaving six children, viz., Eliza, Christopher, Hannah, 
John, Margaret and William J. To Mr. and Mrs. Kendall were born Mary 
E., Julv 26, 1840; Sarah E., April 11, 1842; Martha J., May 11, 1844; 
Henrietta, March 26, 1846; Robert, December 21, 1848; Richard, April 10, 
1851; Alice C, September 19, 1853; Marguerite, June 23, 1856; John, 
August 30, 1859; Anna E., January 19, 1863. In politics, Mr. Kendall 
favors the Republican policy. He owns a comfortable home, and ranks 
well among the farmers of the community. 

JACOB KELLER, one of the oldest citizens of this county, was born 
in Virginia, in 1797. He is a son of John and Susan (Stengley) Keller, 
natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania respectively, and came to Ohio about 
1799, locating at Chillicothe, removing to the Pickaway Plains six years 
later. They died in Franklin County, Ohio. Mr. Keller left his father's 
home and began business for himself at twenty-three. He was engaged 
eleven years at teaming, and then began farming, spending eight years in 
that business in Marion County, then moving to Wyandot, where he has 
since resided. He came to this county in 1825, and purchased 160 acres, 
which he afterward sold and then procured his present farm of forty acres, 
on which he has since resided. Mr. Keller was married in 1820, to Maria 
Warren, who was born in Ohio and daughter of Parker Warren, a native of 
Delaware. They have nine children, six living: Alfred, John, Nelson, Har- 
rison, Steward J. and Ann. The mother of these died March 24, 1868, and 
Mr. Keller was married February 10, 1870, to Elizabeth SchruU n6e Mc- 
Nickle, widow of Jacob Schrull. Mr. K. is now in his eighty-seventh year, 
and one of the representative pioneers of the county. He was inured to 
hard labor early in years, and has experienced most of the trials incident to 
pioneer life. 

JOHN KELLER was born in Marion County, Ohio, April 23, 1843. 
He is a son of Harrison D. and Susanna (Young) Keller, his father being 
a native of Pickaway County, Ohio, born February 9, 1812. His parents 
were married in Marion County, Ohio, April 5, 1838, and thirteen children 
were born to them, eight of whom are now living, namely: John, Henry C, 
Mary J., George W., Adaline, Charles Turney D., Chase and Levinia. The 
mother died October 2, 1862, the father still living, a resident of Nevada. 
John Keller resided with his parents till twenty-one years of age, and after 
four months' employment as fireman of a saw mill enlisted in Company B, 
One Hundred and Seventy-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was mus- 
tered into service at Camp Chase in Septenber, 1863. He was on post 
duty during most of the time of his service, having participated in no bat- 
tles. His discharge was received in June, 1864. On his I'eturn from the 
war, Mr. Keller engaged at general job work about one year; farmed, rented 
land three years, and then purchased forty acres of his present farm, to 



712 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

which he has since added, till he now owns 136^ acres, valued at $80 per 
acre. Mr. Keller was married August 22, 1850, to Jane Leith, who was 
born in this county June 17, 1840 (see sketch of Hiram Leith), and eight 
children were born to them, namely: Florence N. , January 14, 1868; Edward 
M., July 14, 1870; Chancy B., May 7, 1872; Mary J., March 10, 1874; 
Laura E., May 28, 1876; Gracie, January 3, 1879; Charles L., January 1, 
1880; and Maggie L., August 16, 1882. 

ROBERT KERR, one of the most widely known of the pioneers of Wy- 
andot and Marion Counties, was born in Mifflin County, Peun., October 22, 
1807, and is a son of James and Betsey (Arbuckle) Kerr. His grandpa- 
rents, James Kerr and William Arbuckle, were both natives of Ireland. 
His father migrated to Knox Connty, Ohio, in 1818, and purchased a farm 
of 160 acres in Clay Township, where his wife Betsey died in her forty- 
second year. He afterward sold his farm to his son Robert, and moved to 
Licking County, Ohio, where he resided with his son-in-law, Aquilla Bar- 
ber, till his death at the age of eighty-seven years. Robert Kerr remained 
in the employ of his parents until nineteen, obtaining a very limited educa- 
tion. He then began an apprenticeship at the tanuer's trade with Joseph 
Rogers, Sr., at Martinsburg, Ohio, serving two years and five months, after 
which he was employed to drive hogs to the city of Baltimore at three 
shillings per day " and no dinner. " Returning home, he was employed 
about a saw mill for some time at $11 per month, and subsequently en- 
gaged in clearing land for different parties at $2.50 to $3 per acre, his 
part of the contract being complete when everything under twelve inches 
was cleared from the ground. In this manner, he cleared the bottom land, 
also the brow of the hill lying between the Sandusky River and the town 
of Upper Sandusky, in 1830, and also cut 100 cords of wood west of the 
town, delivering the wood to George Garrett and Matthew Walker at 37^ 
cents per cord. He cleared ten acres for an Indian chief named Hicks, and 
five acres for another by the name of Jack Oak. While engaged in this 
work he removed the timber from more than one hundred acres of land; 
cut about one thousand cords of wood at 20 cents per cord, and made many 
thousand rails at 50 cents per hundred. About this time he purchased two 
tracts of eighty acres each in Scott Township, Marion County, paying for 
them $100 and $200 respectively. He was married, August 29, 1833, to 
Matilda Swaggert. daughter of Daniel and Betsey (Coonrod) Swaggert, and 
from this time gave his attention to farming, clearing $100 cash the first 
year. He soon began dealing in stock, and in about three years purchased 
360 acres more land in the same township at $1,500 on five years' time, the 
amount to be paid in payments of $300 yearly — interest six per cent. He 
stocked his land with sheep, acting on the advice of an old Pennsylvanian, 
Stephen Ulery, and was able to meet his payments promptly. The prices 
he obtained for his wool in the seven years in which he was dealing exten- 
sively, were 21^ 22^ 29, 33^, 40, 50 and 80 cents respectively; the last 
season his receipts on sale of wool and sheep aggregating $33,000. He 
continued the business up to 1876-77, when the prices lowered, and Mr. 
Kerr sold out and quit the trade. He now owns 1,059 acres of land in 
Crawford County, 443 acres in Wyandot County and 2,573 acres in Marion 
County, all free of incumbrance. He was one of the original stockhold- 
ers in the Farmers' Bank, of Marion, and of the Nevada Deposit Bank, of 
Nevada, and now owns a large amount of stock in each. He is also stock- 
holder in a bank recently established at Winfield, Kan. He built (and 
owns) the Kerr House at Marion, at a cost of $60,000, and also the Kerr 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 713 

House at Nevada at a cost of $18,000, both being fine buildings that speak 
well for the enterprise of the builder. He donated $53,000 to Hiram Col- 
lege and $23,000 to Bethany College, of Virginia, and has contributed lib- 
erally to other institutions. He is, perhaps, the wealtiest citizen in this 
section of the country, his property being worth more than $600,000. This 
large fortune was wrought out by hard labor and untiring energy, combined 
with excellent financial ability and strict integrity in all business transac- 
tions. Mr. Kerr was a member of the Disciple Chvirch for many years, 
but withdrew on account of what he considered the unchristian conduct of 
some of the members. His wife, Matilda, died in February, 1859, having 
been the mother of eleven children, six of whom are living, namely, Eliza- 
beth, Sarah, Stephen, Mary, John and Amanda. By his second wife, 
Martha Williams, to whom he was married in July, 1861, Mr. Kerr has one 
child — Addie. On New Year's day, 1883, Mr. Kerr accidentally fell on the 
icy street at Caledonia, Ohio, dislocating his left hip joint, from the result 
of which injury he has not since been able to walk. He lived forty-four 
years in the place where he began housekeeping, but for ten years previous 
to the accident mentioned, he had lived in a house erected on his land in 
Scott Township, Marion County, a short distance from his old home. He 
is now a resident of Nevada, this county. 

JOHN M. KLINGLER is a native of Wittenburg, Germany, and was 
born April 25, 1835. His parents were John M. and Anna (Bartole) Kling- 
ler, his father dying in 1836. He was therefore reared by his grandfather, 
Jacob M. Bartole, with whom he resided ten years. He then served an ap- 
prenticeship of three years at the shoemaking trade, and afterward worked 
at the same in Germany eight years. In April, 1857, he sailed for the 
United States, and located for a short time in Sandusky City. In 1860, he 
located in Nevada, where he has since plied his trade most diligently. He 
has devoted his entire life to " the bench," and has acquired a comfortable 
home by his industrious efforts. His marriage to Elizabeth Dinkle occurred 
February 19, 1861, their children being Mary A., born July 7, 1862; Lena, 
October 1, 1863; Anna L., February 17, 1865; and Matilda, January 11, 
1866; John E., December 12, 1869, died January 9, 1883; two infants are 
also deceased. Mrs. Klingler was a native of Germany, born February 17, 
1842. She emigrated to America in 1845 and died October 4, 1874. Mr. 
K. was married, September 9, 1875, to Mary E. Kowinsky. He has been a 
member of the F. & A. M. since 1879; himself and family being associated 
with the English Lutheran Church. 

JOSEPH H. LAYMAN is a native of Union County, Penn., where he 
first saw the light of day April 20, 1825. He is a son of Christian and 
Maria (Botts) Layman, natives of Berks County, Penn., the former born 
January 1, 1798, the latter October 25, 1786. The parents were married 
in Pennsylvania, and resided in that State about twenty years, his father 
having been a soldier in the war of 1812 in the three months' service, being 
in hearing of the cannons at the battle of Baltimore. His mother was a 
pensioner of the Government. In 1836, they came to Crawford County, 
Ohio, where they resided many years, though afterward making several re- 
movals; the father dying in Noble County Ind., March 16, 1866, the 
mother in Crawford County, Ohio, August 5, 1879. Mr. Layman's uncle, 
Isaac Botts, now resides on the farm formerly owned by the father of 
Maj. Andre, the British spy of Revolutionary fame. Our subject lived with 
his parents till nineteen years of age. He then worked by the month for a few 
years, and, in 1848, traded a Mexican land grant for eighty acres in Steuben 



714 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

County, Ind. , to which he subsequently added forty acres more, selling out 
three years later and purchasing property in Bucyrus, where he engaged five 
years in the plastering trade. Id 1859, he purchased 108 acres, one-half 
of which now forms his present farm, to which he has since added forty-six 
acres, the whole valued at $85 per acre. He moved to this farm February 
17, 1859, when there were no roads cut out, and erected a typical log cabin, 
where he has since resided. Mr. Layman was married, December 15, 1853, 
to Phidelia A. Nye, who was born in New York, January 17, 1833. She is 
a daughter of William and Rebecca (Nye) Nye, natives of Vermont, in which 
State they were married. Her parents moved to Utica, N. Y., and later, to 
Wayne County, Ohio, coming to Crawford County in 1846. Her mother 
died in 1850. Her father is still living, in his seventy-sixth year, a resident 
of Nevada. Mr. and Mrs. Layman have five children living, namely: James 
F., born October 27, 1855; Ida F., January 2, 1858; Susie, February 22, 
1860; Maria, January 1, 1864; Hattie, March 9, 1866. Lucretia, L. W., 
G. B. Mc. and Harry H. are deceased. Mr. Layman is a citizen of good 
standing, and a Democrat in politics. 

HENRY G. LEA is a native of Lycoming County, Penn., born Sep- 
tember 25, 1829. He is a son of Zaccheus P. and Elizabeth (Davis) Lea; 
his father born in Kidminster, England, September 26, 1756, his mother 
in Lycoming County. His father emigrated 1776, and settled in the above 
county, where he resided till 1837, at which time he came to this county, 
settling in what is now Eden Township, remaining there till his death. He 
was the father of fourteen children; by his first marriage, John B., Thomas 
P. and Sarah A. ; by his second marriage, Mary J., James D., Elizabeth, 
Zaccheus and Lydia; by a third marriage, Henry G., Catharine A., An- 
drew H. and Rebecca A. The subject of this notice, Henry G., resided 
with his parents during his boyhood, coming with them to this county at eight 
years of age. He obtained what education the schools of his neighborhood 
afforded, and, with no assistance, took up the blacksmith trade, to which 
occupation he has devoted most of his life. Mr. Lea was married, in Upper 
Sandusky, October 1, 1863, to Julia E. Kraken, daughter of Ernest M. and 
Mary R. (Roades) Kraken, her father having been the first surveyor of this 
county. The children resulting from this marriage are George W., Frank 
D. , Norba H., Emma E. , Louis L. and Ernest — the two latter deceased. 
Mr. Lea and his wife are members of the United Brethren Church, and well 
respected as citizens, he being a Democrat in political sentiments. In early 
life Mr. Lea had the Indian youths for playmates, they giving him his first 
lessons in archery, at which he is still an expert. Among the more noted of 
his dusky associates were Scott and Steward, sons of Aaron Coon, an Indian 
Chief. 

HIRAM LEITH is a native of this county and was born January 9, 
1836. He is a son of John and Elizabeth (Siple) Leith, who were natives 
of Guernsey County, Ohio, and Rockingham County, Va., respectively, the 
former born in 1807; the latter December 31, 1803. His grandfather Leith 
was born at one of the two old sites of Upper Sandusky, and resided most 
of his life in Fairfield and Guernsey Counties. He was a soldier in the war 
of 1812, and spent all his life on the frontier. His great-grandfather, John 
Leith, was captured by the Indians while employed as clerk at the present 
site of Lancaster, Ohio, in an Indian trading-post of the Delaware tribe, by 
whom he was kept in captivity twenty-nine years. He was taken at the age 
of fifteen, and was employed at the agencies, being closely guarded for one 
year, after which he was given the privileges of the tribe. He was adopted 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 715 

into tiie family uf Capt. Pipe, the famous chief of the Delawares, and while 
in custody was married to Miss Sallie Lowry, a white woman, who was cap- 
tured by the Mingo Indians at Big Cove, Penn., in 1762. After twenty- 
nine years of savage life they made their escape and joined the whites at 
Ft. Pitt (now Pittsburgh), being closely pursued by their captors, who ap- 
peared on the opposite side of the river in the same hour in which Mr. and 
Mrs. Leith and two children had crossed over in safety. The details of 
their history are full of interest and thrilling in the exti-eme. John Leith, 
father of our subject, located in this county about 1832-33, moving at that 
date from Fairfield County. He first leased land in this township, of the 
Wyandot Indians, and after seven years made a purchase of eighty acres. 
He was universally esteemed, and after a life of frontier hardships for many 
years died January 14, 1860. His aged companion, Elizabeth Leith, is still 
living and resides with her former son-in-law, Capt. Bacon. Hiram Leith, 
the subject of this sketch, resided with his parents till twenty-one years of 
age, obtaining the rudiments of an education in the crude schools of his 
time and vicinity. He began work on a farm for his uncle, and by making 
payments as his means afforded, has acquired a tine farm of 121 acres, now 
valued at $75 per acre. He has always engaged in the conimon routine of 
farm life and has been fairly successful, though his competence has been 
gained chiefly by hard labor. Mr. Leith was married, January 29, 1865, to 
Elizabeth J. Scott, a native of Knox County, Ohio, born January 25, 1845. 
Her father, Matthew Scott, was born in Ohio and died in 1849; her mother, 
Mary (Wilson) Scott, in Maryland. They were married in W.ayne County, 
Ohio, but resided in Knox County, where her father died in 1842. her 
mother subsequently married T. J. Hinkle, and now resides in Nevada. Mr. 
and Mrs. Leith have eight children living — Teffie, Frank M., Mary E., El- 
veretta, Emma A., Clara M., Alta J. and Grace A. Cora is deceased. Mr. 
Leith is a Eepublican. He is regarded as one of the thoroughly reliable 
citizens of the township, and is ranked among the first for his qualities as 
a man. 

JAMES S. LEITH, son of George W. and Margaret P. (Steele) Leith, 
was born in this county March 6, 1838. His parents were of Scotch and 
French descent i-espectively, his father a native of Ohio, and his mother, of 
Pennsylvania. They were married in Seneca County and soon after settled 
in Wyandot County, where they resided from 1837 to 1867. In the latter 
year they moved to Nevada, where the mother died in August, 1868, the 
father March 10, 1883. The latter was a prominent citizen in his locality, 
a Whig in politics, serving as Associate Judge from 1845 to 1852. He de- 
voted the greater part of his life to agricultural pursuits, owning 400 acres 
of land and having a family of ten children, five of whom survive — James 
S., Mrs. Mary Goodbread, Martha S., Mrs. Jessie Balliet, Mrs. Josie Baglin, 
the two latter twins. Three of the daughters are residents of Nevada; the 
latter a resident of Pittsburgh, Penn. James S., the subject of this sketch, 
resided with his parents till 1862. He continued farming till 1866, when 
he engaged in the dry goods trade at Nevada. He remained here two years, 
selling his stock and entering the wholesale dry goods establishment of 
Lathrop & Luddington, of New York City, and remained with this firm till 
it became insolvent, December, 1869. During the seasons of 1871 and 1872, 
he engaged in the sale of agricultural implements at Nevada. He was one 
of the incoporators of the Nevada Deposit Bank, and was made one of its 
directors, disposing of his stock to Robert Kerr, in 1877. In 1875, he was 
appointed Railway Postal Clerk, which situation he held till 1882, since 



716 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

which time he lias not been permaDently engaged. Mr. Leitli is a Repub- 
lican; was one of the organizers of Company H, One Hundred and Forty- 
fourth Ohio National Guards, being elected First Lieutenant. His regi- 
ment was called into service May 1, 1804, participating in the battle at Berry- 
ville, August 13, 1864, serving four months in all. His marriage to Melissa 
Pease occurred October 1, 1862. She was a daughter of James and Eliza 
(Hall) Pease, now residents of Sycamore Township. One child — Maggie E., 
was born to them, her birth occurring November 8, 1865, Mrs. Leith died 
April 15, 1866, and Mr. L. has never since married. 

ERNEST LIDLE, saddler, Nevada, was born in Wittenburg, Germany, 
April 4, 1842. His father, Christopher, was also born in Germany in 1814, 
and emigrated to the United States in 1854, locating in Seneca County a 
short time, but moving to this county in 1855-56, stopping at Upper San- 
dusky, where he still resides. His mother, Mary (Saner) Lidle, died in 
Germany in June, 1850. Four of the seven children emigrated — Charles, 
Frederick, Ernest and Frederica. Our subject landed in New York City 
September 26, 1865, and was then employed six months at the harness trade, 
which he had pursued in Germany from the age of fourteen. He subse- 
quently spent two months in Buffalo, thence moving to Cincinnati, where he 
was employed till March 1867, when he permanently located in Nevada, and 
was married, May 4, 1867, to Louisa Deerer, who died in 1868. He was 
married, January 14, 1870, to Sarah E. Parker n6e Walker, and seven chil- 
dren have blessed this union — Matilda, born October 20, 1870; Jessie M. ; 
Mary E. ; Frederick and Edward (twins), born October 4, 1879; an infant, 
deceased. Mr. Lidle is the owner of his present business room, and has 
the leading establishment of the kind in the town, carrying a full stock of 
harness, saddles, trunks, valises, etc. He also owns a comfortable residence 
on Garret street, and is well I'espected as a citizen, being a member of the 
Knights of Honor. 

CONRAD LOHR is a native of Bavaria, Germany, born February 6, 
1815. He is a son of William and Christina (IMeedman) Lohr, his mother 
having died in Germany September 30, 1831, and his father, while on their 
voyage to this country in .1843. They were the parents of three children, 
Conrad being the only one living. He located in Wayne County in 1843, 
but removed to this county in 1848, purchasing forty acres of land in An- 
trim Township, where he was engaged till 1875, when he removed to Ne- 
vada, since living a retired life. Mr. Lohr was married in Germany in 
1837 to Julia Rittenspach, and live children were born to them — Phoebe, 
born May 12, 1839, died November 28, 1856; Jacob B., August 6, 
1841; Elizabeth, February 26, 1845; George and John (twins), April 12, 
1849. Phcebe and Jacob B. were born in Germany. Mrs. Lohr's demise 
took place in April, 1849, and Mr. L. was married in 1850 to Catharine 
(Shull) Layman, and three of the four children by this marriage are living 
— Daniel, born April 10, 1852; Henry, August 13, 1854; and AVilliara, 
May 9, 1858; Mary, born September 19, 1850, died November 28, 1856. 
The mother of these children dying September 10, 1858, Mr. Lohr was 
married 'January 5, 1860, to Mrs. Elizabeth Johns, formerly Miller. He is 
now enjoying the fruits of his early labors, leading a retired life. He is 
a Democrat in politics, and a member of the English Lutheran Chvirch. 
He has been a resident of the county about forty years. 

WILLIAM M. MASKEY, son of Joseph and Mary A. (Simmons) Mas- 
key, was born in Nevada October 16, 1861. His parents were natives of 
Pennsylvania, their children being William M., Charley and Ida. William 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP, 717 

M. was educated in the public schools of Nevada, and abandoned his studies 
at the age of seventeen years to accept a clerkship in the grocery store and 
bakery of E. R. Irmer, with whom he was engaged from 1879 to 1881. In 
the latter year he purchased a stock of groceries of J. "\V. Morris & Son, 
and embarked in business on his own resources. He carries a full line of 
groceries, provisions, fruits, etc., and enjoys a good trade. He is a young 
man of efficient business experience and of good character, being well 
esteemed as a citizen. 

JOHN McBETH occupies a position in the front rank of the farmers of 
this township. He was born in Washington County, Penn., June 15, 1827, 
and is a son of Thomas and Jane (Campbell) INIcBeth. He came to Marion 
County, Ohio, with his parents in 1844, and resided with them till his 
twenty-first year. He then engaged at monthly labor for two years, after 
which time he purchased eighty acres of land of his father on which farm 
he resided twenty-four years. He then traded for his present farm of 195 
acres on which he has since resided. He also owns 17 acres of the old 
homestead and 84 acres in Putnam County, Ohio. Mr. McBeth has spent 
the mature part of his life farming in this county and is one of the most 
successful of its agriculturists. On his farm is located a large mound, in 
which has been found the bones of human skeletons, either of Indians or a 
previous race. John McBeth was married April 3, 1851, to Margaret J. 
Swayze, who was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, February 9, 1834, daugh- 
ter of John and Elizabeth (Thompson) Swayze. Her parents were born in 
Pennsylvania where they were also married soon after moving to Fairfield 
County, where they resided till 1848, when they came to Wyandot and 
purchased in this township, the old Peacock farm, on which still stands the 
log cabin erected by the Indian Chief of that name. Her mother died in 
Fairfield County in 1848; her father afterward sold his farm and removed 
to Putnam County, where he died in February, 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Mc- 
Beth have four children, namely: Frank C, born April 19, 1854; Jenie, 
October 6, 1856; Martin M., August 9, 1867; Truman B., February 26, 
1870. Mr. McBeth is a Republican in politics, and has served several 
years as Trustee. The family is associated with the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. 

THOMAS C. McBETH, one of the most successful farmers of this 
township, was born in Washington County, Penn., August 16, 1830. His 
parents, Thomas and Jane (Campbell) McBeth, were born in the north of 
Ireland, the father in 1800, the mother about 1805, being of Scotch ances- 
try. They emigrated to America in 1825, landing May 1, They located 
in Washington County, Penn,, on the MonoDgahela River twenty miles 
above Pittsburgh, where they resided till the spring of 1844, when they re- 
moved to Marion County, Ohio. In 1849, they located on Broken Sword 
Creek in this township, where they purchased 400 acres on which they re- 
sided till their death; the father passing away in .lune, 1877, the mother 
May 1, 1875. The old home in which they shared the joys and soiTOws of 
life for more than a quarter of a centui'y, is now deserted, and a massive 
willow stands weeping over its desolation. There were ten children in the 
family, namely: Eliza, John, Thomas C, Robert, William, Mary, Ellen, 
Jane, Fannie and Alexander — the latter deceased. Thomas C, the subject 
of this memoir, resided with his parents till in his twenty-second year. 
He then was employed two years as a farm hand for F. Campbell, of Marion, 
at $12 per month, after which he farmed rented land four years, beginning 
operations in 1859 on eighty acres given him by his father. In 1858, he 



718 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

ptu'chased forty acres, adding forty more in 1865, and in 1870, traded these 
tracts for his present farm of 202 acres, paying $4,000. On this farm he 
has erected an elegant residence, and is conducting an extensive and success- 
ful agricultural and stock-raising business. Mr. McBeth was married 
January 25, 1855, to Sidney C. Lamberton, a native of Mansfield, Ohio, 
born September 8, 1834, and daughter of Robert M. and Eliza M. (Edsall) 
Lamberton. Her grandparents were among the tirst settlers of Richland 
County, her grandfather Edsall assisting to raise the log storeroom owned 
by Mr. I. Wiler on what is now the site of the noted " Wiler House" of 
Mansfield. Her father when first located in that vicinity, sold Mr. Wiler 
ginseng, snakeroot and other medicinal roots and herbs. Her grandfather, 
Lamberton, was a native of Scotland and graduated in the University of 
Glasgow. He emigrated to America and became one of the most able 
lawyers of Mansfield, his death occurring in 1858, his wife's following. 
Mrs. McBeth's parents were natives of Carlisle, Penn and Mansfield, Ohio, 
her father born May 12, 1811, the latter, October, 1817. They were mar- 
ried near Mansfield and resided there most of their lives, her father having 
died in 1839; her mother is still living in that vicinity in her sixty -eighth 
year. Mr. and Mrs. McBeth have had six children, viz.: Thomas N., born 
November 26, 1856; Pleda M., September 9, 1858— wife of Frank Blair, 
Fannie J., August 26, 1861— wife of William H. Dotts, Venemen, May 21, 
1864; Minnie I., December 2, 1866; Maud, twin to the latter, died January 
17, 1869. Mr. and Mrs. McBeth are members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Chux-ch and highly respected in their community. 

WILLIAM McBETH, one of the foremost farmers of this township, 
was born in Washington Co., Penn., July 12, 1834. He is a son of Thom- 
as and Jane (Campbell) McBeth, natives of Ireland and of Scotch ancestry. 
(See sketch of T. C. McBeth). Our subject resided with his parents till 
twenty-eight years of age and engaged in farming, obtaining a fair education 
in the district schools. He inherited eighty acres from his father's estate, 
and purchased forty acres in 1860, to which he has added till he now owns 
263 acres of land, valued at $75 to $80 per acre. He has done much hard 
work, having assisted in clearing two large farms of their forest growth. 
He deals quite extensively in stock, keeping extra qualities of cattle, sheep 
and hogs. Mr. McBeth was married February 3, 1863, to Miss Rhoda 
Harmon, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Minor) Harmon, natives of 
Bartley County, Va., and Madison County, Ohio, respectively. Her par- 
ents spent most of their lives in this county, where her father died Septem- 
ber 18, 1853; her mother November 28. 1867. The family consisted of 
ten children, namely: Margaret, Osborn, Mary A., Francis, Sarah, Rhoda, 
Elizabeth, John, Michael and George. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs, 
McBeth has been blessed by four children, namely: Gladys, born Septem- 
ber 30, 1864; Blanch, September 6, 1869; Cora. March 11, 1873; Harry, 
October 22, 1877. Mr. McBeth has resided on his present farm since 1863. 
He has been very' successful in his business affairs, his efforts having been 
crowned by an estate of not less than $27,000. He and Mrs. McBeth are 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the family ranking among 
the first in their community. 

ISAAC MILLER, one of the most worthy and notable pioneers of this 
county, was born in Pendleton County, Va. , May 24, 1818. His paternal 
grandfather, Anthony Miller, was a native of Hardy County, on Lost River, 
Va., and was all through the Revolutionary war. He was present at the 
massacre of Little Wheeling, Va., where but a very few escaped the toma- 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 719 

hawk of the savages. He was Lieutenant of the company that followed the 
Indians to Little Wheeling. His maternal grandfather was a native of the 
same county, was also a Revolutionary soldier, and a Methodist minister. 
Isaac Miller is a son of Isaac and Margaret (Lair) Miller, the former born 
in Hardy County, on Lost River, Va. , October 26, 1784; the latter July 28, 
1783. His parents were married in their native county and subsequently 
removed to Pendleton County, on the South Fork of the Potomac, where 
they resided until April 14, 1834, when they started for Ohio, and located 
on the Delaware Reserve, now within this county, where they remained two 
years, when they moved to the Wyandot Reserve, near where the town of 
Nevada is now situated. They iirst leased land in 1836 of Jacob Young, a 
Wyandot, on which land they resided seven years. They were the first 
white settlers of Eden Township; the father then purchased land — 80 acres 
— with his son Lair, and after the death of his wife. May 29, 1845, resided 
with his son. He died February 21, 1862. In this family there were 
seven children, viz.: John, born March 20, 1808; Mary, February 1, 1810; 
Catharine, November 11, 1813; Elizabeth C, May 12, 1816; Isaac, May 24, 
1818; Lair, February 10, 1820; Jacob, March 31, 1825. Isaac, our subject, 
resided with his parents till twenty-seven years of age. He was mar- 
ried October 10 1847, to Barbara Fredregill, daughter of James and Sarah 
(Wever) Fredregill, natives of Westmoreland County, Penn. By this mar- 
riage one child was born, namely: Reuben, the date of his birth being June 
29, 1848. His wife's decease occurring August 9, 1849, Mr. Miller was 
again married February 7, 1850, to Sarah Clayton, born in Wayne County, in 
Ohio, March 12, 1820, daughter of Samuel and Cynthia (Hampshire) ulayton, 
natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania respectively, of English and Welsh 
descent. Her parents were married in Richland County, Ohio, June 27, 
1819, and later moved to Knox; then to Seneca, and then to Wyandot 
County in July, 1836. Her father died February 5, 1879; her mother, 
November 9, 1883 — both in Nebraska. After his marriage, Mr. Miller 
farmed rented land six years, operating a saw mill two years in the mean- 
time. He located on his present farm August 23, 1854, purchasing first 
forty acres, to which he has added by subsequent purchases till he now owns 
eighty -five acres. His present dwelling was built originally by Dr. Grey- 
eyes, a " medicine man " of the Wyandot tribe, the logs having been hewn 
by one McGrew and John Hicks Standstone, an Indian. Mr. Miller has 
been a lifelong farmer, and has witnessed the growth of this county since 
1834, having done much for its development. He has had several hand-to- 
hand combats with the " redskins," and after the strife, has partaken of their 
bounteous pots of pork, deer, raccoon, 'possum and skunk broth most freely. 
He is still quite conversant in their language and caa yet give the savage 
war-whoop in all its weirdness and terror. He was supervisor of the Indi- 
ans while they were cutting out the Osceola road from Indian Run to Rock 
Run, and was intimately acquainted with most of the members of the tribe. 
Mr. and Mrs. Miller are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
and highly esteemed by all who know them. Mrs. Miller was a school- 
teacher in her young days, closing her last term at noon before marriage. 

REUBEN MILLER is a native of this county, born in Crane Township, 
June 29, 1848. He resided with his father, Isaac Miller (see sketch), till 
twenty-two years of age, farming and attending the common schools. He 
was married December 29, 1870, to Mary J. Keller, daughter of Harrison 
D. and Susanna (Young) Keller, and three children have been born to them 
— Myrtie B., July 8, 1874,; Lillie M., January 24, 1878, and Lefee, Sep- 



720 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

tember 27, 1883. For eight years after his marriage Mr. Miller tilled his 
father's farm. He then purchased his present farm, where he has since 
been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He is one of the model farmers of 
the township, and makes a specialty of good grades of sheep and hogs. He 
owns eighty-five acres within the corporation of Nevada, valued at $125 per 
acfe, the land being drained by five miles of tile drainage. Mr. Miller 
served as Trustee of the township in 1882, and in 1883 was elected member 
of the Village Council. He is highly esteemed as a citizen, is an energetic 
farmer and an active Republican. 

WILLIAM MONTEE, proprietor of the Kerr House, Nevada, is 
a native of Plattsburg, N. Y. , born June 27, 1829. He is a son of A. and 
Hester (Wilson) Montee, the former a native of New York City; the latter 
of Nova Scotia, of French and Scotch-Irish parentage respectively. They 
were married in Clinton County, N. Y. , and were the parents of twelve 
children, eight now living — Emeline, Elizabeth, Theodore, William, Ed- 
ward, James, Franklin and Finley. After marriage, they settled at Platts- 
burg. N. Y. , moving to this county in 1833. In 1852, they migrated to 
Illinois, where the father died in 1876, aged seventy -six; the mother in 
1883. The former was a soldier during the entire war of 1812, entering 
the service at twelve years of age. He was in after years a Quartermaster 
in the militia at Little Sandusky. W'illiam Montee was reared on the farm 
in this county among the Indians, one of his principal playmates being 
Moscoe Sarrahas. He continued in agricultural pursuits till he enlisted in 
the army in September, 1862. He was a member of Company K, One 
Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and participated in 
the battles of New Market, Piedmont, Lynchburg and Winchester. At the 
latter place, he was placed on detached service as Hospital Regimental 
Cook, serving in this capacity two years. Being disabled by sickness, he 
was discharged at Washington in August, 1865, and returned to Little 
Sandusky, where he engaged in the hotel business four years. In 1878, he 
removed to Nevada, where he has since engaged in the same occupation. 
He does a flourishing business, and is the owner of 160 acres of Kansas 
land, and fourteen acres in Pitt Township. Mr. Montee was married Janu- 
ary 16, 1851, to Lorinda Coon, their children being six in number, two liv- 
ing — Anna E., born April 5, 1856, and John H., born December 11, 1873. 
Mr. Montee is highly esteemed as a citizen, is a Democrat in politics, and 
member of the G. A. R. 

BENJAMIN B. MYERS was born in Crawford County, Ohio, July 2, 1849. 
His parents, Gen. Samuel and Hannah Myers, are both residents of Bucy- 
rus. The former was born in York County, Penn., December 4, 1802. 
He settled in the vicinity of Bucyrus in an early day, 1826, and was a 
prominent and influential citizen. He represented the counties of Craw- 
ford and Richland two terms in the legislature, and was ten years Treas- 
urer for the county of Crawford. Benjamin Myers was educated in the 
public schools of Bucyrus, and subsequently learned the tinner's trade, 
which he has since engaged in, forming a partnership first with John 
Scharf, of New Washington, but disposing of his interest in 1874, and estab- 
lishing himself in the hardware, stove and tinware business in Nevada, 
under the firm name of S. Myers & Son, in 1875. In 1879, he purchased 
his father's interest, and has since conducted the business independently, 
enjoying a good trade — cax'rying a full stock of shelf hardware, stoves, tin- 
ware and agricultural implements. Mr. Myers was married, September 10, 
1872, to Miss Lizzie Delancey, a native of Crawford County, born Decem- 



„^'-^^- 




^ 



-"^^^crA^^ ^^^^^iy-t>i^ 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 723 

ber 21, 1855, daughter of Joseph and Rebecca Delancy, and two children 
were born to them — both dying in infancy. In politics, Mr. Myers is 
Democratic; he is a member of the F. & A. M., I. O. O. F., and also of the 
English Lutheran Church. He is one of the substantial citizens of the 
town and well respected. 

JAMES NEALLY, son of David and Debora (Goodrich) Neally, was 
born in Tioga County, N. Y., July 2, 1820. His parents were natives of 
Oswego, N. Y., where they were married and spent their entire lives, the 
mother dying about 1825, the father in 1873. Mr. Neally was reared from 
his seventh to his twenty-first year in Steuben County, N. Y., working on a 
farm. He then learned the carpenter's trade and followed this trade twelve 
years. In 1855, he came to this county and located on his present farm, 
then containing ninety-five acres, now 110, valued at $90 to $100 per acre. 
He was married, March 14, 1852, to Eunice Gray, born in Steuben County, 
N. Y., May 17, 1826, daughter of Levi and Tryphena (Baker) Gray, natives 
of Connecticut and Tioga County, N. Y. , respectively, the father born June 
26, 1790, the mother June 8, 1793. Her great -grandmother bore the name 
of Hoose and was a cousin of Martin Van Buren, deceased President of the 
United States. Her parents were married in Steuben County, N. Y., in 
1810, and in 1811 located in Wheeler Township, where her father died in 
1864: her mother soon after removed to Illinois, where she resided several 
years, and then in other places with her children, till her death, which oc- 
curred in TiflSn, Ohio, August 15, 1882. Mrs. Neally' s grandfather Baker 
was one of the pioneers of Western New Y'ork, and his wife a woman of 
marked ability. Mr. and Mrs. Neally have had seven children, namely, 
Elizabeth, wife of Charles White, born in New York June 4, 1853; Ella, 
wife of D. P. Caldwell, born April 18, 1855; Mary T., wife of James Wort, 
born August 31, 1857; Charles D., March 15, I860; Prudence, July 2, 
1862; Fannie F., August 15, 1864; James L., June 15, 1869. The latter 
died September 24, 1874. Mr. Neally is one of the many good farmers of 
Antrim Township, and is kindly regarded in his social sphere. In politics, 
he is a Republican. 

JOHN E. PALMER was born in Richland County, Ohio, April 23, 
1827. His parents, Charles and Anna (Ward) Palmer, were natives of En- 
gland, the former born in London October 8, 1796, the latter in Repton 
November 15, 1804. His great grandparents, John E. and Martha (Sand- 
well) Palmer, were married in England January 20, 1763, and his grand- 
father, John E. Palmer, was born to them September 18, 1768. His grand- 
mother, Mary (Sharp) Palmer, was born in England December 14, 1769. 
They were married in London ^November 12, 1789, and their children were 
Stephen S.,born August 20, 1790, lost on a voyage to South America, off 
Ushant, on the coast of France, December 13, 1817; Mary A., February 1, 
1792; John E., Julv 28, 1793; William P., May 19, 1799; Charles S., 
October 8, 1796. The father of these died January 27, 1801, the mother 
November 25, 1803. Charles S. Palmer, the father of our subject, was born 
in London, his father being a noted printer in that city. He, Charles S. 
Palmer, emigrated to America in 1819, and was married in Richland 
County, Ohio, February 10, 1821, to Anna Ward, the children resulting 
from this marriage being Charles S., born December 18,. 1821; Francis R., 
April 25, 1823; Mary, February 25, 1825; John E., April 23, 1827; Eliza- 
beth W., March 10, 1829; Fannie, January 25, 1831; Martha, March 25, 
1833; Amanda, April 15. 1835; Phoebe J., January 19, 1837; William, 
March 18, 1838; Henry G., August 14, 1839; Joseph, July 24, 1841; Mary 

30 



724 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

A.,. January 8. 1844. The deceased are William, Mary and Amanda; the 
mother died August 15, 1865, the father January 29, 1878. JohnE. Palmer, 
the subject proper of this notice, was engaged on the farm with his parents 
till twenty-six years of age. In 1853, he moved to this county and pur- 
chased eighty acres of his present farm, on which, with the exception of 
three years, he has since resided. Ho at one time owned forty acres in 
Hardin County, but subsequently sold the tract and purchased sixty acres in 
Crane Township. Mr. Palmer was married September 12, 1854, to Susan 
Bachtell, daughter of Joseph Bachtell (see sketch of Emmet E. Bachtell), 
and three children were burn to them, namely: Olive L., September 14, 
1855; Clinton R., December 7, 1857; Morris E., November 22, 1864. Mr. 
Palmer is one of the model farmers of the township and a man of excellent 
character and a Kepublican in politics. Mrs. Palmer is a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 

LOREN A. PEASE, one of the early settlers of Wyandot County and 
its first Sheriff, was born at Burton, Geauga Co., Ohio, March 10, 3818. 
His parents were Luther and Nancy (Pease) Pease, were natives of Con- 
necticut and of French and Welsh ancestry respectively. Their children 
were Nancy L.. Luther L., James C. and Loren A. The parents were early 
settlers of Geauga County, Ohio, locating there about 1817, the fathers de- 
cease occurring there in 1825, in his thirty-seventh year, the mo^.her surviv- 
ing till 1842 and dying in this county. Loren A. Pease, the subject of this 
sketch, was reared in his native county and obtained a fair education, con- 
sidering his advantages. He learned the blacksmith trade at Painesville, 
Lake County, and pursued this otjcupation until 1850, doing an extensive 
business in the manufacture of wagons and buggies,' principally at Syca- 
more, this county, to which place he removed and permanently settled in 
1839. He erected the first frame dwelling in that village, and there estab- 
lished, in connection with his brother James, the first wagon shop in the 
county, paying $75 for one acre of land. He then employed five to six 
workmen and manufactured thirty to fifty wagons yearly. During the war 
Mr. Pease was extensively engaged in the manufacture of sorghum molasses, 
in which business he was financially successful. Beginning life with lim- 
ited means, he at length became the owner of 178 acres, which he has since 
exchanged for business rooms and a home in Nevada. Mr. Pease was mar- 
ried first to Miss Maria E. Vaugh, and two children were born to them, 
namely, Eugene C. and Victor C, both deceased. Their mother passed 
away in April, 1842, and Mr. Pease was remarried at Cleveland, Ohio, to 
Nancy A. Parsons, who died March, 1875. His third marriage to Jennie 
A. Agnew, n6e Bibler, occurred March 15, 1877. Mr. Pease was elected 
Sherifi" at the organization of the county in 1845, and was therefore the first 
to share the honors of that office. He was nominated for re-election, but 
was defeated by two votes by Thomas Baird, Democrat, the tallies standing 
658 and 660. He has served in several of the township offices, and, with his 
wife, is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has been a Re- 
publican since the organization of the party. 

JACOB RANCK is a native of Crawford County, Ohio, and was born 
December 30, 1843. He is the son of David and Frances (Betzer) Ranck, 
natives of Lancaster County, Penn., and Ross County, Ohio, respectively; 
the father was born October 18, 1802; the mother December 6, 1806. His 
parents 'were married in Ross County November 21, 1829, moved to this 
county in 1833 and leased land seven years of William Betzer. They then 
moved to Crawford County, where his father pxirchased land on which he 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 725 

resided until his death, which occurred October 14, 1865; his wife pi-eced- 
ing him July 14, 1851. By his first marriage eleven children were born, 
namely: Catharine, Eachel, Ephraim, Sarah, Amanda, Francis, Lydia, 
Lewis C, Jacob, Delilah and Jane. By his second marriage, January 11, 
1855, to Nancy (Feller) Sterne, there were born Wesley S. , Anna M. and 
Peter F. Jacob Ranck, the subject of this sketch, resided with his parents 
till his nineteenth year, and in his nineteenth year enlisted in Company H, 
One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and entered the 
service August 19, 1862. He was mustered in a,t Camp Monroevilie, and 
participated in foiarteen engagements, chief among which were, Winches- 
ter, New Market, Piedmont, Berryville, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek. Peters- 
burg and High Bi'idge. He was captured at the first battle of Winches- 
ter and kept in prison one month, being exchanged and joining his regiment 
after four months parole. He was again captured by Lee's army at the 
battle of High Bridge, April 6, 1865; but was released three days later by 
Leo's surrender. He received his discharge in June, 1865, having 
served thirty- four months. Returning home, Mr. Ranck worked by the 
month and rented land about seven years. He then purchased eighty acres, 
which he sold two years later and purchased his present farm of 136 acres, 
where he has since resided. He was married February 27, 1868, to Caro- 
line Gottier, who was born in Holmes County, her parents having died when 
she was but ten years old. Three children have resulted from this union, 
namely: Jesse G., born December 1, 1868; IdaB., July 20, 1871; Clara L., 
January 15, 1876. Mr. Ranck is an industrious farmer and well respected. 
Mr. and Mrs. Ranck are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

NICHOLAS RATZ was born in Canton Berne, Switzerland, November 
6, 1833. He is a son of John and Barbara (Wies) Ratz, John, Jr. , Mary 
and Nicholas being the only children of the family now living. Their 
father died in 1839; the mother in 1849. Mr. Ratz was a farmer in Swit- 
zerland. He came to America in 1855, and located at Upper Sandu»ky, 
where he engaged in various kinds of work — chiefly farming — till the fall 
of 1870, when he purchased his present farm of eighty acres, and where he 
has since resided. His farm is well improved and is valued at $75 per 
acre. In 1882, he erected a tine barn at a cost of $1,500. Mr. Ratz was 
married March 20, 1862, to Miss Magdalene Mitsch, a native of Crawford 
County, born December 20, 1842, and daughter of Henry and Elizabeth 
Mitsch. They have two children, namely: William H. , born November 
29, 1862; and Mary E., born April 3, 1874. Mr. Ratz and wife are mem- 
bers of the Reformed Church, and are highly respected in their neighborhood. 
Mr. Ratz is a Democrat in politics. They are industrious people, and 
have earned for themselves a comfortable home. 

CxiROLINE REX, n^e Decker, one of the most successful and able 
business women in the county, was born in New Jersey, August 16, 1824. 
She is a daughter of Aaron M. and Mary (Vandruff) Decker, her parents 
having come to Crawford County, Ohio, in 1831; her mother dying there 
in her forty-seventh year. Her father died in Illinois in 1858. Mrs. Rex 
lived with her parents until her mother's death, and then embarked on the 
sen of life on her own responsibility. She was married April 25, 1844, to 
Andrew Waters, who died February 24, 1857. He purchased the farm of 
fifty acres (to which Mrs. Rex added ten acres by a second purchase), and 
where she has since resided. This farm has been paid for chiefly by money 
earned by her own exertions, and is a comfortable home, valued at $100 per 
acre. She was married, April 14, 1859, to J. D. Rex, a native of Pennsyl- 



726 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

vania, born August 4, 1816. He was fatally injured by a runaway team, 
dying from the effects of liis injuries, October 16, 1876. Since bis death, 
Mrs. Rex bas taken care of her farm and managed the same herself. In 
this she bas been very successful, having cleared her property of debt, be- 
sides adding much to its improvement. She perhaps bas done more bard 
work than most any other woman of her years in the county, and amid all 
her trials has born up most bravely. Besides her housework she has been 
much engaged in the corn and harvest fields, having, in one season, raked 
thirty acres of wheat from the cradle- swath. She has given liberally to her 
step-children, and has yet a handsome competence, on which she can safely 
rely in the closing years of her life. Mrs. Rex bas been a member of the 
Lutheran Church thirty years, and is one of its most devoted members. 
Indeed, few women have born the burdens of life more bravely or fought its 
battles more victoriously than she. 

HENRY RITTERSPACH was born in Bavaria, March 2, 1819, and is a 
son of George and Christina (Wend) Ritterspach, also natives of Bavaria. 
There were live children in the family, Henry, our subject, being now the 
only living. He came to America in 1840, when twenty-one, to escape con- 
scription, and had great difficulty in eluding the officers, while making his 
escape. On landing in this country, Mr. Ritterspach went direct to Woos- 
ter, Ohio, near which place he was engaged in farm labor about eight years. 
He moved to this county in August, 1848, and purchased forty acres of his 
present farm, paying $150 for the same, this amount having since been 
obtained by the sale of three walnut trees, which grew on the lot. By sub- 
sequent purchases Mr. Rittei'spach obtained 800 acres, of which he gave 
his children 60 acres each, and now owns but 120 acres, valued at .f75 to 
$90 per acre. He began at monthly wages, locating here in the woods, and 
has earned for himself an enviable fortune. He was married in 1844, to 
Anna M. Mann, a native of Bavaria, born October, 1818, daughter of Mi- 
chael and Barbara (Binder) Mann. She emigrated to America in 1843. By 
this union four children were born, namely Jacob, Simon, Barbara and 
Catharine, the latter deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Ritterspach are members of 
the Lutheran Church, and he is a Democrat in politics. 

JACOB W. RITTERSPACH was born in Wayne County, Ohio, June 20, 
1845, and came with his parents to this county in 1848. He resided with them 
till twenty-eight years of age, engaging in farming. He was married April 
17, 1873, to Saloma Jacobs, a native of Bavaria, born August 14, 1848, 
daughter of George and Saloma (Reinboldt) Jacobs, also natives of Bavaria. 
She came with her parents to America in 1850 and located in Bucyrus, 
Crawford County, where her mother died in 1878, her father still living, 
their children being Nicholas, Mary, William, Frederick and Saloma. Mr. 
and Mrs. Ritterspach have four children, namely: Clara, born June 17, 1874; 
Henry, January 21, 1876; Freddie, June 22, 1879; Valeria, October 25, 
1883. At his marriage Mr. Ritterspach inherited sixty acres of land, to 
which he has added by subsequent purchases, till he now owns 145 acres, 
valued at $75 to $100 per acre. He deals some in stock, keeping good 
grades generally and some thorough- bred. He is a Democrat in politics, 
and is now serving as Trustee. Both he and his wife are members of the 
Lutheran Church. 

SIMON RITTERSPACH, second son of Henry and Ann M. Ritterspach, 
was born in Wayne County, Ohio, March 16, 1847. He resided with his 
parents till his marriage, October 8. 1875, to Louisa Zulauf, who was born 
in this township, December 2, 1854, and daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 727 

Zulauf. At his marriage Mr. Ritterspach obtained sixty acres of land from 
his father, on which he erected, in 1881, a handsome frame residence at a 
cost of ^2,000. He has since purchased ten acres, and now values his farm 
at $85 to $90 per acre. He keeps a good grade of stock, does a general 
farming business, and has resided in this township since his boyhood. Mr. 
and Mrs. Ritterspach have four children, viz. : Willie A., born September 
25, 1876; Minnie M., July 7, 1879; Eddie Z., September 28, 18S1; Lona 
I., June 23, 1883. Mr. Ritterspach is well respected in his community, 
being a supporter of Democratic principles and a member of the German 
Lutheran Chui'ch. 

GEORGE ROOD was born on. the homestead where he now lives, July 
25, 1848. He is a son of Wine and Catharine (Harten) Rood, the former 
born near Glastonbury, Somersetshire, England, February 27, 1802; the 
latter in Dauphin County, Penn. , October 22, 1809. His father emigrated 
to America in 1817, and purchased lands in Marion and Hardin Counties. 
He was engaged for several years at wagon-making, in the towns of Mar- 
seilles, Mt. Vernon and Bucyrus, moving to this county in 1844:, and pur- 
chasing eighty acres, where Mr. Rood now resides, owning 145 acres at the 
date of his death. Our subject, George, was the only heir. The father 
died May 26, 1870; the mother, December 27, 1882. Mr. Rood has always 
resided on the old home farm. He was married November 25, 1869, to 
Melissa Pendiy, a native of Richland County," Ohio, born November 25, 
1849, daughter of James and Jane Pendry, also natives of Richland County, 
Ohio, now residents of Larimer County, Colo. Mr. and Mrs. Rood have 
three children, viz.: Franklin G., January 3, 1871; Willie W., April 4, 
1872; Venus A., October 5, 1874; Marcellus M., April 21, 1876. Willie 
died April 29, 1875. Mr. Rood is a Republican, and one of the substantial 
farmers of the township, taking an active interest in general matters. 

JOHN RUSSELL was born in Stark County, Ohio, July 20, 1842. He is 
a son of Thomas and Wealthy (Adams) Russell, the former born in Wheeling, 
Va., February 12, 1809; the latter in New Hampshire in 1816. His 
parents were married in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, and reared a family of 
five children, all yet living, viz., John, Joseph A., Ann, Cordelia F. and 
Martha J. His father still resides in Sparta, Stark County, where the 
mother died in November, 1868. John Russell, grandfather of our subject, 
was a soldier almost through the entire war of 1812. Mr. Russell was 
brought up on a farm in Stark County. He obtained a good common 
school education, and entered Oberlin College, but was compelled to aban- 
don his studies on account of failing health. Mr. Russell enlisted in Com- 
pany D, One Hundred and Seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, August 11, 
186*2, and participated in the battle of Gettysburg (being one of nine left 
in a company of forty men); bombardment of Charleston, including the 
skirmishes. He then went to Florida with his regiment, and was in the 
battle at Jacksonville. He was discharged at Charleston, S. C, July 2, 
1865. In the spring of 1866, Mr. Russell came to this county, taught 
school one term, and was married June 18, 1867, to Lydia J. Smalley, 
daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth (Dwire) Smalley, and six children were 
born to them, three living, viz., Martha S., Elizabeth W. and Joseph W. ; 
Harrold, Anna M. and Florence are deceased. After marriage, Mr. Russell 
engaged in farming and lumbering two years in Crane Township; in brick 
making three years at Upper Sandusky; removing with his family to 
Nevada in 1873, where he has since been engaged in the manufacture of 
brick and tile, the latter since 1878. He does a large business, employing 



728 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

from eight to sixteen workmen during the summer. Mr. Russell served as 
Trustee of township three years, and has been one of the School Board five 
years; he is a member of the K. of H.. G. A. R., and, with his family, of 
the Advent Church. In politics, Mr. Russell is a Republican. 

JOSEPH SEIGER was born in Baden, September 22, 1839, and is a son 
of John and Magdalene Seiger, also natives of Baden. He emigrated with 
his parents in 1848, and located near Little Sandusky. His father died 
May 11, 1870; his mother, September 18, 1871, the former in his sixty-sixth 
year, the latter in her fifty-ninth. Mr. Seiger resided with his parents, 
conducting the farm, till thirty years of age. He then engaged at fence- 
making for C. R. Fowler, working chiefly at that business for eight years. 
He then farmed rented land one year, and in 1878 purchased ninety acres 
of land where he now resides. Mr. Seiger was married January 14, 1875, 
to Catharine Maley, who was born in this county December 9, 1853. They 
have three children, viz., Iva E., born February 14, 1877; Delia M., March 
29, 1879; and Myrtie P., November 29, 1883. ' In politics, Mr. Seiger is a 
Democrat. He is a hardworking, honest farmer, and well respected in his 
neighborhood. 

JAMES A. STEWART, of the firms of Stewart & Hall and Stewart & 
Wallace, was born in Allegheny County, Penn. , February 29, 1844. His 
parents, George and Rosanna (Rinehart) Stewart, natives of Ireland and 
Pennsylvania, were married in Allegheny County in 1841, residing there 
until 1860, when they came to this county, where his father established a 
shingle factory, which he conducted till his death, which occurred March 22, 
1869. His father came with his parents from Guilford. County Down, Ire- 
land, in 1806. James A. is one of nine children, five of whom are living — 
Mrs. Mary S. Wallace, of Steubenville; James A., Mrs. Carrie B. Welty, 
of Charleston, W. Va. ; Mrs. Millie S. Seaton, of Harvard, Neb.; Mrs. Ella 
M. Seaton, of Pullman, 111. The deceased were William A., Maria. Annie 
and George W., who died in infancy. Our subject removed to Ohio with 
his parents in 1860. In 1862, he entered the army in Company F, One 
Hundred and First Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. Kirby, of Upper 
Sandusky, enlisting for three years. He participated in the battles of Perry- 
ville, Knob Gap, Stone River, Liberty Gap and Chickamauga. being 
wounded at the latter place, carrying the ball yet, which was lodged in his 
right shoulder. After three months in the hospital, he joined his company 
at Bridgeport, Ala. , December 24, 1863, and subsequently took part in the 
battles of Rocky Face Ridge and Resaca; but, owing to his disability, was 
sent to the hospital, and was afterward appointed clerk at department 
headquarters, serving in this capacity until the close of the war, receiving 
his discharge at Camp Cleveland, June 26, 1865. Returning home, he re- 
sumed work in the shingle factory, where he remained as partner with his 
father until his death in 1869, and in 1870, formed a partnership with W. 
H. Wallace, under the firm name of Steward & Wallace, in the manufacture 
of staves, heading, etc., rebuilding the factory in 1874, which is still run- 
ning and doing an extensive business. In 1876, established a hub factory 
at Charleston, W. Va., with firm of Stewart, Wallace & Welty. In 1878, 
he bought the hardware stock of M. R. Hall, removing to Nevada, where he 
has since resided. In 1882, the present partnership of Stewart & Hall was 
formed, they purchasing W. H. Wallace's interest in the hardware store. 
Mr. Stewart was married, October 20, 1870. to Mary L. Hall, daughter of 
Edward and Ann (Fielding) Hall, and six children have been born to them — 
Mary F., born July 29, 1871; George E., May 12, 1873; Annie M., April 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 729 

9, 1875; Gertrude A., December 16, 1876; William A.. October 27, 1878; 
Stanley G., May 22, 1882. The deceased are Annie M., who died May 2, 
1875, and William A., December 29, 1880. Mr. Stewart has served in 
several of the city and township offices, is a Republican and member of 
Leith Post, No. 127, G. A. R. He was the first Post Commander, serving 
two terms, and was a member of the National Encampment at Baltimore, 
in June, 1882, having been elected as one of the State delegates. 

ROBERT M. STEWART, M. D., was born in Seneca County, Ohio, May 
28, 1839. He is the youngest son of Archibald and Martha (Johnson) Stew- 
art, both natives of Lycoming County, Penn., and of Scolch-Iri&h and 
English parentage. Six of ten children are yet living — Mary, Nancy, So- 
phia, James W., Charles J. and Robert M. Their father was born June 2, 
1797; their mother in 1795. Archibald Stewart settled in Seneca County 
about 1820, and still resides there; his wife has been deceased since Decem- 
ber 24, 1854. Robert M., our subject, grew up on the farm with his parents 
and attended the district schools, subsequently taking an academic course 
at Republic. He then engaged in teaching and farming alternately till he 
enlisted in the service, February 23, 1862. He became a member of Com- 
pany G, Fifty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was engaged in the battles 
of Moorefield, Strasburg, Rappahannock, Bull Run, Chancellorsville, Gettys- 
burg; then joining the Army of the Cumberland, and participating in the 
actions at Buzzard Roost, Resaca,Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, front 
of Atlanta, and after the Atlanta campaign with Sherman to the sea; in 
this latter movement being chiefly engaged with five other comrades, as 
scout, and among the first to enter Savannah. Mr. Stewart was discharged 
at Hardeeville, S. C. , January 24, 1865, and returned home to take up the 
study of medicine with Dr. B. A. Wright, of Maumee, Ohio. He attended 
the Cincinnati Medical College in 1865-66, and in 1870 graduated at that 
institution. He soon after began the practice of his profession at Mexico, 
this county, under the physio-medical theory, being among the first to 
practice the same in the county. In October, 1866, he located in Nevada, 
where he has since been engaged, meeting with merited success. He was 
engaged in the drug business from 1875 to 1878, with the firm of R. M. 
Stewart & Co., but subsequently disposed of his interest and erected a brick 
block containing six business I'ooms in Kansas City. Mr. Stewart was mar- 
ried, September 10, 1867, to Miss Susan A. Funk, daughter of Jacob and 
Margaret (Nichols) Funk, and seven children have been born to them — 
Mattie E., Margaret M., Archie J., Annie V., Hattie G., Charley J. and Al- 
wilda, the latter deceased. Mr. Stewart and wife are members of the Ad- 
vent Church; he is surgeon of the G. A. R., Leith Post, No. 127, and a 
Republican. 

PATRICK TIVENS was born in Ireland, March 25, 1839, and is a son 
of Hugh and Bridget (Con Ion) Tivens, also natives of Ireland. There are 
six children in the family yet living — Patrick, Charles, Hugh, James, Win- 
nifred and Bridget. Their father is still living but their mother died in 
1882. Patrick, the subject of this sketch, came to America in 1857, and 
stopped a few months in New York State, then came to Sandusky City, from 
which place, about four months later, he came to this county. He was en- 
gaged at farm labor for Mr. F. Fowler, one year, and for S. P. Fowler, six- 
teen years, after which he rented land two years, purchasing his present 
farm of 100 acres in 1877, paying $60 per acre. He was married, March 30, 
1872, to Susanna Maloy, who was born in this county. May 29, 1852. Her 
parents, John C. and Anna M. (Dinkle) Maley, were natives of Germany. 



730 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Five children have been born to them — Patrick E.. December 18, 1872; 
Winnifred, October 6, 1874; Emily N., September 2, 1877; Hugh, March 
29, 1879; Charles, October 23, 1882. In politics Mr. Tivens is Democratic, 
in religion Catholic. He has a good farm valued at |75 per acre, and is a 
good citizen. 

DANIEL TRAXLER is a native of Cumberland County, Peun.. born 
April 2, 1818. He is a son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Cramer) Traxler, also 
natives of Ciunberland County, where they were married. In 1824, they came 
to Ohio, and located in Summit County, moving to Crawford County in 1841, 
residing there until their deaths. The children of the family were Mary, 
Elizabeth, Catharine, George, Daniel, Henry, Peter, John and Susan — Dan- 
iel, Peter and John now the only ones living. The father died in 1848, the 
mother in 1845. Daniel Traxler, our subject, lived with his parents till 
about twenty years of age; he then rented land in Stark County, Ohio, 
and farmed until 1861, when he moved to Wayne County and purchased 
104 acres, on which he resided till 1879, when he came to this county and 
purchased his present farm of 136| acres, where he has since been engaged 
in agricultural pursuits. Mr. Traxler was married, January 3, 1839, to 
Josephine Phillips, a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, born June 12, 
1818, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Smith) Phillips, natives of Ohio 
and Pennsylvania respectively. Her parents were married in her native 
county, and resided there until 1828, when they removed to Wayne County, 
in where her mother died in 1839, her father in 1851. Their children were 
George, Lewis, Catharine and Josephine — the two sons now deceased. Mr. 
and Mrs. Traxler' s children are Rose A., born December 12, 1839; Eliza- 
beth L., August 5, 1842; William E., April 18, 1845; Flora A., October 
18, 1848; Joseph O., June 6, 1849; Mary (same date); Franklin P., Octo- 
ber 17, 1851; Ottomon D., February 12, 1855; John H., August 18, 1858; 
Charles L., March 20, 1861. All these attained maturity, and all are now 
deceased but the two latter, John H. and Charles L. , being one and all of 
good habits and character. Mr. and Mrs. Traxler are members of the Re- 
formed Church, and are well respected in their community. 

DANIEL C. TRAXLER, freight, ticket and express agent, Nevada, 
was born in Crawford County, Ohio, September 4, 1847, son of Peter and 
Catharine Traxler (see sketch of Eden Township). In 1852, he came with 
his parents to this county, where he has since resided. He obtained the 
rudiments of an education in the district schools, supplementing this by 
one term in the Heidelberg College, Tiffin, Ohio, closing his studies at the 
Upper Sandusky High School. He afterward engaged in teaching during 
the winter seasons, working on the farm during summers in this locality 
till 1869, when he emigrated to Missouri, and thence to Texas, making the 
trip between the latter points (about 600 miles) on foot. He engaged in 
teaching in the above-named States, also spent some time in herding and 
branding cattle in Texas, passing tifty-two days and nights in the saddle. 
After three years, Mr. Traxler returned home, and took up his abode with 
his father, engaging a few years in farming, subsequently spending one 
year with Stewart & AVallace in the stave and heading business. In 1879, 
he located in Nevada, accepting a clerkship of the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & 
Chicago Railroad Company, of which he was made ticket, freight and ex- 
press agent in June, 1882, Mr. Traxler was married, October 22, 1874, to 
Miss Mary E. Kroft, a native of Stark County, born June 3, 1853, daugh- 
ter of John and Rebecca (Prouse) Kroft, of English and German ancestry 
respectively. The children by this marriage are Gertrude A. C, born July 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 731 

7, 1875; Guendoline M., March 5, 1877; Garrold J. P., September 30, 
1878; Herman P., May 12, 1880; and Harry N. J., November 18, 1883. 
In politics, Mr. Traxler is a Republican. He served as Assessor two terms, 
and is now a member of the Union School Board. He is associated with 
the F. & A. M., and, with his wife, is a member of the Presbyterian 
Church. 

HENRY TRISH was born in York County, Penn., March 22, 1833. 
His parents, Louis and Elizabeth Trish, were natives of Germany, the 
former born November 11, 1801, the latter August 3, 1804. They were 
married in Germany, and emigrated to America in 1832, stopping two years 
in Pennsylvania, then removing to Bucyrus. Ohio, where the father was en- 
gaged nineteen years in the manufacture of wagons and buggies. In 1853, 
he came to this county and purchased fifty acres of land, to which he added 
till he owned 234 acres. He died July 4, 1859; his wife surviving till Feb- 
ruary 16, 1882. The family consisted of ten children, namely, Margaret, 
Louis, Henry, Elizabeth, Mary, Frederick, John, Barbara, Lydia and Anna. 
Louis and Lydia are deceased. Mr. Trish, our subject, resided with his 
parents till his twenty-third year, and then went to Indiana, where he was 
engaged five years at the wagon trade in the respective towns of 
Goshen and Warsaw. Returning home, he entered into a partnership with 
his brother Frederick, with whom he was engaged in farming till 1882, 
when the partnership was dissolved. He has been very successful financial- 
ly, now owning 348 acres of the undivided estate. He does quite an exten- 
sive farming and stock-raising business, and is a straightforward, energetic 
citizen of good character. Mr. Trish is still living the quiet life of a bach- 
elor, his two sisters taking care of his household. 

JOSEPH TURNEY, M. D., was born in Franklin County, Ohio, July 
22, 1825. His parents were Joseph and Margaret (Weber) Turney, his 
father having been born in Westmoreland County, Penn. , April 12, 1792; 
his mother in the same vicinity in 1793. His maternal grandfather, John 
W. W^eber, was a prominent minister in the German Reformed Church. 
Joseph Turney, Sr., was married in 1812, and moved to Ohio in the year 
1819, settling on the banks of Allen Creek, Franklin County. He soon after 
removed to Delaware, where he resided twelve years, engaged in the tin and 
copper business; he then moved into the country near the village of Ostran- 
der, where he died at the residence of his son, Benjamin Turney, January 
29, 1872, in his eightieth year; his wife, Margaret, died October 27, 1860. 
They were the parents of eleven children, the youngest of whom died in his 
twenty- eighth year, the first death in the family. Dr. Turney obtained the 
nidiments of an education in the school districts of the village of Delaware, 
Ohio, finishing his education at the Woodstock Seminary. He began the 
study of medicine in Marion, under the instruction of Dr. John Norton, in 
1848, entering the Starling Medical College at Columbus, in 1849, gradu- 
ating February 22, 1851; he began the practice of his profession, and after 
several removals located in Nevada in 1864, since which time he has been 
there permanently established; he has built up a lucrative practice, and 
been highly successful in his profession. He owns a comfortable home in 
Nevada, and eighty acres in Crawford County. In 1862, Dr. Turney spent 
some time in the late war, as surgeon in the field hospital, and in 1864, 
again was employed in the same capacity; he was married March 28, 
1852, to Louisa Welch, daughter of Benjamin S. and Rebecca (Drake) 
Welsh, natives of Ohio and Virginia respectively. Three children have 
blessed this union — Florence, born January 24, 1853; Eugene W. , January 



732 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

13, 1857; Tully C, May 21, 1860; the mother was" born August 4, 1832. 
Dr. Turney is a member of the Ohio Medical Association, and a Repub- 
lican in political faith. 

WILLIAM WELCH was born in Huron County, Ohio, April 25, 1818; 
he is a son of John and Sarah (McMillen) Welch, natives of Beaver County, 
Penn.. the father born about 1792, the mother a few years later; his parents 
left Beaver County about 1816, and located in Huron County, moving to 
Seneca County in 1820, being the fourth white family of the early settlers. 
They resided there twenty- three years, and then moved to this county; he 
served as County Assessor two years; was Justice of the Peace nine years, 
and twice elected to the Legislature; he located near Nevada about 1843, 
and subsequently served as Justice of the Peace two or three terms, and as 
Commissioner nine years. He died in 1860. William Welch, our subject, 
resided with his parents till twenty-three years old; he came to this county 
in 1848, and purchased fifty-five acres at the land sales, residing on this 
farm seven years; he then sold out and purchased 108 acres in Nevada, 
where he lived twenty-three years, owning at the same time his present 
home of sixty acres; he was twice engaged in the livery business, and for 
fifteen years dealt more or less in live stock, doiug some shipping. He laid 
out thirty-nine lots to the town of Nevada. Mr.Welch was married, November 
4, 1841, to Margaret A. Smith, a native of Montgomery County, Penn., 
born January 1, 1818, daughter of George W. and Margaret (Hart) Smith; 
her father, a native of New Jersey, a soldier in the war of 1812, and dying 
at the advanced age of ninety-five years. Mr. and Mrs. Welch have had six 
children, namely: Jasper M., born November 3, 1842; Miranda J., May 22, 
1844; James A., August 14, 1846; Amanda A., July 15, 1848; William Mc, 
June 13, 1851; Ransom H., August 17, 1853. Miranda J., died December 

14, 1869; Ransom H., December 11, 1863; William Mc, October 17, 1883. 
Mr. Welch is a Democrat " dyed in the wool;" he served as Trustee several 
terms, and is, with Mrs. Welch, a member of the Lutheran Church. 

JAMES A. WELCH was born in Eden Township, August 14, 1846. He 
is a son of William and Margaret (Smith) Welch, and was reai'ed and edu- 
cated principally in Antrim Township; he resided with his parents on the 
farm till his marriage to Sarah Keller, May 13, 1869. Mrs. Welch is a 
native of Crawford County, Ohio, daughter of Henry and Maria (Geib) 
Keller, and was born July 13, 1847. The children born to them areLeona, 
March 1, 1870; Cuba L., December 3, 1871; Bartie M., July 9,1874; and 
Leefe E., August 14, 1876. Bartie M. died September 27, 1876. After 
his marriage, Mr. Welch devoted his attention to the various avocations of 
farming, teaming and threshing (introducing the first steam thresher iu 
Antrim and Eden Townships), residing in Nevada till 1879, when he moved 
to his farm of fifty-three acres, purchased in 1875. To this he has since 
added 20 acres, the whole being well improved, and valued at $100 per 
acre. He is the owner of the livery stable building, which he erected in Ne- 
vada in 1882, conducting the business two years, and keeps on his farm 
eight cows, from which he supplies the village with milk. 

HENRY M. WELSH, one of the prominent farmers of this county, 
was born in Crawford County, Ohio, May 2, 1840. He is a son of E. R. 
and Sarah A. (McClain) Welsh, his father having come to this county about 
1820, doing an extensive business in stock dealing in this and Crawford 
County. He also dealt to some extent in real estate and controlled a large 
amount of property up to the date of his death, in 1880. Henry M. Welsh, 
the subject of this sketch, was engaged on the farm with his father till he 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 733 

attaiaed his majority, soon after which he enlisted in the Eleventh Ohio 
Battery and entered the United States service. He participated in the bat- 
tles of New Madrid, Island No. 10, and luka, but was chiefly employed on 
the march or post duty. He was wounded in the battle of luka, Miss., by 
a musket ball, which fractured his lower jaw, resulting in the loss of half 
of the osseous structure of that member. He was discharged in November, 
1862, returned home and has since engaged in farming and stock dealing. 
In 1861, he obtained 450 acres from his father's estate, and has increased 
that number by subsequent purchases till he now owns 1,436 acres, valued 
at $60 to $75 per acre. He does an extensive farming business, usually 
sowing 300 to 500 acres of wheat and planting 200 to 400 acres of corn. 
Besides his large farming and stock-raising interests in this county Mr. 
Welsh is also interested in an extensive cattle ranch in Wyoming Territory. 
Mr. Welsh has always conducted his business independently, and may fairly 
be considered one of the most successful operators in the county. He 
was married November 24, 1863, to Miss Emily Hoover, who was born in 
Crawford County, Ohio, her parents being early settlers in that locality. 
She is a daughter of William and Phoebe (Swisher) Hoover, her father being 
one of the leading farmers and stock-dealers of Crawford County. By this 
marriage three children were born, namely: Edmond T., Sanford C. and 
Myrtie E., aged seventeen, fifteen and fourteen respectively. Mr. Welsh is 
known throughout the county as a thorough business man, and is highly 
esteemed as a citizen. 

MANINGTON WELSH was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, February 4, 
1816. He is a son of Zachariah and Hannah (Stein) Welsh, who were prob- 
ably born in Virginia. His parents resided there in Washington's time, 
being neighbors to one of his brothers; they subsequently moved to Fair 
field County, where they lived many years, moving to this county in 1821 
and locating near what is now the village of Wyandot. At the date of their 
settlement, there were but two white families in the township, the Kirbys 
and the Garnetts. His father entered 160 acres, on which he resided till his 
death in 1842, the mother following in 1864. Mr. Welsh resided with his 
parents till twenty years of age, and when twenty-one purchased forty 
acres in Ci'awford County. In ^he fall of 1853, after the purchase and sale 
of several tracts, Mr. Welsh obtained 120 acres of his present farm, to which 
he made additions till he owned 288 acres, valued at $75 per acre. He has 
always dealt largely in sheep and cattle, and has also done an extensive 
farming business, having been one of the leading business men in the 
county. He was married in May, 1839, to Mary Snyder, and two 
children were born to them — W^illiam H. and Mary J., the latter deceased. 
His first wife having departed this life Mr. Welsh was married in 
May, 1849, to Nancy Comstock, who was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, 
July 4, 1824. Her parents, Gideon and Lucy (White) Comstock, wei'e na- 
tives of New York and Virginia respectively, and spent most of their lives 
in Pickawav County. By this marriage Mr. and Mrs. Welsh had eight chil- 
dren, namely: Winfield S., June 15, 1851; Charles W., April 27, 1853: 
Rebecca A., July 20, 1861; Alice P., May 15, 1856; Frank S., June 17, 
1859; Kate, October 20, 1861; Alice P. Mr. Welsh is perhaps the oldest 
resident of the township, if not the county, having been identified with its 
interests sixty -three years and done much for its development. He was 
formerly a Whig, later a Republican, and now a Democr.at, being one of the 
most honored citizens of his community, and, as a pioneer, one of its most 
distinofuished members. 



734 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

EDEGxiR K. WILLIAMS is a native of Adams Coanty, and was born 
March 18, 1862, His parents were Dr. A. N. end Martha M. (Rothrock) 
Williams, the former a native of Highland County, Ohio, born June 18, 
1827; the latter of Pennsylvania, born March 8, 1834. Their ancestors 
were natives of Holland and Germany; Edegar and Marella were their only 
children, the latter born August 15, 1854, died October 16, 1859. Dr. 
Williams was reared and educated in Highland County. He graduated at 
the Columbus Medical College, and spent thirty years in the practice of his 
profession in Pike and Adams Counties. In September, 1882, he came with 
his son, E. R. , to Nevada, and purchased a stock of drugs of R. M. Stewart 
& Co., conducting the business till his death, September 6, 1883. Mrs. 
Williams' death occurred October 20, 1874. Our subject was reared in 
Adams County; obtained a fair education in the country schools, finishing 
his studies in the Lebanon Normal School in 1879. After a two years' 
clerkship in Wheat Ridge and Springfield, Ohio, in the wholesale grocery 
store of W. T. Robb, of the latter place, he came with his father to Nevada, 
and at the latter's death became the possessor of his entire property. He 
is an energetic, young business man, has a fair patronage, and the general 
esteem of the citizens of his community. 

JOHN WOESSNER was born in Wittenberg, Germany, September 27, 
1827, and is a son of John and Catharine Woessner, also natives of Ger- 
many. He emigrated to America in 1856-57, landing in New York He 
soon after went to New Jersey, and one year later came to this county, 
through the influence of " Stuff" Halterman, who employed German laborers 
from the East, and paid their railroad fare to Marion County, where he re- 
sided. He labored as a farm hand several years and, in 1864, being a " home 
guard," was called into service, and participated in the battle of Monocacy 
Junction, doing guard duty during the rest of his four months' service, los- 
ing health by exposure. In 1855, he purchased a small farm, where he 
still resides. Mr. Woessner was married, January 1, 1858, to Jane Hughey, 
who was born in this county August 27, 1835. Her parents, William and 
Eliza (Louis) Hughey, were natives of Ohio and New York respectively, 
and were early settlers of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Woessner are the par- 
ents of six children, namely, Eliza J., born October 20, 1858; John, May 
2, 1861 ; Robert L., October 14, 1866; Peter S., September 10, 1875; Charles 
E. and Clyda E. Eliza is now wife of O. H. Jacobs, and has four children. 
Their marriage occurred October 24, 1878. 

DAVID B. WOLF, proprietor of dry goods store, Nevada, was born in 
Richland County, Ohio, January 15, 1833. He is a son of John and Mar- 
garet (Baughman) Wolf, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively, his 
father having been an early settler in Richland County, where he died, his 
wife's death having occurred several years previous to his own. Their chil- 
dren were Susanna, David B., Abraham E., Minerva M. and Margaret, all 
living; the deceased are Rachel, Rebecca, Adam, Amanda and Solomon S. 
David B., our subject, obtained a fair education in the district schools, and 
farmed with parents till twenty-one years of age. He subsequently learned 
the carpenter's trade, which he pursued almost continually till 1872. In 
the meantime, he spent nearly two years in the wilds of Montana and other 
western points. In 1872, in partnership with H. H. Welsh, he established 
a store of general merchandise, and has since engaged in that business, pur- 
chasing Mr. Welsh's interest five years later. Mr. Wolf has been a resident 
of Nevada since 1855, and has built up an extensive and profitable trade. 
He was married, September 27, 1859, to Almira B. Souder, daughter of 



ANTRIM TOWNSHIP. 735 

William and Nancy (Stevens) Souder, then residents of Crawford County, 
both now deceased. Five children have resulted from this union — William 
A., born July 18, 1860; Myrta L., February 2, 1862; Anna M., March 21, 
1878. The deceased are Otho C, born May 16, 1872, died August 20, 1873; 
Paul, born March 7, 1876, died April 4, 1876. Their mother was born in 
Crawford County, Ohio, November 6, 1836. Mr. Wolf owns some valuable 
town property and eleven acres of land within the village corporation; he 
also carries a stock of goods estimated at about $5,000. He is a Democrat 
in politics; has served in the Town Countil seven years; has been a member 
of the School Board six years, and is also a member of the F. & A. M., hav- 
ing served as Worshipful Master in that society two years. 

WILLIAM B. WOOLSEY, Postmaster, Nevada, Ohio, was born Manjh 
10, 1847. He is a native of this township, and is a son of Walter and 
Harriet (Fraser) Woolsey, natives of New York and Pennsylvania respect- 
ively. They were joined in marriage at Little Sandusky in 1832. Their 
children were nine, four now living — Almira, wife of A. J. Peters; Martha, 
wife of James Reynolds; William B., and Henrietta F., wife of E. R. Irmer. 
The father came to this county in 1831, his death occvirring October 6, 
1851. Alexander Fraser was a soldier in the war of 1812, serving till the 
surrender of Hull at Detroit. He was taken prisoner, but was released, and 
made his way home on foot to Pickaway County, Ohio, in company with a 
comrade. In the course of their journey they narrowly escaped death by the 
hand of an Indian, who found them " napping," and snapped his gun at one 
of them. Mr. Fraser, awakening, killed the Indian on the spot. Mr. F. 
was one of the lu'st settlers of Wyandot County, locating at Little Sandusky 
in 1831. Harriet Woolsey died May 20, 1883. She had remarried in 1855 
to Benjamin Kerns, two children, Scott and Joseph, being born. In 1865, 
she was again left a widow, and died as above stated. William B. Woolsey 
was reared on the old homestead, and obtained a fair education. At the 
death of his step-father he took charge of the farm, where he resided several 
years. In 1874, he located in Nevada, and engaged in the grain and wool 
trade under the firm name of Hunt, Elliot & Co., in which business he con- 
tinued four years. In 1881, he received the appointment of Postmaster, 
since serving in that capacity. He was married October 23, 1872, to Miss 
Mary E. Smith, daughter of John H. and Sarah (Wirick) Smith, one son, 
Franklin H., born September 12, 1874. Mr. Woolsey served as Treasurer 
of Antrim Township three terms, as Corporation Treasurer four years, and 
was elected Mayor of Nevada in 1883. He is a member of the Knights of 
Honor and I. O. O. F., and a Republican in politics. Jerome Woolsey, an 
elder brother, was a member of the Eleventh Ohio Battery, and died of 
typhoid fever, being buried on the banks of the Tallahassee River, Fla. 

JOHN R. YOUNG was born in this county December 13, 1851. He is a 
son of Tobias and Elizabeth (Klinger) Young, and was the only child. The 
former was born in Crawford County, Ohio, in October, 1824, and the latter 
in the same county May 15, 1825, They were married December 2, 1849, 
and April 11, 1850, erected a log cabin in Ci'awford County, into which they 
moved without a door or window. Wild animals were numerous. Mr. Young 
died March 10, 1853. His widow subsequently married Stephen Crawford, 
and had one son, William H. His father purchased eighty acres of land in 
1846; his mother subsequently marrying Stephen Crawford, with whom she 
is still living. Mr. Young resided with his mother till twenty-four years 
of age, but preferring the out-door sports to the tedious tasks of the school- 
room, he obtained but a limited education. He inherited eighty acres from 



736 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

his father's estate, where he has resided most of his life and is still located. 
He was married March 9, 1876. to Eachel E. Mollenkopf, a native of Lucas 
County, Ohio, and daughter of Philip and Dora (Hinely) Mollenkopf. Her 
parents were born in Germany, were married there, and emigrated to Amer- 
ica about 1855, locating three years in Lucas County. They then moved to 
Crawford County, where they still reside. Their children now living are 
Dora, Philip, John, Rachel, Lewis, Mai-y and Jacob. Mr. and Mrs. Young 
have three children — Lewis T., born March 4, 1878; Clara J., December 
21, 1879; and Huldah, July 28, 1882. In politics, Mr. Young is a Democrat. 
SAMUEL ZULAUF is a native of this county, and was born December 
7, 1849. He is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Christman) Zulauf, natives 
of Switzerland and Bavaria respectively. His parents were married in this 
country, and removed to this county from Wayne County about 1843-44. 
They first purchased eighty acres of land, on which they resided for several 
years. They subsequently added forty acres more to their possessions, but 
have now abandoned the farm, and reside in Upper Sandusky, enjoying the 
frnits of their toil. Samuel Zulauf resided with his parents till twenty-one 
years of age. He then worked by the month one year, rented land, and 
engaged in farming five years, purchasing forty acres in 1876. In 1882, 
he added eighty acres to this tract, and since has obtained sixty acres as a 
gift to his wife from her father. His farm is well improved, and valued at 
$75 per acre. Mr. Zulauf was married April 1, 1875, to Barbara Ritter- 
spach, a native of this county, born June 25, 1849 (see sketch of Henry 
Ritterspoch). They have four children — Charles R., born January 21, 1876; 
Mollie G., November 27, 1877; John H., March 6, 1879; Harry S., Decem- 
ber 10, 1881. Mr. Zulauf deals somewhat in stock, and is an energetic and 
enterprising young farmer. He is a Democrat, and is serving his second 
term as Township Trustee. 




CRAWFORD TOWNSHIP. 737 



CHAPTER III. 
CKAWFORD TOWNSHIP- 
INTRODUCTORY— The Township a Hundred Years Ago— The Crawford 
Monument— The Story of Matthew Brayton, the Lost Child — 
Early Settlers — Extracts from William Brown's Diary— Inhab- 
itants of the Township in 1845— Original Improvements, Etc.— ^t. 
Joseph's Roman Catholic Church— Officers Since 1866— History of 
Carey Village— Its Mercantile and Banking Interests— Mills, 
Manufactories, Etc.— Hotels— Religious— Education, Etc.— Secret 
Societies— biographical sketches. 

CKAWFORD township. 

"XTO portion of Wyandot County is richer in historic interest or more 
JlN replete with historic incident than the above-named township. The 
name of Crawford is here synonymous for all that is barbarous and cruel in 
Indian customs and warfare; for here it was that the lamented Colonel suf- 
fered death by burning at the stake amid the hideous jeers of his savage 
tortui-ers, and from the wilds of this locality the unfortunate child, Mat- 
thew Brayton, was carried captive into barbarism, from which it is not abso- 
Itely certain he ever returned. 

Crawford Township was organized in the county of Crawford in 1825, 
and became a part of this county in 1845. It is one of the northern tier of 
townships of Wyandot, bounded on the north by Seneca County, on the east 
by Tymochtee Township, on the south by Salem, on the west by Kidge. 
The soil of this locality is very fertile, and supports a prosperous farming 
community, Tymochtee Creek cuts the southeast corner of the township, 
and the other portions are drained by numerous natural and artificial drains, 
which renders the production of the ordinary grains and vegetables quite 
successful. 

a hundred years ago. 
The territory comprised in this township was one of the most famous of 
the early Indian sporting grounds, being the seat of an extensive village of 
the Delaware Indians, who, under the command of Capt. Pipe, the notori- 
ous Delaware chief, executed Col. William Crawford in 1782. The exact 
spot on which the burning took place is not now positively known, though a 
monument has been erected to the unfortunate hero near the place 
where the horrible death is supposed to have been inflicted This 
monument was erected August 30, 1877, on a high bank south of Tymoch- 
tee Creek, near the east line of the southwest quarter of Section 26, on 
lands now owned by Alfred K. Davis. It was obtained as a result of the 
efforts of the Wyandot Pioneer Association, and in the presence of near 
8,000 citizens was dedicated to the memory of him whose name is inscribed 
upon its surface. On the occasion referred to, Col. M. H. Kirby was chosen 
as President and Curtis Berry, Jr., Secretary. Prayer was offered by Rev. 
R. C. Colmery and Rev. John Sherrard, of Bucyrus, grandson of John 
Sherrard, who was under the command of Col. Crawford at the time of his 
defeat in 1782, delivered the opening address, followed by other speeches by 
the old pionears. A collection was taken to defray the expense of the mon- 



738 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

ument, a basket dinner was partaken of by the myriads present, after which 
followed an able address by Gen. William H. Gibson, whose brilliant ora- 
tory did great credit to the subject and the occasion. The dedicatory 
remarks were made by the Secretary, Hon. Curtis Berry, Jr., who origi- 
nated the idea of erecting the monument, Mr. John Gormley suggesting its 
form and altitude. 

This shaft is made of Berea sandstone, and is eight and one-half feet 
in height. It is supported by a base six inches larger in diameter than the 
main shaft, and bears the following inscription: 

In memory of Colonel Crawford, who was burnt bj' the Indians in this valley I 
: June 11, A. D. 1782. : 

On the base: 

: Erected by the Pioneer Association of Wyandot County August 3, 1877. : 

Many of the old pioneers of the county were present to share the honors 
of the day, and recount the scenes and hardships of their early days and 
efforts in the wilds of Wyandot, among them being Hon. George W. Leith, 
Daniel Funk, James and Rhoda Miller, Mary Karr, Frances Brackley, 
Solomon Spoon, Adam High, Jacob Stryker, Jacob Corf man, George James, 
John Ribley, Hamilton Morrison, and many others whose ages ranged from 
seventy to ninety years. 

At the time of Crawford's battle with the Indians, the Delawares, under 
Capt. Pipe, had a large town a few miles to the northwest of the scene of 
the engagement, the vicinity of the present village of Crawfordsville. In 
anticipation of defeat the old men, women and children of the tribe were 
concealed at the mouth of Tymochtee Creek, and runners communicated with 
them every hour at the camp, giving information as to the progress of the 
battle, the intention being to flee to the " Black Swamp," a large expanse 
of land, lying east of the Maumee River, in case of defeat. A colored man, 
by the name of Samuel Wells, was with these Indian families at the time 
referred to, and is said to have been the servant of Simon Girty, the semi- 
savage, who played so conspicuous a part in the Crawford horror. This 
negro slave lived to the advanced age of one hundred and ten years, and, 
as late as 1857, was a township charge in Eden Township, this county. 

MATTHEW BRAYTON. 

Since the aggressive and progressive Caucasian set foot upon the shores 
of America the instances of the capture of their children by barbarous tribes 
along the borders of civilization have been numbered by the score. Page 
after page and volume after volume have been written to picture the thrill- 
ing incidents which captives have experienced at the hands of their captors, 
or witnessed while in their custody, and to portray the agony of grief into 
which devoted parents have been plunged by the loss of sons or daughters 
by these human hyenas of the forest. Of all these instances, whether in 
song or story, none are perhaps fraught with deeper or sadder interest than 
the capture of Matthew Bray ton, who was stolen from his home in this 
township in 1825. Additional interest is derived from these facts, that 
neighbors and fi-iends who witnessed or experienced the first deep bursts of 
anguish from stricken hearts at the loss of so dear a treasure are still among 
us, and though sixty years have gone by since the helpless and innocent 



CRAWFORD TOWNSHIP. 739 

child was borne away in terror by his merciless captors, the dowers of mem- 
ory are still green, moistened by brothers' tears. 

The circumstances of the capture of Matthew Brayton are related iu 
substance as follows: On the 20th of September, 1825, William Brayton, 
with his younger brother, Matthew, then nearly seven years old,* started in 
search of some stray cattle. They proceeded two or three miles in the di- 
rection of the place where William Brayton now lives, but finding no trace 
of the missing cattle, and meeting a neighbor. Hart, who was on the same 
errand, Matthew Brayton, unable to endure a more extensive search, was 
sent to the house of a Mr. Baker, about sixty rods distant, where he was to 
remain until the return of his brother and Mr. Hart, who were to continue 
the search for the stray cattle. The two men set out on their cattle hunt- 
ing expedition, and left little Matthew to find his way to Mr. Baker's house 
by the narrow and ill-defined pathway. At the close of the day, William 
Brayton called at Mr. Baker's residence, but found to his astonishment that 
Matthew had not been seen by any of the family. He then turned his 
steps homeward, thinking that Matthew had changed his mind and gone 
home, but on arriving there found still no tidings of the missing boy. The 
alarm and apprehension that filled the breast of the mother on being in- 
formed of what had happened can scarcely be conceived. A thousand fear- 
ful thoughts flitted in rapid succession through her mind, but no time was 
lost in useless grieving, for the men and women who braved the dangers of 
frontier life were quick to think and prompt to act. A little party turned 
out at once to search for the missing boy, and restore him, if possible, to the 
anxious household. From the spot where the brothers had parted the path 
to Mr. Baker's cabin was narrowly searched and marks of the child's feet 
were clearly discernible. At no great distance from the place mentioned 
the path was intersected by a track made by some logs which recently had 
been drawn from the woods and at this point the traces showed that Mat- 
thew had stopped in doubt; they also showed that he had finally taken the 
log track in mistake for the regular path. Up that track his little footsteps 
were traced for some distance, but after awhile they became fainter, and at 
last disappeared altogether. On the margin of the track the woods were 
searched in vain for traces of his wandering feet. The Indian trail which 
led from Upper Sandusky to Springville, and thence to the Black Swamp to 
Perrysburg, crossed here, and it was possible that he had taken that trail; 
but his footprints, if he had really followed that path, were obliterated by 
those of passing Indians. 

The party returned in sorrow from their unsuccessful search, and met the 
anxious mother with heavy hearts. To her the night was one of sleepless 
agony. To what sufi"ering or dreadful fate her child might be subjected, 
it was impossible to conjecture, for the dark night was fraught with dangers 
to him and terror to her. It was the year in which Elijah Brayton, the 
father of Matthew, was engaged in erecting a mill on the Tymochtee, and 
his absence at this time on a journey to Chillicothe to procure millstones 
aggravated the troubles and distress of the hour on the part of Mrs. 
Brayton and her son William, then a lad of sixteen, who were left in charge 
of the home aifairs. 

Morning broke at last and never was daylight more eagerly welcomed. 
With the first appearance of light, messengers were sent in all directions for 
assistance, and soon the woods were astir with searching parties. The 
Indian villages were examined, but the Wyandors professed entire ignorance 

* Matthew Brayton was born April 7, 1818. 

31 



740 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

as to the movements of the missing boy. and joined with much zeal in the 
search. The relations between the Braytons and the Wyandots had been 
of the most friendly character, and there seemed to be no possible reason 
for interfering with the peace of that family. They stated, however, that 
a party of Canadian Indians had passed up the trail, on the day that the 
boy had disappeared, but could not say whether he had been carried off by 
them or not. Another night came and the sorrowful mother again met the 
dejected hunters at her door, receiving no consolation. At daybreak the 
parties again set out to search new tracts of country, but all without avail. 
The settlers for many miles ai'ound turned out and joined in the exciting 
and sorrowful hunt. Days lengthened into weeks and it became evident 
that further search was useless, as every foot of territory for miles around 
had been examined and no trace of the lost child had been discovered. He 
could have scarcely wandered off and perished by starvation, or wild beasts, 
as in either case some trace of his identity would have been left. The only 
inference was that he had been carried into hopeless slavery, or met a hor- 
rible death, at the hands of the party of Canadian Indians. Pursuit was 
now considered useless, and the search was reluctantly abandoned. 

In the meantime, the father had returned from his journey, and the 
sad bereavement fell with crushing weight upon his heart. For the sake of 
his wife and remaining children — William. Harriet, Lucy, Mary and Peter — 
he bore up nobly, but his distress was most bitter, and every straw of hope 
that floated within his reach was grasped with eagerness. From time to 
time, vague rumors came that the boy had been seen in different places, and 
the faintest hope of success in finding him sufficed to send off the bereaved 
father or some trusty messenger to follow up the clew. But all efforts were 
unavailing. The last information that seemed the least probable was re- 
ceived in 1829, from a man who had been traveling among the tribes of Illi- 
nois, and who asserted that he had seen among the Indians of that country, 
whose age and appearance generally cori'esponded with that of the missing 
Matthew Brayton. Without an hour's delay, Mr, Brayton dispatched a let- 
ter to Gen. Cass, then Indian Commissioner, but the reply crushed out the 
last remnant of hope ; the letter bade the anxious father to renounce all 
hope based upon such a rumor, as there was no such white child among the 
Indians of Illinois. On what authority the General based his assertion can- 
not be said, but it is more than probable he was mistaken. 

The weary years passed on, but brought no comfort to the stricken 
household. As all impressions gradually fade away with the lapse of years, 
so faded the memory of the lost child from the minds of men. But deep 
in the hearts of the bereaved parents remained the image of their unfortu- 
nate son, and the thrilling scenes and emotions connected with the search 
of him recurred again and again to them, long after they had been forgotten 
by others. The eldest brother, William, could not forget him ; for the 
silent or spoken reproaches from his mother for sending so young a boy 
alone on such a path sank deep into his heart ; and even yet, though sixty 
years have passed, the "lost Matthew" is mentioned by him with deep and 
tearful emotion. And could the mother who bore him forget the missing 
lamb of the fold ? The paling cheek, the wasting form, the decaying 
strength told how deep the love, how bitter the anguish of the mother for 
her lost son. If she were but sure of his fate — if but one fragment of his 
clothing, but a particle of his flesh or blood remained to assure her that 
her child had perished by the merciless jaws of the wild beasts, or the still 
more merciless savages, it would at least have given rest to her weary heart; 



CRAWFORD TOWNSHIP. 741 

but this uncertain apprehension, this torturing mystery, was too great to 
bear and live. So the years dragged slowly by, and each succeeding anni- 
versary of her son's loss drove the sharp pangs of grief deeper into her 
heart Sixteen years of agony and tears, and the grave hid her sorrows 
from the world ! In her last moments, her lost son had a place in her mem- 
ory. She died of a broken heart. 

Thirty- four years elapsed, when the news reached the Bray ton family 
that an Indian captive had been in the city of Cleveland, and in other parts 
of Ohio, endeavoring to obtain some information regarding his parentage, 
as he was just from the Copperhead tribe, whose leading chiefs had con- 
sented to his conditional return to the white settlements. They had told 
him that when a child he had been stolen from the whites by a band of 
Canadian Indians, who had thus revenged themselves on the whites for 
some real or fancied wrongs ; that he had passed through the hands of sev- 
eral tribes, and had at last been sold by the Sioux to the Snakes, with whom 
he remained till their union with the Copperheads. He had further 
learned through M. Macgwager, a chief of a small band of Pottawotomies 
who had settled down to civilized life in Branch County, Mich. , that he 
had been taken from the region south of Lake Erie (his ' captors having 
crossed the Sandusky River) and sold by the Canadians to the Pottawoto- 
mies, Mr. Macgwager having been present at the transfer. 

The story of this captive, whose Indian name in Coppei-head language 
was Ohwa-owah-kish-me-wah,* but whose real name he did not himself 
know, was printed in the Cleveland Herald, and extensively copied. Let- 
ters were received by the editors of that paper from people in different sec- 
tions of the country-, who had lost children many years ago. A weekly pa- 
per containing a copy of the story was sent to the Brayton family, and an 
investigation was at once begun. William Brayton immediately proceeded 
to Cleveland, and from that point to Northern Pennsylvania, and thence 
across the State line into New York, where he learned the "captive" was 
staying at the home of Mr. Smith. 

Previous to setting out, he had been charged by his father to examine 
two marks by which his brother's identity might probably be established. 
One of these was a scar on the head, caused by a razor cut made by the 
father in lancing a boil, the other, a scar on the great toe of the right foot, 
resulting from the cut of an ax. Taking a physician with him as a wit- 
ness of the interview, Mr. Brayton visited the residence of Mr. Smith, where 
the object of his search was found sitting by the evening fire. The marks 
of identity referred to above were searched for and found, just as the father 
had represented them; the stranger was declared to be the long lost Mat- 
thew Brayton, and they were soon on their way toward home. At every 
station on the road, ci'owds gathered to get a glimpse of the restored cap- 
tive, and at Carey hundreds were assembled — many old men who 
had searched for the lost boy, aged mothers who had held him in their 
arms, and young men and maidens by the score who had heard the story 
narrated by their parents at their firesides. But these were disappointed, 
for Mr. Brayton had stopped at Adrian Station and gone directly to his 
home, where were gathered the other members of the family — the father in 
his seventy-third year, the brothers and the sisters. AVhen he entered with 
his charge, the excitement was intense, and the feelings that prevailed can- 
not be described. To portray the emotion which the union of family ties so 

*In 1851, he married Tefronia (Tame Deer), the daughter of the Chief 0-wash-kah-ke-uaw, and their 
two children were Tefronia and Tululee. 



742 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

long sundered is calculated to excite is a task too delicate for our unskill- 
ful hand. 

But this season of I'ejoicing was of short dui'ation. The angel of peace 
had descended only to plume her wings for an eternal flight, and though 
thirty-four years of tearful anxiety had passed over the heads of the hapless 
family, the end was not yet. A short time sufficed to convince them that he 
whom they had taken into their hearts as their lost brother was not Matthew 
Brayton. He was at length restored to his real parents in Michigan, and 
remained with them until the late war broke out, when he enlisted in the 
cavalry service. He died at Nashville, Tenn.* 

EARLY SETTLERS. 

Again we are confronted with a mass of conflicting evidence as to who 
are the rightful claimants to the honor of being the first settlers of Craw- 
ford Township. According to our best authority, Asa Lake and Nehemiah 
Earls located here as early as 1819. They were men of families, and settled 
in what is now Section 26, then Government land, though afterward entered 
and settled upon by Daniel Hodges, who was also one of the earliest resi- 
dents of the township. As early as 1830, he built a brick house, the first 
of the kind in the township. He located in Crawfordsville in 1821. 

Hon. John Carey, generally known as " Judge " Carey, and whose biog- 
raphy appears elsewhere in this work, came to this township and located 
with his family in 1823 or 1824. He was boi'n in Virginia in 1792. 

Christopher Baker came to this locality in 1822, and located on Section 
11. In reaching his land, he came via Harrison's army trail through Del 
aware, Marion and Upper Sandusky to the Tymochtee, and then cut a path 
from Lish's Ferry. The Wyandot trail, running from Big Springs to the 
twelve-mile reservation, passed near Mr. Baker's cabin. His son, John 
Baker, one of the old residents of the township, was born in Ross County, 
Ohio, August 14, 1815. 

Curtis Berry, Jr., was born in this township April 19, 1831. He came 
with his parents, Curtis and Sally (Cavitt) Berry, to this county from Ross 
County in 1827, and located with them in this township in 1829. His 
father was born in 1782, and was reared in Virginia. He came to Ross 
County about 1804-6. His mother was of Irish descent, her father, Francis 
Cavitt, coming from Ireland. The parents were married in 1812, while 
living in Ross County. On coming to this county, Mr. Berry purchased 
eighty acres of land, but at his death owned a whole section. He died De- 
cember 29, 1855; his wife September 4, the same year. They had ten chil- 
dren, three now living. The mother of Curtis Berry, Sr., was a resident of 
Philadelphia, and an intimate acquaintance of Col. Crawford. In playful 
kindness, she tied his necktie for him the morning he departed on his fatal 
expedition against the Indians of Ohio. 

George James moved to this township with his parents, John and Eliza- 
beth James, in 1822. He was born in Beaver County, Penn., Mai'ch 9, 
1807. His parents moved to Pike County in 1810, and from that point to 
this county. They entered eighty acres in this township, and reared ten 
children. 

McD. M. Carey, son of Hon. John Carey, settled in this township with 
hid parents in 1823-24, and has ever since been a resident. He was born 
in Franklin County, Obio, in 1820, and is now one of the representative 
farmers of the township, 

*His real name was William Todd. 



CRAWFORD TOWNSHIP. 743 

Smith Kentliekl was one of the early and prominent farmers of this 
township, having located here prior to 1825 He died in 1854. His son, 
David L. Kentfield, was born in this township March 9, 1825. He was a 
very prominent and successful farmer also, owning near 500 acres at the 
time of his death, which occurred April 2, 1884. 

Hiram J. Starr, an extensive stock and grain dealer of this township, 
located here in 1830. He was born in Franklin County, Ohio, June 24, 
1816. He began business by clerking in a store at Crawfordsville, and 
afterward engaged with William Buell, the first merchant of Carey, as an 
equal partner in the stock business. He was married in 1851 to Ellen G. 
Carey, widow of N. B. Carey, and daughter of "William and Eliza (Kooken) 
Brown, previously mentioned in this chapter. Mrs. Starr was born October 
12, 1824, the first white child born in this township.* Mr. Starr is still a 
resident of this township. 

William Brayton, who came to this county in 1821, and located with his 
parents in Tymochtee Township, settled in Crawford in 1834. He is one 
of the most substantial of its farmei's, having owned as high as 700 acres of 
land. He was born in Vermont, May 11, 1810, and was married to Mar- 
garet Carr May 5, 1839. They had eleven children. Mrs. Brayton died 
January 22, 1869. His father, Elijah Brayton, was one of the first millers 
in the county, beginning operations by erecting a saw and grist mill in 
Tymochtee Township in 1823. He and John Carey also owned and operated 
a saw mill and carding machine, which was located on Carey's land. 

A LEAF FROM AN OLD SETTLEr's DIARY. 

William Brown was one of the few tii'st white settlers of Crawford Town- 
ship. He was born in Maryland September 12, 1796. His wife, Eliza 
Kooken, was born in Berks County, Penn., February 14, 1804, and they 
were married July 3, 1822. From an old diaryf begun by Mr. Brown in 
1822, we obtain some interesting facts given in entries as follows: 

"November, 1822, entered land near the Big Spring Reservation." 

" July 20, 1823. left Columbus, Ohio, for my land, with the intention of 
building a cabin, digging a well, etc. On my arrival, my heart for the 
first time failed me. The day was dark and rainy. We had spent more 
than half of it driving from Tymochtee out, the road being nothing but 
mire and water. The ground where we halted was clothed with a heavy- 
growth of timber, so much so that we could scarcely see the sun at noon, 
and to add to our misfortune, we could not work without being stung by 
nettles, neither could we remain at ease for the hungry mosquitoes. These 
diflSculties I could have borne with fortitude had I been there on a visit for 
a few days only, but when I I'eflected that they could be removed only by 
years of hard labor, I was ready to conclude that I had acted the idiot in 
purchasing the land, and the lunatic in attempting to settle it." 

" The next day I set Orra Harris, the young man who carae with me, to 
digging a well. I took Mr. Carey's horse to Squire Hodges, and he soon 
discovered that all was not right with me. He therefore immediately set 
about to aid me to obviate my difficulties by telling me a long flattering 
story, the purport of which was that he had not the least doubt that should 
I set in and continue with determined perseverance, my undertaking would 
be crowned with complete success, that I would not only make a good liv- 
ing, but that, in a few years, 1 would become independent. 

*We have authority also for stating that a daughter was born in this township to Asa and Martha 
Lake in 1821. 

tThe diary referred to was kindly furnished us by Hiram J. Starr, son-in-law of Mr. Brown. 



744 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

" This story, although I knew it was much exaggerated, gave me con- 
siderable relief. I returned to our encampment about dusk and was greeted 
with the joyful news that Orra had got water! The next morning the 
clouds dispersed and the sun once more visited our lonesome woods. 

" Squire Hodges' flattering advice, getting water so conveniently, and the 
appearance of fair weather, in a great measure dissipated my dreadful fore- 
bodings, and I began work quite cheerfully. We remained six weeks, built 
a cabin, laid the lower floor, put up the chimney to the mantel-piece, laid 
the back wall and hearth and returned home. " * * * 

"April 5, 1824, set out with my horses, wagon, plows, etc., for Squire 
Hodges' for the purpose of raising corn." 

"July 1, returned home; July 15, returned again to my land to finish 
my cabin. September 1, home again." 

" October 7, loaded up my goods and chattels and with my family 'set 
sail ' for my intended home. After a prosperous journey of four and one- 
half days we landed at our lonesome abode October 12, 1824." 

"October 22, my wife had a fine daughter, which we named Ellen." 

"May 22, 1825, planted fourteen acres of corn." 

Here the entries of the old diary, now yellow with age, close, so far as 
they pertain to the settlement of the family in this township. The "fine 
daughter " which Mr. Brown refers to with so much paternal pride is now 
the wife of Hiram J. Starr, and, as stated above, was said to be the first 
white child born in this township. It will be observed that Mr. Carey and 
Squire Hodges were residents of this locality when Mr. Brown first settled 
here. It will also be seen that the first settlers in this now beautiful and 
prosperous region began with "dreadful forebodings" for the future. 
This was indeed "the forest primeval." The croaking of the frisky 
frog, the piping treble notes of the sanguinary mosquitoe, ever with 
an eye to business, the humming bee and the singing bird were all here 
in their primitive chorus; but they brought little cheer to the strug- 
gling settler with his limited fields of grain and his unlimited har- 
vest of fever and ague, Mr. Brown entered 160 acres of land. His un- 
ceasing toil at last brought him to the grave; he died in 1866, and ten years 
later his faithful companion joined him in the realm beyond. 

Besides those already mentioned as early settlers of this township, we 
have also the names of many others who located here at various dates prior 
to 1845. Among them are the following: Jesse, "William, Thomas and 
Benjamin Gale; Samuel, James and William Ritchey; Nathan Kimball; 
Ichabod, Myron and Rufus Merriman; Mr. Hamlin, Thomas Wallace, John 
Nixon, John Gormley, John James, William James, George James, Smith 
Kentfield, A. Knowlton, Andrew Crawford, Abraham Loy, William Hack- 
ney, Asa Brayton, Warwick, Thomas and John R. Miller, Sheldon Beebe, 
James Miller and sons, Christopher and John Baker, Curtis Berry, Sr., Joseph 
and William Hart, Harvey Chidson, Hamilton Karr, Sr. and Jr., Charles M. 
Kari', H. J. Starr; Gershom, Elijah, John and Josephus Dowman: Conrad 
Hare and sons, A. B. Ranger and sons, Asa Bixby and sons, Lemuel Guerney 
and sons, Kinsey Ogg and sons, W^illiam Hunter and sons, Reuben Savidge 
and sons, William McKinzie and sons, Jacob Kemmerly and sons, Benja- 
min Copley and Mr. Hamlin, James Burk and sons, Isaac Burk, Sr., Daniel 
Brown, Ezra Gilbert, Henry Davis, Adam Nye and sons, Thomas and Sam- 
uel Hart, D. Shane, Jesse Wilson and Robert Hedges. 

The following is a list of persons born in the township and now over 
fifty years of age: Mrs. Ellen Starr; Mary, George, Daniel A. and Rebecca 



CRAWFORD TOWNSHIP. 745 

James; Mrs. Sarah J. Karr, C. B. and Harvey L. Karr, D. L. Kentfield,* 
Mrs. C. C. Brown, John C. and P. B. Lewis, Mrs. C. R. Clark, Mrs. Ann 
Searls, Mrs. Mary Ranger, Isaac Burk, Jr., Mrs. Isadore Ogg, Mrs. Dorcas 
Dow, Mrs. Laura Eby, Samuel Ogg, Mrs. Sarah Hibbins, L. Merriman; 
John, Robert and Curtis Berry, Jr.; John and Curtis Baker. 

In the twenty-five years that intervened between the time of the first set- 
tler's location and 1845, the increase of settlers was rapid. The names of 
those who were assessed for the payment of taxes in Crawford Township in 
that year were as follows: 

OWNERS OF REAL ESTATE. 

Allison, Jacob, Section 1, 40 acres. 

Arnold, Anthony H., Sections 13 and 24, 422 acres. 

Anderson, John S., Section 13, 200 acres. 

Ambroziei*, Jacob, Section 20, 160 acres. 

Ayers, Isaac, Section 28, 40 acres. 

Ax, William, Section 22, 80 acres. 

Brick, John, Section 22, 120 acres. 

Bollin, William, Section 22, 80 acres. 

Brellaman, John C, Section 31, 83 acres. 

Best, Frederick, Section 9, 80 acres. 

Baker, Timothy, Sections 8 and 17, 258 acres. 

Battenfield, Jacob, Sections 8 and 9, 122 acres. 

Brown, William, Sections 8, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 31, 762 acres. 

Brayton, William, Sections 10 and 11, 329 acres. 

Beebe, Sheldon, Sections 15 and 22, 250 acres. 

Bechtel, Henry, Sections 19 and 20, 80 acres. 

Baker, Christopher, Section 11, 229 acres. 

Berry, Curtis, Sections 11 and 14, 200 acres. 

Burson, Elijah, Section 31, 40 acres. 

Baker, John, Section 14, 40 acres, also owned a saw mill. 

Banning, Anthony, Sections 24 and 25, 85 acres. 

Bullis, Pheney, Section 23, 80 acres. 

Buell, William, Sections 22 and 35, 126 acres. 

Bollinger, Aaron, Section 5, 40 acres. 

Baughman, George, Section 29, 80 acres. 

Bixby, Asa, Sections 16 and 21, 160 acres, also owned a saw mill. 

Conaghan, James C, Section 24, 40 acres. 

Copely, Benjamin, Section 12, 80 acres. 

Clark, William, Sections 1 and 2, 412 acres. 

Chambers, E. J. and S., Sections 5, 200 acres. 

Chesebrough, William, Section 18, 111 acres. 

Carr, Nicholas, Sections 9 and 15, 328 acres. 

Carey, John, 928 acres, also owned a saw mill and carding machine. 

Clark, John, Section 25, 140 acres. 

Crawford, Andrew's heirs. Sections 26 and 27, 120 acres. 

Christy, Henry, Section 31,»40 acres. 

Christy, Andrew, Sections 20 and 21, 160 acres. 

Darby, Ira A., Section 29, 40 acres. 

Denman, Gershom, Section 15, 30 acres. 

Denman, , Sections 19 and 21, 120 acres. 

Denman, Elijah, Section 21, 80 acres. 

*Died April 2, 1884. 



746 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Deibal, Frederick, Section 31, 42 acres, 

Davis, William, Section 26, ]60 acres. 

Divinney, Henry, Sections 21 and 28, 80 acres. 

Detrich, Henry, Section 21, 80 acres. 

Divinney, Henry, Section 28, 80 acres. 

Erlick, Charles E., Section 18, 40 acres. 

England, Joseph, Section 20, 80 acres. 

England, Lewis, Section 29, 80 acres. 

Green, William E., Section 16, 1 acre. 

Gurney, Samuel, Section 16, 120 acres. 

Gormley, John, Sections 25 and 35, 169 acres. 

Greek, Jacob, Section 30, 73 acres. 

Gerger, Michael, Section 29, 40 acres. 

Hurse, Israel, Section 31, 40 acres. 

Hamilton, William, Section 33, 53 acres. 

Hildebrand, John, Sections 3 and 10, 160 acres. 

Huntley, Ezra E., Sections 10 and 21, 160 acres. 

House, William, Section 19, 74 acres. 

Huffman, Valentine, Section 28, 80 acres. 

Hart, Samuel, Section 20, 80 acres. 

Hart, Joseph, Sections 13, 11 and 14, 225 acres. 

Hart, Thomas, Section 29, 80 acres. 

Hunter, James, Section 30, 80 acres. 

Houck, Peter, Section 14, 150 acres, also owned a saw mill. 

Houck, Paul, Section 5, 28 acres. 

Hare, Conrad, Sections 9 and 10, 325 acres. 

Hammond, James, Section 4, 151 acres. 

Huffman, Jacob, Section 11, 50 acres. 

James, John, Section 11, 80 acres. 

Kneasal, George F., Section 29, 160 acres. 

Kimball, Nathan, Sections 3 and 4, 240 acres. 

Kurtz, Henry, Section 6, 58 acres. 

Kenttield, Smith, Sections 23 and 25, 230 acres. 

Kerr, Charles M. , Sections 25 and 36, 123 acres. 

Kerr, Charles, Section 36, 23 acres. 

Karr, Hamilton, Sections 25 and 36, 153 acres. 

Kear, Moses, Section 14, 40 acres. 

Kenan, Samuel, Sections 10 and 15, 56 acres. ^ 

Kass, Sanford F., Section 21, 80 acres. 

Leland, Lewis, Section 28, 40 acres. 

Lowry, Alexander, Section 29, 40 acres. 

Lane, Peter, Section 5, 108 acres. 

Ludwig, George, Section 9, 90 acres. 

Lowry, John, Section 2(), 80 acres. 

Lewis, John, Sections 24 and 25, 240 acres. 

Mason D. and J. S. Hard, Section 25, 8(^ acres. 

McKinzie, William, Section 1, 200 acres. 

Merriman, Miram, Section 24, 120 acres. 

Merriman, John, Sections 3 and 12, 160 acres. 

Myers, Samuel, Section 31, 40 acres. 

McDowell, William, Sections 9, 10 and 35, 250 acres. 

McGowen, Hiram, Section 2, 63 acres. 

Mad River & Lake Erie Railroad, Section 16, 80 acres. 



CRAWFORD TOWNSHIP. 747 

Miller, John, Sections 22 and 27, 160 acres. 

Miller, Thomas, Section 27, ^ acre. 

McKenzie, Roderick, Section 2, 70 acres. 

Nye, Adam, Sections 19 and 30, 699 acres. 

Nye, Samuel, Section 32, 145 acres. 

Nease, Jacob, Section 12, 80 acres. 

Neisbaum, Thomas, Section 14, 80 acres. 

Needham, Azariah. Section 12, 80 acres. 

Nogle, William, Section 31, 42 acres. 

Ocrg, Kinsey, Sections 17 and 19, 200 acres. 

Pfund, Joseph, Sections 22 and 31, 103 acres. 

Pettinger, B. & J., Section 2, 80 acres. 

Pontius, Andrew. Section 3, 152 acres. 

Patterson, John, Section 5, 40 acres. 

Eeid, Nehemiah, Section 28, 120 acres. 

Ragau, Thomas, Section 20, 40 acres. 

Ranger, Amos B., Sections 14, 21, 22 and 23, 400 acres. 

Rickey, William, Sections 25 and 26, 376 acres. 

Rathbun, Samuel, Section 15, 80 acres. 

Sears, Sylvester, Section 1, 80 acres. 

Stahl, Jacob, Sections 7 and 8, 107 acres. 

Swartzlander, Henry, Sections 5 and 6, 80 acres. 

Snook, Jacob, Sections 1 and 2, 80 acres. 

Swihart, Aaron, Sections 4 and 8, 100 acres. 

St. John, Henry, Section 14, 80 acres. 

StahJ, John. Sections 4 and 8, 100 acres. 

Shrovely, Henry, Section 8, 80 acres, 

Snyder, Samuel, Sections 5 and 6, 210 acres. 

Shuman, Henry, Section 7, 199 acres. 

Swihart, Aaron, Section 6, 76 acres. 

Stahl, Philip, Sections 7 and 18, 240 acres. 

Stahl, Peter, Section 7, 100 acres. 

Shuman, Frederick, Sections 5, 6 and 7, 60 acres. 

Shuman, Jonas, Sections 5 and 6, 40 acres. 

Stevens, Moses, Section 23, 120 acres. 

Smith, Jacob, Sections 7 and 18, 244 acres. 

Smith, George, Section 18, 37 acres. 

Saffell, Jehu, Section 3, 76 acres. 

Struble, John, Section 9, 40 acres. 

Sarles, Samuel, Section 18, 74 acres. 

Smith, William, Sections 23 and 24, 145 acres. 

Sockrider, John, Section 31, 153 acres. 

Slagle, Jacob, Section 28, 80 acres. 

State of Ohio, . 

Thomas, David, Section 6, 80 acres. 
Thomas, Jacob, Section 7, 10 acres. 
Throgmaster, P. & G., Section 17, 249 acres. 
Tipton, David, Section 31, 40 acres. 
Williams, Benjamin, Sections 1 and 2, 80 acres. 
Welchamer, John, Section 23, 80 acres. 
Welch, Aaron, Section 1, 160 acres. 
Wonder, John, Section 4, 153 acres. 
Yager, Michael, Section 20, 80 acres. 



748 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Zubb, Peter, Section 1, 40 acres. 
Major, George, Section 22, 40 acres. 
Shuman, Jonas, Section 6, 78 acres. 
Hart, Samuel, Section 29. 80 acres. 
Denman, Joseph, Section 29, 40 acres. 
Bert, Frederick, Section 14, 80 acres. 
Saffield, John, Section 3, 96 acres. 
McDowell, "William, Section 25, 88 acres. 

TOWN OP CRAWFORDSVILLE. 

Names of lot owners in 1845: Polly Belote, George Belote, William M. 
Buell, Joseph M. Fry, John Gabriel, Michael Gressell, John Gormly, John 
Houck, William Jennery, Israel Jennery, Samuel Kenan, Smith Lawton, 
James W. Marmon, James Rickey, R. P. Ranney, William Richey, Foster 
W. Savidge, Reuben Savidge, Morgan Savidgo, State of Ohio. 

TOWN OF CAREY. 

Owners of lots: George Berry, Buell & Welch, Thomas Berry, Thomas 
C. Burnett, William Baker, Lyman Cody, William Cooley, Peter Houck, 
Henry Houck, John Houck, William Huff, John Hare, William McDowell, 
Mad River & Lake Erie Railroad Company, Rufus W. Reid, James 
Rickey, William Rickey, Daniel Smith, James Thompson, Aaron Welch, 
Charles Zuck. 

OWNERS OF PERSONAL PROPERTY. 

George Amos, Curtis Berry, Jr., Asa Bixby, Michael Battenfield, Henry 
Bechtel, William Brown, Frederick Best, Mariah Bent, Elizabeth Bullis, 
George Baughman, Christopher Breama, Sheldon Beebe, William Bolden, Asa 
Batole, James Bliss, Isaac Burke, William Brayton, Curtis and Christopher 
Baker, Elizabeth Bogart, John Baker, William M. Buell, Buell & Welch 
(merchants), Andrew Christy, McDonough M. Carey, W'illiam Cole, Frederick 
Craft, John Carey, Charles Carr, Joel Clark, Luther Chaffee, Robert Cavot, 
Benjamin Cobley, William Clark, Daniel Christy, Nicholas Carr, John Carr, 
Beriah Chesebrough, Joel Chesebrough, Erasmus Chambers, W^illiam Cham- 
bers, Dr. Howard Clark (practicing physician), William Dunbar, Elijah Den- 
man, Gershom T. Denman, William Davis, Ira Derby, John Donney, Lewis 
England, John England, Daniel England, Dr. John Foster (practicing 
physician), Henry Frazier, Joseph M. Fry, Lemuel Gurney, Jacob Gear, 

Thomas W. Greer, Eli Gibbs, Gormley, John Helsey, Widow Holtz, Re 

becca Hart, Isaac Hopkins, Conrad Hare, John Hare, Solomon Hare, Jona- 
than Hart, William Hoff, Francis Hook, David Hawkins, Perry Harmon, 
John Houck, Samuel Hart, William Hunter, Thomas Hart, John James, 
Jacob Kennedy, Hamilton Kerr, Hamilton Kerr, Jr., Smith Kentfield, An- 
drew Kostenbader, Tobias Kneazle, Nathan Kimball, Aaron Kostenbader, 
Charles Lindour, Amos Lucas, John Lowry, Jeremiah Lowry, Sidney Lewis, 
William McDowell, James McGuinn, Thomas Morgan, Nelson Miller, 
Warick Miller, Charles Murphy, Thomas Miller, John Miller, Joseph Met- 
calf, Miram Merriman, Roderick McKinzie, William McKinzie, Abram 
Myers, Hugh MulhoUand, Azariah Needham, Gideon Nye, Adam Nye, 
Emanuel Nye, Aaron Nye, John Nye, Adam Nye, Kinzie Ogg, William 
Preston, William Parker, Florian Pound, James Rickey, James Richard- 
son, Samuel Rathbi;n, Amos B. Ranger, Luther Ranger, William Rickey, 
Nehemiah Read, George W. Stoner, Jacob Slaybaugh, Daniel Sockrider, 
Jacob Smith, Reuben Savidge, Foster Savidge, Thomas Stickles, Levi 



CRAWFORD TOWNSHIP. 749 

Savidge, William Smith, Sylvester Sears, Jacob Soop, Jacob Snook, Israel 
Shoefer, Susannah Stahl, Jonathan Sickley, Daniel Shane, Samuel Searls, 
Samuel Stahl, Jacob Smith, Peter Stahl, Elizabeth Stahl, Henry Shoeman, 
Jonas Shoeman, Frederick Shoeman, Henry Swartzlander, Aaron Swihart, 
Samuel Snyder, John Stahl, Henry Shively, Samuel Snyder, Reuben F. 
Savidge, John Sockrider, Hiram Stern, James Thompson, Adolphus Vogel, 
Andrew Vance, George "Wolf, Aaron "Welch, George Wonder, John 
"Wonder, Jeremiah Williams, Daniel "Walker, Michael Yeager, Charles 
Zook. 

ORIGINAL IMPROVEMENTS, ETC. 

It has been said that "the groves were God's first temples," and the 
first settlers of the township were the possessors of habitations no less mag- 
nificent. In many instances land was purchased or entered and settled 
upon when nothing but the leafy canopy of the forest trees served the 
eager and determined home-seekers as a shelter from the wrath of the ele- 
ments. Young wives, taken from homes of luxury, have here united the 
work of their hands with that of the husbands of their hearts, and with 
the courage of the Carthaginian maidens, who gave their tresses to their 
brother warriors for bow-strings, that their homes might be saved from the 
destruction of the Roman soldiers, have braved both storm and exposure 
while the first cabins were being erected. 

As has already been stated, Asa Lake was first to locate in this town- 
ship, and in ]819, he erected the first abode that graced the primeval soli- 
tudes of this locality. It was a double log cabin, about 18x20 feet, and 
was located on Section 26. About two years later, Daniel Hodges founded 
a home near the village of Crawfordsville, and in 1823 John Carey built a 
hewed- log house on the south bank of the Tymochtee, nearly opposite the 
old Delaware village of Capt. Pipe. William Brown erected his cabin 
in the same year, but probably after Mr. Carey had built his. However, 
this is uncertain, as we arrive at this conclusion by the fact that Carey 
was already in the vicinity at the time of Brown's arrival. 

The first regular thoroughfare constructed in the township extended 
from Tymochtee to Carey's mill. It passed through Sections 25 and 26, 
and in Tymochtee extended through Sections 16 and 20. The early set- 
tlers went to Delaware for supplies usually, though as early as 1823, John 
Carey and Elijah Bray ton erected a saw and grist mill, on lands owned by 
Mr. Carey, in what is now Tymochtee Township. A carding machine was 
also operated in connection with this mill. At present the township can 
boast of five mills— one saw mill at Crawford, two saw mills at Carey and 
two grist mills at the latter place. The first store of this territory was kept 
at Crawfordsville, by William M. Buell, who was also the first merchant of 
Carey. There is but one mercantile establishment now conducted outside 
of the villages, and that is the property of McD. M. Carey. 

The first settlers of Crawford Township were not blind to the necessi- 
ties of education, and, as early as 1828, ei'ected a schoolhouse on what is 
now the southeast quarter of Section 26. Among the first teachers were 
William Hackney and Adeline Potterfield. Others were James Heron, 
John A. Morrison, Jane Coddington. Mrs. Maynard, Laura Starr, Erastus 
Ranger, Clem Allen, J. Newman, Miss Eliza Ingram, S. Johnson, Dr. Kirk- 
ham, Hiram J. Starr, Jesse Wilson, Eliza Lewis, Emma Carey and McD. 
M. Carey. As the population of the township increased, other districts were 
formed and school rooms were erected. There are now eleven subdistricts 
in the township, and all are provided with well-equipped buildings. 



750 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

The first religeous society organized in Crawford Township was begun 
in 1828, under the supervision of Rev. Thomas Thompson, who was then a 
missionary among the Wyandot Indians, of Upper Sandusky. Arza Brown 
was the first regular circuit preacher in this section of the country. The 
first church building of the township was erected by the United Brethren 
society at Carey in 1845. 

RELIGIOUS. 

St. JosepWs Roman Catholic Church of Crawfordsville, a small but 
thriving congregation, dates its origin with the year 1849. Rev. Xaver 
Obermuller, at present director of a community of Sisters in La Crosse, 
Wis., was the first to visit the few scattered families located here. He 
succeeded in uniting them, and the result was the erection of a log church 
26x20 feet. Here the sacrifice of mass was offered up for the first time by 
Father Obermuller, and, what is worthy of mention, upon a brick altar, 
which was expressly designed and built by Christian Brooks, one of the 
members. 

The original members of the congregation, eight in all, were John Shoe- 
maker, John Best, Christian Brooks, Mathew Haut, Anthon Eberle, Andrew 
Fetter, John Stump and Peter Pauly. Increasing by degrees in number 
and adding daily more and more to their worldly substance, they were soon 
dissatisfied with their log church and its location. Something more noble 
and befitting was deemed necessary. Thereupon an acre of land was do- 
nated by Peter Pauly for the purpose, and under the supervision of Rev. 
Nicolaus Gales, a Sanguinist Father, a second church, 50x25 feet, was built 
in the year 1859, at a cost of $1,000. Mr. Draper likewise donated two 
acres and a half for cemetery purposes. In time this cosy little church 
was entirely too small for the congregation, the more so, since many from 
Carey and Kirby would attend divine services. It was first proposed to 
build an addition, but the greater part, in fact all, were in favor of a new 
church. Subscriptions were raised and work begun in August, 1883, un- 
der the present pastor, Rev. John G. Mizer, according to the plan of archi- 
tect J. Kokinga. The structure, a frame building, is built in the Roman 
styles, and has the form of a cross. It has a frontage of forty feet and a 
depth of eighty-five feet. The towor is built apart from the building 
proper, and has a height of 128 feet. When finished the church will cost 
nearly $6,000. 

Rev. Mr. Obermuller was succeeded by Rev. Messrs. Anthony, Engel- 
bert, Dambach, 1854-56; Rochus, Shurtz, Bernardus Austerman, 1856-57; 
Nicolaus Gales, 1857-59; Erhardt Gluck, 1859-60; Patrick Henneberry, 
1860-62; Math Kreush, 1862-65; Christian French, 1865-66; Alphons 
Laux, 1866-67; Philip Reast, 1867-69; Kasper Shodler, 1869-70; John 
Birnbaum, 1870-72; Theobald Schock, 1872-75; Joseph Rosenberg, 1875- 
80, and the latter by the present pastor, Rev. John G. Mizer, July 19, 1880. 

The congregation of St. Joseph's is composed of well-to-do farmers, 
mostly all Germans, and at present numbers about thirty-eight families. It 
is now visited twice a month on Sundays. A parochial school has been 
maintained since 1878. 

The first missions or so-called revivals were held in a private dwelling 
by the Fathers of the Precious Blood in 1850. The second was conducted 
by the Redemptorists in the year 1863. 

The ofiicial record of Crawford Township from its earliest organization 
is not to be obtained. Its first elections were held in Tymochtee, as it then 
comprised the territory now divided between the three townships — Craw- 



CRAWFORD TOWNSHIP. 751 

ford, Tymochtee and Sycamore. As this township is now organized, the first 
election was held at the residence of Sheldon Beebe, who lived on the south- 
west quarter of Section 15. The list of officials, Trustees, Clerks and Treas 
urers, from 1867 to 1883 is of interest and is given below; also the vote 
cast for theoflice of Justice of the Peace in 1846: 

TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS SINCE 1867. 

Trustees— 1867, John R. Miller, John Greer, G. Nigh. 

1868 — Hamilton Karr, Edward Brown, John Greer. 

1869 — John Greer, Josiah Shawhan, George B. Corwin. 

1870 — John Greer, John Baker, A. J. Wonder. 

1871 — John Baker, Aaron Nigh, William Brayton. 

1872— John Greer; Aaron Nigh, Buel S. Beebe. 

1873 — Aaron Nigh, Buel S. Beebe, John Greer. 

1874 — Buel S. Beebe, John Greer, Aaron Nigh. 

1875— Buel S. Beebe, Charles Stief, Henry P. Brown. 

1876 — Charles Stief, Henry P. Brown, David Smith. 

1877— Charles Stief, Buel S. Beebe, Henry P. Brown. 

1878 — Charles Stief, Buel S. Beebe, John Baker. 

1879— John Baker, Charles Stief, David Smith. 

1880 — John Baker, Henry P. Brown, John Greer. 

1881 — John Baker, Charles Stief, Henry P. Brown. 

1882— Charles Stief, George S. Myers, George W. Starr. 

1883 — George S. Meyers, George Vi. Starr, Oliver Brayton. 

Clerks— 1867-68, J. W. Chamberlain; 1869, C. B. Hare; 1870-71, 
Robert Gregg; 1872-74, W^alton Weber; 1875, George S. Meyers; 1876-79, 
Walton Weber; 1880, George S. Myers; 1881, Jerry Carothers; 1882, A. 
J. Frederick; 1883, Daniel B. Royer. 

Treasurers— 1867, F. R. Baumgartner; 1868, L. F. Staff; 1869-70, H. 
McDowell; 1871-73, I. N. Keller; 1874, Charles D. Hofif; 1875-78, Amos 
Bixby; 1879-83, John Wensinger. 

The votes for Justice of the Peace at the election held in this township 
October 13, 1846, stood as follows: Abraham Myers, 125; Andrew Nye, 
55; Abraham Peace, 1 vote. 

CAREY VILLAGE. 

The above-named town derived its title from Judge John Carey, who, at 
its founding, was President of the Indiana, Bloom ington & Western Rail- 
road, upon which it is situated, and, as a consequence, was deeply inter- 
ested in the success of the embroyo metropolis of the township — we may 
almost say of the county. 

Carey was laid out by R. M. Shuler and W. M. Buell in 1843, these 
gentlemen owning the land upon which it is situated. The town is pleas- 
antly located in the northwestern part of the county, ten miles from Upper 
Sandusky, and now has the advantage of three lines of railroad — the Find- 
lay Branch, the Cleveland, Sandusky & Cincinnati line, and the Columbus, 
Hocking Valley & Toledo Railway. 

It will be seen that the town of Carey was laid out two years previous to 
the organization of Wyandot County, and this fact, after all that has been 
said in regard to the general development of the county in previous chap- 
ters, is sufficient evidence to most readers, no doubt, that the territory of the 
vicinity in which Carey is located was exceedingly wild and uncultivated at 
the period of its history above referred to. 



752 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

In the same year in which the town was founrled. John Honck made the 
initial step in the way of architecture by erecting a frame building on Find- 
lay (or Main) street, where he engaged in hotel keeping, the lirst business 
of the kind, or of any kind, done in the town. The old building is still 
standing, in a fair state of preservation, and is still used for hotel purposes, 
with W. K. Humbert as its present proprietor. It is a quaint, old structure, 
but has been remodeled, repaired and renewed in appearance by a fresh 
coating of paint, and is probably good for another forty years of usefulness. 
The erection of this building was followed in quick succession by those of 
Aaron Welsh, Peter Kenan, Mr. Cody, Michael Grussell, D. Straw, Curtis 
Berry, Shumaker, McDowell and others, the exact dates of their erection 
being unknown. Several of these original domiciles are still standing, 
though most of them in a repaired condition. 

The pioneer merchant of Carey Avas W. M. Baell, who erected a frame 
store room one story high, 22x80 feet in size, in 1843, and began business in 
the sale of general merchandise, with a stock valued at $10,000. McD. M. 
Carey was employed as clerk by Mr. Buell, and claims the honor of making 
the first sale over the counter of this establishment. The old building now 
stands about two doors from the corner of Findlay and Vance streets, and 
is used as a butcher shop. R. W. Reed, McD. M. Carey and H. J. Starr 
established the next business house in Carey, the firm being known as Reed, 
Carey & Co. Their stock consisted of general merchandise, valued at $6,- 
000 to $S,000. The third business house which sprang up in the then 
promising village was established by Jones Park; the fourth by McDowell 
& Baker, and the fifth by John E. James, all dealing in general mer- 
chandise. 

In the fall of 1845, David Sti'aw established a small groceiy store in Carey 
with a capital of less than $50. He has continued in business in the town 
ever since, and is now one of the three wealthiest men of the county. He 
was born in Pitt Township March 28, 1826, and is therefore now in his 
fifty-ninth year. His business has increased to wonderful propni'tions, the 
result of his extraordinary enei'gy and tact. It is a matter deserving of 
special notice that Mr. Straw is now the only business man in Carey who 
began operations in the town as early as 1845. Hiram J. Starr is, 
however, an extensive stock and grain dealer of Crawford Township, and 
operates in and about Carey. McD. M. Carey owns a large farm in the 
township, and is one of its most influential citizens. 

Since her humble beginning with one hotel in 1843, and her three or four 
mercantile establishments up to 1845, the village of Carey has made rapid 
strides in the field of progress. She is now a stroog rival of Upper Sandusky, 
and the prospects for her future success are decidedly favorable. In order that 
the reader may comprehend the full scope of her business interests and in- 
dustries, a special mention is made below of the various branches now rep- 
resented within her limits. 

MEECHANTILE AND BANKING INTERESTS. 

One of the leading dry goods stores of Carey is that now controlled by 
the firm of William Campbell & Son. The firm was established in May, 
1877, the stock being purchased of the Colton Brothers, who succeeded D. 
Straw, who erected and now owns the building in which the business is con- 
ducted. It is one of the oldest business houses in the town, and also one 
of the most extensive. The firm carries an average stock of about $18,000, 
doing an annual business of $45,000. The building is 22x110 feet in size. 



CRAWFORD TOWNSHIP. 753 

and located on the corner of Findlay and Vance streets. Mr. Campbell is 
also extensively engaged in pork packing at Kenton, Ohio, operates a stave 
factory and has an interest in the paper mills of the latter place. 

H. B. Kurtz, located near the southwest corner of Findlay and Vance 
streets, carries a stock of dry goods, groceries, carpets, boots, shoes, etc., 
valued at $14,000, and does a thriving business. He established his trade 
in 1877, he being sole proprietor, which he still continues to be. In connec- 
tion with his store, Mr. Kurtz does quite an extensive private banking busi- 
ness. The building in which he is located is 22x80 feet, with a storage 
room of forty- six feet, and was erected by Mr. Shumaker in 1874. 

T. Woodworth, a hardware merchant, began business in June, 1874, and 
continued as sole proprietor till 1881, in March of which year he admitted 
J. A. Smith as a partner. Three years later Mr. Woodworth purchased Mr. 
Smith's interests, and has since conducted the business independently. He 
occupies a two-stoiy brick building, 26x110 feet, situated on the corner of 
Findlay and Vance streets, and carries a stock of hardware, stoves, tinware 
and agricultural implements, valued at $5,000 to $7,000. 

R. Gregg is located opposite the post office, south side of Findlay street, 
and conducts a grocery store, having been in the business since 1868, in 
different parts of the town. Mr. Gregg was appointed Postmaster of Carey 
in 1869, and retained that position until 1881. He erected his present 
brick building, 18x50 feet, in 1876. carries a stock valued at about $1,000. 

George S. Myers began operations in the drug business in Carey in 
1872, and continued the same till 1877. He then engaged in the fruit busi- 
ness till 1884. when he purchased an entire new stock and re-established 
himself in the drug trade. He occupies the Frederick Building opposite 
the post office, and is doing a good business. C. Pflueger occupies a por- 
tion of the same building, and keeps a full stock of jewelry, clocks, watches, 
etc., doing all kinds of repairing in his line. His stock is valued at $1,000. 

Peter Will & Co., fiu'niture dealers and undertakers, are located on 
Findlay street next door to Myers' drug store. The business was begun in 
1882, by the firm of Wickiser & Will. One year later, the former member 
of the firm disposed of his interest to J. S. Hawks, since which time the 
firm has been known as Peter Will & Co. The building which thoy occupy 
was built, 1882, by D. S. Nye, and is a brick structure, two stories, 18x60 
feet. The firm carries a stock of goods valued at $5,000. E. E. Nye con- 
ducts a tonsorial parlor in the same block, next door, having purchased his 
outfit of E. C. Montague in July, 1883. P. J. Weber conducts a saloon in 
the same block, having purchased his outfit and stock of T. W. O'Marra in 
January, 1883. 

G. G. Kennard is a saddle and harness- maker. He purchased his stock 
of Ed Campbell, and took charge of the business April 1, 1884. He carries 
a stock of harness, saddles, trunks, valises, etc., valued at $1,500. He is also 
located in the Nye Block, which was built in 1882, the old buildings having 
been destroyed by fire October 28, 1881. 

Taylor & Campbell, hardware merchants, occupy the Frederick Building, 
on Findlay street, south side. The business was begun in April, 1883, by 
Frederick & Taylor, but the former member soon after disposed of his interest 
to Mr. Campbell. They carry a full stock of hardware and tinware, and 
some of the lighter agricultural implements. 

E. M. Gear began the gi'ocery business in Carey in January, 1884, 
having purchased the stock of D. S. Nye, who had conducted the same trade 
in the same location since 1859, occupying a frame building. The present 



754 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

brick building was erected by Mr. Nye in 1860. Mr. Gear does a casli 
business principally, and has a good trade. He deals extensively in hides, 
pelts and fiu-. His stock is valued at $1,800 to $2,000. 

R. C. Kinney conducts a boot and shoe store on the south side of Find- 
lay street. He purchased the stock of J. B. Conrad in October, 1883, the 
latter gentleman having conducted the business for six years previous. The 
building which Mr. Kinney occupies was erected prior to i860, by W. A. 
Nye. It is a two-story brick 20x60. Mr. Kinney carries a stock valued at 
$5,000. 

G. W. Chesebrough established himself in the gi'ocery, provision and 
queensware trade in Carey in 1875. He occupies a building erected by D. 
Straw, and purchased by the former in 1877. Mr. Chesebrough now has 
the oldest grocery establishment in the town. His stock is valued at $2,000. 

W. Carothers keeps a fine stock of drugs, books, stationary, etc., on Find- 
lay street, near the corner of Vance and Findlay. He began business in 
1876, purchasing his stock of George Myers. The building which he occu- 
pies is owned, and was built by Dr. Brayton, at a cost of $3,000. Mr. Car- 
other's stock is valued at $5,000. 

D. Bechtell, the butcher, near southwest corner of Vance and Findlay 
streets, began operations in his line in 1877. He occupies the old Dame 
building, which was the first store room erected in Carey. 

On Vance street, S. Orwig keeps a small stock of harness, saddles, whips, 
robes, blankets, trunks, valises, making custom work a specialty. J. Dodd, 
located above this shop, manufactures the best brands of cigars, his annual 
sales amounting to $i3,000 per year, and N. Steinmetz manufactures boots 
and shoes, also carrying a stock of ready-made goods. He erected his 
store room in 1876, at a cost of $500. 

E. S. Shellhouse is the proprietor of the only feed store and nursery in 
Carey. He deals in all kinds of tropical and other fruits by wholesale, and 
ships more melons than any other dealer in Northern Ohio. Has been 
engaged here in the produce business since 1863, with the exception of three 
years. 

William Simonis, a grocer, keeps an establishment on the north side of 
Findlay street, nearly opposite the Gault House. The business was begun 
by Peter Simonis, in 1879, his son William, the present proprietor, taking 
charge in 1882. He occupies the Fetten building, and carries a stock val- 
ued at $1,000. In connection with his grocery business, Mr. Simonis also 
conducts a news stand. 

J. W. Berndon, Postmaster, keeps a stock of confectionery, tobaccos, 
cigars and stationery, having opened up the trade in 1881. The building 
which he occupies was built by Lewis Jacobs in 1871. C. W. D. Zuck 
keeps a stock of jewelry, clocks and watches, in the same building. He suc- 
ceeded I. N. Keller, whose goods he purchased in 1873. 

A. E. Gibbs conducts a grocery and provision store, having purchased 
his original stock of A. J. Frederick in 1881. He is located in the Odd 
Fellows building, and carries a full line of goods, $3,000 in value. 

Mrs. R. C. Pennington, proprietress of the millinery establishment of 
Carey, located on the north side of Findlay street. The original firm was 
known as Webb & Simonis, and dates from 1870. In 1878, Mrs. Penning- 
ton purchased the stock, and has since conducted the business. 

Amos Bixby, located on north side of Findlay street, in Gibbs building, 
keeps a large stock of clothing, gent's furnishing goods, hats, caps, boots, 
shoes, etc., and also does a merchant tailoring business. He began busi- 
ness in 1868. 



CRAWFORD TOWNSHIP. 757 

T. J. Kennard established himself in the grocery business here in 1880, 
having purchased his stock of J. L. Herndon. He is located in the Gibbs 
building, and does a business with a stock of about $4,500. 

Wickiser & Weber occupy Straw's building, north side of Findlay street, 
with a line selected stock of hardware, stoves, tinware and agricultural im- 
plements. The present firm was established in 1883, their stock being pur- 
chased of A. Frederick. 

D. Harpster is one of the leading druggists of Carey. He began the 
business here in 1866, having been in the dry goods ti-ade four years pre- 
vious. In 1874, he erected his two-story brick building, 20x80 feet. Mr. 
Harpster carries a stock of drugs, books, stationery, wall paper, etc., and 
has a full share of the public patronage. In 1877, he added a stock of gen- 
eral jewelry. 

J. R. Siddall & Co. do business in the grocery and provision trade. 
The firm was established in February, 1884, the respective members being 
J. R, Siddall and C. L. Sheldon. They carry a stock valued at |1,500. 

J. L. Wensinger began the diy goods trade here in 1876, with J. Wen- 
singer, lander the firm name of J. & J. Wensinger. In 1881, J. L. Wensin- 
ger purchased his partner's interest, and has since continued the business 
as sole proprietor. 

Miss L. A. Raider keeps a stock of millinery and fancy goods. The 
business was established by Misses Shuman and Raider, the former member 
retiring six years later. Shop located on corner of Findlay and Vance 
streets, upstairs; stock, $500. 

J. F. Zimmerman, photographer, opened his gallery here in 1871. He 
subsequently worked three years in Crestline, and resumed business here in 
1877. He erected his business building in 1882. Does all kinds of work 
in his line, and also takes orders for the finest work in India ink and crayon 
portraits. 

• Albert Nye conducts a bakery and restaurant nearly opposite the Gault 
House. He purchased the stock of J. L. Herndon in February, 1884. 

J. A. Hackeuberger. cigar dealer and manufactiirer, is located on the 
south side of Findlay street, above Chesebrough's grocery establishment. 
He employs five to seven operators, who produce annually from 200,000 to 
300,000 cigars. Sales chiefly confined to Ohio. 

George P. Diemer, butcher, is located on the north side of Findlay street, 
near Vance, the business having been begun in 1878 by J. K. Hackeuber- 
ger and George P. Diemer. The former sold his interest in May, 1879, to 
F. B. McCowen, the firm being known as Diemer & McCowen till January, 
1880, when Mr. Diemer became sole proprietor. 

W^illiam Wyborn conducts a shoe shop on Findlay street opposite the 
Gault House, doing only custom work. Montague Brothers have a neat 
barbering establishment next door, their outfit having been purchased of 
H. Fagin in 1884. S. Myers does a general, blacksmithing business on 
Vance street near the foundry, having established himself here in January, 
1883. 

J. Z. Sutphen began the clothing business here in 1867, in partnership 
with M. D. Grossell. Seven years later, he purchased Mr. Grossell's in- 
terest, and has since conducted the establishment himself. 

The People's Bank was established in 1866 by D. Straw, H. B. Gage, 
O. Poesnal and Charles Poesnal with $50,000 capital. In 1869, D. Straw 
purchased the stock of the other members of the firm and became sole pro- 
prietor. In 1876, on the maturity of his son, H. Straw, he gave him an in- 

32 



758 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

terest amounting to $10,000 and aclmitted him as a partner. The bank has 
the entire confidence of the people and is doing an excellent business. Its 
present capital is 170,000. 

MILLS, MANUFACTORIES AND ELEVATORS, 

The Old Carey Mills. — J. C. Shuler now operates the old mill which was 
erected by Enos and William Wonder in 1844. Except the "Indian 
Mill " near Upper Sandusky, it is the oldest in the county. It was formerly 
owned by Henry W^alborn who operated it for a period of sixteen years. 
Mr. Shuler assumed control of the institution in 1882, but now has it 
rented to other parties. The mill has three run of buhrs with a capacity of 
fifteen barrels per day, and is valued at $6,000. 

The Carey Mills were established in 1845, the building having been 
erected for a warehouse by Buell & Welsh in 1845. It is therefore one of 
the oldest structures in the town and has undergone many changes. In 
1867, it was converted into a flouring mill by a stock company, known as 
the Carey Milling Company, and named the "Carey Mills." This firm 
failed in 1870, and the mill was sold to one Cunningham, of Tifiin, and 
afterward passed into the possession of D. Straw. It subsequently passed 
through the hands of several other parties, and is now owned by E. C. 
Orean, of West Liberty, Ky., and Allen Smalley. of Upper Sandusky. 

Henry Waters' Planing Mill and Sash Factory. — This institution, the 
leading industry of Carey, was erected about 1868, by Hiram Young, who 
was accidently killed in the saw mill department in 1881. Mr. Waters 
then purchased the machinery and has since had charge of the establish- 
ment to which he has added much both in capacity and patronage. The 
building is 40x120 feet in size, two story, though not yet wholly comj)leted. 
The mill is located on North street near the railroad, and, including the 
stock of lumber, is valued at about $20,000. It employs eight workmen 
and does an extensive business in the dressing of lumber and manufacture 
of doors, sash, blinds, store fronts, fencing and molding. 

Manecke (S- Co.^s Planing Mill and Sash Factory. — The firm and business 
of Manecke & Co., was established in 1877. In 1882, the institution was 
entirely destroyed by fire, but was rebuilt in 1882-83. The main room is a 
frame building 40x50; the brick engine room is 20x40, and the storage 
shed is 20x74 feet in size. The value of the whole concern is placed at 
$t8,000. The firm employs eight workmen when the mill is in full operation. 

Van Buren & Ryder'' s Foundry and Machine Shops. — This enterprise 
was established in 18 — by James Carothers and a nephew of the same 
name. The latter sold his interest to the former, who again disposed of the 
property to T. Gould and Samuel Keeler, both of whom entered the service 
soon after and resold their interest to James Carothers, Jr. About 1862, 
Mr. S. C. Van Buren purchased a half interest in the concern, and the firm 
of Van Buren & Carothers conducted the establishment till March, 1874, 
when Mr. Carothers disposed of his interest to Samuel Bitler. In 1882, 
Mr. Rider purchased Bitler" s interest, and the present firm was established. 
The mill was formerly operated for manufacturing drag sawing machines, 
but is now principally engaged in making the automatic lathe for handles. 
All kinds of repairing and general job work is also done, and an occasional 
engine is constructed. In 1879, the firm erected a brick building, two 
story, 26x60, with a molding room 26x40 feet in size. The enterprise is 
one of the most important of the village, and highly worthy of a generous 
patronage. The value of the stock and buildings is placed at $10,000. 



CRAWFORD TOWNSHIP. 759 

The Wyandot Chief Hand Hay Rake Works. — One of the most important 
enterprises ever founded in Carey was that of the " Wyandot Chief Hand 
Hay Rake Works," which was established by Col. Y. Bickham in 1881. 
The main building of the concern was 50x75 feet, with two wings, 25x100 
and 26x72 feet respectively, a brick engine room, 17x34, and a dry room, 
16x65 feet. The total cost was about $16,000. The motive power was sup- 
plied by an 85-horse-power boiler, and a 50-horse-power engine. Two saw 
mills were kept in operation. The firm was chiefly engaged in the manu- 
facture of hand rakes and cradle fingers, though other bent work was also 
manufactured. Tbirty-two workman were employed, the capacity of the 
factory being 22,000 dozen rakes per annum, 250 dozen cradle fingers per 
day, or 300 set of buggy bows per day. October 3, 1883, this immense es- 
tablishment was totally destroyed by fire, there being little or no doubt in 
the minds of most people familiar with the circumstances of the destruction 
that the work was that of some fiendish and cowardly incendiary. 

Samuel Lytle's Wagon and Carriage Shops are located on the corner of 
Findlay and Patterson streets. He established his business in 1858-59, 
and in the following year erected his brick shop building, two stories high, 
25x36 feet in dimensions. He manufactures wagons, carriages, buggies, 
etc., and does a general repairing and blacksmi thing business, employing 
three workmen. 

Roll & Galbroner^s Wagon and Carriage Works are located on Vance 
street, between Findlay and North streets. The original proprietor was C. 
H. Crum, who founded the business in 1850. The firm of Roll & Galbroner 
was established in 1865. They do a fair business, their line being the 
manufacture of farm wagons, carriages and buggies. General blacksmith- 
ing and repairing are also important branches of their trade. 

Charles Stiefs Tile Factory is one of the most extensive in this quarter 
of the State. It was begun in 1859, then being only a brick kiln. The 
tile machinery was added in 1877. Mr. Stief operates about eighteen work- 
men, and does an extensive business. During the year 1883, he consumed 
1,200 cords of wood in bui'ning the product of his kilns. 

D. Straiv^s Elevator was built in 1846, by Reed, Carey & Starr. About 
1847, this latter company failed, and the property, which was sold at Sher- 
iff's sale in 1850, was purchased by D. Straw, who has since kept it in re- 
pair and use. It is one of the old-time buildings of the town, and has a 
receiving capacity of 4,000 bushels per day, and a storage capacity of 50,000 
bushels. 

HOTELS. 

The hotels of Carey are as ancient as the town itself. Whether these 
buildings have been preserved on accovint of the di*eamy memories which 
have chistered around them since the earliest days of their struggling exist- 
ence, or whether they are retained through some distorted notion of econ- 
omy, it is not within the province of the writer to say. Certain it is, how- 
ever, the old building now known as the Commercial Hotel was the first 
domicile erected in the town. John Houck was its builder and first proprie- 
tor. He was succeeded by Hi Plummer, and since that worthy ceased to 
dispense the luxuries of the board to his varied guests, the hospitable land- 
lords who have followed in the train are named in their order as follows: 
Silas Dow, John Elder, D. S. Nye, C. Thurman, William Ramsbottom, G. 
Carr, Mr. McGalner, J. C. Gear, M. M. Walton, S. Shellhouse, C. Shell- 
house, William Wilsey, John Hackenberger, John Lance, S. Watson, P. 
Anders, J. W. DeAVitt, and the present gentlemanly and accommodating 



760 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

proprietor, W. K. Humbert. Under its present efficient management, the 
old pioneer hostlery is renewing ber youth, keeping loftily apace with the 
spirit of the times, her ancient apartments ever aglow with cheerfulness and 
comfort. 

The Gault Hotise was erected in 1847-48, about three years after the 
building of the old Commercial, by John Houck and a Mr. Case, who were 
its first proprietors. Those who have succeeded in the management of the 
hotel are Thomas Plummer, Bowsher & Fondron, William Chambers, Rose- 
well Perry, David McElvain, A. and D. Joys, N. McClure, F. J. Warallo, 
F. J. Cox, Dr. Rhodes, and Thomas O'Marra, the present pi'oprietor. This 
house is conveniently located on Findlay street, near the railroad, and af- 
fords first-class accommodations for the traveling public. 

RELIGIOUS. 

Chrisfs Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized November 22, 1858, 
in the Evangelical Church of this place. Of the eleven original members 
but one is now living. Rev. Haner acted as chairman at the organization, 
and the first officers of the new organization were IVIichael Grossell, Elder; 
Gideon Nigh, Deacon. After the organization of the church, it was taken 
into pastoral relation with the Vanlue Society and served with preaching by 
Rev. Haner. The society conducted its meetings in the Evangelical Church 
building till April, 1859, when it accepted the privilege of worshiping in 
the United Brethren Church building. Here it continued to hold its 
meetings till its own house was completed, which was in August, 1860. 

In March, 1861, the celebrated Kneisly-Brown controversy occui'red. 
The questions discussed were: 1. Do the Scriptures teach the final holiness 
and happiness of all mankind? Rev. C. R. Brown (Universalist) affirms; 
Rev. Kneisly denies. 2. Do the Scriptures teach the endless punishment 
of a part of the human race? Kneisly affirms; Brown denies. This discus- 
sion lasted four days, and according to the language of the church records 
"resulted satisfactorily to the friends of truth as held by the orthodox 
churches, but resulted in dissatisfaction to the pastor." The pastors who 
have served in this charge up to date are as follows: Rev. Haner, from date 
of organization to March 22, 1863; Rev. Funk, to November 27, 1864; Rev. 
Haner again, to April 28, 1867; Rev. J. W. Henderson, to 1869; Rev. S. J. 
Delo, three months; Rev. D. S. Truckenmiller, to April 20, 1873; Rev. J. 
M. Dustman, to the present time. 

From the pastor's tenth anniversary sermon preached February 1, 1884, 
we gather the following statistics of the church during the ten years of his 
pastorate. Total membership February 1, 1884, 195; received during pres- 
ent pastorate, ]55; total losses from various causes, 95; present member- 
ship, 100; marriages solomnized, 112; funerals attended, 154. The 
Women's Home and Foreign Mission Society was organized in 1878, and to 
September 1, 1883, had contributed to their favorite objects, besides to 
other objects, $225.20. The Children's Foreign Missionary Society was 
organized in August, 1878, and to September 1, 1883, had contributed 
$63.95. The following amounts Lave been contributed to the various pur- 
poses mentioned below during the past ten years: Home mission, $164.69; 
foreign mission, $247.20; church building, $141.44; beneficiary education, 
$25.25; college endowment, $304. 14; synodical treasury, $38.70; general 
synodical treasury, $20.66; American Bible Society, $74.42; general benev- 
olence, $55.50; local objects, $1,200; parsonage bought and paid, $1,250; 
Sabbath school expenses, $750. Total (not including parson's salary), 
$4,272. 



CRAWFORD TOWNSHIP. 761 

The Tabor Church of the Evangelical Association of North America 
held its first meetings at the residence of William Wonder in this vicinity, 
and was there organized in 1851 by Rev. John Cuff, the original members 
being about fifteen in number. In 1856. the society erected a brick church 
building, 40x60, at a cost of $2,400, and this building was repaired in 1878 
and again in 1883, first at a cost of $500 aud next at a cost of $3,300. 
The present membership is sixty -five. The Trustees are J. A. Wonder, 
Peter Will, J. Kneasal, J. Soberly and William Thompson. The church 
has had several revivals of considerable importance, the most successful 
one probably conducted by Rev. Reinhold in 1853. The society keeps a 
very successful Sabbath school in operation with an attendance of about 
eighty members. 

The Church of Our Lady of Consolation at Carey, Ohio, was established 
in 1868 by Rt. Rev. A. Rappe, Bishop of Cleveland. The principal early 
members of the congregation were Joseph Roll, John Goetzinger, N. Stein- 
metz, Valentine Henige, H. Fetter, Joseph Pahl, Catharine Logsdon, K. 
Fuchs, George Noel and Jacob Fuchs. 

The foundation of this church edifice was laid in the summer of 1868, 
under the supervision of Rev. E. Vattman. Work was then suspended until 
1870, when Rev. L. Bihn, of Tiffin, pvished forward to completion the frame- 
work. The building was finally finished in 1873, under the supervision 
of Rev. Joseph P. Gloden, the present pastor. It is situated in Straw's 
Addition to the village of Carey, and is erected upon grounds which were 
donated by David Straw and his wife. It is 30x65 feet in dimensions, 
and cost $3,000. 

The first pastor was Rev. E. Vattman, who resided at Findlay, Ohio. 
Then came Rev. L. Bihn, of Tiffin, Ohio, who was succeeded in July, 1872, 
by Rev. J. P. Gloden, the present pastor. The present members of the con- 
gi'egation are thirty- three in number. The Board of Trustees or Council- 
men is composed of the pastor, Joseph Roll, Valentine Henige and N. 
Steinmetz. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

The Bible Sociely of Carey and vicinity was organized June 26, 1864. 
It is an auxiliary of the American Bible Society, and has been quite suc- 
cessful in the accomplishment of its legitimate purposes in this community. 
During the past year, an extra effort was made, canvassing agents having 
worked the field. The books sold to date of anniversary, December 15, 1883, 
amount in value to $51.51; books donated, $9.09; donations from churches, 
$16.23. The present officers are as follows: Peter Will, President; C. D. 
Hoff, Secretary; D. Harpster, Depositary, Agent and Treasurer. 

EDUCATION, ETC. 

No sooner had the town of Carey been fairly started than its few inhab- 
itants began to recognize the necessity of a means of educating their chil- 
dren. Accordingly, as early as 1843 a frame building, 26x30, was erected 
on the corner of Findlay and High streets, and is said to have been a mar- 
vel of awkwardness and inconvenience in point of interior arrangement. A 
row of seats was ranged next to the wall entirely around the room, and 
in front of this was a high desk, also extending entirely around the room, 
and boarded or ceiled in front, making a sort of arena or bull-pit in the 
center of the room in which the learning and the flogging were inflicted, 
the two processes in many instances being equally painful. This same 
building is now owned by Samuel Bittler, who repaired it and now uses it 



762 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

for a dwelling. It was used as a schoolhouse till about 1855 or 1856, when 
a similar building was erected on South street, near the railroad, this latter 
structure being occupied till 1868, when the present two-story brick build- 
ing, consisting of five departments, was erected, costing $8,000. 

Among the first teachers were Juliette Searles, A. W. Brinkerhoff, Miss 
Labaree, Mr. Thompson, J. N. Free ("the immortal"), James and Mary 
Foster, Albert Myers and Mr. Brundridge. The first Principals who occu- 
pied the present school building were Messrs. Gritchtield and Graham, who 
superintended the schools "week about," or alternately. These gentlemen 
were succeeded by John Baker, who held the position three years. Those 
who followed were J. W. Dwire, W. B. Switzer, John Kaley, T. "VV. Fritch, 
John Poe, John Kalb, E. Miller, J. L. Lewis and the present superintend- 
ent, John Pittsford. The schools cannot at present be said to be in a 
thriving condition, owing to the fact that no thorough course of study has 
been established or followed. The present members of the Board are 
Charles Stief, John Hare, A. P. Kelley, Peter Galbroner, Matthew Smalley 
and H. Hopkins. 

The Carey Reading Room was established in June, 1883, by the W. C. 
T. U. The library comprises about 250 volumes of the standard works of 
history, poetry, fiction and general literature, and efforts are being made to 
increase this number. The institution, much to the credit of the people of 
Carey, is well patronized. The present officers are Mrs. "William Aspinall, 
President; Mrs. R. Gregg, Vice President; Mrs. D. Harpster, Secretary; 
J. C. Shuler, Treasurer; J. F. Zimmerman, Librarian. 

Public Hall. — The Public Hall of Carey was built by the combined ef- 
forts of the township and corporation in 1876-77. It is a very creditable 
building, and well furnished throughout. The outer walls are 44^x64:; the 
structure is two stories high, and includes an engine room. Clerk, Mayor 
and Council's room, and jail, with a neat hall and stage on the second floor. 
The total cost of the building was $4,000. 

The present officers of Carey are as follows: Mayor, M. A. Smalley; 
Clerk, E. G. Laughlin; Treasurer, J. B. Corad; Marshal, Charles Buck- 
land; Councilman, H. L. Hopkins, B. F. Kurtz, John Grossell, J. R. Sid- 
dall, J. M. Barr and James Anderson. 

SECRET SOCIETIES. 

Lodge No. 420, F. & A. M., of Carey, was organized August 7, 1868, 
under a dispensation granted by the Grand Lodge. The officers first elected 
were: J. M. Stevens, W. M., pro tem. ; J. W. Chamberlain, S. W. ;. M. D. 
Grossell, J. W. ; Dr. Asa Brayton, S. D.; A. Trant, J. D. ; A. Carothers, 
Treasurer; C. Kleopfer, Secretary, and A. Shellabarger, Tiler. 

The present members are fifty-two in number, and their officers are: Amos 
Bixby, W. M.; M. A. Smalley, S. W. ; J. A. Smith, J. W.: A. F. Miller, 
Secretary; G. S. Myers, Treasurer; A. M. Taylor, S. D.; L. C. Haines, J. 
D.; A. B. Ryder, Tiler. Regular meetings are held in their lodge rooms 
on the first and fourth Friday evenings in each month. 

Carey Lodge, No. 407, I. O. 0. F., was instituted August 28, 1868, by 
James A. Semple, M. "VV. G. M., under a dispensation granted by the Grand 
Lodge August 20 of the same year. The first officers were: D. Joy, N. G. ; 
J. D. Haderman, V. G. ; A. Trant, R. S. ; J. Greer, P. S. ; Abraham Caro- 
thers, Treasurer; S. Gilbert. W. ; D. R. Hill, C; A. Shellabarger, I. G.; 
E. T. Shellhouse, O. G. ; F. J. Weber, R. S. N. G. ; John Baker, L. S. N. 



CRAWFORD TOWNSHIP. 763 

G. ; J. J. Zint, R. S. V. G. ; T; Hahn. L. S. V. G. ; W. H. Slaymaker, R. 
S. S. ; Charles Steif, L. S. S. ; Rev. G. W. Miller, Chaplain. 

Meetings were held from August, 1868, to August, 1871, in the Straw 
Block; in their own hall in Stiefs Block since the last-mentioned date. 
The financial condition of the lodge is excellent, and its property is valued 
at $2,500. The present officers are: J. A. Pittsford, N. G. ; William Wills, 
Y. G. ; E. G. Laughlin, Sec'y; George W. Chesebrough, Treas. ; C. D. Hoflf, 
Per. Sec'y. Present members are fifty -two in number, and regular meet- 
ings are held every Thu.rsday evening. 

Col. Crawford Post, No. 173, G. A. R., was organized December 16, 
1881. Among its original members were A. E. Gibbs, Daniel Bechtel, 
George Brown, Walton Weber, Edward Thompson, L. Thurston, David 
Sipe, J. R Sidall, F. J. Weber, S. C. Williams, John Greer, Oliver Bray- 
ton, John Deardorf, W. K. Humbert, J. A. Royer and A. P. 'Kelly, of 
whom the following were chosen as the first officers: F. J. Weber, C; A. 
P. Kelly. S. V. C; J. R. Siddall, J. V. C; Walton Weber, Ad jt. ; L.Thurs- 
ton, Q. M. ; J. A. Royer, Surgeon; S. C. Williams, Chap.; George Brown, 
O. D. ; David Sipe. O. G. 

The present members number fifty-seven, the financial condition of the 
Post is good, and regular meetings are held in the Odd Fellows Building 
on the first and third Monday evenings of each month. 

Phil Kearney Camj), No. 12, Sons of Veterans, was instituted July 
16, 1883, by A. P. Kelly, of Col. Crawford Post, No. 173, G. A. R. 
Among the original members were Fred Gibbs, A. M. Wonder, F. C. Gibbs, 
Jay Newhard, D. J. Humbert, Dr. F. Brayton, D. B. Royer, Samuel 
Hawks, Samuel Schuler, Henry Webber, P. E. Wonder, Harry Miller, L. 
M. Wonder, Fred Sipe, Corry Williams, William Grady and Frank Wise- 
baker. The officers first installed were: F. C. Gibbs, Captain; A. M. Won- 
der, First Lieutenant; Jay Newhard, Second Lieutenant; D. J. Humbert, 
Chaplain; Dr. F. Brayton, Surgeon. 

The members at the present time are nineteen in number. Regular 
meetings are held in Stiefs Building on the first and third Monday evenings 
in each month. The present officers are: D. B. Royer, Captain; P. E. 
Wonder, First Lieutenant; Harry Miller, Second Lieutenant; D. J. Hum- 
bert, Chaplain; and Dr. F. Brayton, Surgeon. 

Myrtle Lodge, No. 416, Order of Good Templars, was organized Decem- 
ber 22, 1883, at a meeting held in the English Lutheran Church. The first 
niembers were Peter Will, J. S. Hawks, E. S. Shellhouse, Simon Nye, Will- 
iam Mull, Samuel Kessler, W. C. Hare, Valentine Wisebaker, H. L. Hop- 
kins, J. T. Zimmerman, William Fenner, Abram Hotelling, George Corwin, 
William Aben, Grant Stetler, Mack Creiger, Cornelius Hull, M. A. Smalley, 
William Rowe, J. M. Dustman, Anthony Wagner, Bert Hulse, Mrs. A. 
Hulse, Mrs. H. J. Starr, Grace Hulse, Emma Sipe, Iva Wonder, Rachel 
Livingston, Ella Gibbs, Mrs. J. K. Hackenberger, Mrs. E. L. Shellhouse, 
Mrs. A. Wagner, Mrs. J. Payne, Mrs. N. Sipe, Nancy Ish, Ella Sipe, Mrs. 
Catharine Nye, Mrs. M. A. Carr. 

The officers first installed were: Peter Will, AV. C. T.; Ella Gibbs, W. 
V. T. ; J. T. Zimmerman, W. Secretary; Simon Nye, W. F. Secretary; M. 
A. Smalley, Marshal; Rev. J. M. Dustman, Chaplain; Ella Sipe, W. I. G.; 
Grant Stetler, W. O. G; William Mull, P. W. C. T.; Mrs. J. K. Hacken- 
berger, R. S. ; Emma Sipe, L. S. The lodge is in a flourishing condition 
at this writing, and its present officers are as follows: S. P. Nye, W. C. T. ; 
Ella Gibbs, W. V. T. ; J. T. Zimmerman, W. Secretary; William Brown, 



764 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

W. F. Secretary; Mrs. A. Hulse, W. T.; William Eowe, Marshal: F. J. 
Webber. W. Chap.; Peter Will, P. W. C. T. ; Ella Sipe, W. I. G.; C. 
Hull. W. O. G. Regular meetings are held in Odd Fellows Hall on Fri- 
day evening of each week. 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

JACOB ALLION is a native of Baden, Germany, and was born March 
5, 1810. His parents, Jacob and Catharine (Denninger) Allion, were also 
natives of Germany, and had four children, our subject being the only sur- 
viving. His mother died in her native country, his father in Lucas County, 
Ohio. In 1868, Mr. Allion emigrated to the United States and located in 
Franklin County, Penn. In 1839, he came to Ohio, and located in Rich- 
land County, moving to this county in 1838. He purchased land in this 
township, and has since given his attention to farming, though a blacksmith 
by trade. He was married. January 12, 1837, to Christina Zupp, a native 
of Germany, resident of Richland County, Ohio, and daughter of Peter 
and Maria Zupp, who were natives of France. They emigrated to the 
United States in an early day and settled first in Lancaster, Penn., moving 
from that point to Ohio, and later to Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Allion have 
had seven children, of whom but four survive, namely, Jacob, Elizabeth, 
Marie and Madaline. Mr. Allion has 200 acres of land well stocked and 
improved. He is a Democrat, and, with Mrs. Allion, a member of the 
Lutheran Church. 

WILLIAM ASPINALL, proprietor of the woolen mill and handle fac- 
tory at Carey, was born in Logan County, Ohio, July 22, 1845. His par- 
ents, Robert and Ellen (Martin) Aspinall, were natives of Leeds, England, 
and Virginia respectively. His father emigrated to the United States in 
1822, and about 1840 located in Logan County, Ohio. In the family were 
eleven children, namely, William, George, Elizabeth, Caroline, Edward, 
Daniel (deceased), Charles, Hannah, Robert, Thomas and Mary. Mr. As- 
pinall served seven years in the woolen business as an apprentice in En- 
gland, receiving only his board and clothes for his labor. He was engaged 
in the same occupation about twenty-five years in Logan County, doing a 
very successful business. His son, William, who is the subject of this 
notice, learned the woolen manufacturing trade when very young, and re- 
mained with his father till twenty-three years of age. He began operations 
for himself in Logan County, where he remained till 1876, when he sold 
oat and removed to Carey, purchasing the woolen mills of Enos Wonder in 
partnership with his brother, whose interest he purchased two years later. 
In the spring of 1884, he added machinery for manufacturing handles, and 
this branch of the business receives attention during the winter seasons, 
the factory having a capacity of 2,500 to 3,000 handles per day. The spin- 
ning capacity of the mill is 160 spindles, turning off fifty to seventy-five 
pounds of wool per day. From one to three looms are kept in operation, 
though stocking yarns are a specialty. Mr. Aspinall was married, February 
28, 1868, to Amanda Dickinson, born July 18, 1847, daughter of Joshua 
M. Dickinson, of Bellefontaine, Ohio. They have three children — Ellen 
B., Mack and Ray. Mr. A. is a member of the Good Templars, and a 
charter member of the Knights of Honor. The family are members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 

JOHN BAKER, son of Christopher and Rachel (Berry) Baker, was 
born in Ross County, Ohio, August 14, 1815. His parents were natives of 
Virginia, but were married in Ross County, Ohio, in ISll. In 1822, Mr. 



CRAWFORD TOWNSHIP. 765 

Baker purcliasecl land in this county, and in 1824 moved his family and ef- 
fects to this locality. He was compelled to cnt a road four miles through 
the woods in order to reach his own land with the ox teams, which he used 
in freighting his goods. He was the father of eight children — Sarepta, 
John, William, Christophei', Thomas. Olive J., Curtis and Jehu. Three 
are deceased — William, Sarepta and Thomas. Mr. Baker died November 
27, 1848, his widow June 29, 1875, aged sixty-five and eighty-one respect- 
ively. John Baker, the subject of this sketch, was married, June 26, 
1836, to Susana Hare, of this township, born in Center County, Penn., 
October 30, 1816, and daughter of Conrad and Ann M. (Spangler) Hare, 
natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. Her parents were mar- 
ried in 1814 in her native county, where they resided until 1824, when 
they moved to Wayne County, Ohio, moving from there to this county in 
1833. They purchased land in this township, and reared ten children, 
namely, Solomon, Susanna, John, Lucetta, Margaret, Levi, Jonathan, 
Christopher, Samuel and Anna M. The latter and Christopher are deceased. 
The father died August 8, 1847, the mother July 28, 1874. Our subject 
began work for himself by making and laying up rails at $1 per 100. In 
1836, he purchased 107 acres in this township, selling out in the same year. 
He then purchased forty acres, upon which he built a saw mill in 1838. 
He operated this mill twelve years, and then sold out and purchased the 
home farm of 145 acres, upon which he now resides; has since added forty 
acres; built a fine frame barn in 1838; rebuilt in 1857, and again in 1883. In 
1872, he erected a large brick dwelling, and in making excavations for his 
cellar, he exhumed two large human skeletons, one seven feet in length. 
Ml", and Mrs. Baker are the parents of twelve children, namely, Sarepta A., 
Anna M. , McKendra, Ira J., Christopher S., Rozilla I., Lucetta J., Marga- 
ret E., John F. , Lorane J., Hugh F. and Wellington J. Three are de- 
ceased — McKendry, Anna M. and Lorane J. Mr. Baker has served his 
township in most of its ofBces for several terms. He was elected Commis- 
sioner of the county in 1858, and served six yeai's. He is a Democrat in 
politics, and with Mrs. Baker a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
having been converted at an Indian camp-meeting under Rev. Russell Big- 
elow fifty-four vears ago. 

DANIEL BECHTEL was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, May 24, 1828. 
His parents, Henry and Amelia (Nye) Bechtel, were natives of Ohio. They 
came with three children to this township in 1832. Five others were born 
later, the eight being named as follows: Michael, Susan, Daniel. John, 
Sarah, Elizabeth, Sarah and Nancy A. Sarah is deceased. The father 
died July 20, 1846. Mrs. Bechtel kept the farm and reared the children 
to maturity. Daniel Bechtel began business for himself by renting land 
and farming. He married Ruth Reed in the fall of 1848, and in March, 
1861, she died, leaving seven children — John A., Michael N., Mary A., 
Sarah A., William I., Albert N. and Ruth E. — the latter dying in in- 
fancy. In 1856, Mr. Bechtel moved to Shelby County, 111., but after the 
death of his wife, in 1861, he returned to Cai-ey, and kept house with his 
children till 1864, when he was drafted into the service. He served in Com- 
pany D, Sixty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and in his first engagement, 
at Spring Hill, November 29, he received two gunshot wounds; the first, 
while on the retreat — the ball entering at the ,back, between the ribs, and 
passing out below the breast; the second, while being removed from the 
field — the ball passing through the right hip and emerging at the left groin. 
He was confined at the hospital till June, 1865, when he was discharged. 



766 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

In November, 1865, he married Mary C. Nye, by whom two children were 
born — Hattie B. and Harry M. Mr. Bechtel worked at teaming and gen- 
eral work till 1871, when he opened a meat market, which he has since con- 
ducted. Prior to 1861, Mr. Bechtel was a Eepnblican, but has since been 
a Democrat. His mother is still living, doing her own household work, in 
her seventy-fifth year. Of his children, John A., Michael N. and William 
I. are in Victoria, British Columbia; the others are all in this State. His 
brother Michael is a minister in the United Brethren faith, now in McLean 
County, 111. 

BUELL S. BEEBE is a native of Malon, Franklin Co., N. Y. He was 
born January 9, 1823, and is a son of Simeon and Sallie (Riissell) Beebe, 
who were natives of Connecticut and Vermont respectively, and of English 
parents. His parents were married in Franklin County, N. Y., February 
20, 1812, and there resided till 1882, when they moved to East Constable. 
Three of their six children survive, namely, Buell S., Sidney M. and Mary 
M. The father died July 18, 1854. His widow then moved to Lockport, 
N. Y., and thence to this county in 1871. She died May 18, 1881. Buell 
S. was married, October 12, 1848, to Miss Lucinda Kear, a native of this 
county, and daughter of Jonathan and Caroline (Portertield) Kear, natives 
of New York and Maine respectively. Her parents were married in Delaware 
County, Ohio, in 1826, and in the same year moved to this county, where 
her mother died in 1853, and her father in 1878. Mr. and Mrs. Beebe had 
three children — Henry, Sarah and Laura A. Mrs. Beebe died May 19, 1866, 
and Mr. B. was married October 14, 1867, to Mrs. Abigail (Brundige) 
Sweetland, who was born in Delaware County, Ohio, October 5, 1819. Her 
parents, J ohn and Phoebe (Drake) Brundige. were natives of York State, 
married in Delaware County, Ohio, and reared a family of nine chil- 
dren, of whom but two — Lydia and Abigail — now survive. Her mother 
died in January, 1831. Her father married Elizabeth Taylor subsequently, 
and is deceased. Mrs. Beebe's first marriage was to Hiram Gould, and 
occurred July 17, 1838. He was born and reared in Vermont, his parents 
having died when he was a mere boy. One daughter — Ann E. , born Jan- 
uary 7, 1841 — is the result of this ttnion. She was born in Delaware Coun- 
ty, Ohio, and now resides in Ligonier, Ind. Mr. Gould died January 20, 

1844, and Mrs. Beebe was married, February 5, 1847, to Hiram Sweetland, 
of Delaware County, a native of Maine. By this marriage, three children 
were born, two living — Byron and Orrie. Mr. Sweetland died January 12, 
1858. In 1844, Mr. Beebe moved to Ohio. He located in this county in 

1845, farmed rented land, taught school, and finally purchased a farm, to 
which he has added till he now owns 265 acres, valued at $100 per acre. 
In 1866, he built a fine brick residence at a cost of |3,000. He is a Re- 
publican, and has served in several township ofiices. He and Mrs. B. are 
members of the English Lutheran Church. Their daughter, Laura A., was 
married, June 30, 1874, to Charles D. Hoff, of this township, a native of 
Cayuga County, N. Y., born May 20, 1848. His parents were Wessei C. and 
Harriet A. M. (Levalley) Hoflf, natives of New York and Connecticut respect- 
ively. They were married in Cayuga County, their only child being Charles 
D. His father died Julv 5, 1851. His mother married Dr. C. W. Boyce 
about 1855. She died July 3, 1856. Mr. Hoflf came to Ohio in 1864. He 
spent two years in Seneca County and then moved to Carey; learned the 
mason's trade, at which he is still engaged in this township. He has four 
children — Edwin, Weldon, Winnifred and Mabel. Sarah C. Beebe was 
born in this township July 19, 1851, and was married. May 28, 1872, to 



CRAWFORD TOWNSHIP. 767 

Miles Mullholland, who was born in Tymochtee Township March 24, 1851, 
son of Hugh and Mary (Young) Mullholland, early settlers of this county. 
Five children have blessed this union — Gertrude, Henry B., Freddie J., 
Jessie L. and Nettie May. 

CHARLES BIES was born in Wiesloch, near Heidelberg, Baden, Feb- 
ruary 25, 1825. He is a son of Frank H. and Mary (Ritzhoup) Bies, who 
were also natives of Baden, and who had five children, of whom but two — 
Charles and George — are now living. His mother died in 1831, his father 
in 1847. Mr. Bies emigrated to the United States in 1851. He located in 
Gallon, moving t3 Lucas County in 1853, and in 1856 to this county. He 
was married, in August, 1856, to Christina Allion, a native of Baden, Ger- 
many, a resident of Lucas County, and daughter of Jacob Allion. They 
have three children — George, Benj. F. and Elizabeth. Mr. Bies has 110 
acres of good land, and is engaged in general agriculture. He and Mrs. 
Bies are of the German Reformed persuasion in religious belief, and Mr. Bies 
is a Democrat in politics. 

JAMES BOWLBY was born in Stark County, Ohio, December 8, 1831. 
His parents, James and Sarah (Gross) Bowlby, were natives of New Jersey 
and Pennsylvania respectively. They came to Ohio in 1831, located in 
Stark County, and reared to maturity a family of thirteen children, namely, 
Joseph, Rachel, Emanuel, John, Jacob, Hannah, Maria, James, Mary, 
Samuel, Elizabeth, Catharine and Sarah; the deceased are Rachel, John, 
Mary and Samuel. The family moved to Crawford County, near Gallon, 
where the father died in 1870, in his seventy-fourth year, his wife having 
preceded him in 1859, closing her life in her fifty-seventh year. James 
Bowlby, who is the subject of this sketch, was introduced to this county in 
1852. He married Amanda Grindle, January 1, 1858, and purchased a 
saw mill west of Carey, operating the same eight years, when it was de- 
stroyed by fire. He rebuilt the mill, and just eight years afterward it was 
again destroyed by fire. He rebuilt a third, and in January, 1883, he sold 
out and removed to Carey, entering the employ of Watson & Co., as fore- 
man of the saw mill department of their saw mill and planing mill. Mr. 
and Mrs. Bowlby are parents of nine children — Ellen, Emma L., Alice A., 
Hattie, Rolland D., Orville C, Noland H., Alfred B. and Joseph W. Mr. 
Bowlby is a charter member of the Knights of Labor, and a citizen of in- 
dustrious habits and good character. 

ASA BRAY'^TON, M. D. , was born in this township September 25, 
1831, and is a son of Elijah Brayton. He was reared on a farm, and re- 
ceived a good education, taking up the study of medicine at the age of 
eighteen, under the instruction of Dr. A. Metz, of Fostoria. He entered 
the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati in 1^56, and graduated from that 
institution. In 1863, he attended a course of lectures at the Jefl'erson 
Medical College of Philadelphia, and in 1870 he received a diploma from 
the Bellevue Hospital Medical College of New Y'ork City. He began the 
practice of his profession at McCutchensville, where he remained four years. 
He then moved to Carey, where he has since resided. He married Emily J. 
Hutchins June 30, 1853, and on September 27, 1856, she died, leaving one 
child. Forest "W., who is now practicing with his father, being a graduate 
of the Miami Medical College of Cincinnati. Forest W. Brayton, prior to 
his entrance to the Miami Medical College, took a course of instruction at 
the Baldwin University, and also a special course at the Wesleyan Univer- 
sity of Delaware, Ohio, directly fitting him for his medical studies. Dr. 
Brayton's second marriage, to Susan E. Hutchins, occurred June 30, 1857. 



768 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

He enlisted in the 100-day service, as Captain of Company D, One Hun- 
dred and Forty- fuurth Ohio National Guards, in May, 1864, and returned 
in September of the same year He is a charter member of the Masonic 
Lodge, and also of the Knights of Honor. In politics, he has always been 
a firm supporter of the Republican principles. ^ ' 

WILLIAM BRAYTON was born in Attberg.Vt., May 11, 1810. He is 
a son of Elijah and Anna (Holbrook) Brayton, also natives of Vermont, and 
of English and Irish dijscent. They were married in their native State about 
1809, and in 1814 migrated by wagons to Ohio. They lived two years in 
Newark, three years in Huron County, eighteen months in Lower Sandusky, 
and moved to this county in 1821, Mr Brayton having purchased land in 
Tymochtee Township, at the Delaware land sales in 1820. In 182y, he con- 
structed a saw mill run by water-power, and in 1825 built a grist mill — 
one run of buhrs, and the first grist mill in the county, except the Indian 
Mill near Upper Sandusky. Mr. Brayton resided here till 1832, when he 
sold out and moved to Seneca County, buying a farm in Big Springs Town- 
ship. Here their children were reared, t]aeir names being William, Harriet, 
Liicy, Matthew, Peter, Mary, Olive and Asa — all living but Lucy and Olive. 
Matthew, of whom further mention is made in the general history of the 
township, was lost in the woods when a child. The mother died August 1, 
1842, aged fifty-one years and one month, the father December 7, 1866. 
William Brayton was married May 5, 1839, to Miss Margaret Carr, who 
was born in Ashland Coiinty, Ohio, May 2, 1820, daughter of Nicholas and 
Margery (Davault) Carr. natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania respectively, 
and of Irish and English parentage. Her parents were married in Ashland 
County, and moved to Wyandot in 1833. They had six children — Margaret, 
Keziah, John, Daniel, Susan and William. The deceased are Margaret, 
John and William. The father died in December, 1871, the mother in Sep- 
tember, 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Brayton are parents of eleven children — Oliver, 
Eliza, Nicholas, William, James M., John C, Olive, Lavonia, Lucy M., Ella 
and Joseph H. In 1832, Mr. Brayton purchased 200 acres in Seneca County. 
He sold this in 1833, and 1834 purchased 224 acres in this township, where he 
still resides. By hard labor and good management, he obtained nearly 700 
acres, but now owns but 320 acres, which are well improved, and valued at $100 
per acre. He is one of the most successful farmers of the township, and is well 
respected as a neighbor and citizen. Mrs. Brayton died January 22, 1869. 
She was a member of the Evangelical Association. Mr. Brayton is an old- 
time Whig-Republican. He has served several terms as Clerk and Trustee, 
and has been Justice of the Peace twentv-one years. 

OLIVER BRAYTON, was born in this township June 27, 1841. He is 
a son of William and Margaret (Carr) Brayton, who have already been 
noticed in this work. He was married September 9, 1869, to Miss Livonia 
Ogg, of this township, daughter of Kinzie and Margaret (Johnson) Ogg, 
early settlers of this county. In 1869, Mr. Brayton became the owner of 
100 acres of land, to which he has added 140 acres. He devotes his atten- 
tion entirely to agriculture and is quite successful. By his first wife, who 
died in her thirty-third year. January 30, 1880, he had three children — W^al- 
ter H. , Anna C, and Orton O. , the first deceased. Mr. Brayton was mar- 
ried, August 10, 1881, to Samantha A. Brown, a resident of Seneca County, 
native of Crawford County, Penn., and daughter of John and Catharine 
(Flickinger) Brown, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German extraction. Her 
parents married in Pennsylvania, where they still reside. Three of their 
children are living, a fourth being deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Bravton have 



CRAWFORD TOWNSHIP. 769 

two children — Jessie K. and Willijim B. In 1864, Mr. Brayton being a 
member of the One Hundred and Forty-fourth Regiment, Ohio National 
Guards, Company D, was called into service. He participated in the en- 
gagement with Moseby's Cavalry at Berryville, and served till discharged 
in September, 1864. He is dow serving his township, both as Ti'ustee and 
Justice of the Peace; he is a member of the G. A. R. ; an old time Odd Fellow; 
a member of the Evangelical Church, and a Republican in politics. Mrs. 
Brayton is also a member of the Evangelical Church. 

HENRY P. BROWN was born in Crawford Township, this county, 
September 10, 1884, and is the son of William and Eliza (Kooken) Brown, 
natives of Franklin County, Ohio, where they were united in marriage. 
His parents came to this county in 1824, and entered land in this township. 
They had fifteen children, nine of whom are still living — William S., Henry 
P., James K., Frank, Ansilla, Ellen, Ann, Mary and Augusta. The mother 
died in June, 1872, the father in 1862. Henry P. Brown, our subject, was 
married, February 26, 1869, to Miss Verlinda McLeod, of Ridge Township, 
born March 25, 1837, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Colo) McLeod, na- 
tives of Pennsylvania and of Fairfield County, Ohio, respectively. Her 
parents were married in Fairfield County and in an early day settled in 
Ridge Township. Ten of their twelve children still survive — Joseph R., 
William O. , Verlinda, Isabel, Abraham, John M., Eliza, Clementine, Lo- 
rilia, Lenora and Emma. The parents now reside in Missouri. Mr. and 
Mrs. Brown are parents of seven children — Florence A., Frank H., Charles 
A., Abraham Mc, Ernest E., Eliza J. and Willie; the two latter deceased. 
In 1858, Mr. Brown became the owner of 160 acres in this township, and 
to this tract he has added by subsequent purchases till he now owns 300 
acres valued at $80 per acre. He devotes his time to general agriculture, 
in which he is quite successful. Mr. Brown has served the township in 
various offices, and is a Republican in politics. Mrs. Brown is a member of 
the Lutheran Church. 

DANIEL CARR was born in Wayne County, Ohio, September 3, 1824. 
His parents, Nicholas and Margery (Davolt) Carr, natives of Virginia, and 
of Irish and German descent respectively, were married in Wayne County; 
moved to Wyandot in 1833, and purchased and entered over 500 acres in 
this township. They had six children — Margaret, Kesiah, John, Daniel, 
Susan and William. The father died December 18, 1871, the mother 
September 29, 1880, aged seventy-seven and eighty- four years respect- 
ively. Mrs. Carr was an old-time midwife, and is said to have 
been present at the birth of at least 1,200 children. Her husband 
was a substitute in the war of 1812, and was much among the In- 
dians. September 16, 1857, our subject was married to Sarah E. Persin- 
ger, of Xenia, Ohio, native of the same, and born September 21, 1834. 
She is a daughter of Smith and Catharine Persinger, who were natives of 
Virginia and Maryland respectively, and who were married in Greene 
County, Ohio, where they reared two sons and two daughters — Samuel, Sarah, 
Nancy and Jacob. The father died in January, 1843. The mother mar- 
ried some years later, and is now again a widow in her seventy-seventh year. 
Mr. and INIrs. Carr are parents of four children — Morris, Walter, W' illiam 
and Charlie, the eldest now deceased. Mr. Carr still lives on the home 
farm, having purchased the interest of the other heirs. He owns 184 acres, 
well improved, valued at $85 to $100 per acre. He does a general farming 
business, and also burns considerable lime, having three kilns on his farm, 
one in operation. He paid out of the draft to the late war choosing to part 
with his money rather than his life. In politics Mr. Carr is a Democrat. 



770 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

WILSON CAKOTHERS, a popular druggist of Carey, was born in 
Ridge Township July 20, 1855. He is a son of William and Mary (Jack- 
son) Carothers, both natives of Pennsylvania. They came first to Richland 
and then to this county, rearing a family of nine children, five of whom are 
living — James, William, John, Mary E. and Wilson. The p&rents both 
died in Ridge Township. Our subject was reared on a farm, and at the age 
of nineteen years engaged as clerk in the drug business w^th George S. 
Myers, whose stock he purchased two years later. He has conducted the 
business since 1876, and has a flourishing trade. He was married. Novem- 
ber 27, 1877, to Emma Keller, daughter of Adam Keller, and two children 
have been born to them — Ray and Jean. Mr. Carothers is a member of the 
Knights of Honor, and is esteemed both as a citizen and business man ; his 
brother, Alexander, was a soldier in the late war. He enlisted in Company 
A, One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and died of 
typhoid fever at Romney, Va. 

WILLIAM H. COPLEY is a native of this township, son of Benjamin 
and Magdalene (Nease) Copley, and was born June 21, 1849. His parents, 
though natives of Pennsylvania, were reared in Ohio, and mai'ried in Rich- 
land County in 1840. Two years later, they removed to this township, and 
purchased eighty acres, which number was afterward increased to 140. They 
had seven children, those surviving being Sarah A., Melinda C, Mary M., 
William H. and Albert S. The father died of apoplexy February 20, 1884, 
in Wood County, Ohio, whither he had gone to pass the remainder of his 
days with his second daughter, with whom the mother now resides. Our 
subject was married, November 17, 1870, to Miss Jennie L. Baker, who was 
born in this township March 6, 1849, a daughter of John and Susan (Hare) 
Baker, whose history appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. Copley resided 
on his father's farm till grown to maturity, and in 1868 he was enabled to 
purchase twenty acres in Andrew County, Mo., adding twenty acres more 
soon after. In 1871, he purchased thirty acres in this township, adding 
forty acres more by trading his Western land in 1873. Mr. Copley is f arm- 
incr the old homestead also, and is giving considerable attention to breeding 
fine stock and poultry, light Brahmas. He has upon his farm a well thirty 
feet deep, drilled through solid rock, out of which have been pumped bones, 
joints, and other animal matter, which rendered the water unfit for man or 
beast. Only a few rods from this well is another, which furnishes an 
abundance of excellent water. Mr. and Mrs. Copley have three childi-en — 
Niobreto Guy, Frank Armond and Anna Maple, aged eleven, five and two 
years respectively. Mr. Copley is a Democrat, and at present solicitor for 
the Wyandot Mutual Fire Insurance Company of this county. He and Mrs. 
Copley are members of the Evangelical Church. 

HON. JOHN CAREY. Perhaps the most notable of the early settlers 
in this part of Ohio was the distinguished gentleman whose name appears 
at the head of this limited biography. Not only in his immediate neigh- 
borhood was he the object of well-merited distinction, but his reputation as 
a man of sound judgment, great good sense, sincere and active benevolence, 
shone with that hister which reflected the many flattering testimonials of 
personal worth from all who came within range of his acquaintance and 
influence. He was a man whose prime indicated fine physical health and 
proportions, and his remarkable energy and mental force were in keeping 
with these greatest of natural endowments. His manhood and ability were 
reflected in his presence to such a degree that it needed no introduction to 
establish character or command respect. Few men so favorably impressed 



CRAWFORD TOWNSHIP. 771 

an acquaintance with these notable traits which win and control men through 
an irresistible force of personal magnetism; and the result was, as it has and 
ever will be, that while Mr. Carey was surrounded with the warmest of 
friends, whose attachment had a preceptible feeling of idolatry, he also 
had his bitter enemies. The latter, however, carrying their resentment, not 
from a disturbance of the usual amenities between citizens, nor a ruffling 
of the instincts which lend enchantment to neighborly conduct, but from 
those who appeared and were generally worsted by him in a conflict of opin- 
ion. He was a man who considered well, and, sometimes slow to act, but 
when settled in his convictions, he was impatient of opposition, and seldom 
failed to use his great force and remarkable energy to surmount as well as 
to sustain his position. And herein lay all the bitterness entertained for 
this great, good man — a bitterness that melts with time and resolves itself 
into admiration. Perhaps the best illustration of this disposition in Mr, 
Carey, was his opposition to the first railway through Upper Sandusky, 
made contingent upon a proposition to vote a county tax of $50,000. As 
the matter was submitted, and Mr. Carey believing the tax oppressive 
upon our then new county, he entered the opposition with much vigor, 
It was in this conflict that he displayed his wcmderful force and 
power as a public speaker, and that indefatigable activity and de- 
termination that marked him as a live and effective organizer and leader. 
It was in this railroad controversy that Mr. Carey incurred the dis- 
pleasure of many interested in the new town of Upper Sandusky; but 
the feeling of resentment passed away with the smoke of the first en- 
gine that threw its welcome shadow over the town; and when the grand old 
hero passed away, and for many years preceding this lamentable event, no 
man in Wyandot County, or in this section of Ohio, was more sincerely or 
universally revered. No fault lay at his door other than a firm and sincere 
consideration of what he esteemed to be right, and the comments upon his 
long life of usefulness, and the bereavement were full of that tender regard 
which gives sublimity to expression, and finds a fitting response in the re- 
spect and intensity of feeling of those who still cherish a pleasurable pride 
in perpetuating his memory. 

The subject of this sketch was the son of Stephen and Sarah Carey, and 
was born in Monongalia County, Va. . on the 5th day of April, 1792. In 
1796, his parents and family removed to Brown County, Ohio, where they 
remained for some time and reared their family. In 1812, young John 
Carey removed to Franklin County, Ohio, and a short time thereafter en- 
listed as a soldier in the army of the United States. After a military serv- 
ice of six months, he returned to his home in Franklin County, and en- 
gaged in the milling business, and also at the same time paid considerable 
attention to farming. He remained here until the year 1822. On the 9th 
of January, 1817, he was united in marriage with Miss Dorcas Wilcox, 
daughter of Roswell and Dorcas Wilcox, natives of Connecticut, who had 
emigrated to Franklin County, Ohio, in the year 1802. The wife of John 
Carey was born in Hartfoi'd, Conn., January 17, 1790, and departed this 
life at the family residence in Carey, on the 1st day of September, 1867. 
Shortly after Mr. Carey's marriage in 1822, he came to what is now known 
as Wyandot County, and purchased 190 acres of land, in Sections 27 and 
34, which still remain part of the Carey homestead, and now owned by 
his son, the Hon. McD. M. Carey, one of our prominent and influential 
citizens. In 1823, he began improvements upon this land, and a year later 



772 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

removed hither with his wife and family, whom he made comfortable in the 
first hewed-log house erected in that section of country. When he had 
seen after the comfort of his young wife and family, his energy took direc- 
tion in the building of a saw mill upon the banks of Tymochtee, a small 
stream that ran through his land, and while the first on that creek in the 
county, it withstood the buffets of time and business, and remained for 
many years as a landmark, and remnants of the old structure are still to be 
seen near grounds given historic prominence by the sad fate of Col. Craw- 
ford, which is fully given in another part of this volume. Mr, Carey's fine 
business qualities, tact and industry, brought their reward in making it 
possible for him to add largely to his estate until he had accumulated nearly 
3,000 acres, which he held and possessed to the hour of his death. To go 
back to Mr. Carey's earlier life, we find him, at the age of twelve, carrying 
the mail from Portsmouth to Chillicothe, and continued in this pursuit for 
two years, at that time a hazardous undertaking for one of his years; yet 
the courage and indomitable will of maturer life was seen in the lad of a 
dozen years. From the mail service he entered as an apprentice to learn 
the trade of tanner, at which he remained until 1812, when he enlisted in a 
rifle company under command of Gen. Hull, and was surrendered with this 
company to the British at Detroit. After an honorable discharge from the 
army, John returned to Columbus, with the results as already set forth. 
For years Mr. Carey was an honored and central figure in our midst, re- 
ferred to with pride as authority on many of the leading questions of pub- 
lic and local interest, and the great confidence reposed in him for sterling 
worth and integrity gave to his favor a conspicuous influence. In politics, 
Mr. Carey was a Whig, as long as that party existed; afterward, a zealous, 
active, yet sincere and liberal adherent to principles of the present Kepub- 
lican party, as interpreted by Lincoln, Trumbull, Chase and other of the in- 
tellectual giants of the war period. Although never an ofiice-seeker, he 
readily won distinction among his people and party, which is indicated by 
the fact, that as early as 1827, he was chosen to represent this, then Craw- 
ford County, in the Lower House of the Ohio Legislature, leaving the ef- 
fect of his sound judgment and wise and considerate action upon laws, 
which still grace the statutes of our State. He also served one term as 
Judge, and years after was sent to the Ohio Senate, where he made himself 
quite prominent, and reflected upon the district from which he was credited, 
that true honor which is ever the result of faithful services. In 1858, he 
was prevailed upon to accept the Republican nomination, in the then old 
Democratic Ninth District of Ohio, and although running against an emi- 
nent and popular Democrat (Judge Hall, of Crawford County), he overcame 
a majority of 2,000, and was triumphantly elected. His course to Congress 
was marked with ability, and the ablest address ever given to Congress in 
behalf of the tillers of the soil was his maiden speech before that august 
body; and, to-day, that the Bureau of Agriculture has its present existing 
importance at the Capital of the nation is largely due to Mr. Carey's ef- 
forts. It was he who inaugurated the movement which is now so favorably 
amplified by the best minds of the country, and which has lifted to such 
high prominence the agricultural interests of this country. In 1854, Mr. 
Carey, finding that old age was telling upon his years of usefulness, left 
the old homestead on the banks of the Tymochtee, and removed to the town 
which bears his name and the work of his enterprise, and sought that rest 
and repose which his overtaxed energies had long needed. Although his 
physical strength gave way, his mental energies never flagged, remaining 



CRAWFORD TOWNSHIP. 773 

Avith him as a bright memento of his past life, until the 17th of March, 
1875, when, surrounded by family and friends, he quietly breathed his last, 
in the eighty-third year of his age. Unto the union of John and Dorcas 
Carey were born six children, two sons and four daughters— Napoleon B., 
born June 18, 1818, and died October 21, 1846; McD. M. Carey, born May 
13, 1820; Emma Maria, born January 15, 1822, and died August 27, 1842; 
Eliza A. (now Mrs. Joseph Kenney), born July 7, 1824; Cinderella (Mrs. 
Edwin Brown), born May 2, 1826; Dorcas (Mrs. Alvin Dow), born February 
24, 1830. 

McD. M. CAREY is a native of Franklin County, Ohio, and one of the 
oldest residents of this township. He was born, May 13, 1820, and is a son 
of Hon. John Carey, his mother's maiden name being Dorcas Wilcox. His 
parents were natives of Virginia and Connecticut respectively, and of En- 
glish and Scotch parentage. They were married in Franklin County, Ohio, 
January 9, 1817, and resided in and near the city of Columbus for several 
years. His father came to this county in 1822, and bought land in Craw- 
ford Township, where he located with his family in 1824. Here he made 
his home during the remainder of his life, removing to Carey in 1854, 
after which time he attempted to live in retirement, though always busy till 
his death. He was a member of the Ohio Legislature four terms, before and 
after the organization of this county, and was also Associate Judge of Crawford 
County. In the year 1858, he was elected to Congress by the Republican 
party, and served his full term. He was a hard worker, and spent most of 
his life in clearing up land and farming, owning at one time nearly 3,000 
acres. The children of the family were Napoleon B.. Mc Donough Monroe, 
Emma M., Eliza A., Cindarilla and Dorcas — all living but Emma M. and 
Napoleon B.. who died at the ages of twenty and twenty-eight respectively. 
The mother died September 1, 1867; the father survived till March 17, 
1875. McD. M. Carey, the subject of this sketch, was married, October 1, 
1845, to Miss Lydia E. Beebe, of Norwalk, Huron Co, Ohio, where she was 
born in 1822, her parents being John and Hannah (Young) Beebe, who were 
early settlers in that county. There were seven children in the Beebe fam- 
ily — Aithea, Lydia E., Ambrose M., Ann E., David, Frank and Charlie — all 
living but Lydia. The parents both died in Cleveland. Mr. and Mrs. 
Carey had one child, Aithea E., born October 21, 1846. Mrs. Carey depart- 
ing this life, December 15, 1846, in 1851, Mr. Carey was married to Em- 
ily (Mei'riman) Remington, daughter of Myron and Rilla MeiTiman, who 
moved from New York State, about 1822, and entered land in this township, 
their five children being Emily, Laura, Seth, Louisa and Nancy — all deceased 
but Laura and Louisa. Mr. Merriman died in Kansas, and Mrs. M. in Ill- 
inois. Mrs. Carey passed awa}' March 13, 3881, and is interred in the Oak 
Grove Cemetery, at Upper Sandusky. In 1854, Mr. Carey moved upon the 
old home farm near Crawfordsville, and has ever since been there engaged 
in the quiet pursuits of agriculture, stock dealing and grain dealing. He 
owns about 1,100 acres of land, valued at $50 to llOO'per acre. He erected 
his fine, brick residence in 1866-67, and now devotes his time in overseeing 
his property. In politics, Mr. Carey is Republican. He was very active in 
the C. & T. Railroad enterprise, and subsequently became one of the direct- 
ors of that line. His daughter and her family now reside on the home 
farm with him. Mr. Carey is one of the most successful farmers of the 
township as well as one of the most prominent and highly esteemed. 
After the death of Mrs. Carey, his only daughter has very satisfactorily 
taken charge of her father's household affairs, which she continues to the 

33 



774 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

full satisfaction of all concerned. She is the wife of George H. Whaley, 
and the mother of two children, viz., Paul C. and Doratha L. 

ALFRED K. DAVIS was born in this township August 23, 1838. He 
IS a son of William and Lucy (Bray ton) Davis, who were born in this State, 
married in Wyandot County, resided most of their lives in this county, and 
reared four children — Anna L. , Alfred K., William H. and Lucy. The 
father died in March, 1846; the mother in March, 1873. Mr. Davis was 
married, December 4, 1865, to Miss Sarah Hurd, of this county, a native of 
Indiana, and daughter of Imez and Sarah (Jameson) Hurd, who were na- 
tives of York State. Her parents moved to Indiana about 1840, and to 
Michigan in 1845; settled in Allegan County, and reared nine children, 
five of whom survive, viz., Alexandra, Caroline, Sybil, Francis M. and 
Sarah. Her mother died in 1841 ; her father in 1846. Mr. Davis farmed 
the old homestead for several years, inheriting a portion of the same in 
1860. In 1872, he purchased the farm upon which he now resides, and 
which he has improved by good buildings and cultivation. He owns 250 
acres, valued at $50 to $75 per acre, and devotes his chief attention to ag- 
riculture and stock-raising. Mr. and Mrs. Davis are the parents of seven 
children — Olive S. was born January 23, 1867; Edna C, January 11, 1869; 
Cora, January 12, 1873; Ora C, June 5, 1874; Florence, November 12, 
1876; Blanch and Bray ton, September 20, 1880. All are living but Cora, 
who died July 2, 1873. In political sentiments, Mr. Davis favors Repub- 
lican policy. He is one of the prominent farmers of the township, and his 
farm is the seat of the historic battle-ground where Col. Crawford was de- 
feated and burned by the Indians, and where a monument has been erected 
to his memory. Mr. and Mrs. Davis are both associated with the Method- 
ist Episcopal Church. 

W. T. DICKERSON, attorney at law, Carey, Ohio, was born in 
Shelby County, Ohio. He grew up to manhood in his native county, 
and obtained a good education io the common schools. He read law 
three years with Judge Thompson, of Sidney, and then went to Cincinnati, 
where he took a thorough course in the law school of that city. He then 
began the practice of his profession, and after about three and one half 
years' practice, he opened a law office in Carey, in September, 1878. Mr. 
Dickerson enlisted January 9, 1862, at Sidney, in Company K, Twentieth 
Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served till July 15, 1865, then re- 
ceiving his discharge, and returning to Sidney. Mr. Dickerson is a mem- 
ber of the Gr. A. R. Post, and also of the Knights of Honor. He has a fair 
practice, and is an able representative of the legal profession. 

REV. J. M. DUSTMAN was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, July 
16, 1840. He is a son of George and Amelia (Peters) Dustman, who 
were natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively. His father moved 
to Fairfield County when five years old (1816), married Amelia Peters 
and reared nine children — all brought up on a farm. In 1846, the family 
moved to Van Wert, where they entered a farm on which the parents 
still reside. Rev. Mr. Dustman received a good education in the district 
schools, and in 1861 he entered the Normal School of Van Wert. After 
this he engaged in farming, and, in the meantime pursued a private 
course with Dr. Wells, a Lutheran minister of Van Wert, where he was 
given a charge after being admitted to the ministry in the fall of 1870. 
In 1871, the Synod was called at Gallon, where Rev. Mr. Dustman was 
ordained. He remained at Van Wert four years, and then removed to 
Carey, where he has since labored. August 31, 1865, he married Nancy 



CRAWFORD TOWNSHIP. 775 

Poe, daughter of Jacob and Nancy (McKinnis) Poe, of Hancock County, 
Ohio. Two children have blessed this union — Stanley B. and Florence A. 
Rev. Dustman is a member of the Masonic Lodge, Good Templars, I. O. O. F. 
and K. of H. ; Chaplain of the two latter orders. 

DANIEL ENGLAND, son of Joseph and Mary (Tipple) England, was 
born in Fairfield County, Ohio, August 6, 1814. He was married December 
26, 1839, to Miss Tina Bullas, who was born in Lower Canada January 27, 
1822. She is a daughter of Pliny and Abigail (Sherman) Bullas, who 
moved from New York to Canada and thence to this county in 1836, enter- 
ing land in this township. The children were seven in number, all girls, 
namely, Tina, Elmira, Harriet, Abigail, Ann, Jane and Lydia. Three are 
yet living, viz., Tina, Ann and Jane. The mother is deceased; the 
father died September 20, 1839. Mr. and Mrs. England are the parents 
of eleven children — Mary, born January 22, 1841 ; Abigail, November 17, 
1843 ; Caroline, May IS, 1845 ; Lucinda, August 19, 1847 ; Joseph, Sep- 
tember 13, 1849; James, November 12, 1851; Alvin, April 26, 1854-, 
Ruelma, November 8, 1856; Chester, July 1, 1859; Myra G., May 20, 
1864 ; Cornelia M., August 22, 1866. The deceased are Caroline and 
James. Mr. England purchased land in this township in 1850 or 1851, and 
this he has improved till he now values it at $80 to $100 pej* acre. He is a 
good farmer, and has a comfortable home. 

JOHN ENGLAND was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, July 10, 1807. 
His parents, Joseph and Mary CTipple) England, were natives of Maryland 
and Germany respectively, and located in Ohio at its first settlement. 
1783-85. They settled first in Fairfield County, but thence removed to 
Pickaway, and in 1833 to this township, where they entered land. There 
were nine children, five sons and four daughters ; the father died about 
1835-36, the mother about 1850. John England engaged in farming rented 
land several years, but in 1836 purchased forty acres, to which he has since 
made some additions, and where he still resides. He was married October 
9, 1845, to Dorothea H. Brehme, who was born in Brehme, Germany, Jan- 
uary 9, 1835. She is a daughter of Christopher and Mary H. (Smith) 
Brehme, who emigrated from Germany in 1845. Her mother died on the 
voyage to America. Her father, with the rest of the family, located in 
Delaware, Ohio, but later moved to Wyandot, where he entered land. Mr, 
and Mrs, England are the parents of nine children — Margaret, Henry, Will- 
iam, Lewis, Charles and Emma (twins), Mary, Helen and Amanda. Mrs. 
England departed this life October 10, 1869. 

HENRY FAUL was born April 18, 1838. He is a native of Lambach, 
France, and son of Rudolph and Magdalene (Streng) Faul, also natives of 
France and of German descent. His parents emigrated in 1847, stopped 
one year in Wayne County, Ohio, and then moved to Seneca County, pur- 
chased land and resided there till 1857, when they moved to this county, 
his father dying here April 7, 1871, his mother September 7, 1876. Mr, 
Faul was married, April 9, 1861, to Magdalene Bowers, daughter of George 
and Tiouisa Bowers, who emigrated from France about 1852 or 1853, and 
settled in Seneca County. Mr. and Mrs. Faul had two children — Louisa 
M. and Mary, the latter deceased. Mrs. Faul died July 30, 1865, and Mr. 
Faul was married, February 29, 1866, to Catharine Grunder, a resident of 
Wayne County, Ohio, native of France, and daughter of Henry and Chris- 
tina Grunder, also natives of France and of German descent. Her parents 
emigrated in 1843, and located in W^ayne County, Ohio, where the}^ spent 
the remainder of their lives. By this latter marriage, four children were 



776 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

born — Henry E., Rosauna, John and George H. Mr. Faul first purchased 
land in Tymochtee Township, and resided there four years. He then sold, 
and returned to the home farm of 180 acres, which he soon after became 
owner of, and where he is still successfully engaged in the pursuit of agri- 
culture. 

HENRY FETTER was born in Baden, Germany, May 16, 1845. His 
parents, Andrew and Mary (Clay) Fetter, emigrated with six children in 
1847, came direct to this county, and located in Salem Township, where 
Mr. Fetter entered forty acres of land. A seventh child was born after 
their arrival in this county. The parents finally removed to Carey and 
retired from farming. Henry Fetter resided with his parents till seventeen 
years of age. He then enlisted as a substitute in the war ; was assigned to 
Company B, Thirty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in June, 1864, and 
served eleven months. At the close of the war be returned, and spent fif- 
teen months in learning the harness Trade, at the same time taking an inter- 
est as partner with Mat Orrian. Three months later, he purchased the lat- 
ter's interest and conducted the business one year alone. He then sold out 
the whole stock to Orrian, and went to Independence, Mo., and engaged in 
the bakery and confectionery business, closing out and returning in nine 
months to Carey, where he has since conducted a billiard hall and saloon. 
He married Elizabeth Simonis, daughter of Peter Simonis, January 8, 1867. 
They have eight children — Edward J., Andrew, Harry, Theodora, Raymond, 
Leo, Inez and Lulalia. Mr. and Mrs. Fetter are members of the Catholic 
Church. 

EUGENE M. GEAR, a prominent grocer of Carey, was born at that 
place August 29, 1851. His parents, Jacob and Jane (Berry) Gear, were 
natives of .Union County, Penn., and this county respectively. His father 
located in Ridge Township in 1840, with John McCreat, with whom he was 
serving an apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade, which business he has 
followed ever since. Mrs. Gear's father, Jehu Berry, was one of the 
pioneers of Tymochtee Township. Mr. and Mrs. Gear reared a family of 
ten children, viz. : William C, Alvin S., Eugene M., L. M., Emma, Elmer, 
Horace G., Linnie, Jesse and Frank; the four last deceased. Our subject, 
Eugene M. Gear, began life for himself at thirteen. He followed painting 
a short time and then engaged as a clerk in a dry goods store, continuing 
in the business twelve years. In 1884, he purchased the grocery stock of 
D. S. Nye, and has since engaged in that bxisiness, enjoying a liberal pa- 
tronage. October 17, 1877, he married Alice Close, daughter of Gideon 
Close, of Carey. Two children have been born to them — Freddie and Julia. 
Mr. Gear is a member of the Masonic order — Knights Templar. Mrs. Gear 
is a member of the English Lutheran Church. Two brothers of our subject 
were soldiers in the late war — William C. and Alvin S. The former served 
about two and one-half years; the latter took his father's place in the 100- 
day service, and at the expiration of that time enlisted for the remainder of 
the war. 

ADDISON E. GIBBS was born in Aurora, Portage Co., Ohio, Febru- 
aiy 22, 1831. His father, Eli, was a native of Massachusetts, and moved 
to New York when a young man, and there married Lucinda Cady. He 
soon after moved to Pennsylvania, thence to Portage County, Ohio, and in 
1839 to what is now Wyandot County, locating in Tymochtee Township. 
Their children were Addison E., Truman L., William F., Henry M., Ly- 
man R. , James A. and George A. The parents were farmers. The father 
died December 4, 1866, the mother, January 30, 1866; Addison E. was the 



CRAWFORD TOWNSHIP. 777 

eldest of the family, which moved to Crawford Township in 1845. At thir- 
teen he began operations for himself, and worked at various employments 
till twenty-one years old. He then turned his attention to railroad work, 
being employed in various departments until 1864, when he was appointed 
agent for the Mad Eiver & Lake Erie Railroad, retaining his position at 
Carey through all its changes, till he resigned in 1881, to take charge of 
his present business in groceries and produce. April 8, 1852, Mr. Gibbs 
married Elizabeth Kerstetter, daughter of Christian and Elizabeth (Clap- 
per) Kerstetter, who came from Pennsylvania. Mrs. G. was born in Craw- 
ford County, Ohio. Nine children have been born to this uuioQ — Alice, 
Ella, Florence, Frank, Hattie, Fred. Jay, Ed and Maud. Mr. Gibbs is a 
member of the I. O. O. F., also of the G. A. R. He and Mrs. Gibbs are 
both meiabers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

JOHN GINTERT, son of Fred and Ann M. (Kuhlin) Gintert. was bora 
in Baden, Germany, December 24, 1838. His parents were also natives of 
Baden, and sis children, of whom but two — John and Jacob -are now liv- 
ing. His mother died in 1852, his father in 1874. Mr. Gintert emigrated 
to America in 1866, and first located in Crawford County, Ohio, where he 
resided two years, when he moved to Carey, and engaged three years in the 
butchering business. He was married, February 3, 1870, to Elizabeth 
Hickle, of this township, a daughter of Jacob and Mary (Harom) Hickle, 
who were natives of Germany, but who married in Seneca County, Ohio, 
where they resided several years, after which they moved to this township, 
where they now live. In 1870, Mr. Gintert purchased forty acres in Ridge 
Township, where he lived three years. He then sold out and purchased his 
present farm, which now consists of 116 acres, valued at $70 per acre. Mr. 
Gintert is a Democrat. He and Mrs. G. are members of the Lutheran 
Church. They have had five children — William, Anna M., Ina and Ida 
(twins), and Fred, all living but Anna M. 

JOHN GREER, son of Thomas and Catharine (Rhodes) Greer, was 
born in Columbiana County, Ohio, July 10, 1828. His parents were na- 
tives of Pennsylvania and Vii'ginia respectively, and of Irish and English 
parentage. They were married in Columbiana County, where they resided 
till 1838, his father being a carpenter by trade. In the above year they 
moved to Seneca County, and settled upon eighty acres of land entered sev- 
eral years previous. They sold this farm in 1845, and purchased 160 acres 
in this township, where the father died in 1867, and the mother in 1869. 
Their children were Joseph, John, Francis, William, Margaret A., Sarah J., 
George W., Mary A. and Abigail M. William and George lost their lives 
in the late war, Joseph also l(«ing an arm in the service. Our subject 
worked at home till of age, and then spent a few years working on his own 
responsibility. He was engaged three years in mining in California, re- 
turning to Ohio in 1856. He was married, December 7, 1857, to Mary A. 
Crooks, a resident of Seneca County, native of Muskingum County, and 
daughter of Andrew C. and Mary (Arnold) Crooks, natives of Ohio, and of 
German descent. Her parents were married in their native county, and 
moved to Seneca County in 1849. They had seven children — Mary A. be- 
ing the only deceased. The mother died in August, 1868, and the father 
still resides in this township. In 1851, Mr. Greer purchased twenty-four 
acres of land, and this number he has increased to 162^. He erected an 
elegant brick residence in 1880, and a large barn in 1883. August 14, 
1861, he enlisted in Company D, Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and 
subsequently took part in the battles of Pittsburg Landing, Stone River, 



778 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Dalton, Kesaca, Picket's Mills and Kenesaw 
Mountain. In the latter engagement, he received a shell wound in the left 
thigh, and lay in the hospital several months on account of his injuries. 
He was honoi'ably discharged November 22, 1864, returned home, and has 
since engaged in farming. He is a Republican, and has served several 
terms as Trustee and Justice of the Peace. Mr. Greer is a member of the 
I. O. O. F. and G. A. R., and is the father of seven children — Thomas W. , 
Sarah K. , Andrew C. Asa B., Harry A., Guy E. and John R. M. Thomas 
"W. is deceased. The mother died August 26, 1883, and now rests in the 
Baker Graveyard. 

JOHN K. HARE, County Commissioner, was born in Center County. 
Penn., July 18, 1819. His parents, Conrad and Anna M. (Spangler) Hare, 
were both natives of Pennsylvania, as were also several previous genera- 
tions of the Hare family. Conrad Hare, wife and five children came from 
Pennsylvania to "Wayne County, Ohio, in 1823, and ten years later moved 
to Crawford Township, this county. Seven more children were born to 
them in this State; ten grew to maturity — Solomon, Susanna, Mary A.. 
John K. , Levi, Lucetta, Margaret, Jonathan S., Rebecca, Samuel S. and 
Christopher S. The father died in 1847, aged fifty-six years; his wife 
lived to an advanced age. At twenty-one years of age, Mr. John K. Hare 
began work at monthly wages. At twenty-three he took contracts on the 
I., B. & W. R. R., and continued in this kind of work at intervals for about 
ten years. After four years in dry goods and grocery store at Patterson, 
Hardin County, he returned to farming. In 1867, he removed to South- 
western Missouri, where he cleared up a fine farm, and eight years later he 
returned to Ohio and resumed work on the old homestead in this township. 
Four years after this Mr. Hare moved to Carey and in 1881, was elected 
Commissioner of the county on the Democratic ticket. He owns forty acres 
of land in this township, and is discharging his official duties with credit. 
March 2, 1848, Mr. Hare was married to Mary Warner, who was born in 
Allegany County, N. Y., August 30, 1826. Her parents, David and 
Elmira Robins, were both of New York, and with them she came to Hardin 
County, Ohio, in 1836. Mr. and Mrs. Hare have had nine children, six of 
whom are still living — Almon W., Wilfred C, Sarepta A., Etta M. and 
Ella M. (twins) and Anna B. The deceased are John A., David O. and 
Celestia, twin to Sarepta. The whole family are members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. In 1853 and 1854, Mr. Hare had a contract for grad- 
ing twenty-one miles on the Eel River & Detroit Railroad west from Au- 
burn, Ind. , and was employing 150 workmen, when the company failed, 
causing him a loss of ^15,000, being unable to obtain even a settlement. 

JOHN D. HART, son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Lowry) Hart, was born 
in Fairfield County, Ohio, September 3, 1824. His parents were married in 
•his native county, but moved to Wyandot in 1833, and entered land in this 
township. They had five children — James, Margaret, John D.. Francis and 
Sarah, all deceased but John D. The mother died in 1847, the father 
January 1, 1880, the latter aged about eighty- four years; ho was a soldier 
in the war of 1812-15. Our subject was married, April 22, 1852, to Emily 
Stephens, who was born in Franklin County, Ohio, February 15, 1835, 
daughter of Peter and Hannah (Stevenson) Stephens, natives of Virginia 
and Ohio respectively. Her parents were married in Franklin County, but 
her father being a minister of the Methodist faith, made several removals. 
About 1841, he located in Mount Blanchard, and, being advanced in years, 
gave up his regular charge, and has since officiated as a local preacher. 



CRAWFORD TOWNSHIP. 779 

He opened a small store of general merchandise at Mount Blanchard, and 
for a few years was there thus engaged. There were twelve children in the 
family, viz., John W., Frances A., William D., Jesse B., George H., Ma- 
tilda A., Mary J., Emily, Elmira, Susan A., Sarah, Milton. Six are de- 
ceased, Matilda A., John W. , Mary J., Frances A., George H. and Sarah. 
Mr. and Mrs. Hart have had ten children — Mary E., Lovina, William, 
Jesse B., Charles A., Clara B., Samuel, Lora M., Grace, Amos. The de- 
ceased are Mary E., Samuel, Lora M. and Grace. Mr. Hart cultivated the 
home farm for several years; engaged in railroad work for a time, and in 
1855 purchased twenty acres in this township. He sold this farm a few 
years later, and returned to the homestead, where he remained till his fa- 
ther's death, when he inhei'ited sixty acres. In the same year, 1880, he 
added a few acres more, and with the improvements now values his land at 
$80 to $90 per acre. Mr. Hart is a Democrat in politics. Mrs. Hart is a 
member of the United Brethren Church at Carey. 

DAYID HARFSTER, jeweler and druggist, was born in Sandusky 
County, Ohio, May 7, 1837. His parents, John and Eva (Hartman) Harp- 
ster, were both natives of Fennsylvania, were married there, and in 1828 
moved to Seneca County, Ohio, and entered eighty acres of land where the 
village of Flat Rock is now situated. They had a family of ten children — 
Lovina, Joel, Isaac, George, David, John W., Jacob (deceased), Frederick 
L., William R. and Susannah. His father was engaged in agricultural 
pursuits exclusively, till he retired. He now resides in Clyde, Ohio, his 
wife having passed away in 1866. David Harpster began life on his own 
resources in his eighteenth year. He received a good education in the 
common schools, and passed six terms in a normal school, defraying his ex- 
penses by teaching, in which he was engaged four terms. His original in- 
tention was to study medicine, but he was finally dissuaded from this, and 
pui-chased a farm which he operated till 1862, when he sold out and re- 
moved to Carey where he sold dry goods four years. In 1866, he pur- 
chased a stock of drugs and in this business he is still engaged doing a 
good patronage. Mr. Harpster was married in December, 1859, to Susan 
A. Wonder, daughter of John Wonder, of this county. She died, leav- 
ing two children — Mary A. and Ida V. He was married next to Caro- 
line Myers, daughter of Dr. Joseph Myers, of Carey, and she departed 
this life, leaving one child — Anna May. He was then married to Han- 
nah Holway, who was born in Waterville, Kennebec Co., Me., and who 
came to Ohio in 1868. She was first a teacher in the schools of Tif- 
fin, and later at Fostoria, remaining one year at the later place. Three 
children are the fruits of this union — Charles M., Lida T. and David H. 
Mr. Harpster was elected Mayor of Carey in 1865, and re-elected in 1866. 
He officiated as Justice of the Peace nine years. Mr. Harpster had pre- 
pared to enter the late war, but was induced by the death of his wife, which 
left him with the care of two small children, to hire a substitute and remain 
at home. He has always affiliated with the Republican party, and is a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1869, he united with the 
Masonic order, and has since passed all the chairs of the institution, in- 
cluding the degrees of Scottish Rite in 1881. He is also a charter member 
of the Knights of Honor, and served as first Director of the lodge. 

VALENTINE HENIGE was born July 28, 1831. He is a native of 
Worth-am-Rhein, Bavaria, and son of Anthony and Magdalene (Jambo) 
Henige, natives of the same place. There were five children in the family — 
Theobald, George M., Valentine, Anthony and Jacob — all living so far as 



780 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

known; Theobald went to California about 1846, and has not since been 
heard of. The entire family emigrated about 1846, and settled in Vernon 
Township, Crawford County, Ohio. Here the mother died in A.pril, 1868; 
the father spent his last days with his children and died at the home of hi& 
son Valentine January 24, 1880. Our subject resided with his parents, 
working for other parties at intervals till his twenty-fourth year. He was 
married November 27, 1855, to Anna Maria Braun, of Richland County, a 
native of Rauschbach, Alsace, France. She was born August 15, 1829, her 
parents being Martin and Cecilia (Grunewald) Braun, natives of France. 
Her parents were married in Rauschbach and emigrated in 1832-33. The 
children were Anna M., Joseph, Ambrose, Ferdinand, Samuel, Cleophas 
and John. The father died March 1, and the mother March 7, 1882. Mr. 
and Mrs. Henige are parents of eleven children, namely: John, born Octo- 
ber 12, 1856; Jacob and Joseph, December 15, 1857; Rosina, July 7, 1859; 
Henry, February 8, 1861; Carolina, December 6, 1862; Thomas, August 
13, 1864; Cecilia, December 28, 1865; Peter, January 6, 1868; Catharine, 
February 10, 1870; Elenora, July 15, 1872. Two are deceased — Jacob, 
who died April 4, 1858, and Henry, who died April 17, 1867. After his 
marriage Mr. Henige worked in the car shops of the P., Ft. W. & C. R. R., 
at Crestline, till 1863, when he obtained thirty acres of land from his father. 
This he cultivated till 1865, when he sold out and purchased 160 acres in 
Crawford Township, where he now resides. He has added to his original 
purchase till he now owns 203 acres, valued at $75 per acre. He does an 
extensive farming business, in which he is quite successful. Mr. Henige 
is a Democrat and both he and Mrs. H. are members of the Catholic Church. 

JACOB HICKEL is a native of Alsace, Germany, born January 15, 1819. 
He is a son of Jacob and Mary (Hammer) Hickel, who were also natives of 
Germany and who reared a family of seven children — Jacob, Mary, Eve, 
Margaret, Catharine, George and Martin. Margaret and Catharine are de- 
ceased, as are also the parents, who died in their native country. Mr. 
Hickel emigrated to this country in 1847, and settled in Seneca County. 
In 1853, he sold out in that locality and purchased land in this township^ 
now owning 245 acres. In 1869, he erected a fine brick residence and 
many other improvements have been made upon his premises. He was 
married, September 5, 1849, to Mary Hamm, who was born while her parents^ 
Valentine and Eve (Hickel) Hamm, were on their voyage to this country, 
September 20, 1832. Her parents had four children — Catharine, Mary, 
Valentine and Eve. The father and mother both died in Seneca County. 
Mr. and Mrs. Hickel are parents of eight children — Elizabeth, George. 
Mary, Jacob, Caroline, Wilson and William (twins) and John F. The 
twins and Mary are deceased. Mr. Hickel devotes his entire attention to 
farming. He is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Lutheran 
Church, of which society Mrs. H. is also a member. 

LEVI HILE was born in Big Spring Township, Seneca Co., Ohio, 
February 24, 1853, son of John and Susan (Putman) Hile, natives of Ger- 
many and Ohio respectively. His parents were married in this county, but 
lived in Seneca, where they reared four sons and four daughters, namely: 
Mary A., Lovina, Daniel, Levi, John H. , Franklin, Ida E. and Emma A. 
The deceased are Mary A. and Lovina. The father died in 1869, in his 
fifty -ninth year; the mother is still living on the home farm. Levi, our 
subject, has followed farm labor from his youth. He was married, Decem- 
ber 21, J 882, to Miss Emily J. Shuman, who was born in this township 
December 16, 1853. Her parents, Fred and Ann M. (Stahl) Shuman, were 



CRAWFORD TOWNSHIP. 781 

natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. They settled in this town- 
ship at an early day and reared a family of nine children — Joseph, Sylves- 
ter, Ellen, Emily J., Catharine, Angeline, Susan, George and Frank. Her 
parents are yet living. Mr. Hile purchased 152 acres of land, April 1, 1883, 
in this township, where he still resides. He has made many improvements 
on the farm, and now values it at $90 per acre. He is a Republican, and 
with his wife holds a membership in the Lutheran Church. 

PAUL and ANNA HOUK with their six children — Margaret, Catherine, 
John, Elizabeth, Peter and Henry — emigrated from Smallenburg, Bavaria, 
and landed in the United States in July, 1828, having spent three months 
on the voyage. They were shipwrecked, but were finally picked up by 
another vessel. They spent six months in Philadelphia, and then came to 
Ohio and located three miles south of Carey. Here the sons and daughters 
grew to maturity. The two brothers, Peter and Henry, wex'e twins, and no 
less closely related in their business life. They were born in Bavaria 
April 21, 1819, and at the age of maturity learned the trade of carpenters, 
working at the same together, building many of the houses in Carey. 
Henry Houk married Juliette Irene Searless, in November, 1844. She was 
an estimable lady and died June 27, 1865 — childless. Her husband contin- 
ued his trade several years after his marriage. He then engaged in the 
hardware business, next the drug trade, and afterward turned his attention 
to the real estate and broker's business. He married Elizabeth Sutphen, 
daughter of Richard T). and Sarah Sutphen, who then resided at Toledo, 
but now at Carey. By this marriage there were three children^ — Hariy S., 
Hallie G. and Willis Henry. Mrs. Houk is a native of Fairlield County, 
Ohio, and was born November 1, 1835. Mr. Houk was quite successful in 
his business affairs and at his death, April 6, 1880, was the owner of con- 
siderable real estate in Carey, and some in Toledo, Ohio. He erected his 
lai'ge, fine residence in 1876. Peter Houk mai'ried Susan Carr, daughter of 
Nicholas and Margaret Carr, in April, 1844. He was engaged as clerk in a 
dry goods store, at Adrian, Mich. , for some time, but subsequently returned 
to this county and purchased a farm of 300 acres where he spent the re- 
mainder of his days. He died July 5, 1870, leaving a wife and six chil- 
dren — Clinton N., Alvin D., Althea F., Anna M., Nellie I. and Henry Peter. 
The death of Alvin D. preceded that of his father live days. Mrs. Houk 
still resides on the old homestead. 

CHARLES HOYT was born in Lyons, Wayne Co., N. Y., May 8, 1834. 
His parents, Samuel and Abigail (Alford) Hoyt, were natives of New 
Hampshire and New York respectively, the former born August 21, 1788; 
the latter October 9, 1792. They were married, September 15, 1814, and 
moved to Ohio in 1854, locating in Seneca County. Their children were 
Zina, Harrison, Mary, Aurilla A., Samuel J., Sarah J. and Charles, all 
living but Aurilla. The mother died August 16, 1863; the father June 27, 
1872. Charles Hoyt remained with his parents until the opening of the 
late war, when he enlisted, August 14, 1861, in Company D, Forty-ninth 
Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry, and entered the service. He participated 
in the battles of Pittsburg Landing, Serratt's Hills, Corinth and others, re- 
ceiving an honorable discharge, September 1 1, 1863. May 22, 1864, he again 
took the field as Captain of Company F, One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Regi- 
ment Ohio National Guards, but soon after returned to his position on the 
home farm, where he remained till 1882, when he purchased 160 acres of Gov. 
Charles Foster, in this township, where he now resides. He has since added 
twenty- eight acres; now values his farm at $125 per acre, and is engaged 



782 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

in general agriculture. He was married, December 15, 1864, to Miss Sa- 
loma Yentzer, of Adrian, Ohio, daughter of John and Catharine Yentzer, 
natives of Pennsylvania and of German parentage. She was born Novem- 
ber 1, 1839. Her parents reared six children — Jacob, Elizabeth, Benjamin, 
Susan, Saloma and John. The father died June 6, 1876, the mother in 
1879. To Mr. and Mrs. Hoyt two children were born, namely, Abigail C, 
May 16, 1865; Saloma C, November 11, 1866. On the 8th of October, 
186s, Mr. Hoyt was again married to Miss Emma M. Lott, a native of 
Mansfield, resident of Tiffin, and daughter of Cornelius and Eliza (Hitchne) 
Lott. She was born May 22, 1844. Her parents were married in Emmetts- 
burg, Md. ; moved to Ohio in 1844, and located in Tiffin. Her father was 
a carpenter by trade, and reared four children — Emma M., Amanda H., 
Winfield S. and an infant daughter. Her mother died in August, 1853; her 
father is now in his sixty-eighth year. Mr. Hoyt is a member of De Molay 
Commandery, at Tiffin, and of the G. A. K. at Carey. He and Mrs. Hoyt 
are members of the Presbyterian Church. Politically, Mr. Hoyt is a 
Republican. 

WILLIAM K. HUMBERT, proprietor of the Commercial Hotel, Carey, 
was born in Berks County, Penn. , January 10, 1826. His father and 
mother, Jacob and Catharine (Kitling) Humbert, were also natives of 
Pennsylvania, and of German parentage. They had eleven children — 
William K., Jacob, Sarah, Daniel, Catharine, David, Ann, Mary, Frank, 
Amelia and Charles. The latter was killed in the battle of Gettysburg. 
Daniel was also a soldier, and was killed by Mosby's Cavalry in Virginia. 
David, Frank and W^illiam K. were also in the army. The children were 
reared to farm life, and at the age of twenty William K. took up the car- 
penter's trade, which he continued two and one-half years. He then went 
to Tamaqua, Penn., and worked two years; then to Reading two years at 
cabinet work; then to Philadelphia until the spring of 1853. In the latter 
city, he married Flora Ludwig December 21, 1852. She was born in 
Lehigh County, Penn., October, 1833. They removed to Allentown, Penn., 
and resided there till April, 1857, when they removed to Carey, Ohio, where 
he established a furniture and cabinet business with his brother-in-law. 
Two years after, he disposed of his interest and worked at cabinet manu- 
facturing till the beginning of the war. August 15, 1862, he enlisted in 
Company A, One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and 
served throughout the Virginia campaigns. After six months' service, he 
was detailed to the medical department, officiating as master in the hospital 
at Grafton. Va. He was discharged in September, 1865, and returned to 
his family at Carey, resuming his former trade, which he continued till the 
fall of 1883, when he leased the Commercial Hotel, which he has since 
managed. Mr. and Mrs. Humbert have five children — Dallas J., Lizzie, 
Harry, Katie and Clarence. The family is associated with the Lutheran 
Church. Mr. H. is a charter member of the G. A. R. , and is a genial and 
hospitablfi landlord. 

THOMAS HUNTER. This enterprising farmer was born September 
22, 1839, is a native of this township, and son of William and Elizabeth 
(Reed) Hunter, natives of Pennsylvania and Delaware respectively. His 
parents were married in Fairfield County, and moved to Wyandot, 
entering land in Crawford Township. The children were Mary, James, 
Eliza, Zelinda, Lida, Mahala, John, Hester, Amelia, Isabel, Martha, Mar 
garet and Thomas. Zelinda and Margaret are deceased; the mother died 
in 1850, the father in June, 1860. After the death of his parents, Mr. 



CRAWFORD TOWNSHIP. 783 

Hunter resided with his brother-in-law at McCutchenville till his marriage, 
March 20, 1860, to Miss Elizabeth Zabriskie, who was born at the above 
town September 27, 1837. She was a daughter of Peter and Sarah (Reade) 
Zabriskie, natives of Ohio and Delaware respectively, and of English, 
Polish and Dutch parentage. Her parents were married in Lockport, N. 
Y., moved to Ohio, located at McCutchenville and engaged in the butch- 
er's business. Their children were Mary E., Angelett, George and Ara- 
minta. Mary E. and George are deceased. The father died in May, 1845. 
The mother now resides in Adrian, Seneca Co., Ohio, in her seventieth 
year. Mr. and Mrs. Hunter have two sons — Edwin E. , born November 24, 
1862, and Charles W., May 10, 1877. Mr. Hunter rented land a few years, 
and in 1864 purchased forty acres in Ridge Township. He sold this, pur- 
chased a second forty in the same township, sold again, and in 1872 pur- 
chased eighty acres, on which he now lives. In 1883, he added twenty-two 
acres in Salem Township. Politically, Mr. Hunter is a Republican. 

EDWARD ILLIG, M. D., retired, is a native of Lancaster County, 
Penn., born August 28, 1806. The lUig family is among the oldest of 
Pennsylvania. They were of German extraction, and settled in the State 
many years antedating the Revolution. The parents of our subject, George 
and Mary (Weiser) Illig, the latter of English descent, and well-to-do farm- 
ers, besides operating an extensive tannery. They reared five boys and one 
girl, Dr. Illig being now the only living representative of the family. Con- 
sidering his facilities in his youth, Dr. Illig obtained a good education: he 
was of a studious turn of mind, as is evidenced by the fact that his text- 
books of sixty years ago are still in his possession, besides a copy of Dil- 
worth's Arithmetic, published in Philadelphia in 1748, and various other 
relics of a similar character. At the age of twenty-seven, he began the 
study of medicine, his elder brother being his preceptor.' After a thorough 
course at the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, he returned to his 
native place, where he enjoyed a lucrative practice. His course being 
determined, he chose for himself a partner for life in the person of 
Sarah Fisher, whom he married in November, 1836. She was a native 
of Berks County, Penn. In 1837, Dr. Illig removed to Stouchsburg, 
Berks Co., Penn., and established himself in his profession, which he con- 
ducted with the most flattering success till 1866. He then retired from his 
professional duties and removed to Carey, Ohio, in the same year. Since 
that time he has lived a quiet, retired life, leaving the responsibility of his 
profession on his son, Gus F. Illig, until the death of the latter on 
February 8, 1884. Dr. Illig united with the Lutheran Church when 
quite young, he and his family now being devoted members of that 
society. He has always been a Democrat of the Jeffersonian school; 
has been a devoted husband and father, and for one on the verge of four- 
score years is well preserved in mind and body. Five children resulted from 
his marriage, two of whom, Gus F. and Mary R. F., reached the years of 
maturity. The latter passed away when about nineteen years of age, 
mourned by a large circle of friends, as is evidenced by resolutions drafted 
by a committee of the Sabbath school of which she was an active worker, 
and published in the various papers of her native and adjoining counties. 
Mrs, Illig, wife of our subject, departed this life March 27, 1882, aged 
sixty-seven years two months and twenty two days. 

GUS F. ILLIG, M. D., was born in Lancaster, Penn., November 
12, 1838. When about eighteen years of age, he began the study of 
medicine under his father's instruction, and subsequently took a thor- 



784 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

ough course in the University of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia, graduating 
at that institution vs'ith the highest honors of the class in January, 1861. 
He then entered upon the practice of his profession with his father in his 
native county, and from the first was eminently successful. He was a gen- 
tleman of rare talents and possessed a thorough knowledge of therapeutics, 
but was especially skilled in surgery, having devoted much study to the 
anatomy of the eye, in the treatment of which organ he had few superiors. 
His taste for books of a more solid nature was very distinctive, not a single 
work of tiction being found among his large collection of general and pro- 
fessional literature. His cabinet of surgical instruments is equally choice, 
as he possessed both the means and judgment necessary for procuring the 
best. His cabinet of rare and antiquated specimens and relics of Indian 
warfare is also quite extensive, and deserves more than a passing notice: his 
marriage to Miss Mary M. Keiser, of his native county, occurred May 1 1, 1862. 
They had one child — Minnie E. As a physician, Dr. Illig stood in the first 
rank of his profession; as a citizen he was universally respected. Although 
somewhat conservative in expression, he was always loving and kind as a 
husband and father. His life closed peacefully February 8, 1884, leaving 
a widow and one daughter. 

CHARLES M. KARR, deceased, was born in Meigs County, Ohio, Au- 
gust 17, 1814. He was a son of Hamilton and Susana (Nighswangei') Karr, 
natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia, and of Scotch and German descent 
respectively. His parents were married in Marietta, Ohio, about 1792 or 
1793, but resided in Meigs County. The children born to them were Sallie, 
William, Margaret, John, Hamilton, Sophia, Maria and Charles M., all de- 
ceased but Maria, who now resides in Hampden County, Mo., in her sev- 
enty-fifth year. The father died in 1827; the mother with her children 
moved to this county in 1828, and died in Crawford Township in 1845, 
leaving the farm to her son, Charles M. , who added to the same and gave 
his attention to general agriculture and the raising of fine sheep, in which 
he was quite successful. He was married, September 22, 1846, to Sarah J. 
Kenttield, who was born in this township July 3, 1826; her parents were 
Smith and Azuba (Judd) Kentfield, natives of Massachusetts, where they 
were married October 2, 1821, near South Hadley. In 1822, they moved 
to Ohio and located in Wyandot County on land entered by Mr. Kenttield 
just previous to his marriage. He cleared and improved this land, and added 
to his first purchase till he owned nearly 600 acres. He endured many 
hardships and spent his life in incessant toil. His only children were Da- 
vid L. and Sarah J. He died December 25, 1854, his wife March 28, 1874, 
their respective ages being sixty-two and seventy eight years. Mr. and Mrs. 
Karr had four children— Edith L., born September 20, 1855; Ellen J., May 
15, 1857; Stanley S., June 21, 1859; William H., January 27, 1863— all 
living but Stanley S., who died in infancy. Mr. Karr passed away Septem- 
ber 11, 1864, at the age of fifty years. He was a Republican and well re- 
spected. Mrs. Karr moved to Bei'ea, Ohio, in 1867, and three years later 
back to Carey where she remained till 1876, when she returned to the farm, 
where she still resides. 

HENRY W. KARR was born in this township August 27, 1842. He 
is a son of Hamilton and Mary (Brown) Karr, natives of Meigs County, 
Ohio, and Franklin County respectively. They were married in this county 
in August, 1827, their children being Canarissa, Maria and Sophia (twins), 
James, Laura, Douglas, Henry, Clalilda and Mai-y. The deceased are 
Maria, Sophia and Douglas. The father died in 1873, but the mother still 



CRAWFORD TOWNSHIP. 785 

survives. Our subject resided with his parents till his enlistment in Com- 
pany A, One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, July 27, 
1862. He served till March, 1863, and was then discharged. October 17, 
1864, he again enlisted, and took part in the engagements at Dismal Swamp, 
Savannah, Raleigh, and with Sherman to the sea, receiving his discharge in 
October, 1865. Eeturuing home, Mr. Karr resumed farming, and in 1870 
purchased eighty acres, the old home farm, on which he has since resided. 
He was married, August 10, 1871, to Miss Winnifred Davidson, who was 
born in I\[ount Vernon, Knox Co., Ohio, January 25, 1848, the daughter of 
George H. and Rachel (Payne) Davidson, natives of Pennsylvania and 
Maryland respectively. Her parents moved to Wyandot County in 1858. 
They had eleven children — William, Maiy, Eliza, John, Elias, Winnifred, 
Hulda, Edward, Geneva, Clara and Lina, all living. The father died Sep- 
tember 30, 1875; the mother resides in Salem Township. Mr. and Mrs. 
Karr have had two children — Tessie and Mark; the former is deceased. 
Mr. Karr is a member of the Masonic order, and a Republican. 

NATHAN KARR, son of John and Mary (Wright) Karr, was born in 
Morgan County, Ohio, April 6, 1838. His parents were born in this State, 
and were of Irish and English descent respectively. They were married in 
Meigs County, moved to Wyandot in 1845, and located in this township. 
The children born to them are Rhuhama, Nathan, Ann, John, Rebecca and 
Mary. The father died in December, 1864, the mother is also deceased. At 
the age of seventeen, Mr. Karr began operations for himself. He made his 
home with Smith Kentfield till the latter's decease. He was married, March 
29, 1869, to Miss Ruth Sickley, who was a daughter of Jonathan and Doro- 
thea (Kemmerly) Sickley, and born in Ridge Township. Her parents were mar- 
ried in Fairfield County, Ohio, and moved to this county in an early day. 
Their children were Susan, Sarah, Jacob, Ruth, Lena and Sampson. The 
mother died in 1857; the father in 1860. After the death of Mr. Kentfield, our 
subject found a home with McD. M. Carey for several years. August 14, 
1861, he enlisted in Company D, Forty- ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and 
served through the entire war. He participated in all the principal battles 
— Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga, Mis- 
sion Ridge, Knoxville, was through the entire Atlanta campaign, thence 
back to Nashville, and from that point to Texas, where he was discharged 
December 25, 1864. He then returned home, rented land, and farmed till 
1880, when he purchased forty acres in this township, where he has since 
resided, engaged in the independent pursuits of farm life. Mr. and Mrs. 
Karr have five children — Elton R., Ruie M., William H., John W. and 
Charlie. 

A. P. KELLY is one of the members of the firm of Manecke & Co., 
dealers in lumber and manufacturers of doors, sash, etc., at Carey. He was 
born in Hancock County, Ohio, June 22, 1845. When about ten years old, 
he moved with his parents to Fremont, where he obtained a good common 
school education. At fourteen, he began clerking in a general store in Fre- 
mont, and this work he continued till December 1, 1862, when he enlisted 
in Company C, Seventy-second Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and 
served without the slightest injury till September 10, 1865, when he was 
mustered out of service as Sergeant, receiving his discharge at Columbus, 
Ohio. He then returned home, and in the spring of 1866 went to Missis- 
sippi, where he engaged in farming a short time, but without success. He 
moved back to Ohio, where he remained till 1870, when he removed West 
again, locating in Kansas. In October, 1874, he again returned to Ohio, 



786 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

and located at Fostoria, where he lived till 1877, when he removed to Carey, 
and engaged in his present business. April 30, 1868, he married Helena 
Kichards, of Fostoria. They have four children — John T., Valeria, Jessi 
and baby. Mr. Kelly is a member of the Masonic order and of the G. A. K. 

JOHN KEMMERLY was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, May 22, 1822. 
His parents, Jacob and Christina (Yager) Kemmerly, were both natives of 
Germany, and came to the United States when young. His father was a 
butcher by trade, and was for some time after arriving in this country en- 
gaged in that business at Lancaster, Ohio, where he married Christina 
Yager, and reared nine children— Catharine, John, Dorothy, Joshua, Bet- 
sey, Jacob, Samuel, Sarah and Henry — all living except Dorothy. The 
whole family removed to this county in 1836. They located near the pres- 
ent site of Carey, and there engaged in farming, having little advantages 
of schools. The mother died here in 1868; the father survived till August, 
1877, dying in his eighty-fifth year. John Kemmerly began work for him- 
self at the age of nineteen years, taking jobs of clearing and such other 
work as he could do. He was married, July 13, 1842, to Elizabeth P. Wal- 
ker, who was born at Massillon, Ohio, August 12, 1825, and daughter of 
Robert and Elizabeth Walker, who were natives of County Armagh, Ireland. 
They came to this county with two children; stopped a short time in Penn. 
sylvania; thence moved to Stark County, Ohio, and thence to Ridge Town- 
ship, this county, in 1832. There were ten children — William (son by Mr. 
Walker's first wife, who died in Ireland), Mary, Richard, Jane, Nanc}-, 
Margaret, John, Ann, Robert, Sarah and Elizabeth — only three surviving, 
Ann, in Kansas; Margaret, in Hancock County, and Mrs. Kemmerly. Mr. 
Kemmerly operated a saw mill successfully till 1862. He then purchased 
133 acres near Carey, and engaged in farming till 1881, when he moved to 
town, where he has since resided. He still owns 160 acres east of the town 
of Carey, and also a residence in the village. 

DAVID L. KENTFIELD, deceased, was born in this township March 
9, 1825. He purchased land here in an early day, and at the death uf his 
father in 1854 became the owner of 320 acres more, to all of which he 
added by subsequent purchases till he owned nearly 500 acres. He gave 
his chief attention during his entire life to general farming and stock-rais- 
ing. He was married, October 11, 1849, to Rebecca Park, who was born in 
Warren County, N. J., October 18, 1827. Her parents were Jonathan and 
Eliza (Davis) Park, the former born in New Jersey in 1797, the latter in the 
same State in 1800. They were of English and German descent respect- 
ively, and were married in their native State about 1821. In 1845, they 
moved to Sycamore Township, this county, where they purchased land, on 
which they afterward resided. Their six children were Aaron D., Mary E., 
Rebecca, Sarah J., John B. and William W. — all living but Aaron. The 
father died November 16, 1859, the mother April 19, 1862. Mr. and Mrs. 
Kentfield have had five children — Mark D., Laura C, Vinton S., Leta and 
Linnie M. Mr. Kentfield was a member of Company D, Forty-ninth Ohio 
Volunteer Infantry, having enlisted August 14, 1861, and served faithfully 
for three years. He was discharged with honor August 19, 1864, and returned 
home to farming pursuits. He served as Justice of the Peace several years, 
and was elected to other offices of trust. He was an earnest member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, with which ho was officially connected. He 
died April 2, 1884, and his remains now repose in the Richie Graveyard. 
Mrs. Kentfield still continues the management of the farm, which contains 
380 acres, and on which was erected a fine brick residence in 1880 at a cost 
of $3,000. 



CRAWFORD TOWNSHir. 787 

JACOB KNEASAL is a native of Fairfield Couuty, Ohio, and was born 
June 12, 1822. His parents, George T. and Sarah (Yeager) Kneasal, were 
natives of Wurtemberg, Germany, and emigrated before their marriage 
about 1817. His father obtained passage across the ocean from a company 
to whom he had sold his services for two years in payment for the same, doing 
work for a farmer in York County, Penn. AY hen his term expired, he came 
to Ohio and located in Fairfield County, near Lancaster. He there made the 
acquaintance of and married Sarah Yeager. They removed to the north 
part of the county after marriage, entered forty-nine acres of land and toiled 
as pioneers till 1838, when they moved to this county and again began the 
battle with the wilderness. There were seven children — Jacob, Sarah, 
George, Elizabeth, Susan, Christina and Catharine — all living save Eliza- 
beth. The father died in 1845. Jacob Kneasal, our subject, began work 
for himself by clearing land and doing such other work as he could find em- 
ployment at. Being the eldest of the family, his education was limited — 
a little reading in a German school, and a slight knowledge of reading, 
writing and arithmetic in German and English obtained at home on Sun 
days and during evenings was the extent of his schooling. At the age of 
twenty-two, he began work for David Smith at $10 per month for the sum- 
mer of 1844, After his father's death in 1845, he returned home and took 
charge of the farm for five years, he and his brother clearing the greater 
part of the homestead. He was married, October 18, 1849, to Barbara 
Reef, of Fairfield County, daughter of John U. Reef. He then went tu 
the county named and was engaged five years on his father-in-law's farm. 
After the death of his wife's mother, he returned to this county and began 
to improve the farm of forty acres purchased previous to his marriage. To 
this tract he afterward added eighty acres, and the whole farm he recently 
sold. His wife died October 24, 1881. They had no children of their own, 
but reared two boys — Edward and John Campbell, twins, who were orphans 
brought from New York in Februai-y, 1867. Mr. Kneasal moved to Carey 
in 1879. He was a Democrat previous to the war: was a Republican from 
that date till late years, but now advocates Prohibition sentiments. He is 
a member of the Grange and of the Evangelical Church, of which latter 
society Mrs. Kneasal was also a consistent member. 

H. B. KURTZ. This worthy merchant of Carey was born in Lancaster 
County, Penn., September 28, 1827. His parents, David and Margaret 
(Bard) Kurtz, were also natives of Pennsylvania, were farmers, and reared 
six children — Elizabeth, Fannie, H. B. , Susan, B. F. and D. P. His 
mother resides in Juniata County, Penn., in her eighty-second year. In 
1848, Mr. Kurtz began business tor himself. He went first to McAllister, 
Penn., where he conducted the business of the firm of J. & H. B Kurtz, in 
general merchandise, continuing there until 1852. He then sold his interest 
in the store, moved to Ross County, and engaged in railroad construction 
about one year, doing considerable work on the Marietta & Cincinnati road. 
In 1854, he returned to Juniata County, Penn., and married Sarah Rick- 
enbach, and on his marriage day started for Ohio. He settled first in San- 
dusky County, and one year later moved to Hancock, where he purchased a 
farm. In 1859, he went to Carey, and engaged as salesman for David 
Straw, remaining two years. He then returned to his farm and its pursuits, 
remaining till April, 1876, when he sold out and came to Carey in the in- 
terest of the Champion Machine Company. One year later (1877), he 
opened his dry goods business, in which he has since engaged with gratify- 
ing success. Although not a banker, large sums of money are deposited 



788 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

with him by persons who desire him to act as custodian of their funds. 
He pays out large amounts on checks, operating with the National Exchange 
Bank of Tiffin. Mr. and Mrs. Kurtz are the parents of eight children — 
Emma A., Ida B., David S., Willis R., Edgar B., Mettie and Cara. The 
latter and an infant are deceased. Part of the family are members of the 
Lutheran Church. Mr. Kurtz is not a member of any church society, but 
is liberal to all benevolent causes. He affiliates with the Republican party, 
and is a worthy citizen of the most excellent type, highly esteemed bj all 
who know him. 

ROBERT LOWERY, a native of Pickaway County, Ohio, was born 
February 10, 1833. His parents, Jei-emiah and Nancy (Montague) Lowery, 
were natives of Virginia, were married in Fairfield County, Ohio, moved to 
Pickaway County later, and, in 1835, came to this county. They entered 
land in Crawford Township, and there reared their children — Robert, Mary 
A., Diana, Ellen, Susan, John, William and Edward, who are all living, 
so far as known, but Susan. The mother died in 1851, the father in 1866. 
Robert Lowery was married, July 15, 1800, to Rachel Martin, of this town- 
ship, a native Washington County, Md., born August 7, 1829, daughter of 
Jacob and Elizabeth (McClure) Martin, also natives of Maryland. Her par- 
ents were married in their native State, moved to Pennsylvania, and thence, 
in 1853, to this township. Their children were Maria, Julia A., Luther, 
Matthew, Eli/abeth, Catharine, John, Margaret, Jacob, Benjamin and 
Joseph. The father died August 14, 1879, the mother February 1, 1884, 
aged eighty-four and eighty-eight respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Lowery have 
three children — Fannie, born February 1, 1861; William A., September 17, 
1862; John M., November 8, 1866. Robert Lowery began business for 
himself at the age of nineteen. He worked at various kinds of labor about 
two years, and then went to Pulaski County, Ind., where he entered eighty- 
six acres. After several exchanges in lands, and as many changes in loca- 
tion, he finally purchased his present farm of eighty acres, where he has 
resided since 1868. His land is valued at $80 per acre. He and Mrs. 
Lowery are members of the United Brethren Church. In politics, Mr. 
Lowery is a Prohibitionist. 

RUSSELL McCLURE, carpenter and joiner, was born in Oneida Coun- 
ty, N. Y., August 30, 1819. His father was a native of Massachusetts, and 
his mother of Connecticut. He began operations for himself when quite 
young, learning the carpenter's trade, and following ship-building for ten 
years. In June, 1845, he was married to Milea Joy, a native of New York, 
and seven children were born to them, namely, Newton C, Emma J. (wife 
of M. B. Smith), Thurston AV., Anna (now Mrs. Starr) and Ada. Abby W. 
and Herbert R. both died in 1864, aged sixteen and eleven respectively. In 
1868, Mr. McClure removed to Carey, where he has since been engaged at his 
trade. He is a Republican in politics, and strong in the faith. The fam- 
ily are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

T. W. McCLURE, attorney, was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., March 
19, 1856. His parents removed to Carey, Ohio, in 1868. He received a 
good education in the public schools of his adopted town, and at sixteen 
began operation in life on his own responsibility. He spent six years 
clerking in hotels at Findlay, Norwalk and Canton, returning in March, 
1881, to Carey. He then began the study of law with M. B. Smith, with 
whom he has since been conducting a large insurance business in connection 
with his legal profession, the firm being known as Smith & McClure. They 
represent eleven of the principal insurance companies, and are doing an ex- 
tensive and profitable business. 



CRAWFORD TOWNSHIP. 789 

ALONZO F. MILLER, D. D. S., was born in Rich Hill Township, 
Muskingum County, Ohio, October 3, 1852. He is a son of Henry and 
Elmira (Flemming), his father born in the same county, his mother in what 
is now the incorporation of Pittsburgh, Penn. The latter's mother died 
while Mrs. Miller was an infant, and she was reared by two aunts, who 
moved to Ohio in her eighteenth year. Dr. Miller's great- great- grandfather, 
Reasnaugh (which in this country is called Reasoner), was a French Hugue- 
not, and was compelled to flee to this country to escape the persecutions 
inaugurated against their creed in France. Philip Miller, an ancestor of 
Dr. Miller, was born in Hanover, Germany, and came to this country in 
company with a widowed mother, brother and sister. He was bound out to 
a party in Baltimore, Md. , and from the time of his separation from his 
brother and sister at New York he never heard from them. They were all 
bound out to parties in Baltimore to pay their passage — virtually, sold into 
slav(H'y. The brother and sister eventually located in Washington County, 
Penn. Dr. Miller's grandfather, Abraham Miller, located in Muskin- 
gum County, Ohio, about 1817. His father, Henry Miller, still resides in 
that locality. Dr. Miller was reared on a farm, and at the age of nineteen 
had a good common school education. He supplemented this with a course 
at Muskingum College, the Northwestern Normal School at Republic, Ohio, 
and the Iron City Commercial College, Pittsburgh. In 1876, he began 
the study of dentistry with Dr. Davis, of Fostoria. In March, 1878, he 
located in Carey, where he has established an extensive practice in his 
profession. He was married, September 13, 1877, to Elmira S., daughter of 
Rev. Henry and Lydia (Voght) Strauch, the former a minister of the Evan- 
gelical Church. Mrs. Miller was born April 9, 1861, in Chillicothe, Ohio. 
Edna L. is their only child. Before locating in Carey, Dr. Miller attended 
the Ann Arbor Dental College, at which he graduated in May, 1878. He 
is a member of the Masonic order, and a much respected citizen. The Doc- 
tor is the eldest of nine children — Alonzo F., Rachel L., Lena M., George 
D., Elmer L., Delia M., Mary E. and Jacob H., all living. 

JOHN R. MILLER was born in Ross County, Ohio, July 13, 1815. 
His parents were Warick and Mary (Hodges) Miller, natives of Pennsyl- 
vania, and of English and German descent respectively. They were mar- 
ried in Ross County, their four children being Elizabeth, Thomas, Rebecca 
and John R. His mother died in 1816; his father July 16, 1865. Mr. 
Miller was married, March 31, 1836, to Catharine A. Burke, of this county, 
a native of Seneca County, and daughter of James and Elizabeth (Ridgway) 
Burke, natives of Virginia, and Irish and English descent. Her parents 
mari'ied near Portsmouth, Ohio, in 1825, and moved to this county about 
ten years later. They had six children, two of whom are still living — 
Isaac and Caroline. To Mi-, and Mrs. Miller two children were born, both 
dying in infancy. Mrs. Miller passed away in December 30, 1838, and 
Mr. M. was married, June 17, 1841, to Elizabeth Reynolds, of Hancock 
County. She was born in Pennsylvania, and was a daughter of Robert and 
Elizabeth (Schall) Reynolds, also natives of Pennsylvania. Her parents 
migrated to Ohio in 1835, and located in Hancock County. Their children 
are George W., Elizabeth, Maria, John, Andrew, Abner, Napoleon and 
Peninuah, all living but the last, Abner and Napoleon. The father died 
in 1846, the mother January 30, 1884. In 1835, Mr. Miller purchased 
seventy eight acres in this township, where he still resides, having added 
to his original purchase till he now owns 252 acres, valued at $75 per acre. 
He has served in the office of Trustee, and with his wife is a member of 

34 



790 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

the Methodist Episcopal Church, his former wife was also a member of the 
same society. He is a Republican in politics, favoring prohibition. The 
chilcb-en born of these parents are Elizabeth, Elias, Cyrus E., and Flor- 
ence M. all living and married. 

ALBERT H. MYERS, M. D., was born at Royalton, Fairfield Co.. Ohio, 
July 20, 1830. His father, John Myers, was born in Virginia; his mother, 
Mary A. (McKee) Myers, was a native of Baltimore, Md. There were 
eight children in the family, namely, Albert H. , Mary D., Henrietta B., 
John, Samuel D., George S., James A. and Charles C. John Myers, the 
father, was a wagon and carriage maker. He located with his family in 
Carey in 1845, and established himself in his trade, which he continued 
for some years, his sons assisting him in the trade. At the age of sixteen, 
Albert H. , the subject of this notice, began teaching school, and when he 
had saved sufficient funds, began the study of medicine, with Dr. J. N. T. 
Foster, of Carey. He entered the Cleveland Medical College, and attended 
two terms of lectures, graduating. He went to Shelby County, 111., where 
he practiced till the opening of the war, and then returned to Carey for the 
purpose of enlisting, but finding four of his brothers in the field, he decided 
to stay at home. Charles C. Myers went as a substitute at the age of six- 
teen; was taken prisoner, and died of starvation and exposure in Ander- 
sonville. Dr. Myers purchased the only drug store in Carey, at that 
time, and in partnership with his old preceptor. Dr. Foster, engaged in the 
drug business and the practice of his profession. This firm continued a 
profitable existence for several years and then dissolved, since which time 
Dr. Myers has devoted his entire attention to his profession. He is a mem- 
ber of the Masonic Lodge, the Knights ol Honor and Methodist Episcopal 
Church. He was married to Juliette I. Humastun, of Carey. 

JACOB NEWHARD, one of the chief dry goods merchants of Carey, 
Ohio, was born in Allentown, Lehigh County, Penn., November 18, 
1831.- His parents, Jacob and Louisa (Hallchber) Newhard, and all the 
ancestry for four or five generations, were natives of Pennsylvania. Our 
subject began life in his own interest at the age of nine, as errand boy in a 
hardware store at Allentown. His early education was limited. He went to 
Philadelphia at the age of seventeen, and was employed therein a wholesale 
dry goods store until 1852, when he returned to his native place. In 1854, 
he removed to Carey, Ohio, and engaged in dry goods business with Messrs. 
Dowce & Co., with whom he remained about eighteen months, after which he 
engaged with D. Straw & Co. from 1856 to 1862, when he enlisted in Company 
F, One Hundred and First Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was made Second 
Lieutenant, serving till December 23, 1862, when he was discharged on 
account of disability. He then returned to Carey and resumed business 
with D. Straw & Co. In 1864, he opened a dry goods and clothing estab- 
lishment at Carey, and conducted the same two years, then moving to 
Upper Sandusky, and engaged with Mr. Laden eighteen months. He 
next removed to Cleveland, Ohio, and engaged as traveling salesman nine 
months, for Babcock & Hurd, wholesale grocers, then returning to Carey 
and resuming work in theemplo,y of D. Straw & Co., with which firm he re- 
mained till 1871. A short period in the insurance business was followed 
by two years in the dry goods trade independently, and this b}" another en- 
gagement with D. Straw & Co. till November, 1874, when he engaged, in 
1877, with H. B. Kurtz, in his present business. Mr. Newhard married 
Matilda Bixby, May 10, 1857, and March 22, 1876, she died, leaving four 
children— Jay P., George F., Hubbard and Winfield J. He was married 



CRAWFORD TOWNSHIP. 791 

January 2, 1877, to Mary R. Bisby, and by this union two children — Mabel 
and Horace, were born. Mr. Newhard's political views are Democratic. He 
is a member of F. & A. M. , Carey, and McCutchen Chapter, of Upper San- 
dusky, and of the Clinton and Tiffin Council. He is also a member of the 
Knights of Honor, of Carey. 

JAY NEWHARD, is a native of Carey, son of Jacob and Matilda (Bisby) 
Newhard, and was born April 12, 1858. After closing his studies in the pub- 
lic schools, he engaged as a salesman, which has been his chief occupation 
ever since. He was employed in Tiffin two years, and in Texas nine months, 
having spent the rest of his time in stores of Carey. January 31, 1884, he 
was married to Allie Sliuman, daughter of Jonas and Luise Shuman. She 
was born in Crawford October 14, 1868. In political sentiment, Mr. New- 
hard is Republican. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and also of 
the Sons of Veterans, having been associated with the former society since 
twenty-one years of age. He is a young man of energy, enterprise and good 
business qualifications, well respected as a citizen. 

AARON NIGH, retired farmer, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, Octo- 
ber 15, 1820. His parents Adam and Catharine (Fauchnaue) Nigh, were both 
born in Maryland, came to Ohio when young, and were married in Fairfield 
County. The chi Idren born to them wei'e Emanuel, John, Aaron, Barbara, Gid- 
eon, Silas, George A. , Delano. Jonas, Adam and Harrison. In 1834, the family 
moved to this township, where Mr. Nigh entered 640 acres of land, and be- 
gan its improvement. Mrs. Nigh died in 1856, and Mr. Nigh in December, 
1877. Aaron resided on the farm with his parents, till his marriage to Eliza 
J. Ogg, June 2, 1842. His wife was a daughter of Kinzley Ogg, and was 
born May 18, 1822. Her father came here from Jackson County in 1826. 
After his marriage, Mr. Nigh went into the woods and began clearing up a 
farm of seventy-five acres purchased of his father. To this farm additions 
were made till he owned 240 acres. Five children were born to them — 
Chester K., Margaret (now Mrs. Bachor), Scott, Albert and James. Mrs. 
Nigh passed from earth December 17, 1880, and in 1881 Mr. Nigh sold 
the farm and moved to Carey, where he has since lived a quiet, retired lifa 
He was married, August 21, 1881, to Mrs. Mary E. Fisk, born December 15, 
1827, widow of C. M. Fisk, and daughter of Samuel Richey, a farmer of this 
county, who came here from Virginia. By her first husband, Mrs. Nigh has 
four children^Senoratta, Esmeralda, Amarillis and Alfretta. Mr. Nigh is 
a Republican, and served eight years as Trustee of the township. He has 
been a consistent member of the U. B. Church for the past thirty years. 
His first wife was a member of the same society, as is also his present 
wife. 

GEORGE A. NIGH, son of Adam Nigh, was born in Fairfield County, 
Ohio, October 13, 1829. He was but a child when his parents came to 
this locality. His early years, up to the date of his marriage, October 4^ 
1850, were spent with his parents in farm life. His wife was Lucinda 
Cushman who was born in Ashtabula County, Ohio, November 8, 1832, Her 
parents both died while she was a child of six years. She came to this 
county from Fairfield with friends about 1847. Mr. and Mrs. Nigh have 
four children living— Amariah F. , Effie, Emanuel and Iva. Two died in 
infancy. After his marriage Mr. Nigh tilled his father's farm one year 
and then purchased a small farm near Carey. In 1864, he enlisted itt 
Company D, One Hundred and Forty-fourth Ohio National Guards, and 
served four months. He sold his farm before going to the army, and on re- 
turning farmed about ten years and then turned his attention to gardening. 



792 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

which he has engaged iv since 1874. Mr. Nigh has been Street Commis- 
sioner eight years in Carey. He is a member of the G. A. R. and Good 
Templars. Both he and Mrs. Nigh united with the United Brethren 
Church about thirty years ago. 

HARRISON H. NYE, sou of Adam and Catharine Nye, was born near 
Carey April 20, 1836. He was reared on a farm, and when about eighteen 
years of age began teaching school. He obtained a good education and 
taught about twenty years — three terms, in the schools of Carey. In 1859, 
he made a trip to California to recover something from one Buel for whom 
his father had gone security and lost considerable property. Not being suc- 
cessful, he returned after eighteen months and resumed his school work, 
working at intervals at the carpenter's trade. He traveled considerably in 
the West, teaching in the respective States of Indiana, Illinois and Kansas. 
December 3, 1860, he married Susan Drumm, daughter of Elias Drumm, of 
Seneca County, Ohio. Two children were born to them, one living — Albert 
M., now in business at Carey. In 1872, Mr. Nye engaged as local agent 
for the Walter A. Wood Harvester, and has since handled agricultural im- 
plements of various kinds. He is an earnest Republican, and both he and 
Mrs. Nye are members of the Lutheran Church. 

DAVID S. NYE, son of Frisby and Isabel (Hulbert) Nye, was born in 
Ridge Township, this county, June 22, 1836. He was reared a farmer and 
before his twentieth year he married Mary M., daughter of William and 
Sarah Starr, the event taking place March 26, 1856. Mr. Nye's parents 
moved from Fairfield County to Hancock, about 1833, and unloaded their 
effects under a tree, till a cabin could be erected. Mrs. Nye was born Sep- 
tember 23, 1838. She began life with her husband by keeping the hotel, 
American House, now known as the Commercial House, at Carey, conduct- 
ing this business one year. Mr. Nye then purchased the building and grocery 
stock of Thurman & Dnnaway, for the sum of $1,300 cash, and a horse, 
saddle and bridle. He was quite successful until he closed his business and 
enlisted as a soldier. May 2, 1864. He was a member of Company D, One 
Hundred and Forty fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was discharged, 
September 2, 1864. Previous to his enlistment, he had spent about eight- 
een months in special service for the Federal Government. He was slightly 
wounded at the skirmish of Dranesvine, and was also wounded slightly by 
Kirby Smith's pickets on the Lexington pike, Ky. , neither of which disa- 
bled him from service. He was honorably discharged, and received a certifi- 
cate of thanks signed by President Lincoln and Secretary Stanton for the 
worthy service he had rendered his country. At the close of the war, he re- 
turned to Carey and resumed the grocery business, which he continued 
until January, 1884. Mr. Nye is a Democrat, but one other of the family 
voting with him. He has eight children — Laura A., Flora T., Ella J., 
Florence L., Minnie L., Elmer E. , Grace V. and David H. Florence and 
Elmer are deceased. Mr. Nye was present at the hotel at Alexandria, 
when Jackson shot and killed Col. Ellsworth, and saw Jeff C. Davis shoot 
Gen. Nelson at the Gault House, Louisville. 

HENRY NOLL, a retired farmer, was born in Dauphin County, Penn.. 
October 24, 1831. The family is of German descent. His father and 
mother, Michael and Lydia (Shaffner), were both natives of Pennsylvania 
where they now reside. Their children are Henry, Martin. James. Susan 
(deceased), Moses (deceased), Samuel, Francis and Katie. Our subject, 
Henry, was the oldest child. He was reared to farm life, and at the age of 
twenty-four began operations for himself. He married Catherine E. Trout- 



CRAWFORD TOWNSHIP. 793 

man December 23, 1856, she being a daughter of David and Sarah Trout- 
man, of Perry County, Penn., where she was born December 7, 1834. 
Mrs. Noll is of English and German descent. Her maternal grandfather, 
Jacob Monetz, came from England. He married Mai'garet Artmeu, of Penn- 
sylvania, and of German parentage. After his marriage, Mr. Noll began 
farming which has been his life work. In 1869, he removed from Penn- 
sylvania to Crawford Township, this county, and purchased a farm two 
miles west of Carey, where he resided till 1881, then giving up active busi- 
ness, renting his farm and moving to the village. Mr. and Mrs. Noll are 
both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They have two children 
— Mary E., now Mrs. Jonas Herndon, and Vertis. 

FRANCIS PAHL, son of Peter and Lena Pahl, was born in Baden, 
Germany, November 20, 1818. (See sketch of Joseph Pahl.) He was 
married December 2, 1844, to Mary Simons, having emigrated to this 
country ten years previous. Mrs Pahl was a resident of Norwalk, Ohio, a 
native of Germany, and daughter of John and Mary (Kling) Simons, who 
were natives of Germany, aud who emigrated to America in 1834. On ar- 
riving in this country, her parents located in New York City. Three years 
later they moved to Seneca County, Ohio, and in 1863, to this county. 
Their nine children were Mary, Elizabeth, Catharine, Julia, Peter, Lena, 
Henry, Margaret and Adam — all living now but Mary, Elizabeth and Peter. 
The father died February 5, 1883; the mother resides in Upper Sandusky 
in her eighty-fifth year. Mr. Pahl purchased his first land in Huron 
County, Ohio, in 1841. To this first twenty acres he added twenty more 
subsequently, and this farm he cultivated till 1869, when he sold out, 
moved to Wyandot County and purchased 156 acres on which he now lives. 
Mr. and Mrs. Pahl had eight children — Elizabeth, Mary A., Catharine, 
Frank, Peter, Rosa, Frederick J. and Hellen. Of these Mary A., Catharine 
and Frederick J. are deceased. The mother died July 4, 1857, and was 
interred at Norwalk, Ohio. Mr. Pahl was married, December 2, 1858, to 
Miss Lena Simons, a sister of his former wife, and to this union nine chil- 
dren were born, namely, Louisa S., 1859; Francis, 1860; Heni'v, 1862; 
Mary A., 1864; William F., 1866; Emil A., 1869; John, 1871; Charlie, 
1873, and Kosmos, 1876. 

JOSEPH PAHL, son of Peter and Lena (Wemerd) Pahl, was born in 
Rubed, France, June 7, 1834. His parents were natives of Germany and 
emigrated to America in 1834. They spent one year in Buffalo, and then 
moved to Huron County, Ohio, where they reared seven children — Law- 
rence, Frank, Lena, Emily, Julia, Joseph and Peter, all living but Lena. 
The mother died in September, 1841, the father in December, 1874, their 
respective ages being forty and seventy- four years respectively. In Sep- 
tember, 1856, our subject was married to Miss Angeline Frend, of Cleve- 
land, a resident at that time of Norwalk, Ohio, and a native of Germany. 
She emigrated with her parents when about five years of age, and died at 
the birth of her second child, her first also dying an infant. Mr. Pahl was 
married. September 17, 1860, to Catharine Krus, of Seneca County, a na- 
tive of Germany, and daughter of Joseph and Mona Krus, who emigrated 
in 1850, and settled in the above county. The father died four years 
since; the mother still survives. Mr. and Mrs. Pahl are parents of thir- 
teen children, ten living, namely, Frank A., Mary, Joseph A., Fred A., 
Josephine, Edward, Caroline, Anna, Albert and Lewis; the others died in 
infancy. Iq 1856, Mr. Pahl purchased land in Huron County, but in 1865 
sold out ^nd came to Wyandot, where he purchased ninety-three acres in 



794 HISTORY OF WVANDOT COUNTY. 

this township, where he now resides. His farm is well-improved and val- 
ued at $90 to $100 per acre. He is a Democrat in politics, and both him- 
self and Mrs. Pahl are members of the Catholic Church. 

JOHN A. PITTSFORD, Superintendent of Public Schools, Carey, was 
born in Licking County, Ohio, April 12, 1844. His parents, John and 
Mary (Peters) Pittsford, were natives of Pennsylvania and Fairfield Coun- 
ty, Ohio, respectively. His grandfather, David Pittsford, was born in 
Waies in 1762, his grandmother in 1773. They emigrated in 1801 to 
Philadelphia, as did also the two oldest children, four having been born 
after coming to the United States. Of these, our subject's father was the 
eldest. Soon after his birth, the family removed to Licking County (1816). 
He married Mary Peter, and was most of his life engaged in farming, 
though several years were spent in overseeing workmen on the Ohio Canal. 
There were eight children in the family; three died in infancy and one in 
the late war. The living are Martha, now Mrs. Finkbone; Hiram D. ; 
Diana B., now Mrs. Harritt, and John A. Timothy enlisted in the war in 
1864, and died of king fever at Chattanooga. Hiram was also in the serv- 
ice about eighteen months. John A., the subject of this notice, being lame, 
obtained a thorough education, attending the Dennison University three 
years, and subsequ^ently taking a course in the Normal School of Lebanon, 
Ohio. In 1868, he accepted a position in the schools of Findlay, where he 
wa& engaged three years. He was two years Superintendent of the schools 
at Johnstown, Licking County; six years at Mount Blanchard, Hancock 
Co., Ohio; three years at Forest. Hardin County; took charge of the Carey 
Schools in September, 1882, and has since been engaged therein. He mar- 
ried Josie R. Smith July 25, 1877. She is a daughter of John and Re- 
becca (Moore) Smith natives of Virginia and Fairfield County, Ohio, re- 
spectively, and was a teacher in the schools of Mount Blanchard. Mr. and 
Mrs. Pittsford are the parents of three children — Ernest C, Clarice P. and 
Lula Grace. Mr. Pittsford is a member of the Masonic Lodge, L O. O. F., 
K. of P., K. of H. , and, with his wife, of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

DANIEL POWELL was born February 7, 1811. He is a native of 
Pennsylvania, and son of Peter and Mary (Alspaugh) Powell, natives of 
Pennsylvania, and of German descent. Of twelve children of the family, 
seven still survive — Elizabeth, John, Jacob, Daniel, Mary (or Polly), Re- 
becca and George. The mother died in 1855, the father in 1861. Our sub- 
ject was married, June 14, 1832, to Eliza Beaty, of Fairfield County, Ohio. 
She was born in Northumberland County, Penu., December 14, 1809, to 
Alexander and Elizabeth (Toner) Beaty, who were the parents of nine chil- 
dren, only three of whom survive, namely, Sarah, Margaret and Bateman. 
The father died in 1827, the mother several years later. To Daniel and 
Eliza J. Powell wei'e born five sons and three daughters — Bateman B., Mary 
A., Peter L., Sarah P., Alexandra B., Daniel N. , Elizabeth A. and John 
W. The mother died October 24, 1878, at the age of sixty-eight years. 
Mr. Powell removed with his family from Fairfield County to this 
county in August, 1864, and purchased land in Crawford Township, 
where he still lives with his son, John W. Powell, who now operates the 
farm, and who was married, February 18, 1875, to Mary C. Shuman, who 
was born in this township August 25, 1845. Her parents are Fred and 
Mary (Stahl) Shuman, who now reside in this township. This marriage 
was blessed by the birth of five sons — infant son, October, 1877; Clarence 
M., July 16, 1878; Freddie S.. September 16, 1880; Daniel L., August 27. 
1882, all living but the infant son. John W. owns eighty-five &cres, and 



CRAWFORD TOWNSHIP. 795 

his father 110, all valued at $80 to $90 por acre. Daniel also owns forty 
acres in Hancock County, at about the same valuation. He was a resident 
of FairHeld County fifty years. He and his wife were members of the 
TJnited Brethren Church at Carey. John W. is a member of Carey Lodge, 
No. 407, I. O. O. F., and of the Evangelical Church of the same place. His 
wife is a member of the Liitheran Church. Both he and his father are 
Democrats in politics. 

LUTHER G. RANGER was born June 1, 1818. He is a native of 
Royalton, Windsor Co., Vt. , and son of Amos B. and Mary C. (Bell) Ranger, 
natives of Massachusetts. His father served in the war of 1812; married in 
Vermont, and in 1833 moved to this county. He entered 480 acres of land 
in this township, and spent many years in the cultivation of his farm, liv- 
ing most of the time in a log cabin. Erastus, Nancy C. and Luther G. were 
his only children, and these all arle yet living. He died May 28, 1872; his 
wife is also deceased. Our subject, Luther Ranger, was married, De- 
cember 7. 1854, to Miss Mary Brown, who was born in this township No- 
vember 30, 1832, daughter of Judge William and Eliza L. (Cooken) Brown, 
natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania respectively. Her parents were mar- 
ried in Franklin County, and in 1824 moved to Wyandot and settled in this 
township, where he reared a family of fifteen children, nine of whom are 
still living. Her father died June 26, 1867, and her mother June 10,1877. 
At the age of twenty, Mr. Ranger started in life for himself, being employed 
by W. M. Buel at $8 per month. In 1854, he purchased the home farm, 
and by his industry, energy and business tact has been enabled to add to 
his original purchase till he now owns more than 1,100 acres. He obtained 
his first advantage by herding cattle in Illinois, and driving them to Eastern 
markets. Has reared five children — Nellie B., Mary A., Anna E. , Lyne G. 
and Stanley M. Roscoe C. died at the age of three years. In earlier years 
Mr. Ranger served in various township offices. He was formerly a Whig, 
but now a Republican, and one of the most prominent and highly esteemed 
farmers of Crawford Township. 

JOHN G. REYNOLDS was born in Seneca County, Ohio, January 2, 
1837, and is a son of Abraham and Harriet (Goldsmith) Reynolds. His 
parents were married in New York, their native State, and with two children 
came to Ohio in 1830, locating on a farm near Republic, Seneca County. 
Later they removed to near Tiffin. There were nine children, viz., Lysan- 
der, Matilda, Harriet, Volney, Alphonso, John G., Alice, Eliza and William. 
The two latter daughters are deceased. John G. ,' the subject of this sketch, 
obtained a good common school education, and attended the Heidelberg 
College. He taught eight terms in the country schools of Seneca County, 
and one term in the Carey Schools. His sisters were all teachers. Novem- 
ber 14, 1867, he married Margaret Purkey, widow of William Purkey, and 
daughter of James Vickers, one of the pioneers of Hancock County, Ohio, 
where she was born April 29, 1838. They have two children — Morley P. 
and Glenn. Mrs Reynolds had two children by her first husband — Olive 
(deceased) and Bertie. Her parents, James and Sarah (Madison) Vickers, 
were natives of England, and emigrated to this country in 1818, They 
were two years at Pittsburgh, Penn., then moved to Wayne County, Ohio, 
and in 1834 to Hancock County. Their children were Sarah A., Elizabeth, 
James A., Mary, George and Margaret. Her parents died at their home in 
Hancock County, her father in his seventy-third year, her mother in her 
eighty-fifth year. Mr. Reynolds' parents died at his home in Carey; his 
father in the seventy-fifth year of his age, his mother in her seventy-sixth. 



796 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

In August, 1862, Mr. Reynolds enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and 
Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, to serve three years. He was pro- 
moted to Sergeant, and participated in many of the heaviest battles, namely, 
Moorefield, Winchester, New Market, Piedmont, Lynchburg, Snicker's 
Ford. Martinsburg, Strasburg, Charleston, Halltown, Berry ville, Fisher's 
Hill, Cedar Creek, besides many minor engagements, witnessing the surren- 
der of Lee at Appomattox. In the three years' service he escaped without 
a wound or a day of sickness, and was never absent from his regiment twen- 
ty-four hours. On his return from the war, he resumed teaching and farm- 
ing. In 1873, he purchased three acres, with a line brick residence in 
Carey, and in 1881 he purchased 101 acres joining the corporation. Mr. 
Reynolds is a member of the K. of H. and G. A. R. The family is asso- 
ciated with the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

J. A. ROYER, M. D., is a native of Franklin County, Penn. , and was 
born February 15, 1840. He is a son of Daniel W. and Mary (Adams) 
Royer, both natives of Pennsylvania. His great-grandfather Royer emi- 
grated from France in 1768, being one of the persecuted Huguenots. He 
located in South Carolina, and in a few years moved to Lancaster County, 
Penn. ; thence to Franklin County, where he reared his family. George 
Royer, the grandfather, was at this time seven years of age. He married a 
lady of French descent, and had four children, Daniel W. being the only 
son who grew to maturity. He married Mary Adams, a daughter of 
Jacob Adams, who had removed from Franklin County, Penn., to Tiffin 
in 1825. He was a wealthy farmer, and both he and his wife died 
at their daughter's, Mrs Umsted's, home, two miles east of the above city. 
Mrs. Adams' maiden name was Nickodemus. She was a daughter of Gen. 
Nickodemus, one of Napoleon's staff. The "Nickodemus Brothers," exten- 
sive pork packers of Baltimore, were brothers to Mrs. Adams. After his 
marriage, Daniel Royer, in 1836, i-eturned to his home in Franklin County, 
Penn., where he became a prominent farmer. He is still living, at an ad- 
vanced age, with his son in Dakota. His four children are Ann E., wife of 
H. Shank, living in Franklin County, Penn. : George J., an extensive far- 
mer of Dakota; John A. ; and David F., a physician of Alpena, Dak. ; and 
Rebecca, who died at the age of seven. At the age of seventeen, our sub- 
ject, J. A. Royer, had obtained a good common school education, and began 
teaching, which he continued three years. On his nineteenth birthday, he 
married Emma Bonebrake, of Franklin County, Penn., born January 9, 
1839. He taught school the following summer and winter, and from his 
earnings, some help from his father and his wife's capital, purchased a small 
farm, which furnished a home while he prosecuted his medical studies, 
under the instructions of Dr. John Ollig, of Waynesboro, Penn. In 1861- 
62, he attended lectures at Bellevue Hospital College, New York City, 
Being drafted, he paid his commutation fee, and assisted Capt. L. B. Kurtz 
in organizing a company of cavalry, being appointed First Lieutenant at 
the organization. While awaiting a call to muster into service, Dr. Royer 
returned to New York City and took a second course at the Bellevue Col- 
lege, preparatory to entering the army as a Surgeon. By special contract 
with Surgeon General Barnes, he went to Fortress Monroe, and was as- 
signed to McClellan Hospital, where he remained till the 24th of the fol- 
lowing August. He returned to Pennsylvania, where he practiced a short 
time in connection with a drug store, which he sold soon after. In 1867, 
he returned to Bellevue College, and took ad eundem degree, receiving his 
diploma in the spring of the same year. After several unimportant changes. 



CRAWFORD TOWNSHIP. 797 

he moved to Carey in March, 1868, having nothing save a debt of $2,500 
with v^hich to begin business. The amount was borrowed from a friend 
for the purpose of purchasing a drug store, in partnership with Dr. Brayton 
and Dr. Harpster. This partnership existed about two years, since which 
time Dr. Royer has conducted his business alone, having built up a lucra- 
tive practice. Dr. and Mrs. Royer are parents of six children — Daniel B., 
born January 23, 1860; Ida, February 5, 1862; Walter S., February 8, 
1869; Carrie, March 28, 1866 (deceased); Grace, August 5, 1871; and Carl, 
September 19, 1882. The family is associated with the Lutheran Church. 
Dr. Royer is a member of the G. A. R. of Carey, and was twice elected 
President of the Carey School Board, but on the last election resigned on 
account of other business. He is also a member of Friendship Lodge, No. 
84, F. & A. M., Hagerstown, Md. 

AVILLIAM SALTZ was born in Heissenburg, Germany, March 5, 1834. 
His parents were William and Eva (Humberd) Saltz; were natives of Ger- 
many, married in Weisenberg, and had nine children, four now living — 
Dora, Caroline, William and George — all living in Wyandot County. The 
parents died in their native country. William Saltz emigrated in 1853, and 
worked about two years in New York State, thence out through the West. 
He was married, November 12, 1861, to Anna Blattner, of Hastings, Minn., 
a native of Switzerland, where she was born June 11, 1848. She was a 
daughter of John and Elizabeth (Kerr) Blattner. Her father and brother 
emigrated in 1850, and her mother and remainder of the family in 1852. 
They located in Chicago, where Mrs. B died in 1854. In 1856, Mr. B. 
and his children moved to Minnesota, where Mr. B. died in 1858. The 
five children who yet survive are Elizabeth, Henry, Anna, Mary and Louise. 
Mr. and Mrs. Saltz have but one child — William H, born August 28, 1862. 
In 1869, Mr. Saltz moved from Minnesota to Iowa, where he remained till 
1880, when he came to this township and purchased 185 acres of land 
upon which he now lives. His farm is well improved and valued at $90 to 
$100 per acre. He also has property in Iowa to the amount of several 
thousand dollars. He was a member of Company F, Third Regiment 
Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and served fourteen months, receiving his 
discharge in August, 1865. He is a Democrat, member of the I. O. O. F. 
of Clinton, No. 150, and of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, 
Sheila Lodge, No. 16. 

GEORGE W. SAVIDGE is a native of this township. He was born 
July 24, 1847, and is a son of Foster W. and Julia A, (Kirtz) Savidge, of 
Salem Township. Mr. Savidge made his first purchase of land in Allen 
County, Ohio, in 1874, remaining in that locality four years. In 1878, he 
sold this farm and returned to this county, purchasing his present farm of 
seventy acres, upon which he has since resided. He was married in 1876 
to Miss Alice Davis, a resident and native of Marion County, and a daugh- 
ter of Isaac and Farby (Walker) Davis, who still reside in Marion County, 
and who are the parents of five children, namely, Alice, Emma. Elcy, John 
and Hattie. Emma and Elcy are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Savidge have 
three children — Julia A., Foster ^Y. and Lulu L. In politics, Mr. Savidge 
is in favor of Republicanism. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge, and 
well respected as a neighbor and citizen in his community. 

EDWARD S. SHELLHOUSE was born April 25, 1834, and is a native 
of Tymochtee Township, this county. The family is of Hessian ancestry, 
the progenitor of the Shellhouse family in this country being one Conrad 
Shellhouse, who was sold to the British Government to serve in the wars 



798 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

against this nation. He was sent to America to engage in war against the 
colonists, whom he was taught to believe were cannibals, or little less. On 
arriving here and discovering his mistake, he deserted theBritish forces at 
the battle of Ked Bank, and joined the Colonists, serving with them 
during the Revolution. He sent for his wife and six children, who, on ar- 
riving here, were sold for a term of service to defray the expense of their 
passage, Mr. S. being unable to pay it. One of these, George Shellhouse, 
was sold to the captain of a vessel, with whom he made several voyages to 
the East and West Indies. When about twenty-one, his time expired and 
he returned and settled in New Jersey, where he married Mary Swift, and 
reared a family of six children. His father's family had remained scat- 
tered during this time, and were never collected together from the time 
they were sold into their peculiar slavery. Through advertising and every 
other means available, all were gathered up but one sister, who was never 
found. The father, Conrad, and his wife both died in New Jersey. In 
1811, George Shellhouse, his wife and six children started for Ohio; stopped 
a short time in Cincinnati; then moved to Hamilton, Butler County, and 
from there to Tymochtee Township, this county, in 1821, being among the 
first settlers of that locality. Here they opened up a farm in the wilderness, 
as it then appeared, and the children grew to man's and woman's estate, 
isolated from society and civilized life. The children were Katie, Edward, 
Sarah, George and Lydia — the latter now a resident of Indianapolis, and 
the only relict of the family of that generation now living. George, while 
living in Southern Ohio, enlisted and served through the war of 1812. He 
died in Tymochtee Township, and is there buried. Edward, the eldest son, 
was born in New Jersey in April, 1805, and is the father of Edward S., who 
is the subject proper of this sketch. He was a farmer, and married Mary 
Willis, of Butler County, Ohio, in 1829. She was born in the same county 
in September, 1813. They removed to Indiana, where they stayed till 1868, 
and then returned to Tymochtee, where Mr. Shellhouse died in 1873; his 
wife survived till January 3, 1884. They had eleven children, six of whom 
are still living, namely, Edward S., Lydia, Conrad H., Louisa, Chandler, 
Perry and Elizabeth. Edward S. began the produce business with his 
father in 1849, and has since continued in that line of business. He was 
married, March 1, 1855, to Maria Thomas, who died the following year. 
July 15, 1858, he married Elizabeth Richey, who was born near Indianap- 
olis January 29, 1839. They have four children living — Edward J., Will- 
iam S., Elmer B. and Forest. In 1864, Mr. Shellhouse entered the service 
as a member of the Ohio National Guards, Company D, One Hundred and 
Forty-fourth Regiment, and served four months. He is a member of the 
I. O. O. F., G. A, R., and Good Templars; was a Republican till 1872 — 
since a Democrat; and the family is associated with the Lutheran Church. 
JACOB C. SHULER was born in Butler County, Penn., July 11, 1839. 
He is a miller by trade, having been engaged as such since 1859, in which 
year he came to Findlay, Ohio, where he obtained his first lessons in the 
business. After three years in Findlay, he returned to Pennsylvania, where 
he formed a partnership with his brother. In 1861, he enlisted in Company 
B, Twenty eighth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and entered the service. 
He participated in the battles of Antietam, Gettysburg, Chancellorsvi lie, Look- 
out Mountain, and many others, numbering about thirty -three in all. He re- 
ceived a gunshot wound in the left shoulder, which disabled him, and dur- 
ing a charge in the same battle received a wound in the knee by a thorn, 
as a result of which he lay in the hospital at Washington three weeks, re- 



CRAWFORD TOWNSHIP. 799 

ceiving his discharge July 27, 1864. In the same year he came to Carey, 
and, in 1873, went to Clinton County, Ind., where he engaged in milling 
up to 1880, when he returned to Carey and leased the Walborn JNEill, in 
which he is still engaged. He married Huldah Chesebrough in November, 
1864, and one child — Samuel Y. — has blessed the union. Mr. S. is a mem- 
ber of the I. O. O. F., G. A. R. and the Presbyterian Church. He is well 
respected as a citizen, and is an energetic, industrious business man. 

FREDERICK SHUMAN, son of Henry and Elizabeth (Arno) Shuman, 
was born in Union County, Fenn. , September 26, 1818. His parents were 
of Pennsylvania Dutch descent, natives of Pennsylvania, and came to 
Ohio in 1836. They first located in Hancock County, but one year later 
moved to this township and purchased land. Their children were Jonas, 
Frederick, Sallie, William, Lucy, Jacob and Ann — all living but Sallie. 
The father died in 1866, the mother in 1874. Mr. Shuman was married, 
February 25, 1847, to Miss Mary Stahl, a resident of this township, native 
of Pennsylvania, daughter of Philip and Susanna (Spotz) Stahl. She was 
born February 9, 1829. Her pareats were married in Union County, Penn., 
and moved to Ohio in 1839. They purchased land in Crawford Township, 
and reared a family of eleven children, of whom the following still survive- 
Rebecca, Christina, Samuel, Susanna, Anna M. and Catharine. The 
father died in 1844, the mother in 1867. Mr. and Mrs. Shuman are the 
parents of nine children — Joseph, Sylvester, Sarah E., Emily J., Mary C, 
Aiigeline A., Susan A., George H. and Franklin L. Mr. Shuman is the 
owner of 380 acres of land in the township. He and his wife are members 
of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Shuman is a Democrat in politics. 

JOSEPH SHUMAN, son of Frederick Shuman, was born September 
19, 1848. He was married, December 19, 1871, to Miss Sarah M. Chese- 
brough, who was born in Ridge Township, September 10, 1851, to William 
and Charlotte L. (Kople) Chesebrough. natives of York State. Her parents 
came to this township and purchased land in 1841. They later moved to 
Ridge Township, where they resided many years, their children being twelve 
in number, ten surviving — Mary, Matthew Y., Huldah, William H. , Harriet 
E., George W., Eliza B., Saxton A., Sarah M. and Matilda. The deceased 
are Saxton and Samuel G. , who died in infancy. The father died August 
8, 1873, aged sixty-seven years. His widow now resides in Carey, in her 
seventy-fifth year. Mr. and Mrs. Shuman have three children — Leora A., 
born September 22, 1872; Hattie E., July 17, 1878; Charlotte A. , October 9, 
1883. In 1872, Mr. Shuman purchased of his father sixty acres of land in 
Hancock County. This farm was sold three years later, and 120 acres were 
purchased in this township, Sections 5 and 6. He has provided his farm, 
with good building, a set of stock-scales, and now values it at $75 to $85 
per acre. In 1888, he purchased ninety-five acres in addition to his former 
possessions, now owning 215 acres. He devotes his time to general agri- 
culture, and is regarded as a very successful farmer. In politics, Mr. Shu- 
man is a Republican. Mrs. Shuman is a member of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Chui-ch of Ridge Township. 

SYLVESTER SHUMAN, born June 22, 1850, is a native of this town- 
ship, and son of Frederick and Ann (Stahl) Shuman. He was married, De- 
cember 23, 1878, to Miss Sarah E. Corwin, who was born in New Jersey 
June 11, 1853, daughter of George B. and Elizabeth (Blair) Corwin, also 
natives of New Jersey, where they were married, and from whence they 
migrated to Ohio in 1864. They first settled in Sycamore Township, this 
county, residing there four years, and then purchased land in Section 18, this 



800 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

township, where the father died September 24, 1883. They had five chil- 
dren — James, Almeda, Adelia, Sarah E. and Mary. The mother is still 
living. Mr. and Mrs. Shuman had three children — Ray. born August 28, 
1875; Myrtie M., born June 1, 1878; George F., June 14, 1882— all living 
but Ray, who died August 25, 1876. In 1876, Mr. Shuman purchased 212 
acres in Crawford Township, residing there about seven years. He then 
rented this tract, and moved to his present farm of 173 acres. His land is 
valued at $75 to $90 per acre. Mr. Shuman has always ensraged in agri- 
ciiltural pursuits. He and Mrs. S. are members of the Lutheran Church. 
In politics, Mr. Shuman is a Republican. 

JAMES R. SIDDALL is a native of Mahoning County, Ohio, and was 
born July 11, 1842. His parents, Joshua and Mary A. Siddall, were natives 
of Ohio, and reared seven children. The family moved to Hancock County 
in the spring of 1851, and in the fall of the same year the father died, 
owning about 300 acres of land. Jauies R. remained with his mother till 
twenty years old. He then enlisted (fall of 1862) in Company H, Fifty- 
seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served until the fall of 1863. Re- 
tiarning to his home in the spring of 1864, he went to Montana, and was 
engaged in mining till 1869, when he again retui"ned to Hancock County. 
In 1870, he went to Kansas, butretux'ned the same year; farmed one year 
on his mother's land; run a saloon two years in Vanlue; came to Carey in 
January, 1874, and till 1884 conducted a saloon in that place. He married 
Mary Hart October 20, 1879, and they have one daiighter — Jessie. Mr. 
Siddall was elected Councilman in 1881, and re-elected in 1883. In Feb- 
ruary, 1884, in company with C. L. Sheldon, a nephew whom he reared, 
he opened a grocery store in Carey, in a building purchased in December 
previous. They are enjoying a liberal patronage. 

M. A. SMALLEY, the present Mayor of Carey, and Justice of tho Peace, 
was born in Ashland County, Ohio, October 4, 1850. He is a son of Isaac 
and Elizabeth (Smith) Smalley, and at the age of eighteen began life for 
himself, pushing out for the West. He located in Labette County, Kan., 
where he spent two years in teaching school and enjoying the pleasures of 
the chase, also its profits, which at that date were very fair. While in that 
locality, he was one of the many who had occasion to partake of the hospi- 
talities of the notorious Bender family, and, as later developments evi- 
denced, was at one time " spotted '' as a prey of the murderous fiends. On 
returning to Wyandot County, he engaged in farming and teaching. 
He was elected Justice of the Peace of Crawford Township, and in 
1882 was elected Mayor of Carey, to which place he had removed in 1880. 
He devotes the principal part of his time to the business of negotiating and 
dealing in Western land, chiefly in the States of Kentucky, Kansas, Missouri 
and Texas, besides a considerable in Ohio. Mr. Smalley was married, Jan- 
uary 26, 1877, to Miss Hattie, daughter of Daniel Benson, of Morrow 
County, Ohio, and four children have been born to them, namely, Stella, 
Horace, Stanley and Lucile. He is a member of F. & A. M., I. O. O. F. , 
Wyandot Encampment, K. of H., and Myrtle Lodge, Independent Order 
Good Templars. In politics, Mr. Smalley is a Democrat, and is one of the 
most popular of Carey's citizens. 

CLINTON SMITH was born January 2, 1857. He is a native of Han- 
cock County, Ohio, and son of David and Aurelia (Brown) Smith, whose 
history appears in this work. He was married, November 16, 1882, to Miss 
Lillie Anderson, who was born in this township October 18, 1859. She 
was a daughter of Isaiah J. and Elizabeth (Staulfer) Anderson, natives of 



CRAWFORD TOWNSHIP. 801 

Ohio and Pennsylvania respectively, and now residents of Carey. They are 
parents of five children, namely, James, Lillie, Rezin, Frederick and Ella. 
The mother died May 3, 1883. The father still resides in Carey. In 1882, 
Mr. Smith purchased 100 acres of land, located just west of the town of 
Carey, where he has since been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He values 
his farm at $100 to fllO per acre. He holds a membership in the great 
society of Republicans, and is regarded as one of the township's most relia- 
ble citizens. Mrs. Smith is a member of the Lutheran Church at Carey, 
Ohio. 

DAVID SMITH, formerly a prominent farmer of this township, was 
born in Hampshire County, Va., January 26, 1814. His father and mother, 
Jacob and Mary (Long) Smith, were natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia 
respectively, the former being of German parentage, and a hatter by trade 
in his younger days. After his marriage he operated a flour mill in Vir- 
ginia. The family consisted of six children — Eliza, George, John, David, 
Samuel and Sarah A. Mrs. Smith had two sons by her first husband —Will- 
iam and Jacob Rannells. In the fall of 1824, Mr. Smith moved from Vir- 
ginia to this county and located about one mile west of the present site of 
Carey, where he entered eighty acres of land. On this farm the children 
grew lip, and in due season began life on thetr own responsibility. George 
Smith entered the Methodist Episcopal ministry, and died in Michigan. 
The parents died in the neighborhood where the} had spent most of their ma- 
ture days, the father in 1859, in his eighty-second year, the mother in 1869 
in her eighty-sixth year. Mr. Smith was a man of liberal views and highly 
respected. He served as Associate Judge while this was yet Crawford 
County. David Smith, our subject, worked on the farm with his parents 
till twenty-six years of age. He married Amelia Brown, daughter of Will- 
iam Brown, June 4, 1840. Her parents came to this county in 1824. She 
was born at Columbus, Ohio, April 28, 1823. After his marriage Mr. Smith 
began farming on the Big Spring reservation on land purchased by his 
father. He here improved 200 acres, to which he added 300 more in after 
years. His chief business for the past twenty years has been the raising 
of tine grades of stock — thoroughbred short-horn cattle. In 1868, he came 
to Carey and purchased a farm near town, dividing most of his Hancock 
County property with his children, whose names are as follows: Ellen A., 
McKendree, Ann L., William B., Albert, Emma V., Clinton D. and Virgil 
A. The eldest son, McKendree, enlisted in Company A, One Hundi-ed and 
Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in the fall of 1862, and served about 
two years in the war when he was taken sick and died in the hospital at 
Philadelphia, Penn. Mr. Smith is Republican in politics; he was elected 
Land Appraiser in 1880, and has served several years as School Director. 
Mr. and Mrs. Smith are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
After a life of toil and hardship for many years, they are now enjoying 
the fruits of their labors. 

M. B. SMITH, attorney at law, was born in Hancock County, Ohio, 
February 22, 1846; he is a son of Samuel and Margaret (Hare) Smith, na- 
tives of A'^irginia and Pennsylvania respectively; his father came to Ohio in 
1824; his mother in 1834. They located in Ridge Township in 1858, and 
reared four children — M. B., J. A., S. O. and M. Allie. Mr. Smith ob- 
tained a good education and taught school several terms. March 28, 1864, 
he enlisted in a United States Signal Corps, and was discharged after the 
close of the war September 10, 1865. He returned home and farmed two 
years; engaged two years in the grocery and produce business, and in 1871 



802 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

began the study of law, which he prosecuted three years, at the end of which 
time he began the practice of his profession. In 1883, he purchased fifty 
acres of land lying a short distance north of Carey, and opened thereon two 
limestone quarries, erecting two draw kilns, by which he is enabled to pro- 
duce 175,000 bushels of lime per year. Forty acres of his land are under- 
laid with the finest limestone in Ohio, the product of his kilns yielding 92 
per cent to 95 per cent of carbonate, and competing favorably in the mar- 
ket with material purchased in Philadelphia at 50 cents per bushel. Mr. 
Smith was married, August 9, 1870, to Emma J. McCIure, daughter of Rus- 
sell and Milda (Joy) McClure. Two children are the fruits of this union — 
Dora H. and Homer A. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members of the Method- 
ist Episcopal Church, and highly esteemed citizens. Mr. Smith is warmly 
attached to the interests of the Republican party. 

HIRAM J. STARR, one of the most prominent grain and stock dealers 
of this county, was born in Franklin County, Ohio, June 24, 1816. JameB 
and Persia (Shaw) Starr, his parents, were both natives of Connecticut, 
Avhere they were united in marriage, their children being Emily, Joseph S., 
Franklin J., Julia Ann H, James H. , Laura P. and Hiram J. The Starr 
family are descendants from one Dr. Comfort Starr, who emigrated to this 
country from Kent, England, in 1634, the progeny being numerous, as shown 
by a history of the family. Nicholas Starr was the grandfather of our sub- 
ject, and was a Revolutionary soldier, losing his life in the massacre of 
Fort Griswold September 6, 1781. He left a wife and four children — 
Nicholas, Joseph, James and Benjamin. Of these four orphans, James, 
our subject's father, was four years old when his father met his death. He 
was apprenticed to a millwright when a boy, and began work on his own 
responsibility early in life. He married Persia Shaw, and in 1815 they 
moved to a small farm in Franklin County, Ohio, where Mr. Starr died July 
8, 1824. Hiram J. Starr was then eight years of age, and soon began work 
for himself for monthly wages. Soon after this he was employed as clerk 
in a country store at Crawfordsville, this county, locating here with his 
family in 1830. He engaged in the cattle business with his brother-in-law, 
William M. Buel, who was the first merchant of Carey, but who removed 
to California, and died there. On his return from Illinois, where he had 
been engaged in the cattle business, Mr. Starr entered, as an equal partner^ 
in the merchandise and grain business, with Reed, Carey & Co., of Carey, 
Ohio, this partnership existing about five years. This firm built the elevat- 
or now used by Mr. D. Straw, and did a large business. Mr. Reed having 
sold his interest to Carey & Starr, the latter conducted the business till 
1850, when they disbanded. When married, Mr. Starr located in Big 
Spring Township, Seneca County, where he was prominently engaged in 
the live stock trade and farming. In 1879, he again began operations in 
the grain trade, in partnership with his sons, James H. and W. B. , and 
son-in-law, J. M. Barr. He owns an elevator at Alvada, Seneca County, 
one at Sycamore, and one at Lemert. Mr. Starr was married, July 21, 1851, 
to Ellen G. Brown, widow of Napoleon B. Carey, and they have five chil- 
dren — Laura P., Mary E., Ellen G., "William B. and James H, the two 
latter twins. Mrs. Starr was a daughter of William and Eliza (Kooken) 
Brown. She had one child, Emma B., by her first husband. Her parents 
were natives of Maryland and Berks County, Penn., respectively. Her 
mother came to Columbus, Ohio, with her parents when she was three years 
old. She was married to Mr. Brown July 3, 1822, at Columbus. He came 
to this township in 1822, and entered 160 acres in Section 18. He came 



CRAWFORD TOWNSHIP. % 803 

from Columbus July 20, 1823, and made some improvements — built a log 
cabin, dug a well, etc. — and then returned to the city. April 5, 1824, he 
again came to his farm, with outfit for cultivating a crop. He completed 
his cabin in the summer of that year, and October 7, 1824, left the city 
with his family and effects for his new home, arriving the 12th. Thej"^ had 
one child, and on the 22d of October a daughter was born to them, the first 
white child born in the vicinity. She is now the wife of Hiram J. Stai'r. 
Mr. and Mrs. Brown had fifteen children, all of whom grew to maturity but 
one. Two of their sons died in the late war. Sovereign H. was a member 
of the One Hundred and First Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was killed in 
the battle of Chickamauga; Charles returned home, but died soon after of 
pneumonia contracted in the South. James K. was a member of ihe Forty- 
ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry; was wounded first in the battle of Stone 
River, and again seriously in the engagement at Chickamauga, where his 
right arm was disabled for life. Mr. Brown was not a member of any 
church organization, but was rather a deist. He lived a quiet farm life till 
1866, when he passed into "the beyond." His wife survived till June, 
1876, when she was called away. Mr. Starr, our subject, is not a member 
of any church. He is a Repul3lican, and has been since the party was or- 
ganized. His brother. Dr. James Starr, removed to the South ; was married 
in Georgia; moved to Texas, where he was located during the war, and still 
resides there. 

FRANKLIN M. STARR was born in Hamden County, Mass., August 
6, 1846. He is a son of Joseph S. and Mary C. (Sinith) Starr, natives of 
Connecticut. His parents were married in their native State, and moved 
to Hamden County, Mass., where the father engaged in milling, and reared 
his children — Joseph S., Lauraett, Marion M. , George W. and Frank- 
lin M., the first two now deceased. The parents are both dead. Mr. 
Starr located in Carey in 1857. He was married, April 12, 1877, to 
Miss Nancy J. Snyder, a resident of Salem Township, and native of Marion 
County, born January 10, 1854. Her parents were Samuel and Nancy 
(McPherren) Snyder, who were born in Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively; 
married in Marion County, moved to this county, and reared a family of 
four children — Mary, Richard, Nancy and John; Mary is deceased. The 
father is also dead. Mr. and Mrs. Starr have four children — Lauraett, 
born February 19, 1878; Mary A., April 9, 1879; Olive, November 23, 
1881; Joseph, August 14, 1883. Mr. Stan.' rented land for several years, 
but in 1883 purchased forty acres in Crawford Township, where he now re- 
sides. His farm is valued at $75 to $80 per acre. In politics, Mr. Starr is 
an active Republican. 

AMOS STETLER is a native of Washington Township, Union Co., 
Penn., and was born March 21, 1824. He is the eldest son of Henry and 
Mary (Klose) Stetler, natives of the same place, where they were married 
May 11, 1823. In 1832, his parents moved to Sandusky County, Ohio, and 
purchased 240 acres in Section 34, York Township, where his father fol- 
lowed general farming, th(^ugh a brick and stone mason by trade. The 
children were Amos, Mary, Sarah, Eih^n, Jacob H. , Leah, Rachel, John A. 
and Elizabeth, all living but Mary. The father died May 28, 1874, in his 
seventy-fifth year, his birth having occurred August 11, 1799; his widow is 
now living in her eighty-fifth year, her birth having taken place January 
17, 1800. His paternal grandparents, Henry Stetler and Sarah (Haas) 
Stetler, were born in Lehigh County, Penn., September 26, 1763, and De- 
cember 17, 1768, respectively. At the age of eighteen our subject, Amos 



804 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Stetler, left his home and was apprenticed to the blacksmith trade with 
Benjamin Kachel, of Seneca County, Ohio. He worked one year with Mr. 
K., one year with Abijah Brown, at Bellevue, and a third year at job work 
in the Western States. He was married, September 24, 1846, to Miss Re- 
becca Lewis, of Seneca County. She was a daughter of Isaac and Susan 
(Hornberger) Lewis, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent, and 
was born in Lancaster County, Penn., November 27, 1826. Her parents 
were married in her native county December 9, 1821, and moved to Ohio in 
1830. In 1882, they located in Seneca County, where they reared seven 
children— Harriet, Richard, Rebecca, Matilda, Solomon, Caroline and Ma- 
hala, all living but Rachel and Rebecca. The mother died in her seventy- 
seventh year, January 24, 1878, the father in his eighty-second year. May 
12, 1883. They were born on the respective dates, February 15 and .Janu- 
ary 19, 1801. Mr. and Mrs. Stetler had ten children — Addie, Henry L., 
Amos R., John T., Ardon L., Mary A., Eva R., Jay, Grant and an infant 
son, Horace, all living but the latter and Henry L. Mrs. S. departed this 
life August 5, 1879, and Mr. S. was married, August 10, 1880, to Mrs. Har- 
riet Salether, divorced wife of John F. Sherman, deceased. By this wife 
two children were born — John and William, the former dying in infancy. 
Mrs. Stetler was born in Holmes County, Ohio, August 20, 1833, and is 
a daughter of John and Dorothy (Anger) Salether, natives of Germany, 
where they were married. They emigrated in 1833, and located in Holmes 
County, Ohio. They moved later to Stark County, and in 1840 to Wood 
County, Ohio. They had six children — Charlie, John, Harriet, Mary A., 
Catharine and Julia. The mother of this family had previously married 
one Mr. Denner, of Germany. Mr. Stetler followed his trade till about 
1851, and then purchased eighty acres of land in Sandusky. He sold out 
a few years later, and in 1854 moved to this county, where he purchased 100 
acres in Crawford Township, Section 4, where he still lives. In 1866, he 
erected a line brick residence, in 1869 a good barn. He also owns prop- 
erty valued at $3,000 in Carey. He now oversees his farm, has his old 
smithing tools, and when able does his own work in that line. ]\tr. Stetler 
was a member of the O. N. G., and was called out in 1864, serving under 
Col. S. H. Hunt, of Upper Sandusky, in Company D, One Hundred and 
Forty-fourth Regiment. He was promoted to Second Lieutenant, and served 
as such till discharged August 31, 1864. He and Mrs. Stetler are members 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a Republican-Prohibitionist in 
politics; has served two years as Township Assessor, six years as Trustee, 
and has also served as Clerk. 

MICHAEL STINER, son of Charles and Dorothea (Weaver) Stiner, 
was beam September 27, 1845. His parents were natives of Germany, 
and emigrated in J 845, coming direct to this county. They purchased 
land in Salem Township, and there brought up their children — Catharine 
M. , Louisa, Elizabeth, Anna, John and Maerdalene, all living but Eliza- 
beth. The mother died in February, 1884. Michael Stiner was married, 
July 2, 1871, to Mary E. Ritchie, daughter of David and Elizabeth (Har- 
ris) Ritchie, natives of this State Her parents moved to this county in an 
early day. Her mother died in August, 1881, her father's death occurring 
several years previous. Mr. Stiner rented land for several years, and in 
1874 purchased thirty acres, adding thirty acres more in 1878. On this 
farm he now resides, valuing the same at |75 per acre. Mr. and Mrs. 
Stiner are the parents of three children — Olive M., Fred H. and Frank, all 
living but the latter. In politics, Mr. Stiner is a Republican. Mrs. Stiner 
is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 



CRAWFORD TOWNSHIP. 805 

JACOB F. STOLL is a native of Apstadt, Wittenberg. Germany, and 
was born May 13. 1844. He is a son of John and Elizabeth (Long) Stoll, 
who were born and married in the locality above mentioned. Her parents 
emigrated to America in 1847, and settled in Upper Sandusky, where they 
resided a few years, and then entered land in Crawford Township. Their 
children were Jacob F. , Fredericka, Catharine, John, Adam and Charles. 
The mother and father both died here, and were interred in the Lutheran 
Cemetery. Our subject was married, June 6, 1880, to Elizabeth A. Wentz, 
who was born in Ridge Township, November 25, 1860, daughter of Jacob 
and Jane L. (Michaels) Wentz, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respect- 
ivel}^ Her parents were married in this county, and had thirteen children 
— Myron, Elizabeth A., Ross, Clem V., Emanuel, Frank, Wheeler, Uriah, 
George, Rhoda, Pert, Lee and an infant, all living but Pert, who died an 
infant. Mr. and Mrs. Stoll have three children — Adam, born March 8, 
1881; George, March 24, 1882; John, May 8, 1883. About 1869 or 1870, 
Mr. Stoll purchased eighty acres in Mifflin Township, retaining the same 
about ten years. He then sold out, obtaining in 1879 the homestead farm 
of sixty-nine acres, on which he now lives. He is an energetic farmer, and 
values his land at $75 per acre. His early years were spent at the carpen- 
ter's trade. He is a Democrat in politics, and member of the Lutheran 
Church. 

LUDWIG STOLL was born in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, January 12, 
1852. He is a son of Jacob and Catharine (Swick) Stoll, natives of Ger- 
many, and who emigrated to America in 1849. They located first in Upper 
Sandusky, and thence moved to Crawford Township, where they still re- 
side. Their children were John, Ludwig, Henry and Caroline. Ludwig 
Stoll was married, April 27, 1877, to Elizabeth Burke, a resident of this 
township and native of Indiana, born January 16, 1856. She is a daugh- 
ter of William and Lydia (Bullas) Burke, natives of Ohio and New York 
respectively. They resided chiefly in this county, where they reared four 
children, namely: Martha, Elizabeth, Charles and Ella. The mother died 
in April, 1863, the father in January, 1870. In the year 1874, Mr. Stoll 
purchased thirty-two acres in this township, adding thirteen acres in 1879, 
and eighty acres in 1881. He now values his farm at $75 per acre. In 
1882, he built a neat frame residence, in which he now enjoys the comforts 
and quietude of farm life. Mr. Stoll is a Democrat, and a well-respected 
member of his community. He has four children^Nellie, Edna, Howard 
and Catharine. 

DAVID STRAW, one of the wealthiest and most prominent business 
men of this county, was born in what is now Pitt Township March 28, 
1826. Samuel C. Straw, his father, was a native of Vermont, and came to 
Ohio about 1820. He was a school teacher for several years, and married 
Christina, daughter of John Staley, a native of Pennsylvania, who came 
first to Pickaway County, Ohio, thence to Pitt Township, this county in 
1815. He reared six children, and prospered in agricultural pursuits, own- 
ing at one time upward of 400 acres. In 1844 and 1845, he lost his entire 
possessions by subscribing as security for others, and in 1858 died near 
Upper Sandusky, his wife surviving till 1874. Being the eldest of the family, 
and arriving at manhood during the financial embarrassment of his father, 
David Straw was obliged to start in life unaided, not even possessed of a 
common school education, being scarcely able to write his own name when 
nineteen years of age. In the fall of 1844, he began to work at odd jobs, 
as opportunity presented itself; the following spring found him employed 

35 



806 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY, 

in Huron County, Ohio, where he remained several months, at $13 per month. 
In November, 1845, he returned to this county, and with a cash capital of 
about $50, the net earnings of his few previous months' labor, he opened a 
grocery store on a small scale at Carey. His business increased rapidly and 
steadily, until in 1851 it had attained such proportions that he was enter- 
ing upon an extensive wholesale trade. " There is a tide in the affairs of 
men which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune." Equipped with a ro- 
bust constitution, energy and pluck, Mr. Straw was prepared to improve 
every opportunity. Through the advice of a grocery salesman of New York, 
a party in that city engaged Mr. Straw, in 1847, to purchase and deliver to 
him a number of horses, which was done with entire satisfaction to his em- 
ployer. Five men were employed to assist Mr. Straw in taking the drove of 
forty-two head, the trip from here to New York being made in thirty-two 
days. This transaction having given him considerable prestige as a success- 
ful horse-buyer, Mr. Straw was recommended by a friend, I. W. Hollister, of 
the American Fur Company, to the famous railroad contractor, De Graff, 
as the man best qualified to furnish the latter with horses for railroad work. 
Mr. Straw was consulted, and delivered a few animals at Springfield, Ohio, 
after which Mr. Hollister vouching,for his integrity, he was furnished by De 
Graff with $5,000 to make other purchases from time to time as directed, 
his aggregate investment for that gentleman amounting to $36,000. Because 
of his business tact, Mr. Straw was introduced by Mr. De Graff to a 
member of an extensive wool-dealing firm, of Providence, R. I., their agent 
having decamped with a large amount of their funds. Mr. Straw was put 
in possession of their contracts, with instructions to operate for them in 
Ohio, and with this firm he was engaged till it disbanded in 1860, his pur- 
chases amounting to $500,000 per year. From 1860 to 1873, he was en- 
gaged with a firm in Philadelphia. Mr. Straw was also one of the most ex- 
tensive grain shippers in this State. Through his friend, I. W. Hollister, 
he secured the co-operation of a firm of grain dealers in Oswego, N. 
Y. , doing an immense business, his shipmemts amounting to four and 
five thousand bushels of grain daily, enabling him to load two boats at San- 
dusky City each week. Mr. Straw's mercantile trade was also extensive, his 
annual biisiness, for a period of eighteen years, amounting to $80,000 per 
year, besides his commission business. In 1870, he withdrew personally 
from the mercantile field, but retained an interest two years later. He may 
be said to be one of the pioneer merchants of Carey, now being the only 
representative of the town's original business men. He was one of the 
founders of the People's Bank at Carey in 1868, which institution began 
business with a cash capital of $40,000, and in 1872 purchased its entire 
interests. The bank is now under the sole supervision of Mr. Straw, with 
his son Harry, as cashier, and with a capital of $70,000. D. Straw & Son 
are also extensively engaged, aside from their banking interests, in han- 
dling grain, seeds and wool. He owns about forty-one hundred acres of land 
in this county, stocked with 4,000 head of sheep, short-horn -cattle and 
fine horses. In 1883, at a cost of about $21,000, he completed one of the 
finest residences in this section of Ohio. March 25, 1852, he married 
Lucy Ann, daughter of Samuel and Laura (Day) Turner, and seven children 
were born to them, namely, Emma, Harry, Anna, Willie, Minnie, Grace 
and Robert. Willie and Minnie are deceased. Mrs. Straw departed this 
life in 1870, and two years later Mr. Straw married Margie V. Kirtland, of 
Huron County, Ohio. By this union three children have been born — Nellie, 
George and Lawrence. There is perhaps no better example of what may be 



CRAWFORD TOWNSHIP. 807 

accomplished by duty fully done, or what business obstacles may be sur- 
mounted through tact and energy, than that afibrded by the history and 
life of Mr. Straw. Although a keen observer and a shrewd financier, he is 
likewise possessed of a broad and generous nature. Through business re- 
verses his old friend, I. W. Hollister, became reduced in circumstances, 
and the closing hours of his life found him penniless. With much gratitude 
for assistance rendered in less prosperous days Mr. Straw and another 
party kindly defrayed all expenses for his care in sickness, and at his death 
accorded him a respectable burial. As a representative citizen of the 
county, we present a steel-plate porti'ait of Mr. Straw in this work. 

D. H. STRAW, Cashier People's Bank, son of David Straw, was born 
January 29, 1855. He received a good education in the public schools of 
Carey, and was married, in June, 1877, to Mary A., daughter of Joseph De 
Witt. They have one child — Clara. Mr. Straw is one of the most ener- 
getic and enterprising young men of this county. March 4, 1874, he 
became a partner in the People's Bank, and now owns a half- interest in the 
same. He also owns a farm of 400 acres, which he himself oversees. He 
is also co-operating with his father in the grain, seed and wool business, 
this being, perhaps, the strongest firm in the county. Mr. Straw is a prom- 
inent member of the Masonic Order, having passed the Scottish Rite degree 
and held many prominent positions in each. 

WILLIAM A. WALBORN was born in Millersburg, Berks Co., Penn., 
December 28, 1842. He is a son of Daniel D. and Lydia (Zerbe) Walborn, 
natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. His parents were married 
in Berks County, resided there till 1846; moved to Dauphin County and 
staid till 1851; moved from there to Crawford County, Ohio, and remained 
one year, and then located in this township. Here their children were 
reared, their names being as follows: Jonathan Z. , Henry, Salesa, William 
A., Daniel, Emiline E. and Franklin L. The mother died May 18, 1872. 
The father married again and now resides near Coffeyville, Kan. Our sub- 
ject remained upon the home farm until twenty-eight years of age. He was 
married, March 2, 1880, to Mary E. Smith, who was born in Salem Town- 
ship December 11, 1859, daughter of Marks Smith. Her parents married 
in this county, and reared a family of four children, Mrs S. being the only 
one surviving. Her mother died in 1861; her father now resides with his 
second wife in Upper Sandusky, and has three children. Mr. Walborn be- 
gan operating a saw mill in 1869 at Lovell, this county, where he erected a 
saw and grist mill, which he still owns. From 1880 to 1882, he was farm- 
ing in Tymochtee Township and then moved to the old homestead farm, a 
part of which he now owns, and where he still lives. He has two children — 
Valladora and Fannie Irene. He is a Democrat in politics, and, with Mrs, 
"Walborn, a member of the Lutheran Church. 

SAXTON C. WILLIAMS was born February 23, 1831, in New Scot- 
land, Albany Co. , N. Y. , and is a son of Richard and Mercy (Chesebrough) 
Williams, who were respectively natives of Connecticut and New York 
State, and of Welsh and French ancestry. They were married in Albany 
County, N. Y., and in 1844 removed to Schoharie County, N. Y., thence to 
Chemung County, in the same State, in 1848, where they resided till the 
year 1862, when they came to Ohio, settling in Wyandot County. Their 
union was blessed with three sons and five daughters — Sarah L., Saston C, 
Samuel Y., Mary E., Huldah, William, Harriet and Lucy. Sarah L., the 
eldest, is deceased. The father died in November, 1873; the mother resides 
in Crawford Township. Saxton C. Williams removed to this county in 



808 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

1857 and settled in Crawford Township. He was married, May 9, 1860, to 
Miss Emily J. Wisner, born in Orange County, N. Y., June 18, 1838, and 
a daughter of Asa and Susan (Kinner) Wisner, natives of Orange County 
and of English descent. Their marriage took place in Chemung County, 
N. Y. , in November, 1824, and in 1853 they removed to Ohio, locating in 
this township. Of thirteen children born to their union two sons and three 
daughters survive — Frances, Emily J., Charles K., Abigail and James F. 
Two of their sons sacrificed their lives upon their country's altar. The 
father of these children died February 11, 1812; the mother now resides in 
Carey, with Saxtou C, the subject of this sketch. He served in the late 
war as a member of Company D, One Hundred and Forty- fourth Regiment 
Ohio National Guards, and was honorably discharged September 2, 1864. 
He has served the village of Carey as Mayor three terms, and is a citizen 
of honorable character. He is a l^epublican politically, and is a member 
of the F. & A. M., I. O. O. F., and Knights of Honor, Good Templars and 
G. A. R. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
Their only son, Corwin A., was born May 27, 1866. 

ANDREW J. WONDER was born May 20, 1830. He is a son of Dan- 
iel and Catharine (Harpster) Wonder, and native of Wayne County, Ohio. 
His parents were natives of York and Union Counties, Penn. , respectively, 
the father born in 1791, the mother in 1792. They were married inMifflin 
County, Penn., and moved to Ohio in 1823, locating in Wayne County. 
In 1830, they moved to Seneca County. They had seven sons and two 
daughters. The mother died July 25, 1863, aged seventy-two years; the 
father, now in his ninety-fourth year, resides with his son, Andrew J. The 
latter was married, March 9, 1851, to Catharine Lautz, who was born in 
this township June 18, 1830. She was a resident of Seneca County, Ohio, 
and daughter of Peter and Mary (Long) Lautz, natives of Maryland and 
Virginia respectively. Her parents came to this county in 1829, and later 
moved to Seneca County. Her mother died May 30, 1847; her father in 
his eightieth year, May 11, 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Wonder have four chil- 
dren—Peter E., Alvin M., Lorenzo M. and Iva M. In 1857, Mr. Wonder 
purchased 150 acres, on which he now resides, and where he has since en- 
gaged in agricultural pui'suits. In 1864, Mr. Wonder enlisted in Company 
D, One Hundred and Forty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served 
faithfully four months in the defense of his country. He is a Prohibition- 
Republican, and served his township one term as Trustee. He and Mrs. 
Wonder are members of the Evangelical Association. 

DAVID H. WONDER, son of John and Mary (Harpster) Wonder, was 
born in this township January 29, 1846. His parents were natives of Pennsyl- 
vania, of German descent, and married in Seneca County, where they re- 
sided several years, then moving to Wyandot County and purchasing land 
in this township. Their children were Daniel H., Susan, Frederick, Sarah, 
David H., Catharine, John W. and Benjamin F., all living but Susan. The 
parents have resided in Kansas since 1874. David Wonder was married, 
October 12, 1869, to Lavina Higgins, a resident of Seneca County, a native 
of Licking County, and daughter of John and Jane (Klinker) Higgins, 
now residents of this township. In 1867, Mr. Wonder purchased 160 acres 
in Kansas, selling the same and returning to Ohio in 1869. He rented land 
about three years, and then (1874) purchased eighty acres in this township, 
where he now resides. In 1877, he purchased eighty acres more, now own- 
ing 160 acres, valued at $100 per acre. lu 1881, he built a tine barn, cost- 
ing $1,000. Mr. Wonder enlisted in the late war in May, 1863, and 



CRAWFORD TOWNSHIP. 809 

served iu Company D, One Hundred and Forty fourth Ohio National 
Guards until discharged. He was called out in May, 1864, and served until 
October of the same year. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and of 
the Evangelical Church, and a Republican in politics. Mr. and Mrs. Won- 
der are parents of four children — Sophronia E., born September 5, 1871; 
Orpha, April 12, 1874; Orville, May 11, 1870; Homer, August 31, 1879. 
All these are living but Oi'ville, who died August 20, 1877. 

FRED H. WONDER is a native of Sandusky, Ohio, and was born No- 
vember 11, 1840. He is a son of John and Mary (Harpster) Wonder, who 
were natives of Pennsylvania; married in Bellevue; migrated to this county 
in 1842; purchased land in Crawford Township, continuing to add to his 
first purchase till he owned 800 acres. The children of the family 
are Daniel H, Fred H. , David H., John W., Benjamin F., Susan, Sarah 
and Catharine — all living but Susan. The parents and some of the chil- 
dren moved to Kansas in 1875, and located in Brown County. Fred H. , our 
subject, was married, April 10, 1862, to Miss Lorinda Ogg, who was born 
in Crawford Township January 13, 1842, daughter of Kinsey and Marga- 
ret (Johnson) Ogg, natives of Jackson County, Ohio, where they were mar- 
ried in 1822. Her parents came to this county in 1830, and settled in 
Tymochtee Township, moving later to this township and purchasing land 
in Section 17, a part of which is now included in the corporation of Carey. 
They had eleven children — Eliza J., William, Mary A., John, Martha, Sam- 
iiel, James, Jerome, Merinda, Clarissa and Lavonia. The only now living 
are Samuel, Jerome, Lorinda and Clarissa. The father died April 26, 
1865, the mother September 13, 1867. Mr. and Mrs. Wonder have had 
five children — Leroy, born March 20, 1863; Elnora, August 11, 1865; 
Miles R., February 3, 1870; Harvey, May 20, 1875; Clara M.,May 6, 1879. 
In 1864, Mr. Wonder purchased 189 acres of land in this township, where 
he still lives. In 1875, he added 120 acres, and in 1883 80 acres more, 
now owning 389 acres, valued at $75 to $80 per acre. He is one of the suc- 
cessful agriculturists of the township, a Republican in politics, and a mem- 
ber of the Evangelical Association. 

MATHIAS WONDER was born in Mifflin County, Penn., December 9, 
1816. He is a son of Daniel and Mary C. (Harpster) Wonder, natives of 
Pennsylvania. They were married in Mifflin County, and migrated to Ohio 
in 1823, settled first in Wayne County, then moved to Sandusky, and in 
1846 to this county. They reared a family of nine children. Mrs. 
Wonder died and Mr. Wonder was married, December 4, 1841, to 
Catharine Fowl, a native of Germany, resident of Lorain County, Ohio, 
and daughter of Godfrey and Sarah (Gardner) Fowl. She was born Octo- 
ber 9, 1820. Her parents were born in Germany, and married there; 
emigrated to America in 1827, and settled in Cleveland; moved to Lorain 
County later, purchased land there and reared a family of ten children, six 
now living. The parents are both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Wonder have 
ten children — Joseph, born November 10, 1842; George, December 29, 
1843; Sarah C, November 12, 1845; Harry, May 3, 1848; Mary E., April 
27, 1851; Margaret R., January 5, 1854; Jacob, February 15, 1856; Eva 
R. , October 27, 1858; Laura O., June 19, 1861; Louis, January 6, 1864. 
All these children are living and married but Louis. Mr. Wonder rented 
land about two years, and in 1845 purchased eighty acres in Seneca Coun- 
ty. In 1849, he sold this farm and purchased 169 acres in Section 13, 
Crawford Township, this county, adding eighty acres in 1855, and eighty 
in 1858. His farm of 336 acres is valued at $90 to $100 per acre. He is 



810 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

a Republican in politics, and, with Mrs. Wonder, a member of the Evangel- 
ical Association. 

FRANCIS J. WORALLO was bom in Lake County, Ohio, December 
26, 1823. He is a eon of Amasa aud Nancy (Hite) Worallo, both natives 
of this State, and parents of eight children. When twenty-one years of 
age, our subject began work as an overseer on railroad, in which occupa- 
tion he continued ten years. He moved to Carey in 1846, gave up railroad- 
ing and engaged in livery and horse trading, taking contract for supplying 
the Government dui'ing the war, furnishing in all about 4,000 head. He 
has made horse buying a specialty, and has shipped large numbers to New 
York, Philadelphia, Boston and the lumber regions. December 2, 1844, 
he married Phelina Chandler, daughter of Joseph Chandler, of Crawford 
County, and three children were born to them — Annie, Emma and Myron 

A. The former died at the age of fifteen years; Emma became the wife of 

B. R. Brown, and died leaving one child — Grace. Mrs. Worallo is a mem- 
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Charles Worallo, grandfather of 
our subject, emigrated from England, with his wife and one son in 1799, 
and located in New York, where his wife died, and he married Lucy Fer- 
guson and moved to Lake County, Ohio, about 1801. He was a farmer and 
school teacher. His children were Amasa, William, Lucy, Patti, Almeda, 
Marcena and Charles. Their father was the first school teacher of Wil- 
loughby Township, Lake County, and died at the advanced age of ninety 
years. His son, Francis J., came from England, removed to New Orleans, 
and died there. Amasa' s children were Amy, Almira, J. F., Nancy, Mary 
A., Charles, Lucy A. and Marcena. 

JOHN F. ZIMMERMAN was born in Green Springs, Sandusky Co., 
Ohio, June 5, 1851. His parents, William and Elizabeth (Brownell) Zim- 
merman, were respectively natives of Pennsylvania and New York State, 
and of German and English descent. They were married in Sandusky 
County, where they reared live children, four sons and one daughter —Charles 
W., John F., Electa A., James A. and Elijah H. , all living. At the age of 
twenty, our subject began learning the art of photography at Green Springs, 
Ohio, and continued under instructions at that place two years. He then 
removed to Carey, and two years later to Crestline, but returned to Carey in 
1877. The following year he built a small gallery, occupying the same un- 
til 1881, when he sold and erected a larger and more suitable building. In 
1880, he provided himself with a two-story frame residence, which he has 
since occupied. February 3, 1874, Mr. Zimmerman was married to Miss 
Nancy A., daughter of Henderson and Mary (Lowry) Lytle, early settlers 
of this cou.nty and the parents of twelve children. Mrs. Zimmerman, a 
native of Carey, Ohio, was born August 26, 1855. The union of Mr. and 
Mrs. Zimmerman has been crowned with three children — Marey E., Will- 
iam H. and Carel A. Mrs. Zimmerman departed this life May 28, 1881, 
being at the time of her death a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. 
Zimmerman celebrated his second marriage in November, 1882, with Miss 
Martha E. Lytle, a sister to his former wife. She was born November 22, 
1858. Mr. Zimmerman is Democratic in political sentiment, a member of 
Myrtle Lodge, No. 416, of Good Templars, and of the Lutheran Church. 
Mrs. Zimmerman is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 



EDEN TOWNSHIP. 811 



CHAPTER IV 

EDEN TOWNSHIP. 

The Township as Originally Settled — Early Settlers — Real and Per- 
sonal Property Owners in the Township in 1845— Educational and 
Religious— Township Officials Since 1845— Biographical Sketches. 

THIS township when originally erected was a part of Leith, a township 
of Crawford County, and was created by the Commissioners of that 
county in March, 1838. It lies east of Crane Township, and between 
Sycamore on the north and Antrim in the south; the east being bounded 
by Crawford County. On the 2d day of June, 1845, the first Commissioners 
of this county, Stephen Fowler, William Griffith and Ethan Terry, ordered 
" That Sections 1, 12, 13, 24, 25 and 36 of the original surveyed township, 
of Range 14 east, No. 2 south, be attached to Township No. 2 south of 
Range 15 east, and the same be designated as Eden Township." These 
boundaries continue to the present time. The township derived its name 
from the heavy growth of excellent timber, poplar, walnut and other vari- 
eties, and the fertility of its soil, which qualified it for the operations of 
husbandmen, and not, perhaps from the " tig leaf attire " of its original in- 
habitants, the red men. It contains thirty sections, about three-fourths of 
which are drained by Peter Run, Negro Run, and its tributary, Kisor Run, 
and a few others, all of which empty into the Sandusky River. The south- 
east quarter is drained by Indian Spring Run and its tributaries, which in 
Antrim Township take the name of Broken Sword Creek. 

early settlers. 

The first white man who established himself in this township was, per- 
haps, Isaac Miller, a native of Rockingham County, Va. , who, with his fam- 
ily of five to seven children, located on Section 29, near the present town 
of Nevada, in 1836. He was familiarly known as Congress Miller, and for 
seven years leased laud of Jacob Young, a Wyandot Indian. In 1837, Mr. 
Miller was joined by George W. Leith, better known as Judge Leith, who 
settled on a quarter-section of Section No. 10, and John Horick on 
Quarter-section 27. Judge Leith was a man of considerable prominence 
in the early history of the county, having served as Justice of the Peace in 
Crawford County, and as Associate Judge of Wyandot County for a period 
of eight years. In 1839, John Welsh, Morgan Carter, Zaccheus Lea, Mr. 
Hill, Charles Caldwell, Samuel Snyder and a Mr. Cook were added to the 
list on Sections 34, 10, 10, 3, 34, 28 and 27 respectively. In 1840, 1841 
and 1842 these were re-enforced by others who followed in rapid succession 
till quite a settlement was formed. 

The taxable inhabitants of Eden Township in 1845, were as follows: 

owners of real estate 
Adams, Demas, Sections 5, 15, 22 and 27, 375 acres; Akins, H. G. C, 
Section 34, 80 acres; Bartoon, John L., Section 15, 62 acres; Cook, Joshua, 



812 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Section 27, 54 acres; Culver, Ebenezer, Section 10, 63 acres; Qarrett, George, 
Section 3, 66 acres; Howland, Augustus, Section 15, 80 acres; Horick, 
John, Section 27, 120 acres; Kiser, David, Section 10, 142 acres; Lemon, 
Joel, Section 3, 42 acres; Lauck, George, Sections 5, 15 and 22, 279 acres; 
Lea, Zaccbeus, Section 10, 80 acres; Leith, George W., Section 10, 80 
acres; McElvain, John, Sections 5, 3, 10 and 12, 281 acres; Mitten, Miles, 
Section 3, 80 acres ; Neeley, William, Section 27, 80 acres; Slocum, Ezra, 
Section 34, 132 acres; Stokely, Robert, Sections 3 and 22,223 acres; Smith, 
William Section 15, 80 acres; Smith, Daniel, Sections 5, 27 and 34, 303 acres. 

OWNERS OF PERSONAL ESTATE. 

Charles Caldwell, Joshua Cook, Levi Bunn, William Hartman, John 
Horick, David Kiser, George W. Leith, Zaccheus P. Lea, Isaac Miller, 
Lair Sliller, Miles Mitten, James B. Robinson, Samuel Snyder, John 
W^elch. Jr., James Welch, John Welch, Sr., Jacob Weeks, W^illiam Welch. 

The first road regularly laid out in the township extended through Sec- 
tions 34 and 27, and was opened in 1839, though prior to this the Indian 
trails and " blazed tracks " were, no doubt, quite numerous and consider- 
ably used. The Oceola road from Indian Run to Rock Run was opened by 
the Wyandot Indians, under the supervision of Isaac Miller, who at this 
date resides in Antrim Township. Some of these earlier roads or " trails " 
led to the Indian resorts, one of which was the locality of the springs, which 
were supposed to be medicinal in their qualities, located in Section 22, and 
two others on the farms now owned by Henry and Samuel Aten on the 
Oceola State Road. On the farm now owned by Tilman Balliet, an Indian 
burying ground is located, and here from the healing fountains, they re- 
paired to chant the death songs over their stricken dead. Orchards were 
planted, and among these, as well as in other places, they have left their 
records in the implements of war and the chase, stone hatchets, spear heads 
and arrow heads, and besides these the crude domestic utensils, such as 
the mortar and pestle by which they ground the corn that served to make 
their bread or thicken their skunk and 'possum broth. For the greater 
part of their supplies the earlier settlers of this township, as well as of other 
townships went to Sandusky City and Fremont, and up to date Eden Town- 
ship cannot claim the honors of a grist mill. In 1849, the first saw mill 
was erected by Crawford & Lance, and seven mills are now in operation in 
the township — one owned by Samuel Bever at Nevada; one by Turney & 
Yohe, Edenville; one by Joseph Paulin, Little York; a fourth by John 
Kreechbaum on Section 6; a fifth by James Spangler, Eden Center; another 
by Marti en Brothers, Section 25, and the seventh by Conger & Co., at the 
Fish Fond, Section 15. The mercantile interests of Eden were somewhat 
thwarted by the establishment of a store in the village of Wyandot in an 
early day, and later by the sudden appearance and growth of Nevada 
(which, however, is partially situated in this township), after the construc- 
tion of the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad. There are at pres- 
ent, however, two stores in the township outside of the villages, one 
situated on Section 20, conducted by Conrad Haas; the other on Section 
17, conducted by Daniel T. Warner. The first store was kept by William 
Jobs on Section 9. The first dwelling log cabin, 14x18, by Congress Miller. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

The first schoolhouse erected in Eden Township was constructed of logs 
and very small in dimension. Nancy Steele was the first to wield the peda- 



EDEN TOWNSHIP. 813 

gogic wand, she being succeeded by Mary Chambers, Isaac Stinebaugh, 
William Jobs and others. The first school building was built on Section 
10, the land being owned by Zaccheus P. Lea, and as the forests were cleared 
away and the inhabitants increased in number, others followed, till there 
are now eight districts established and provided with good school build- 
ings. They are located on the following sections respectively: Sections 4, 
7, 8, 22, 24, 27, 32 and 39. The schools of Eden Township are conducted 
as well, perhaps, as those in other townships in the county, yet there is still 
much room for improvement in this direction, and, as regards attendance, 
the field for improvement is equally ample. Since the organization of the 
first crude classes, under the instruction of Nancy Steele, at $6 pei' month, 
wages have increased, till the prices range from $35 to $45 per month. 
The school rooms are provided with books, charts, and most of the modern 
conveniences, and with these siiould come the best of educational results. 

RELIGIOUS. 

While the temporal and material interests of the people of Eden Town- 
ship were being carefully guarded and developed, the spiritual and eternal 
were not forgotten. The first church building was erected on Section 3 by 
the combined forces of the Methodist, United Brethren and Congregational 
denominations in 1851. 

Union Church. — At a meeting of the citizens of the township, held at the 
Case Schoolhouse, in District No. 2, January 14, 1859, it was decided that a 
union church should be erected, and the site and size (30x40 feet) of the build- 
ing were also agreed upon. John Paulin, Jacob Beery and Jacob Boroif were 
appointed a committee to solicit subscriptions, the latter gentleman agree- 
ing to donate one acre of land on the southeast corner of the southeast 
quarter of Section 12 on which to locate the building. At this first meet- 
ing, M. B. Case was made President and A. Mackey. Secretary. A second 
meeting was held February 25, 1859, at the Center School, in District No. 
3, for the purpose of effecting an organization, in order to take the benefit 
of an act passed by the Ohio Legislature April 9, 1852, providing for the 
incorporation of religious societies. At this meeting, of which M. B. Case 
officiated as President and John Mackey, Jr., as Secretary, an organization 
was effected, the society being entitled the Union Church Association. Five 
Trustees were elected to take charge of a house to be built by said associa- 
tion, M. B. Case, Warner Osborn and Christian Kinsley for one year, and 
John Paulin and J. G. Hilderbrant for two years. Benjamin Morris, 
Warner Osborn and Benjamin Ulrich were appointed as building commit- 
tee. Forty-seven persons became members of the organization, and on the 
2d day of March, 1859, a report of said organization was filed and recorded 
in the religious records, page 10, by Henry J. Flack, Recorder of Wyandot 
County. The building was erected in the fall of 1859, by Warner Osborn, 
and dedicated January 1, 1860, by Rev. Day, who was then stationed at 
Upper Sandusky, in the ministry of the United Brethren Church. The 
house has been occupied since its founding by the following denominations: 
United Brethren, Protestant Methodist, Church of God, Evangelical, Chris- 
tian Advent and German Baptist. The United Brethren and Methodist 
denominations are now the only sects using the church, the former society 
consisting of twenty- nine members, the latter thirty. The list of pastors 
who have been engaged in this field of labor is as follows: United Breth- 
ren — Revs. Faus, Long, Aultraan, Jacoby, Hepler, Berry, Holden, Mathers, 
Hart, Bender, Moore, Downey, Paul, Lea, Easterbrook and Leonard. Of 



814 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

the Protestant Methodist — Revs. Selby, Brown, Williams, Carnes, Yates, 
Clancy, Grimes, Gray and Sampson. Of the Evangelical — Revs. Rine- 
hold, Baughman, Fans, Swartz, Wonders, Blazer and Pfeiffer. Of the 
Church of God — Ackerman, Coats, Shriner, McCormick, George, Bolton and 
Ensminger. Of the Christian Advent Church — Revs. King, Stetson, H. M. 
and E. M. McCulloch. Of the German Baptist— Rev. Billhardt. The 
present officers of the Union Charch Association are Henry Brown, F. Kin- 
ley, W. H. Case, M. B. Case and J. W. Millington, Trustees; B. Morris, 
Treasurer; and A. Mackey, Secretary. There is a Sabbath school kept in 
operation the year round, which is bringing out good results, and is said to 
be one of the most successful of the county. 

German Baptist Church. — Although the Union Church building was the 
first erected in the township, it must not be supposed there were no religious 
services being conducted within its limits prior to 1859. As early as 1848, the 
German Baptists, of whom there were about fifteen members at the time, held 
a meeting at the house of Peter Ulrich, and many subsequent meetings were 
held prior to the thorough organization of the society by Revs. Isaac Hart- 
sough and Aldarf er — the latter having conducted the first meeting referred to 
above in 1850. In 1879, this society erected a comfortable brick building 
31x41 feet in dimensions, on a half-acre lot in the northeast quarter of Sec- 
tion 20, the structure costing $1,100. Rev. Isaac Hartsough was installed 
as first pastor, which charge he retained four years; J. Billhardt was five 
years in the work; Michael Stats, eight years; Jesse Sellers, two years; 
Elias Wickerd, two years; Isaac Thomas, three years; Isaac Aukney, seven 
years; Samuel Ulrich, two years; Jacob Heistand, one year. The society 
now enrolls sixty members. The present officers are Michael Ulrich, John 
Kaughraan, M. Masters, Joseph Camrine and Isaiah Heistand. 

OFFICIAL. 

The following is a complete list of the officers who have served in the 
township since the organization of the county: 

Trustees. — 1815, John Welch, Miles Mitten, Samuel Snider. 

1846 —John Welch, George W. Leith, John Caldwell. 

1847 — James Anderson, Oliver Beard, Peter C. Ulrich. 

1848 — James Anderson, Oliver Beard, Peter C Ulrich. 

1849 — James S. Cummins, Peter C. Ulrich, Thomas Heugher. 

1850 — James S. Cummins, Jacob Ulrich, James Anderson. 

1851 — Miles Mitten; James Anderson, Benjamin Marshall. 

1852 — James L. Armstrong, George Eyestone. 

1853— Miron B. Case, James L. Armstrong. 

1854 — George Eyestone, Miron B. Case. 

1855 — James Anderson, David S. Wolf. 

1856 — John Welch, Peter C. Ulrich, Reuben Lowmaster. 

1857— William Goodbread, Peter C. Ulrich. 

1858— Jacob Weckler, L. W. Smith. 

1859 — Michael Lambright, Jacob Weckler. 

I860— L. W. Smith, Michael Lambright. 

1861 — J. L. Armstrong, Reuben Lowmaster. 

1862 — Henry Spiker, J. L. Armstrong. 

1863 — Jacob Gilliland. Thomas Lanker. 

1864— Jacob (irilliland, Thomas Lanker. 

1865 — Michael Lambright, Jacob Weckler. 

1866 — Michael Lambright, Jacob Weckler. 



EDEN TOWNSHIP. 815 

1867 — Reuben Lowmaster, Tilman Balliet. 

1868 — James Welch, Samuel Althouse. 

1869 — Peter Traxler, Harrison Baum. 

1870 — Jesse Edgington, Joseph Kavible. 

1871 — Jacob Miller, Jesse Edgington. 

1872— J. L. Armstrong, Peter Traxler. 

1873— Elijah Imler, Peter Traxler. 

1874— S. M. Sigler, S. R. Bell. 

1875— Jacob Weckler, S. R. Bell. 

1876 — Conrad Haas, Michael Lambright. 

1877 — Reuben Lowmaster, Conrad Haas. 

1878 — Samuel Bever, Reuben Lowmaster. 

1879 — Michael Lambright, Jesse Edgington, Isaac Kourfman. 

1880 — Jesse Edgington, Isaac Kourfman. 

1881— Tilman Balliet, Conrad Haas, Isaac Rochenour. 

1882 — Thomas Lanker, Isaac Rochenour, Tilman Balliet. 

1883 — J. W. Sigler, J. F. Richardson, Thomas Lanker. 

Clerks— 1845-47, James B. Robinson; 1818, Jesse Edgington; 1849, 
John Welch; 1850-51, Jesse Edgington; 1852, David Swank; 1853; Har- 
ris Beemis; 1854, Jesse Edgington; 1855, David Swank; 1856, Jesse Edg- 
ington; 1857-58, John Masklej^; 1859, Isaac Kaufman; 1860-62, E. F. 
Elliott; 1863-70, John Maskley; 1871, C. H. Canan; 1872-74,1 O. Osborn; 
1875-77, C. H. Canan; 1878-79, T. B. Armstrong; 1880-81, T. D. Lan- 
ker; 1882-83, J. N. Paulin. 

Treasurers — 1845, John Harick; 1846-47, Jesse Edgington; 1848-54, 
George W. Leith; 1855, Jacob Buroflf; 1856, Daniel Whitmore; 1857-58, 
J. L. Armstrong; 1859-60, George W. Leith; 1861-69, David Balliet; 
1870-75, Tilman Balliet; 1876-77, B. J. Ulrich; 1878-79, R. W. Pool; 
1880-82, C. S. Swank; 1883, Samuel Althouse. 

The following list of Justices of the Peace were recorded on the town- 
ship books: 1847, William R. DeJean; 1850, 1853, 1856, James S. Cum- 
mins; 1859, William R. DeJean; 1862, Godfrey Blaser; 1867 and 1870, 
Jacob Gilliland; 1873, James S. Cummins; 1876. John A. Amlin and Will- 
iam B. Miller; 1878, John Bender; 1879, Israel Hart; 1880, B. J. Ulrich; 
1881, T. D. Lanker. 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

SAMUEL ALTHOUSE is a native of Holmes County, Ohio, born May 
12, 1838; son of Christian and Magdalene (Garber) Althouse, natives of 
Canton Berne, Switzerland, the former born in January, 1789; the latter 
in February, 1800. They emigrated to America about 1835, and located in 
Holmes County, Ohio, where they resided twelve years, removing to this 
county in 1847, purchasing 160 acres of land in this township, where they 
reared a family of nine children — Magdalene, Christian, John, Barbara, 
Elizabeth, Peter, Samuel, Mary Ann and Sophia. John, Barbara and an 
infant are deceased. The father died February 23, 1875; the mother is yet 
living. Mr. Althouse resided on the home farm till his marriage to Miss 
Sophia Kuenzli, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Ramseier) Kuenzli, 
natives of Switzerland. Mrs. Althouse was born in Holmes County, Ohio. 
Her parents emigrated to the United States, and reared a family of 
twelve children — Samuel, Christian, Anna E., Gotlieb, Frederick, Rosanna, 
Fannie, Henry, Sophia, Caroline, Henrietta and John. The deceased are 
Gotlieb, Fannie and Henrietta. The father died in 1864; the mother in 



816 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

1876. In Februaiy, 1867, Mr. Althouse purchased the "home farm," con- 
sisting of 160 acres, of his father, and on this he has since resided. He is 
the father of ten children — Edward G., Henry O., Franklin U. , Frederick 
E., Albert W., Ida M., Addella A., Lewis A., Nora A. and Bertha V. Henry 
O. is deceased. Mr. Althouse now has 180 acres of land, valued at $80 per 
acre; and gives some attention to improved stock. He has served in several 
township offices, now Treasurer; he favors the Democratic party, and hi& 
wife holds a membership with the Evangelical Cnurch. 

GEORGE AKMSTRONG, son of John and Mary (McCay) Armstrong, 
was born in Clarion County, Penn., June 3, 1835. His parents were natives 
of Pennsylvania, of Irish and Dutch descent, and came to this county in 
1844. They had eleven children — James J.; Isabel and Susan, both died in 
infancy; Thomas L., William W., George M., John M. , Jeremiah G., Sam- 
uel W., Nancy and Rebecca R., the latter and Samuel W. deceased. The 
father died February 18, 1870, the mother September 9, 1883. George 
Armstrong resided with his parents till October 2, 1866, at which date he 
was married to Lucy Morris, daughter of John and Sarah (Lea) Foster, na- 
tives of Pennsylvania and of English and Dutch parentage. Mrs. Arm- 
strong's death occurred January 26, 1876, and our subject was married Feb- 
ruary 24, 1880, to Miss Sara Ann Lea, native of this township, daughter of 
Thomas and Polly (Miller) Lea, natives of Pennsylvania, who moved to 
Crawfoi'd County, Ohio, in 1835 and 1837; their births occurred in Decem- 
ber 16, 1811, and September 18, 1822, respectively. They had ten children 
— Sarah A., Catharine A., Eliza J., Henry A., Isaac P., James D., Martha 
A., Adella P., Carolina E. and Lucretia L.; the latter died in infancy, 
Martha A. and Eliza J. died at the age of twenty-thi'ee years. Mr. Arm- 
strong has been a farmer all his life; he has bought and sold several tracts 
of land, now owns 120 acres, valued at $75 to $90 per acre. He is a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which also each of their 
parents were adherents, his wife at present not being a member of any de- 
nomination. Mrs. Armstrong was educated in the common schools and be- 
gan teaching in 1860, engaging in this profession principally till her mar- 
riage in 1880, in all seventeen terms. 

SAMUEL ARMSTRONG, son of James and Nancy (Leman) Armstrong, 
was boi'n in Armstrong County, Penn., April 29, 1819. His parents were 
natives of Ireland and Pennsylvania respectively, the father emigrating 
about 1775, and settled in Armstrong County, where he followed farming 
forty or fifty years. He married Nancy Leman, of Westmoreland County, 
and they were the parents of fourteen children — John, James, David, Andrew, 
Thomas, Lenon, Elizabeth, Daniel, Mary, Margaret, Samuel, Joseph, Robert 
and William. Daniel, Joseph, Margaret and Samuel are the only ones now 
living. The parents died in Armstrong County, Penn. Samuel, the subject 
of this notice, came to this county in 1847, and purchased eighty acres of 
land in Eden Township, where he has since resided. He was married Jan- 
uary 27, 1851, to Mary Jane Mosters, daughter of Joel and Martha (Dun- 
lap) Mosters, and a native of New Jersey They had eight children — 
Lucy, Warner E., Frank, Avilla, Martha, Thomas, Nellie B. and Dalba. 
The deceased are Lucy, Frank, Thomas and Dalba. Mrs. Armstrong's 
death occurred March, 187 J, and her husband was married in June, 
1872, to Julia Mosters, sister of first wife, and one child was born to 
them, Fonie, now nine years of age. His second wife died in May, 1874, 
and Mr. Ai-mstrong was married September 19, 1875, to Maria Van Gundy, 
daughter of Michael (Ford) Van Gundy, and a native of this county. Her 



EDEN TOWNSHIP. 817 

parents were natives of Ross County, Ohio, and had three children — Theo- 
dore, Maria and Enoch, the latter deceased. The father died in 1848, and 
the mother in 1856. In politics, Mr. A. is a Democrat. His land is valued 
at $80 to 190 per acre. His first wife was a member of the Methodist Epis 
copal Church; his second of the United Brethren Church, and himself and 
third wife hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

URIAH L. BACHTELL, son of Joseph and Anna M. (Moore) Bachtell, 
was born in Stark County, Ohio, August 3, 1837. His parents were natives 
of Frederick County, Md. ; married November 5, 1829, and removed to this 
county in 1845, purchasing 100 acres, on which they reared a family of 
eight children— Susan, Samuel, Henry, Uriah L., Mary L., Sarah E. , Adah 
and Emmet E. Henry is deceased, died August 2, 1836. The mother died 
February 9, 1872, aged sixty-one years; the father July 30, 1883, aged 
seventy-eight years. Our subject enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and 
Seventy-ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. September, 1864, and 
served nine months in the late war, being discharged at Nashville, Tenn., 
June 17, 1865. He returned home in the fall of the same year, and pur- 
chased eighty acres of land, on which he still resides. He was married No- 
vember 16, 1865, to Rachel Bowlby, a native of Wayne County, Ohio, 
daughter of Emanuel and Sarah (Stall) Bowlby, natives of Pennsylvania, 
who settled in this county in 1852. Their family consisted of twelve chil- 
dren — Samantha, Rachel, Doctor W., Hester A., Lydia, Wellington, Nel- 
son, Marshall, Alice M., William S. and James, all living but Marshall and 
an infant son. Mr. and Mrs. Uriah Bachtell are the parents of three chil- 
dren — Cyrus F., Thomas and Huldy. The tii'st is deceased, his death oc- 
curring September 7, 1874. Mr. Bachtell has always been a farmer, and 
now owns 100 acres, valued at $80 per acre. In politics, he is a Repub- 
lican. 

LEONARD BALLIET was born in Northampton County, Penn., De- 
cember 21, 1815, son of Stephen and Catharine (Zehner) Balliet, natives of 
Pennsylvania. They came to Richland County, Ohio, in 1837, where he 
engaged in milling, and reared a family of eleven children — Benjamin, Jo- 
seph, Stephen, Henry, Leonard, David, Jonas, Nancy, Tilliena, Catharine 
and Mary. Benjamin, Joseph, Jonas, Nancy and Tilliena are deceased. 
The mother died in 1866, aged seventy- seven; the father in 1878, aged 
ninety-four. Mr. and Mi's. Balliet reared six children, viz., Catharine Ann, 
born June 9, 1839; Josiah, December 18, 1840; Amanda M., February 26. 
1843; Stephen, July 5, 1844; Emanuel, April 12, 1846; Leonard Henry, 
April 5, 1854; Emanuel died October 9, 1867, aged twenty-one years five 
months and twenty-three days. Mr. Leonard Balliet engaged in black- 
smithing several years, and powder making in his native county, where he 
was married, April 3, 1836, to Judy Happes, of Schuylkill County, Penn., 
daughter of Michael and Magdalene (Kistler) Happes, natives of same 
county. They had eleven children — -John, Catharine, Salomi, Magdalene, 
Hester, Judy, David, Elizabeth, Joseph and Nathan (twins) and Michael. 
Four are deceased — Catharine, Salomi, Magdalene and Joseph. The 
mother died in 1821; the father in 1855. After his marriage, Mr. Balliet 
removed to Ashland County, Ohio, where he resided six years, after which 
time he removed to Richland County, where he resided a number of years, 
engaged in milling, moving to this county in 1865, and purchasing his 
present farm of 148 acres. He served two terms as Township Treasurer; is 
a member of the German Reformed Church, and votes for Democracy. Mrs. 
Balliet is a member of the German Lutheran Church. 



818 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

J. ADAM BEER was born in France June 6, 1840, son of Nicholas and 
Elnora (Wier) Beer, also natives of France, who came to America in 1845, 
and settled first in Crawford County, removing to this county in 1851, and 
purchasing land in Eden Township. They had six childi'en — Catharine, 
Nicholas, J. Adam, Caroline, Henry and Peter A. — all deceased but Cath- 
arine (now Mrs. J. B. Armstrong) and J. Adam. The latter enlisted in 
Company H, Fift3'-tifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, August 28, 
1862, and at once went into active service, participating in the battles of 
Lookout Mountain, Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, Burnt Hickory, Pino Knob 
and others. He was wounded in the hip by a shell fragment at Pine Knob, 
but recovered, and engaged in the battle of Atlanta, and was with Sherman 
on his march through Georgia; was wounded again at Bentonville, N. C, 
March 19, 1865, and sent to the hospital; witnessed Shei-man's grand review 
at Washington, where he was discharged June 18, 1865. He was married, 
October 19, 1871, to Sarah A. Edgington, daughter of Jesse and Charlotte 
(Koons) Edgington, natives of Pennsylvania. They have four daughters — 
Elnora F., Charlotte, Blanche, Hettie and Susie. Mr. Beer has 132 acres, 
which he values at |90 to $100 per acre. He is a member of Masonic Lodge 
343 at Nevada, and also of G. A. R. at the same place. Himself and wife 
are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is a Republican in 
politics. 

SAMUEL BEVER, proprietor of the Nevada Planing Mill and Lumber 
Yard, was born in Seneca County, Ohio, August 30, 1833. His parents 
were George and Sabina (Bretz) Bever, the former a native of Rockingham 
County, Va., born March 22, 1800; the latter born in Pennsylvania. There 
were eleven children in the family, the only living at present being Melissa 
A., Samuel, Joseph, Adaline, Sarah A., Gideon and Amanda. The father 
died in Seneca County in 1869, the mother in 1874. Samuel Bever, our 
subject, resided with his parents on the farm, attending the district schools. 
January 11, 1860, he was married to Christina Miller, born in Wayne Coun- 
ty, Ohio, October 1, 1835, daughter of Daniel and Lovina (Stratton) Miller. 
By this marriage three children were born — Ross A., October 12, I860; 
Earl R., May 15, 1863; and Sabina E., July 19, 1873. In 1867, Mr. Bever 
removed to Nevada, and established himself in the saw mill business, which 
he conducted four years. He next engaged in the walnut lumber trade one 
year, and erected his planing mill in 1872. He now does a flourishing 
business, manufacturing to order all kinds of doors, sash, store fronts, etc., 
usually employing six workmen. Mr. Bever served one year as Trustee of 
Eden Township, and four years in the Council. He is a charter member of 
the Knights of Honor, and is Post Dictator. His father, George Bever, 
settled in Seneca County in 1824. 

HENRY BROWN was born in Sycamore Township, January 4, 1830 — 
son of Abraham and Frances (Coon) Brown, natives of Pennsylvania and 
Virginia respectively. They came to this county in an early day and reared 
a family of eleven children — Mary A. ,Lufcicia, Henry, Elizabeth, Sarah, John 
U., Susan, Hester A., William, Jacob and Catharine. Mary A., Luticia and 
Susan are deceased. Their mother died August 26, 1870; their father died 
January 26, 1880. Henry Brown lived with his parents till his marriage, 
May 6, 1852, to Nancy A. Swinehart, daughter of S. P. and Jane (Milligan) 
Swinehart, parents of nine children — Nancy A. and William (twins), John, 
Elizabeth, Hannah C, Sarah and Laura, Martha A. and Rebecca. Martha, 
William, John and Sarah are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have five 
children— Frances Jane, Sarah E. , Elmer, Delbert and Ellis. Sarah E. 



EDEN TOWNSHIP. 819 

died July 30, 1861. After his marriage Mr. Brown farmed j&ve years, and 
since engaged in carpenter's work. Is now aboat to retire from active 
service. He owns 130 acres of land, valved at 175 per acre. He was a mem- 
ber of Company A, One Hundred and Forty-fourth Regiment Ohio National 
Guard, and served in the "one-hundred day" call; is a member of the 
Grange, and himself, wife and son are members of the United Brethren 
Church. In politics, he is a Republican. Mr. Brown has a fine brick resi- 
dence, and is one of the influential farmers of Eden Township. 

MARTHA CALDWELL, widow of John Caldwell, deceased, was born 
in Barnett, near London, England, December 17, 1809. Her parents were 
James and Sarah (Hawks) Martin, natives of England, who emigrated to 
America in 1820, and after several removals settled near Bucyrus, Ohio, in 
1822. Her father was a minister of the Church of Scotlaad, and engaged in 
his profession till his death, August 21, 1839. The family consisted of five 
children — Martha, Mary, Elizabeth, Caroline and Joseph. Elizabeth, Caro- 
line and probably Joseph are deceased; the location of the latter not being 
known. Their mother died June 3, 1847. Mrs. Caldwell resided with her 
parents till her marriage to John Caldwell, December 15, 1829, He was 
born April 23, 1799, in Huntington County, Pennsylvania, son of Charles 
and Isabel Caldwell, who died in Mercer Countv, Penn. He engaged 
in turnpike building and dry goods business in Wayne County for sev- 
eral years, and was subsequently appointed to fill a vacancy in the Audi- 
tor's oflSce, in Crawford County, being elected to the same oflSce three suc- 
cessive terms. He was appointed Land Receiver by President Jackson, 
serving six years, and was Sheriff of the county two years. In 1846, he 
located in this township, purchasing eighty acres of land, and in July of the 
same year he organized a company of 100 men to join the Mexican Army; 
the company was rejected and disbanded at Cincinnati, and Mr. Caldwell 
was appointed Commissary, in which office he served till the close of the 
war, in 1848. In 1849 he went to California and was employed as mail 
carrier over the mountains, where it is supposed he was killed. He was a 
member of the F. «fe A. M. , and in politics a Democrat. Mr. and Mrs. 
Caldwell were the parents of thii'teen children — Sarah, Isabel, James, 
Charles, Martin Van B. , Jane, Catharine, Andrew J. , John, Knox D. and 
Elizabeth (twins), David T. and Fremcmt; of these, five survive — Sarah, 
Jane, Fremont, Charles and James. Three sons gave their lives to the 
service of their country, Andrew J. dying in Andersonville prison. 

MYRON B. CASE is a native of this township, born February 22, 
1850. His parents were Myron B. and Lucinda (Goodrich) Case, natives of 
Ohio and Connecticut respectively. His father settled in Trumbull County. 
He was married November 5, 1835, in Loraine County, Ohio, and subse- 
quently removed to Trumbull County, where they resided twelve years, 
after which they came to this county, where they located permanently. 
Their children were Sarah, Augustus B., AVilliam H. H., James G., Joseph 
E., Francis O., Myron B., Anna M. and George G. Joseph was killed in 
the battle of second Bull Run, August 30, 1862, aged seventeen years; 
James G. died June 7, 1863, at home, aged twenty years; Augustus was 
killed in the battle at Resaca, May 15, 1864, aged twenty-seven years. 
The father died March 11, 1859; the mother is still living, residing with 
her son Myron. Our subject was married January 16, 1876, to May Bowers, 
daughter of J. S. and Mary (Mower) Bowers, whose parents were natives of 
Ohio and Pennsylvania respectively (see sketch). This marriage resulted 
in two children — Mabel, born April 16, 1879, and Beulah, born August 31, 



820 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

1882. Mr. Case inherited an interest in his father's estate, upon which he 
now resides; he finished his education in the Normal School at Republic, 
Ohio, and engaged in teaching for nine successive winters. He is now Sec- 
retary of the Wyandot Mutual Relief Association; is a member of the 
Patrons of Husbandry, and of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, 
Mr. Case is a Republican. 

BARNET COLE was born in Crawford County, Ohio, February 23, 
1836. His parents were Barnet and Charity (Swisher) Cole, the former a 
native of Washington County, Penn. The children by his first marriage 
were John C, David, Eliza J. and Margaret. David is deceased. The 
mother died in 1833, and the father was again married in 1834, to Charity 
Swisher, a native of Pennsylvania, and of German ancestry. Ten children 
resulted from this marriage — Samuel S., Barnet, Isaac, Mary, Rebecca, 
Lovina, Sarah Jane, George W., Lucinda C. and James C. George W. and 
Rebecca are deceased. The mother died October, 1864; the father May 1, 
1872. Barnet Cole, Jr., came to this county in 1861, and purchased forty 
acres of land, upon which he erected a saw mill, following this business ten 
years. He was married, December 31, 1863, to Rachel Brauns, daughter of 
Henry and Elizabeth (Witz) Brauns, natives of Pennsylvania, and who 
reared a family of twelve children, five living — Sarah, Margaret, George, 
Rachel and Henry. Their mother died in 1849; the father August 31, 1880. 
Mr. and Mrs. Cole have two children — George F. and Minnie M. Mr. Cole 
disposed of his mill in 1871, and purchased 120 acres of land, upon which 
he now resides; he owns in all 160 acres, valued at $80 per acre; he rears 
the best bloods of stock; is a Democrat; member of the I. O. O. F., and, 
with his wife, of the United Brethren Church. 

WII.I.IAM H. COLE was born in Richland County, Ohio, April 14, 
1835. His parents were James and Eleanor (Moore) Cole, natives of Penn- 
sylvania and Ohio respectively, who were married in Crawford County, 
Ohio, May 5, 1832. Their children wei-e as follows: Jemima, William H., 
Maria S., Mary A., Martha J., James J. and Daniel H. Jemima is deceased. 
The mother died April 12, 1881, and the father, March 19, 1882. William 
H. Cole, our subject, remained with his parents till May 1, 1859, at which 
date his marriage to Nancy J. Culver occurred; she was a native of Van 
Wert County, Ohio, and daughter of Cummings and Melkiah (Heath) Cul- 
ver, natives of Champaign and Madison Counties respectively. They were 
married in Van Wert County, where they resided ten years, subsequently 
removing to Mercer County, and thence to this county; their children are — 
Nancy J.. Franklin, John, Ozias, Mary E., William F., Asahel and Eben- 
ezer, all living. The mother died May 31, 1857. Mr. and Mrs. Cole were 
the parents of two children, eldest (son) deceased, an infant and Lottie 
Belle (still living) born April 9, 1866. They have reared one child — Ettie 
Osborn, whoju they took at the age of five months, from the Seneca County 
Infirmary; she was born April 7, 1861. October 28, 1861, Mr. Cole en- 
listed in the war, joining Company K, Fifty-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer 
Infantry, under command of John C. Lee. He was engaged in many of 
the leading battles; was in the Atlanta campaign with Sherman in his 
march to the sea, and met with several hairbreadth escapes. He partici- 
pated in the " grand review" at Washington, and was discharged with honor 
at Cleveland, July 20, 1865, having served nearly four years. His only wound 
was in the shoulder, the result of an exploded shell in the battle of Atlanta, 
Ga. He has since engaged in farming, and now resides on the old home- 
stead purchased by his father in 1852. It consists of 105 acres, well- 



EDEN TOWNSHIP, 821 

improved land, valued at 170 to $75 per acre. Mr. Cole is a member of the 
I. O. O. F. and G. A. R. , and in politics a Eepublican. 

FREDERICK H. CHATLAIN is a native of Canton Berne, Switzerland, 
born October 18, 1847, to Samuel and Elizabeth (Loyman) Chatlain of 
the same nativity. His father died in Switzerland, and his mother emi- 
grated to the United States in 1853 or 1854, and located in this county in 
1861. Their children were Frederick H., Edward, Caroline and Adaline. 
Mrs. Chatlain was married in 1850, to John Letrick, of Holmes County, 
Ohio, and two children were born to them — John and Lonisa. Mr. Chatlain 
enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-ninth Regiment Ohio 
Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. Kemp and served nine months in the late 
war. He returned home in 1865, and has since engaged in agricultural 
pursuits, being now located on the "home farm'' having purchased the in- 
terests of the other heirs; he now owns 147 acres in one body, valued at $75 
per acre, and house and lot in Edenville. He was married, January 23, 
1873, to Emma Alban, a native of Eden Township, and daughter of John 
and Jeannette (Corr) Alban, natives of Richland and Stark Counties, respect- 
ively. They had five children — Emma, Charles, Rachel, George M. and 
William. Emma and the two latter are deceased, Mrs. Alban died Au 
gust 18, 1874, and Mr. Alban was married, April 23, 1875, to Mrs. Ella 
Watts, widow of Landon Watts, who died September 12, 1874. She had 
two children — Hillis and Landon, by her first husband, and five by the 
second, viz.: Charles, Lewis, Clarence, Myrtle and Nettie. Their mother 
was a daughter of Ranson and Drusilla (Armstrong) Carr, natives of Arm- 
strong County, Penn., and who had one child — Ella. The mother died 
October 12, 1840; the father January 16, 1875, Mr. Chatlain is a Repub 
lican politically, and member of the G. A, R., at Nevada, 

HENRY C. CROSS, a native of Seneca County, Ohio, was born May 7, 
1842. He is a son of John L. and Eliza (Boraff ) Cross, natives of Virginia 
and now residents of Seneca County. Their children were Mary E., New- 
ton, Henry C, Hamilton J,, Franklin, Lewis, Eliza J. The deceased are 
Franklin, Eliza J. Henry C. Cross enlisted August 9, 1862, in Company 
H, One Hundred and First Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. 
Shriver and met his first engagement at Perryville, Ky., thence to Crabtree 
Orchard, Rolling Fork, Bowling Green, Nashville. Marfreesboro, Stevenson, 
Chickaraauga, participating in the principal battles, and being discharged 
at Nashville, June 1, 1865. He purchased land in Missouri and spent five 
years in that State, returning in 1873, and locating on land in this county, 
where he still resides. Mr. Cross was married, December 31, 1867, to 
Mary R. Geary, daughter of Byron and Nancy A (Mathers) Geary, natives 
of Richland County, where they reared a family of six children — Newton 
L., Miranda, Drusilla, Franklin, Mary R. and Algie. Miranda, Drusilla 
and Algie are deceased. The mother died, and the father married 
a second wife, Susan A. Davis, their family consisting of eight children — 
Edith, Elsworth, Elton, Emma, Dellie, Murdie, Eva and Gracie. Mr. and 
Mrs. Cross have four children — Charles S. , Maud A. , Myrtle A, and Floyd H. 
He and his wife are members of the United Brethren Church, and he is a 
Republican in politics. 

JAMES S. CUMMINS, deceased, was born in Pennsylvania in 1816. 
He is a son of William and Amanda (Simpson) Cummins, with whom he 
came to Ohio in 1825, and located in Richland County. In 1847, he came 
to this county and located in what is now Eden Township, on a farm of 
104 acres, purchased of the Government at $1.25 per acre, in 1846, This 

36 



822 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

land was covered by a heavy growth of timber, and upon it Mr. Cummins 
built a log cabin, which was without doors or windows for at least six 
months after its tirst occupancy, and in which he lived till aboat 1856. In 
the family there were five children, namely, Mai'y A., William, James A., 
Hulbert T. and George L. Mr. Cummins passed away while residing on 
the above farm July 13, 1876; his wife, Amanda, still surviving, and re- 
siding on the old homestead. He was an estimable citizen, and held in 
high esteem by the people of his community. 

WILLIAM CUMMINGS (originally Cummins), son of James S. and 
Amanda (Hamilton) Cummins, was born in Richland County, Ohio, 
June 27, 1843. He resided at home till eighteen years of age, enlisting 
April 21, 1861, in Company G, Fifteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infant- 
ry, and served until discharged, August 9, 1861. He then re-enlisted Sep- 
tember 13, 1861, in Company K, Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and 
participated in the battles of Shiloh, Stone River, Chickamauga, Mission 
Ridge, through the Atlanta campaign, battles of Franklin and Nashville. 
He was honorably discharged November 25, 1865, and returned home, where 
he engaged in farming about one year. In 1867, he purchased eighty 
acres of land in Eden Township, where he still resides, and which he has 
improved in various ways, having erected a fine barn in 1881. His land is 
now worth $90 per acre. He keeps good stock, and does a general farming 
business. Mr. Cummings was married, December 11, 1866, to Miss Mary 
Reynolds, who was born in Crawford County, August 17, 1847, daughter of 
Erastus and Martha (Martin) Reynolds, natives of York State, Cuyaga 
County. Her parents were married in Crawford County, Ohio, and reared 
three children, namely, Mary, Helen and Florence. Mr. and Mrs. Cum- 
mings have three children, namely, Zaidee, James and Flossie, all living. 
Mr. Cummings is a member of Nevada Lodge, No. 625, I. O. O. F. and 
Knights of Honor, 277. He is a Democrat in politics, but cast his first vote 
for Lincoln. He is a substantial farmer, and well respected as a citizen. 

JESSE EDGINGTON, a native of Jefferson County, Ohio, was born 
November 27, 1811. His pai-ents were Thomas and Mary (Alban) Edging- 
ton, who were natives of Maryland, and were married in Jefferson County, 
where they resided until about 1815, when they removed to Richland 
County, and reared a family of ten children, viz., Margaret, Jane, Elizabeth, 
Mary, Johon, Jesse, George, Thomas, William and Daniel — all deceased 
but Elizabeth, Daniel and Jesse. The parents died in Richland County. 
Jesse Edgington was married, November 27, 1834, to Charlotte Koontz, 
a native of Franklin County, Penn., and daughter of Abraham and 
Susanna (Shrader) Koontz, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Dutch 
parentage. They had thirteen children — three now living, John, Susan 
and Charlotte. The parents both died many years since, the father in Craw- 
ford County, Ohio, the mother in Franklin County, Penn. Mr. Edgington 
settled in this township in 1846, and has reared a family of six children — 
Margaret, Susanna, Mary, Joseph, Sarah A., Adaline and William A. 
Susanna and Mary are deceased; Margaret lives at home; Sarah A., wife 
of Adam Bair, resides in this townhip, and William and Joseph reside on 
the home farm. Mr. Edgington has served as Township Trustee, Clerk, 
Assessor and Treasurer, and was elected County Commissioner, but was 
" counted out. " He is a Democrat, a Freemason, and a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 

NATHAN EKLEBERRY was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, Nov- 
vember 8, 1820, son of Ezekiel and Mary (Tobridge) Ekleberry, natives of 



EDEN TOWNSHIP. • 823 

Pennsylvania and Virginia respectively. His parents settled in this county 
in 1833. Their children were Jacob, John, Ezekiel, Nathan, Jane, David, 
Isaac, Lydia, Levi and Margaret (twins). John and Ezekiel are deceased. 
Their mother died in 1862; the father in April, 1868. Nathan Ekleberry 
resided with his parents until twenty-two ye^rs of age, when he purchased 
land in La Grange County, Ind., having earned his money by days' work. 
He sixbsequently purchased a tract in this county, and at present owns 
ninety acres in Eden Township. He is an efficient agriculturist, and gives 
considerable attentiou to blooded horses and sheep. Mr. Ekleberry was 
married, January 16, 1842, to Eliza Wolverton, daughter of Lewis and 
Margaret (Anderson) Wolverton. Their children were Mary E., Levi, 
Lewis, Abigail, Nathan, Lawrence and Hester. Levi and Lewis are de- 
ceased. Mr. Ekleberry was again married, June 11, 1868, to Miss Isabel 
Baker, widow of Joseph Baker, who died August 13, 1867, leaving four 
children — Mary T., Arthur E., Addie E. and Harry W. By his second 
wife, Mr. Ekleberry has three children — Laura J., Jessie S. and Daisy L. ; 
the eldest, Laura J. being deceased since December 6, 1873. 

EPHRAIM GAVER was born in Frederick County, Md., February 5, 
1820. His parents were Peter and Barbara (Miller) Gaver, natives of the 
same county, married May 16, 1815. In 1832, they moved West, and lo- 
cated near Tiffin, where Mr. Gaver engaged in carpenter's work and reared 
his family of eight children — Mary, Harriet, Ephraim, Rebecca, John, 
Rachel O. , Ezra and David. Mary and Harriet are deceased. The mother 
was born February 14, 1795, and died April 21, 1845, her remains ai'e interred 
at Sycamore; the father was born January 1, 1792, and died October 30, 
1868. Ephraim Gaver, our subject, engaged as a farm hand in 1833, and 
continued in this occupation with one employer sixteen years, and for two 
years thereafter had his home with the same family. He obtaiDed some 
education in different schools, and by industry and economy was enabled to 
purchase eighty acres of timber land in this county in 1845. September 
21, 1856, he was married to Felinda M. Smith, daughter of Dennis and Abi- 
gail (June) Smith, a native of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, born January 20, 
1839, her parents natives of York State. They came to Ohio in 1836, re- 
moved to Hillsdale County, Mich., in 1845, and afterward to Eaton 
County Mich., where the father died January 21, 1880. They 
had eight children — James L., Thursa L., William H., Martin Van B., 
Felinda M., Catharine R. , Mary A., Eliza D. , Alonzo D. and Lucinda. 
Thursa, Mary A. and Lucinda are deceased. In 1876, Mr. Gaver erected 
a good residence on his farm and removed the log cabin. He is the father 
of ten children, viz., Charles S., Arvilla L., Cassius M. and Adelaide (twins), 
Ezra E., Mary F., Laura A., Barbara E., Jessie T. and Chancey W. Bar- 
bara E. and Jessie T. are deceased: the former died November 8, 1870, the 
latter October 3, 1872. Mr, Gaver is liberal in his religious views, re- 
garding the Scriptures as history only, and in political sentiments is a Re- 
publican. 

ISAIAH GIBSON, son of Isaiah and Elizabeth (Cudney) Gibson, was 
born in Tymochtee Township June 23, 1837. His parents were natives of 
Ohio and New York State respectively. They settled in Tymochtee Township 
and reared a family of seven children, viz. : Mahala, Robert, Isaiah and 
Eliza (twins), John, Theodore and Emily A. Eliza and Emily are deceased. 
The father died August 29, 1878; the mother September 29, 1881. Isaiah 
Gibson was married February 1, 1858, to Ann Limer, a native of Checkley, 
England, daughter of William and Beatrice (Beabmer) Limer, also natives 



824 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

of England, where the latter died; the former emigi-ating to America in 
1855, and marrying Clarissa Dumm December 15, 1859, and soon after re- 
moved to Missouri. His family consisted of four sons and five daughters 
— William, John, George, James, Anna, Mary, Sarah, Jane and Elizabeth; 
the latter two deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Gibson have eight children — Emily 
A., born December 15, 1858; Herbert, January 8, 1860; Mary S., Decem- 
ber 20, 1861: James William, October 13, 1863; George W., January 15, 
1866; Cora J., January 10, 1870; Princess U., September 7, 1873; and 
Orley Adoi'y, January 30, 1880. Mr. Gibson purchased seventy-eight and a 
half acres of land in Eden Township in 1879, where he still resides. He 
is a stanch Democrat and has always been a farmer. 

WILLIAM GILLILAND was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, April 
3, 1836. He is a son of James and Susan R. (Stewart) Gilliland, natives of 
Jefferson County, Ohio, and Maryland. They removed from the former 
locality to Tuscarawas County in 1834, and to Crawford County in 1846, 
entering 240 acres and soon after purchasing 1 60 acres more. There were 
ten children in the family — Lucinda, Jacob, Edward, David, Susan, Will- 
iam, James L., John, Madison, Margaret and Geoi'ge. Three are deceased 
— David, shot in the battle of Bull Run Second, 1862; George, who died 
in 1847; and Susan, who died in 1875. The death of the father occurred 
November 13, 1877. William Gilliland was married May 6, 1855, to Cath- 
arine Thoman, a native of Saltzenheim, Germany, and daughter of Coonrod 
and Magdalene (Bucher) Thoman, also natives of Germany, where the lat- 
ter died between the years 1840 and 1843. They had six children — Mary, 
Catharine, Magdalene, Ann M., Coonrod and Henry; all living but Ann 
M., who died in Germany; the others emi rated to America in 1842. and 
settled in this county with their father, who subsequently married a Mrs. 
Hess, by whom no children were born. William and Catharine Gilliland 
have nine children — James, Susan M., Levi, Henry, Madison, Jacob, Lu- 
cinda, Elizabeth and Alby. In 1864, Mr. Gilliland enlisted for one year, 
or till the close of the war, in Company C, Seventy-eighth Regiment Ohio 
Volunteer Infantry, and remained in the service till July 11, 1865, when he 
was honorably discharged at Louisville, Ky. After several transactions in 
the purchase and sale of small tracts of land, he secured eighty acres in this 
townbhip, whei-e he now resides. In political sentiment Mr. Gilliland is a 
Democrat; his wife is a member of the United Presbyterian Church. 

FREDERICK KIN LEY was born in Baden, Germany, July 2, 1839. 
His parents were Frederick and Susan (Shonabarger) Kinley, also natives 
of Baden, and who emigrated to the United States in 1846, se^ttlmg in this 
county, where the father died in 1875; the mother is stilly' a resident of 
Upper Sandusky. Their children were Frederick, Mary, William, Henry 
J. Lewis, Caroline and John H. Frederick, our subject, resided with his 
parents until his twenty-first year; he then " worked out " two years, after 
which he engaged in the carpenter's trade, which he continued eighteen 
years. In 1863, he enlisted as an Ohio National Guard, and was called 
into service in 1864, being discharged in August of the same year. After 
buying and selling several different tracts, he established himself on his 
present farm of 120 acres in 1878, and has since devoted himself to agri- 
cultural pursuits and stock-raising. Mr. Kinley was married November 
25, 1862, to Esther Ann Brauns,a native of this county. daughter of Abraham 
and Frances (Coon) Brauus. They have two children- William E. and 
Nora S. ; and both are members of the United Brethren Church. Mr. Kin- 
ley is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry, and a Republican. 



EDEN TOWNSHIP. 825 

MICHAEL LAMBRIGHT was born May 31, 1817. He is a native of 
Richland County, Ohio, and son of John and Catharine (^Smith) Lambright, 
born near Hagerstown, Md., where they were married and resided about 
ten years, moving to Richland County, Ohio, in 1811-12. John Lambright 
was drafted and served a short period in the war of 1812, receiving an hon- 
orable discharge. He reared a family of nine children, viz : John, Pagie, 
Levi, Catharine, Henry, Michael and David (twins), Rachel and Elizabeth. 
David is deceased. The father died in 1830; the mother in 1850. Michael 
Lambright was married in 1837 to Polly Kidwiler, of Hagerstown, Md. , 
native of Jefferson County, Va., and to this anion four children were born — 
Emanuel, Susan, Levi and Mary. Susan and Levi are deceased. The 
mother died in Eden Township in the year 1855, and Mr. Lambright 
was married in December, 1856, to Maria Bowlby, of this township, and 
native of Somerset County, Peun., daughter of James and Sarah Bowlby, 
natives of Jersey and Pennsylvania respectively. Her parents had thirteen 
children, nine now living — Joseph, Emanuel, Jacob, James, Hannah, Eliz- 
abeth, Manah, Catharine and Sarah. Their mother died ia March, 1859; 
the father in 1870. In 1842, Mr. Lambright purchased eighty acres in this 
township, selling the same five years later and purchasing 134 acres, where 
he now resides. In 1878, he added forty acres to this farm, now owning 
174 acres, valued at $100 to $125 per acre, the farm joining the corporation 
line of Nevada. Mr. Lambright has always devoted his attention to agri- 
cultural pursuits. He is a Democrat and has served the township in vari- 
ous ways. 

REUBEN LOWMASTER, son of John and Ann A. (Schultz) Lowmas- 
ter, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, March 11, 1819. His parents were 
natives of Pennsylvania and settled in Fairfield County in an early day. 
Their children were Mary, John, Sarah, Susan, Ellen, Alexandra, Reuben, 
Henry, Rebecca, William R., Jefferson S., Amelia and Jacob, all living but 
Mary, Ellen, Alexendra, Jefferson S. and Henry. The father died in 1832, 
the mother in 1872. Our subject has engaged in carpenter's work to some 
extent in connection with farming. He purchased forty acres in 1846, 
which he traded for the eighty acres on which he now resides. He owns 
100 acres, valued at $75 per acre. In 1848, in partnership with Henry 
Boraff, he erected a saw mill, which he subsequently traded for land. He 
has had some dealing with the Indians, being a Trustee he kept a negro 
(Sam Welles) pauper two years, which negro had been waiter and hostler 
for the notorious renegade and traitor, Simon Girty. Mr. Lowmaster was 
married June 24, 1838, to Isabel Summers, of Faii'field County, Ohio, born 
January 2., 1821. Their children are Margaret L., Jacob S., Isaiah. Cath- 
arine M., Sarah E., Levi A., William T. and Mary E. Margaret is de- 
ceased. Mr. Lowmaster was Township Trustee several years, is now In- 
firmary Director. 

ABRAHAM MACKEY was born in Belmont County, Ohio, July 31, 
1829, son of John and Jane (Nesbit) Mackey (see sketch). He resided 
with his parents till his marriage to Mary Jane Price January 3, 1857. 
She was a native of New Jersey and daughter of George B. and Anna 
Price. They have five children — Annie Jane, John E., George B., Emory 
E. and Ray. Mr. Mackey inherited eighty-six acres of land from his fath- 
er's estate, and upon this farm he has established a comfortable home. He 
has engaged in agricultural pursuits about thirty-one years, and has his 
farm stocked with the best grades of stock. He favors Republicanism, arid 
with his wife is a member of the Methodist Protestant Church. 



826 HISTORV OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

JAMES McLaughlin is a native of Carroll County, Ohio, born July 
8, 1825. He is a son of James and Mary (Bare) McLaughlin, the former 
born near Strasburg. Va., in 1798; the latter near Glades, Penn., in 1788. 
They were married in Harrison County, Ohio, and were the parents of live 
children, namely: Daniel, James, John, Abraham and Samuel, the latter 
deceased since April 16, 1848. The parents removed from Carroll County 
to Wyandot in 1848, and purchased 320 acres of land, which they improved 
and which is now worth $100 per acre, being still in the possession of the 
McLaughlin family, save twenty-four acres sold to the corporation of Ne- 
vada. The father died in June, 1853; the mother June 8, 1849. James 
McLaughlin was reared and educated in Carroll County, and came to this 
county with his parents, with whom he remained until his marriage Febru- 
ary 8, 1850, to Miss Anna Harrison, daughter of William J. and Lydia 
(Capper) Harrison, born January 25, 1822. By this wife two children were 
born— Mary E., February 17, 1851, and Nancy J., September 10, 1853, the 
former deceased since Februaiy, 1857. Mrs. McLaughlin's decease 
occurred June 13, 1857, and our subject was again married January 
28, 1858, to Ellen Walker, three children resulting from this mar- 
riage, two of whom are living, namely: Millard F., born December 8, 1858, 
and Miles H., born August 9, 1860. Elmore (twin to Millard) died Decem- 
ber 18, 1858. After his marriage Mr. McLaughlin settled upon his present 
farm, where he has resided more than thirty-three years. He owns 254 
acres, more than half within the corporation of Nevada, and valued at $100 
per acre. He inherited eighty acres from his father's estate, also about 
$1,000 from the same, and has earned the remainder by hard and persistent 
toil. He rears considerable stock of good grades and is one among the sub- 
stantial farmers of Eden Township. He is a Republican, and with his 
family is associated with the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

GEORGE W. MILLER, son of Frederick and Elizabeth fWalder) Mil- 
ler, is a native of this county, born February 22, 1854. His parents were 
natives of Germany, and emigrated to this country in 1846, locating in Bu- 
cyrus, but subsequently residing ten years in this county, and returning to 
Crawford County, where they now live. Their children were nine in num- 
ber, three now living, viz., Jacob F., John G. and George W. The latter 
was married April 3, 1873, to Susan A. Wilson, a native of Richland 
County, Ohio, daughter of William and Sarah (Knodle) Miller, natives of 
Maryland and Pennsylvania respectively, and of Scotch descent. They 
came to Richland County in 1832, removing to this county fourteen years 
later. They had eight children, three now living — Barbara A., Levi and 
Susan A. To George W. and Sarah A. Miller six children have been born: 
Lillie May, December 16, 1873; Margie. May 23, 1875; Carrie, January 
22, 1878; Herman L., January 28, 1880; Charles L, March 7, 1882, and 
Arthur J., August 31, 1883; all living but Lillie, who died January 7, 1875. 
After obtaining and disposing of several different tracts of land, Mr. Miller 
purchased 160 acres in this township, where he now resides. His farm is 
valued at $100 per acre, and is a very desirable location. Mr. Miller is a 
Republican and a substantial and worthy citizen. 

JOHN W. MILLIGAN was born in this pounty December 24, 1835. 
He is a son of James and Susan (Weddel) Milligan, natives of Fairfield 
County, Ohio, and Westmoreland County, Penn., respectively. They set- 
tled in this county in 1828, and were the parents of nine children — Ricb^rd 
E. , Joseph, Keturah, Priscilla, Mary, William, Abraham, John W. and Sarah 
E. The deceased are Richard, Joseph, Keturah, Sarah E,, Mary and Abra- 



EDEN TOWNSHIP. 827 

ham. Their father spent his life in the Episcopal ministry and died in 
Sandusky County, August, 1855; the mother died April 16, 1878. John 
Milligan vas married December 12, 1858, to Mary A. Cole, a native of 
Crawford County, daughter of James and Eleanor (Moore) Cole (see 
sketch of William H. Cole). Eight children have resulted from this union, 
viz.: Amanda E., born October 15, 1859; Rosella, December, 22, 1860; Em- 
ma J., August 8. 1863; Sarah E., December 22. 1865; Saraantha A., Sep- 
tember 19, 1867; Julia A., December 2, 1868; Jay. August 6, 1870; Guy, 
April 13, 1872; Florence J., April 18, 1875; Dow, October 20, 1879. The 
deceased are Rosella and Julia. Mr. Milligan has always been a farmer, 
though in May, 1864, he enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Forty- 
fourth Regiment Ohio National Guard, and remained during the " 100 day" 
service, being mustered out at Columbus September 2, 1864. In 1865, he 
purchased eighty acres, to which he has since added thirty acres, where he 
•now resides. He is a Republican in political sentiment, himself and family 
being members of the Methodist Protestant Church. 

BENJAMIN MORRIS was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, August 5, 
1823; son of Joseph and Lydia (Jacobs) Morris, natives of Delaware and 
Virginia respectively, married in 1821. They moved to this county in 
1830, piu'chased land in Tymochtee Township, and had seven children — 
Benjamin, Margaret, Elias, Elizabeth, John, Carolintj and Charles. John 
and Caroline are deceased; the mother died in October, 1861, the father in 
April, 1863. Benjamin Morris was married March 9, 1854, to Eleanor 
Walton, daughter of John and Casander (Ritter) Walton, of this county. 
They had five children — Belinda, Albert H., Janette, Finley and Sherman 
O. Mrs. Eleanor Morris died October 27, 1867, and Mr. M. was remarried 
December 31, 1868, to Mrs. Jane Bowers, daughter of James S. and Hettie 
Harper, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively, and who had four 
children — Samuel M., Jane, Ellen and James F. Mrs. Bowers had three 
children by her first husband, viz. , Brink W., Cora E. and Waltie J. Mr. 
Morris made a trip to California in 1850, but returned two years later and 
settled on his present farm, purchased in 1848, and which he has thoroughly 
improved. He now owns 240 acres, valued at $75 per acre. He was a mem- 
ber of Company A, One Hundred and Forty- fourth Regiment Ohio National 
Guard, and served 100 days; was in the skirmish with Mosby's guerrillas, 
the most important engagement. Mr. and Mrs. Morris are members of the 
Methodist Protestant Church and highly esteemed as citizens. 

JOSEPH NEWMAN, only living son of John and Mary Newman, was 
born in Perry County, Ohio, July 17, 1822, his parents natives of Connecti- 
cut. Mr. Newman purchased eighty acres of land in this township in 1860, 
and has since engaged in agricultural pursuits; prior to that time he was 
engaged a few years in the blacksmithing trade. He was married in 1848, 
to Mary Jane Weller, daughter of Thomas and Charlotte Weller, natives of 
England, and nine children have blessed their union — John, Cyrus, Rhoda, 
Aldo, Emily, Frank, Charlotte, William and Martha. Mr. and Mrs. New- 
man are highly esteemed as citizens and have a comfortable home. 

ROBERT W. POOL was born in Richland County, Ohio, August 13, 
1837. His parents were Ira and Margaret Pool, natives of Pennsylvania, 
who came to Ohio in 1814. They were married in Richland County, and 
reared six children — Robert W., George W., Horey I., Almond M., Sarah A. 
and Elizabeth J. George W. and Almond are deceased, the former dying 
in the army, the latter in Upper Sandusky from disease contracted in the 
war. Mrs. Pool died July 28, 1848, and Mr. Pool located in this county in 



828 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

1850, marrying Lucy A. Dille, of Richland County, a native of York State, 
four children resulting from this union — Frank M. , Sherman Ira, Rosetta 
M. and Jesse F. Their father died December 24, 1864, his widow now the 
wife of Mr. Kenan, of Upper Sandusky. Robert W. Pool was engaged in 
teaching about five years, attending high school at Upper Sandusky and the 
Baldwin University in the meantime. April 20, 1861, he enlisted in Com- 
pany G, Fifteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving this call; re- 
enlisted September 20, 1861, in Company H, Fifty-fifth Regiment Ohio 
Volunteer Infantry, and was raised from private to Captain of Company A; 
participated in the Vjattles of Bull Run, Gettysburg, Fredericksburg and 
many others; transferred to the Army of the Cumberland, and in all the 
battles till the capture of Atlanta, being discharged on account of ill health. 
Mr. Pool was married March 26, 1863, to Rachel E. Armstrong, of Eden 
Township, a native of Pennsylvania, and after his discharge served as Pro- 
vost Marshal at Lima, Ohio, till the close of the war. He engaged m the 
lumber business at Milton Center a short time, and moved to his present 
home in 1868. He is a member of the G. A. R., himself and wife attending 
the Grange, and holding membership with the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
Re has served as Township Treasurer, and as Steward and Leader in hi& 
church. 

GEORGE B. PRICE, son of Robert and Jane (Payer) Price, was born 
in Warren County, N. J., June 18, 1812. His parents were natives of New 
York and New Jersey, and had nine children- John, Jonah H., George B., 
Samuel, Daniel F., Darius H., Sarah A., Jane and Catharine. Jonah, Sam- 
uel and Sarah A. are deceased; the mother died in August, 1832; the father 
in 1860, both in Warren County, N. J. George B. Price resided with his 
parents till 1832, being married September 8th of that year to Anna Man- 
ning, of Warren County N. J., a native of New York, and daughter of 
Ephraim and Sarah (Reed) Manning, who were natives of Warren County, 
N. J., and who were the parents of five children — Amos, Isaac R., Mary M., 
Hannah and Anna, all deceased, including the parents. To George B. and 
Anna Price were born ten children — Isaac M., Aaron R., Mary J., Sarah E., 
Margaret A., Hannah M. , Eliza C, John M. , Laura, Ellen and George W. 
Isaac M. , Aaron R. , George W. and John M. are deceased; the mother died 
March 22, 3877. Mr. Price migrated to Ohio in 1838, settling first in Han- 
cock County, removing to this county some time after. He purchased 
120 acres of land where he now resides, and which is tilled by his son-in- 
law, Mr. George F. Rapp, who was married to Laura E. Price July 11, 1870. 
They have five children — John F. , Ida Belle, Rosa May, George R. and 
Maggie A. Jay is deceased — died September 18, 1880. Mr. Price has 
suffered many hardships, but has accumulated considerable property, hav- 
ing given liberally to his children. In 1846, he began life in the woods 
with a large family, cleared thirty-five acres for the use of it seven years, 
and then moved to his present place of residence. He has served as Con- 
stable several years, and is a member of the Methodist Protestant Church, 
of which his wife also was a faithful member. 

JAMES E. SANKEY, son of Eli and Amelia (Walker) Sankey, was born 
in Huntington County, Penn., January 9, 1853. His parents were natives 
of Pennsylvania, and settled in Crawford County, Ohio, in 1854. Their 
children were Mary E., Ann E., Lemuel S., David, Martha, John VV., Agnes 
K., James E. and Genevra E. The deceased are Mary E., David and the 
mother, who died June 12, 1883. The father still resides at the old home- 
stead, where he has followed agricultural pursuits about twenty -one years. 



EDEN TOWNSHIP. 829 

James Sankey resided with his parents till March 2, IS?'^, at which date he 
was married to Susan Coon, widow of J. R. Coon, who died March 28, 1874, 
leaving three sons — Jacob, Charles E. and Edwin E., the latter deceased. 
Mr. Sankey followed the carpenter's trade till his marriage, since which 
time he has engaged in farming. He is a Democrat politically, and with 
his wife holds a membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church at Nevada. 

CASPER S. SAYANK was born in Richland County, Ohio, October 8, 
1837, to Henry and Elizabeth (Study) Swank, natives of Franklin County, 
Penn., where they were married March 22, 1814. They came to Richland 
County in 1817, and were the parents of the following childi-en: John, 
Margaret, Elizabeth, Susan, Christian, Daniel, Hannah, Henry, Mary, 
Jackson and Casper survive. The mother died April 17, 1859 ; the 
father April 11, 1876. In 1858, our subject went to California, and 
enlisted in Company I, Third Regiment, California Volunteer Infant- 
ry, Capt. Lewis in command. Marched to Salt Lake City and thence 
to Fort Bridges, being discharged in October, 1863. Came to Rich- 
land County, and again enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Eighty- 
seventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. Cockby, serving 
about three years, pasf^ing through without a scar, and returning home in 
August, 1864. In the same year he came to Eden Township, purchasing 
eighty acres, on which he resided eight years, subsequently buying 103 
acres where he now resides. He was married, March 13, 1865, to Caroline 
Larick. a native of this township, and daughter of George and Margaret 
(Lea) Larick, natives of Germany, who emigrated to America in an early 
day, settling first in Tuscarawas County, then in Eden Township, this coun- 
ty. Their children were Andrew, Catharine, Henry, William, Caroline, 
Levi, Louie and Lovina. Smilda and Melissa are deceased. The father 
died in 1858; the mother is still living in her sixty-seventh year. Mr. and 
Mrs. Swank are the parents of seven children — Lester O. R., Louie T. V., 
Valeria A., Jacob G.. Lovina C, Elzie L. and Mary Z. Lovina C. is de- 
ceased. Mr. Swank is the owner of 133 acres (thirty acres within the cor- 
poration of Nevada), valued at $85 per acre. He has served as Township 
Treasurer, is a member of the F. & A. M., and a Democrat politically. 

JAMES TAYLOR, the subject of this sketch, was born in Crawford 
County, Ohio, August 20, 1844. His parents, George and Mary C. Taylor, 
natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia, came to Ohio in 1840, and settled 
first in Crawford County, where he was married in 1843 to Mary E. Ran- 
dolph, and engaged in the milling business till 1845, when he removed to 
Sycamore Township, this county, where he is still engaged in operating a 
flouring mill. James Taylor resided with his parents till 1869, when ho 
purchased eighty acres in Eden Township, where he has since engaged in 
agricultural pursuits and stock dealing, operating eighty acres of his 
father's land adjoining his own. Mr. Taylor was married, October 30, 1873, 
to Miss Elizabeth Hall, of Benton, Crawford County. Her parents were 
Edward and Ann (Fielding) Hall, natives of Ireland and England respect- 
ively. The names of Mr. and Mrs. Taylor's children are George E., born 
September 26, 1874; Bessie L., September 16, 1875; Randolph H., Decem- 
ber 27, 1876; Arthur F.,. May 18, 1878; Roscoe A., January 30, 1880. 
George E. is deceased — died September 8, 1875, aged eleven months fif- 
teen days. Mr. Taylor is well respected as a citizen, and votes in the in- 
terest of Republicanism. 

PETER TRAXLER was born in Stark County, Ohio, November 13, 
1825. His parents, Daniel and Elizabeth (Cramer) Traxler, were natives 



830 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

of Cumberland County. Penn., were married there, and subsequently moved 
to Stark County, Ohio, where they reared a family. Their children were 
Catharine, Elizabeth, George, Daniel, Peter and John, all deceased but the 
three latter. Our subject, Peter, was married, March 25, 1846, to Catharine 
Conkle, of Crawford County, Ohio, native of Columbiana County, Ohio, 
daughter of Adam and Mary (Wyerbaugh) Conkle, natives of Pennsylvania. 
Her parents were married in Columbiana County, Ohio, and moved to 
Crawford County about 1837, their children being Nicholas, Catharine, 
Elizabeth, Jason, Jacob, Sarah J., William H., Samuel S., Adam and Mary. 
Their father died Alay 7, 1872; the mother January 8, 1874. Mr. and 
Mrs. Traxler have eleven children, viz., Daniel C, Adam W., Peter P., 
Nicholas C, Jacob J., Mary E., John N. R. , Cicly Jane, Ida L., Jason 
W. and Francis L. Mr. Traxler lived with his parents till twenty-one 
years o-f age, and attended the common schools. In 1851, he purchased 
eighty acres of timber land, on which he built a frame house, in which 
he lived till 1873, when he completed a fine brick residence. He owns 120 
acres of good land, valued at $75 per acre, his wife owning live city lots 
in Bucyrus, valued at $2,000. Mr. Traxler is a Democrat. His wife is a 
member of the Presbyterian Church. 

LEMAR WALTON was born in Ross County, Ohio, August 8, 1822. His 
parents were John and Casander (Ritter) Walton, natives of New Jersey and 
Kentucky respectively. They were married in Ross County, September 19, 
1819, and removed to this county in 1833, where the father died August 25, 
1835. They had nine children — Henry, Lemar, William H. and John W^ 
(twins), Samuel A., Melinda A., Eleanor, Nancy and Nelson. Lemar, Sam- 
uel A. and Melinda A. are the only ones living; the mother died August 5, 
1849. Lemar W^alton was married April 3, 1849, to Magdalene Huflford, 
daughter of Christopher and Catharine (Corfman) Hufford, of Tymochtee 
Township; her parents were natives of Maryland and Ohio respectively. 
They settled in this county in 1828, where Mr. Hufford still resides; his 
wife died August 20, 1851. Mr. and Mrs. Hufford ara the parents of nine 
<;hildren — Magdalene, George W., Catharine, Barbara, Conrad, Mary, 
Lydia, Elizabeth and Sarah M. Elizabeth is deceased. Mr. Walton has 
always engaged in farming: he purchased his present farm of eighty acres 
in 1851, and has reared a family of ten children -Samuel A., Isaiah W., 
Mary E. and Sarah E. (twins), Willis C, Eliza Ann, Levi F., Jasper N., 
Allen L. , and Florence J. Sarah E. is deceased, died September 26, 1872. 
Mr. Walton owns 218 acres in this county, and in 1873 purchased 160 acres 
in Kansas, which he gave to his sons; he and wife are members of the 
Evangelical Church, of which faith their son, S, A. Walton, is a minister 
in Madison County, Iowa. 

FRANK M. WELCH was born in this township, March 19, 1855; his 
parents, James and Isabel (Hicks) Welch, were natives of Pennsylvania and 
New York respectively, and were married in this county, their children be- 
ing Frank M., Ransom H. and Edward M. The father died May 7, 1869; 
the mother July 26, 1880. Frank M. Welch was married October 18, 1881, 
to Lillian N. Maskey, of this township, native of Crawford County, Ohio, 
born May 8, 1863, daughter of Eli and Nancy C. (Wert) Maskey, natives of 
Ashland and Crawford Counties respectively. Her parents were married at 
Bucyrus, and resided many years in Crawford County, their chilren Lillian 
N. , Dora V., Newlove G., and Orland C, all being born there; the parents 
now reside in Eden Township. Mr. Welch has always been engaged in 
agricultural pursuits, and owns an interest in an undivided estate of 271 



EDEN TOWNSHIP. 831 

acres, valued at $75 to $100 per acre. He has had charge of the home 
farm since his father's death, and is an energetic farmer, and of the Dem- 
ocratic persuasion in politics. 

REUBEN YARK, son of Solomon and Catharine (Bower) Yark, was 
born in Mahoning County, Ohio, January 2, 1837. He remained with his 
parents till March 3, 1864, at which time he was married to Miss Ellen E. 
Neville, born in London, England, March 1, 1844, daughter of John F. 
and Elizabeth (Baker) Neville, natives of London and Barkway, England, 
and who emigrated to the United States about 1850, and settled in Phila- 
delphia, where Mrs. Neville died in 1855. Their children were ten in 
number, Ellen E. being the only surviving. The father was a book binder 
by trade, and engaged in that occupation in Philadelphia and Buffalo till 
1859, when he went to St. Louis where he still resides. He was forced to 
leave St. Louis in 1861 by the Union-Secession riot, and accordingly went to 
Sedalia, Mo., where he assisted in organizing, and was commissioned Major 
of the Seventh Regiment Michigan Volunteer Infantry, and served till the 
close of the war when he returned to St. Louis; he is now the father of 
three children — William, Reuben and Eliza, by a second wife. Our sub- 
ject being a carpenter by trade followed this occupation about twelve years 
after his marriage. In 1876, he engaged in the poultry and country prod- 
uce business, sold out in 1884, and turned his attention to farming; he is 
the father of three children — John N., born July 3, 1865; Emma A., March 
17, 1868; and Reuby E., September 29, 1877. Emma A. is deceased; her 
death occurring August 6, 1870. Mr. Yark is a member of the Knights of 
Honor, Nevada Lodge, No. 277, and a Democrat politically. 




1S553 



832 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 



CHAPTER V. 

JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 

Okganization—Boundauies— Physical Features and Products— Streams 
—Roads and Railroads— First Settlements— Schools— Churches — 
Cemeteries— Owners of Real and Personal Estate in 1845— Township 
Officials — First Things— Kirby "Village— Statistics— Biographical 
Sketches. 

JACKSON TOWNSHIP, which comprises Townships 3 and 4 south, 
Range 12 east, received its name in honor of Andrew Jackson, seventh 
President of the United States. It lies in the southwest part of Wyandot 
County and was at one time a component part of Hardin County, being a 
portion of the township lying west of it in said county, and organized bome 
time before its annexation to Wyandot, on the erection of the latter in 1845, 
in which year it was detached from Hardin. 

Jackson is bounded on the north by Richland Township, on the east by 
Mifflin Township, on the south by Marseilles Township and part of Hardin 
County, and on the west by Hardin County. 

physical features. 

Like other townships in this county, Jackson presented to the first set- 
tlers many stubborn obstacles, owing to the heavy timber covering it and the 
level character of its surface. The settlement of the township was, conse- 
quently, comparatively slow, but time and the indomitable perseverance 
and industry of the prudent husbandman have converted the forest into a 
fine agricultural garden, studded with thriving and well- fenced farms, on 
which are erected substantial and comfortable dwellings, barns, etc., and 
the nature of the well-cultivated soil asserts its claim to unbounded fertili- 
ty in the production of wheat, corn and other ordinary cereals, as well as 
affording ample encouragement for stock-raising and the development of the 
dairy industry. Indeed, when the drainage is completed, Jackson will be- 
come second to none as a farming township, 

Several small tributaries of the Sandusky River have their sources in 
this township. Three running eastward take birth — the most northerly one 
in Section 10 on Samuel Baker's farm; the next southward, in Section 23, 
on S. F. Walker's farm, and the most southerly, also in Section 23, on the 
farm of D. S. Nye. The two first mentioned unite on the farm of John F. 
Zimmerman, Section 13, and the stream shortly afterward leaves Jackson, 
on the farm of John Callahan, Section 13, for Mifflin Township; the third 
stream leaves Jackson for Mifflin on the farm of James Holmes, Section 13, 
and the two meeting in the latter township form what is known as Oak 
Run. Three streams running southeast have their sources — the most norther- 
ly about the farm of John Flower, Sections 28 and 33, flowing southeast till it 
crosses the northwest corner of Marseilles Township (where it adjoins Sec- 
tion 34), then entering Jackson Township again, on the farm of H. Young, 
courses southward and unites on the farm of John Wilkins, Section 3 south, 
with the next southerly run, which rises in Hardin County, enters Jackson 



JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 833 

by the farm of William T. Baker, Section 4 south, flows east and southeast, 
and, before bidding adieu to Jackson Township, the third and most south- 
erly stream, which also rises in Hardin County, flowing northeast and east, 
adds its quota to the two first streams on the farm of John Wilkins, in the 
southeast corner of Section 8 south, at which point the trio, now unified, 
enters Marseilles Township when it babbles onward to its goal under the 
euphonious title "Little Tymochtee Creek." There are a few smaller runs 
in the extreme northern part of the township, but they are comparatively 
insignificant. They all ultimately, however, serve to swell the Sandusky 
River, each modest little stream being quite as industrious and honest on its 
journey to its final destination as its more pretentious andnoisy neighbor. 
It will thus be seen that for the most part this township is well watered. 
Good, substantial roads intersect the township from all points of the com- 
pass, the first cut and first regularly laid out being the Findlay & Marion 
road. The Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad passes through the 
northern division, entering at Kirby Village (where there is a station), in 
the northeast corner of Section 1, and leaving at the southwest angle of 
Section 4, it enters Hardin County a short distance from Forest, where the 
Cincinnati, Sandusky & Cleveland Railroad crosses it. 

FIRST SETTLEMENTS. 

The first white settler in Jackson Township was old Mr. Hooey. Thomas 
C. Beaven and his son, Henry, came in 1826. Heniy S. Bowers, born in 
Chester County, Penn., in 1805, came to this township in 1832, traveling a 
distance of 350 miles with his family in a covered wagon. He entered 350 
acres of land, and was the second settler in Jackson Township. J. D. Bowers, 
born in New York State in 1834, came to this township with his father, 
Henry S. Bowers, in 1832, and is still living. He is a leading farmer of 
the county, residing on Section 36. 

John Abbott, a married man with a family of six children, born in New 
York State, came in 1833, settling on Section 3. Samuel M. Burnett, born 
February 19, 1820, in New York State, came to Wyandot County, with his 
parents, Elisha and Polly (Howe) Burnett, in 1834, and settled in this 
township, where he now resides on Section 3. 

John Vanorsdall came in 1834; John Flower and Jacob Derringer in 
1835; Abraham Dean, born August 10, 1808, in Cayuga County, N. Y. , 
came with his family to this county and settled in this township in 1836; 
he died October 20, 1873; his son, Hamilton Dean, now resides on a farm 
in Jackson Township. William Fitch came in 1837. Walter Sanford, 
another of the pioneers, was born in New York in 1832, and came to this 
township not many years after; his farm is on Sections 13 and 24. Other 
settlers of that period were Thomas Shank, James McDaniels, Isaac Yor- 
ringer. Christian Roof, John Fink and Elisha Burnett, who died in 1872, at 
the patriarchal age of ninety-eight years. At a later day came John 
Sturm, an Albright preacher, Richard Bainbridge, a local Methodist Epis- 
copal preacher. Dr. Cope, Thomas Scott, Abraham Tilberry, Joseph Barns, 
Isaac Lane, A. H. Vanorsdall, Walter Simmonson and others. If, here, any 
names have inadvertently been omitted, we trust no one may be disappointed, 
though, in the words of Byron: 

" 'Tis pleasant, sure, to see one's name in print, 
A book's a book, although there's nothing in't. " 



834 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

FIRST THINGS. 

The first election for any purpose held in Jackson Township was at the 
house of Isaac Yarian, on which occasion were present twelve voters. The 
first death recoi'ded was that of Elijah Warner. Early settlers had for a 
long time, when in quest of groceries or dry goods, etc., to go to Marseilles 
Village, in the township of that name, about two miles south of the town- 
ship line, or to Patterson, in Hardin County, a short distance from the 
county line, where a store was kept years ago by one John Hare. The first 
saw mill in the township is said to have been owned by William Stamp as 
late as 1864. 

" Necessity is the mother of invention" is a time-worn proverb, and 
understood in its application by none better than the pioneer settlers of 
Wyandot County. Man is naturally an inventive creature, and whilst many 
blessings the thousands of modern discoveries have created were totally 
unknown to or undreampt of by the first settler in his isolated cabin, his 
innate instinct soon would come to his rescue and discover to him that 
invention is indeed the natural offspring of necessity. An apt and graphic 
illustration is given us by Mr. S. M. Burnett, one of " The Old Guard of 
the Woods," of Jackson Township: "When we had any milling to be 
done, we had to go a distance of twenty miles through mud and slush to 
buy a bushel or so of corn, which we had to carry to a horse-mill to get 
ground, and then, perchance, have to wait twenty-four hours before the 
ponderous task could be accomplished. Then, again, instead of taking the 
corn a day's journey to be ground, our ingenuity would suggest some such 
alternative as making a grater out of a piece of tin by punching holes in 
it, and then rubbing the corn on it to produce meal; or else we would dig 
in the bowels of the earth for nigger-head stones, wherewith to make mill- 
stones. Then, after a hard day's work, we would lay our wearied frames 
down and be lulled to balmy sleep by the frightful and incessant bowlings 
of ferocious wild beasts."' 

The first school was held in Section 15, and the first schoolhouse was on 
the lands of James McDaniels, built in 1840; the first teacher was Hen- 
rietta Henderson. There are now eight school buildings in this township. 

Following were the owners of real and personal estate in Jackson Town- 
ship in 1845, the year of its erection: 

OWNERS OF REAL ESTATE. 

Ephraim Atkinson, Francis Ashton, Isaac Alvord, John Ackley, John 
Abbott, Jacob P. Bowers, William Baker, Leonard Burnett, James Burnett, 
Aaron Baird, John L. Barton, Thomas Baker, Henry J. Bowers, Elijah Bur- 
son, William Baker, Joshua Cope, Samuel Cranson, Artemus Corbett, 
Alexander Campbell, William Chapman, James S. Connell, Abraham Cross, 
Peter Curran, Samuel Coy, Malin Cravin, Jacob Darringer, Daniel 
Daugherty, Abraham Dean, Charles Dane, Charles Ely, Richard Ellis, John 
Fink, John Flower, Nathan Finman, John Fitch, William Fitch, John 
Glenn, Joshua Glenn, William C. Greenwood, James S. George, William 
Gary, Eleazer Goodrich, Charles Huntley, Talmage Hildreth, David Har- 
rold, Rebecca Harrold, Alexander Hutchinson, John Heiser, John Hanna, 
Robert Haun, William Huckel, James Hodges, David Harpster, Aaron B. 
Hartley, Jabez Hunter, Thomas James, Kell & McConnell, Samuel Kirk, 
William Kirk, Robert Laughrey, Sebastian Ley, Jacob Leonard, Jacob 
Lower, David Lindsley, James Larimer, Isabella McCauley, Samuel Morse, 
Rodolphus Morse, Charles McClure, Wallace McAllister, John Mong,. 



JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 836 

Merriman & Carey, John Mendall, Robert McGowen, David McGowen^ 
Horace Nye, Patrick O'Neil, Thomas Perkins, Erastus Poor, Henry Pixler, 
Thomas Pugh, Peter Parse] 1, David Pugh, Ichabod Rogers, Salmon Ruggles^ 

Orrin Ruggles, Christian Ruflf, Rusher, Henry St. John, Thomas Scott, 

Dennis Roberts, Jeremiah J.Sanford, Elijah Sayles, John Sponseller, John and 
George Stearn, Fielding Stone, Thomas Snyder, Walter Simerson, David L. 
Spiker, Thomas Shanks, Samuel Stone, Horace Taylor, Ephraim Van 
Sickles, John Vanorsdall, John L. Webster, Edward Warner, Aaron and 
Henry Ward, John Wahn, Parker Willcoxen, Samuel Wagoner, Elizabeth 
Wilson, John Wirts, Thomas S. Wells, Mathias Yearing, Joseph Zimmer- 
man, Peter Zimmerman, Henry Zimmerman, Adam Kuhn, Jacob Frederick. 

OWNERS OF PERSONAL PROPERTY. 

John Abbott, Isaac Alvord, Henry S. Bower, William Baker, Joseph Barnes,. 
James Burnett, Jacob P. Bowers, Catharine Crossan, Samuel Carson, Dr. Will- 
iam Cope (a practicing physician), Jacob Dearinger, Abram Dean, Daniel Dye, 
Richard Ellis, John Flower, William Fitch, John Fink, Daniel Harrold, 
Charles Huntley, Thomas Jones, Daniel Johnson, Robert Laughrey, Jacob- 
Lower, John S. McEwen, Robert McEwen, David McEwen, James McDan- 
iel, Henry Pixler, Jeremiah Poor, John Post, Peter Passal, Abram Passai, 
Michael J. Rambo, Christian Ruff, Walter Simerson, Thomas Spencer, 
Thomas Shanks, Jeremiah Sanford, John G. Stearn, Thomas Scott, Elijah 
Sayles, Thomas Snyder, David Tyler, John Vanorsdall, Matthew Vander- 
bilt, Betsey Wilson, Isaac Yarian, Peter Zimmerman. 

KIRBY VILLAGE. 

This village is situated in the northeast corner of the township, and 
was surveyed by Dr. J. H. Williams for M. H. Kirby. The Pittsburgh. 
Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad passes through the village. It has become 
quite a prosperous place, and is surrounded by a fine agricultural and stock- 
raising district. It was laid out in 1854, and the first store was kept by 
Philip and Frederick Hineman. Population in 1880, 294. 

CHURCHES. 

As was customary in all early settlements, preachings in the primitive 
times of Jackson Township for the most part were held in some convenient 
schoolhouse, or, more frequently, in the cabins of the pioneers. In this 
section the earliest expovinders of the Gospel were John Sturm, an Albright 
preacher of some merit as an orator, and Richard Bainbridge, an adherent 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The first regular place of worship at- 
tended was " Shiloh," of the Christian Union denomination, located on Sec- 
tion 3. 

The Church of God, sometimes called " Kirby Bethel," stands within 
the precinct of Kirby Village, and was organized in 1855 by Moses Coates, 
missionary of the Church of God in Ohio, at the residence of James War- 
ren, located on the present site of C. E. Sherman's brick business room. 
The first membership numbered seven souls, viz. : John Mann, Susanna 
Mann, James Warren, Mary VV^arren, Matilda Warren. Mary Barker and 
Jefferson Johnson. The initiative meeting was held in 1855, in the back 
room of James Culberson's unoccupied grocery, those present being Mose& 
Coates, A. J. Wan-en and Charles Coates. The church building of this society 
was erected in 1868 in Mifflin Township, Section 6, Lot 7 (Isaac Mann's; 
since added to the village of Kirby). The building is of frame work, 40x50 



836 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

feet, and was erected at a cost of $1,400. The pastors have been as fol- 
lows: From 1855 to 1863, inclusive, Moses Coates, NorrisCoates, A. J. War- 
ren, J. W. Ankennan, J. W. Senseny, Levi Keller, David Sherner and 
Lyman Ensminger. From 1864 to 1867 the church was without any pastor. 
In the latter year, it was re-organized by J. W. Senseny, General Mission- 
ary of the Church of God in Western Ohio. In 1867-68, the pastors were 
J. W. Senseny and John Yenner; in 1869, J. W. Senseny; in 1870, Ly- 
man Ensminger; in 1871, T. H. Deshiri; in 1872, Joseph Neil; in 1873, 
W. H. Oliver; in 1874-76, J. V. Updike; in 1877, J. S. McKee; in 1878, 
G. W. Wilson; 1879-80, J. H. Koogle; in 1881-82, M. C. Mowen; in 
1888, J. E. Hopard, and the pastor at present (1884) is J. H. McNutt, with 
a flock of forty-six members. The church officers are: W. H. Mann, Asa 
Quail, — Buting, Elders; John Fernbaugh, George Drews, Deacons; W. H. 
Mann, Clerk; J. H. Hazendobler, William Stambaugh, VV. H. Mann, Trust- 
ees; W. H. Mann, Secretary; William Stambaugh, Treasurer. 

As. unfortunately, no record of the tirst organization has been kept, the 
number of members enrolled during the nine years from 1855 to 1863 (both 
inclusive) cannot be accurately given, but there must have been, at least, 
fifty, so avers Mr. W. H. Mann, Clerk of the church, whose authority on 
all matters pertaining to this society cannot well be other than conformable 
to facts, as his intimacy with its history was very close, the h(>use of his 
father, in the earliest days of the church and for many years afterward, hav- 
ing been on most occasions the dulce domum and headquarters of the pastors. 
Since 1869, 173 members have been enrolled, and of these fifty-three have 
moved to other parts, and others have drifted away by withdrawals, demis- 
sion, disfellowship or in the unfortunate role of backsliders. 

This church has always been a very spiritual and liberal, as well as 
enterprising society. It has one Sunday school and one missionary society. 
The mode of baptism has uniformly been immersion, and members are 
taken into full fellowship without any probation, and retained as such until 
unworthy of church fellowship. 

CEMETERIES. 

The "silent cities of the dead" in this township number five at least, 
one being in each of Sections 4, 14, 23, 36 and 9 south. There are, no 
doubt, in addition to these, several private burial places, where rest in 
peace the ashes of honest-hearted, primitive sons and daughters of the soil, 
and full many a weather-worn tablet marks the spot where 

" The rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep." 

TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS. 

The following is a list of the officials who have served Jackson Town- 
ship since the organization of the county in 1845: 

1845 — Trustees, John Vanorsdall, Thomas Snider, Joseph Barnes; 
Clerk, Isaac Yarian; Treasurer, James McDaniel. 

1846 — Trustees, Thomas Scott, John Vanorsdall, Robert McQuown; 
Clerk, Isaac Yarian; Treasurer, Henry S. Bower. 

1847 — Trustees, Abram Dean, Robert McQuown, Peter Zimmerman; 
Clerk, Stewart Adams; Treasurer, Henry S. Bower. 

1848 — Trustees, William Baker, Peter Parsell, Peter Zimmerman; 
Clerk, Stewart Adams; Treasurer, Henry S. Bower. 

1849 — Trustees, William Baker, Thomas Scott, Abram Dean; Clerk, 
Stewart Adams; Treasurer, Mathew Vanderbelt. 



JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 837 

1850 — Trustees, Joseph Barnes, Abram Dean, Isaao N. Lane; Clerk, 
Stewart Adams. 

1851 — Trustees, Jacob Derringer. John S. McQuown, (Jharles Andrews; 
Clerk, Stewart Adams; Treasurer, Mathew Vanderbelt. 

1852 — Trustees, John S. McQunwn, Peter Zimmerman, John Vanorsdall; 
Clerk, Abram H. Vanorsdall; Treasurer, Mathew Vanderbelt. 

1853 — Trustees, John S. McQuown, Peter Zimmerman, Tunis Snider; 
Clerk, Abram H. Vanorsdall; Treasurer, Philip Vanorsdall. 

1854 — Trustees, Tunis Snider, Joseph Barnes, Edward A. Clark; Clerk, 
Abram H. Vanorsdall; Treasurer, Philip Vanorsdall. 

1855 — Trustees, Tunis Snider, Joseph Barnes, Edward A. Clark; Clerk, 
Abram H. Vanorsdall; Treasurer, Philip Vanorsdall. 

1856 — Trustees, Peter Zimmerman, Daniel Snider, Thomas Armstrong; 
Clerk (appointed), J. S. McQuown; Treasurer, Philip Vanorsdall. 

1857— Trustees, Peter Zimmerman, Daniel Snider, Thomas Armstrong; 
Clerk, A. H. Vanorsdall; Treasurer, John Vanorsdall. 

1858 — Trustees, Peter Zimmerman, Daniel Snider, Thomas Armstrong; 
Clerk, A. H. Vanorsdall; Treasurer, John Vanorsdall. 

1859 — Trustees, Daniel Snider, Jacob Hemmerly, Robert P. Baker; 
Clerk, A. H. Vanorsdall; Treasurer, John Vanorsdall. 

1860 — Trustees, Daniel Snider, Jacob Hemmerly, Robert P. Baker: 
Clerk, A. H. Vanorsdall; Treasurer, John Vanorsdall. 

1861 — Ti'ustees, Peter Zimmerman, Elijah Vanorsdall, Robert P. Baker; 
Clerk, A. H. Vanorsdall; Treasurer, John Vanorsdall. 

1862 — Trustees, Peter Zimmerman, Elijah Vanorsdall, Robert P. Baker; 
Clerk, A. H. Vanorsdall; Treasurer, John Vanorsdall. 

1863 — Trustees, Peter Zimmerman, Elijah Vanorsdall, Robert P. Baker; 
Clerk, A. H. Vanorsdall; Treasurer, John Vanorsdall. 

1864 — Trustees, Peter Zimmerman, Elijah Vanorsdall, Robert P. Baker; 
Clerk, A. H. Vanorsdall; Treasurer, John Vanprsdall. 

1865 — Trustees, Peter Zimmerman, William Cope, Abram Dean; Clerk, 
A. H. Vanorsdall; Treasurer, John Vanorsdall. 

1866 — Trustees, Abram Dean. Robert P. Baker, John Parsell; Clerk, 
A. H. Vanorsdall; Treasurer, John Vanorsdall. 

1867 — Trustees, Robert P. Baker, John Parsell, Peter Zimmerman; 
Clerk. A. H. Vanorsdall; Treasurer, John Vanorsdall. 

1868 — Trustees, Robert P. Baker, Peter Zimmerman, Henry Beaven; 
Clerk, Cornelius Tuttle; Treasurer, Reuben Barlien. 

1869 — Trustees, Robert B. Baker, Henry Beaven, Simon Zimmerman; 
Clerk, A. H. Vanorsdall; Treasurer, Reuben Barlien. 

1870 — Trustees, Simon Zimmerman, William T. Baker, JohnH. Forney; 
Clerk, D. W. Alter; Treasurer, Reuben Barlien. 

1871 — Trustees, Simon Zimmerman, William T. Baker, William Red- 
fox; Clerk, D. W. Alter; Treasurer, Reuben Barlien. 

1872 — Trustees, Simon Zimmerman, William T. Baker, John Parsell; 
Clerk, M. H. Waltermire; Treasurer, A. H. Vanorsdall. 

1873 — Trustees, William T. Baker, John Parsell, John H. Forney; 
Clerk. M. H. Waltermire; Treasurer, A. H. Vanorsdall. 

1874— Trustees, John Parsell, William T. Baker, John H. Forney; 
Clerk, M. H. Waltermire; Treasurer, A. H. Vanorsdall. 

1875— Trustees, John Parsell, William T. Baker, Philip Heller; Clerk, 
M. H. Waltermire; Treasurer, A. H. Vanorsdall. 

37 



838 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

1876 — Trustees, John Parsell, Philip Heller, Reuben Barlien; Clerk, 
M. H. Waltermire; Treasurer, A. H. Vanorsdall. 

1877 — Trustees, Simon Zimmerman, Henry Beaven, Anthony Molter; 
Clerk, M. H. Waltermire; Treasurer, A. H. Vanorsdall. 

1878 — Trustees, Simon Zimmerman, Henry Beaven, Philip Heller; Clerk, 
John H. March; Treasurer, A. H. Vanorsdall. 

1879 — Trustees, Simon Zimmerman, Henry Beaven, Mathew Briggs; 
Clerk, John H. March; Treasurer, A. H. Vanorsdall. 

1880 — Trustees, Henry Beaven, AVilliam T. Baker, Charles Dietz; 
Clerk, John H. March; Treasurer, A. H. Vanorsdall. 

1881 — Trustees, Henry Beaven, Charles Dietz, Mathew^ Scott; Clerk, 
John H. March; Treasurer, A. H. Vanorsdall. 

1882 — Trustees, John Parsell, Simon Zimmerman, John H. Forney; 
Clerk, John H. March; Treasurer, A. H. Vanorsdall. 

1883 — Trustees, John Parsell, Simon Zimmerman, John H. Forney; 
Clerk, John H. March; Treasurer, Reuben Barlien. 

The following were Justices of the Peace: William Baker, 1846; John 
S. McQuown, 1849-52; H. S. Bower, 1854; Edward A. Clark, 1854; Isaac 
N. Lane, 1856; Joshua McJunkin, 1857; A. H. Vanorsdall and Aaron 
Bradshaw, 1858; Henry Purdy, 1861; Andrew J. Bainbridge, 1864; Corne- 
lius Tuttle, A. H. Vanorsdall, 1867; M. H. Waltermire, 1869; A. H. Van- 
orsdall, 1870; M. H. Waltermire, 1872; A. H. Vanorsdall, 1873; M. H. 
Waltermire, 1875; Samuel C. Anderson, 1876; M. H. Waltermire, 1878; 
A. H. Vanorsdall, 1879; M. H. Waltermire, 1881; Conrad Lue, 1882; 
George W. Beard, 1883. 

STATISTICS. 

Jackson Township has an area of twenty-seven square miles. Popula- 
tion in 1880 (not inclusive of Kirby Village), 1,037. The State election 
returns for 1879-80 show the vote in Jackson Township as follows: For 
Governor (1879), Charles Foster, 45; Thomas Ewing, 118; Gideon T. 
Stewart, none; A. Saunders Piatt, none; total vote, 163. For Secretary of 
State (1880), Charles Townsend, 64; William Lang, 127; Charles A. Lloyd, 
none; William H. Doan, none; total votes, 191. For President (1880), 
James A. Garfield, 64; Winfield S. Hancock, 130; James B. Weaver, none;. 
Neal Dow, none; total votes, 194. In Kirby Precinct, for Governor (1879), 
Charles Foster, 53; Thomas Ewing, 191; Gideon T. Stewart, none; A. 
Sanders Piatt, none; total votes, 244. For Secretary of State (1880), 
Charles Townsend, 61; William Lang, 192; Charles A. Lloyd, none; Will- 
iam H. Doane, none; total vote, 253. For President (1880), James A. Gar- 
field, 67; Winfield S. Hancock, 210; total vote, 279. 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

DAVID ALTER, the subject of this sketch, is one of the representa- 
tive farmers of Jackson Township. He was born in Allegheny County, 
Penn. , January 27, 1840. His parents were John and Mary (McCutchen) 
Alter, whose history appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. Alter took up 
his residence in this county in 1859, and engaged in farm labor with his 
father until 1863, when he enlisted in the service of the United States, 
under the command of Col. Gallaher, but was afterward transferred to the 
First Pennsylvania Cavalry. He received his discharge in 1863. December 
29, and returned home, where he remained with his father till his marriage. 
This event took place September 15, 1870. Miss Catharine Zimmerman, the 



JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 839 

bride, is the daughter of Peter and Caroline (Felty) Zimmerman, whose 
history will also be found elsewhere recorded. She was born April 22, 
1851, and is the mother of four children — Mary L., born August 4, 1872; 
Perry L., born June 2, 1875; Bessie M., born September 30, 1877, and 
Joseph F., born September 3, 1883. After his marriage, Mr. Alter moved 
to the farm which he had bought a short time prior to that event, and upon 
which he still resides. The original amount, thirty-seven acres, he has 
since increased to seventy-four, and is thus enabled to live in comfort. In 
politics, Mr. Alter is a Eepublican. He was reared in the Presbyterian 
Church, and became a member of that church in his twenty-tifth year; his 
wife united shortly after their marriage, in 1870, at Forest, Ohio. 

JEREMIAH M. ALTER was born in among the hills of Allegheny 
County, Penn. , December 5, 1817. He was the son of David and Elizabeth 
(Mell) Alter, also natives of Pennsylvania. Thirteen children were born to 
them, six of whom are still living, Nancy, John, Daniel, Jeremiah M., Elias 
and Sampson. The deceased are Joseph, Jacob, Samuel, David, Henry and 
two others. The grandfather of Mr. Alter was born in Switzerland, and for a 
period of twenty years was a member of the Legislature of that country. 
Our subject, Jeremiah M. Alter, was educated in the select schools, choos- 
ing for his occupation the blacksmithing trade, when about seventeen years 
of age. On February 14, 1840, Mr. Alter forsook his single life, and mar- 
ried Miss Sophia Mell, daughter of John and Polly (Kiel) Mell, natives of 
Pennsylvania, and of English and German descent. Mrs. Alter was born in 
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, December 13, 1818. Mr. and Mrs. 
Alter were the parents of four children. Two of these are still living — Dan- 
iel W. and George N. John W. and Flora E. have passed away. George 
N. entered the United States service for 100 days. Eighty-second Regiment, 
and left a good record for that time as a soldier. Mr. Alter continued to 
work at his trade till the year 1866, when he removed to Jackson Township, 
Wyandot County. Ohio, purchasing eighty acres of land, on which he now 
resides. His farm is in good condition, and is valued at $70 per acre. 

JOHN ALTER was born in Allegheny County, Penn., in 1808. He is 
the son of David and Elizabeth (Mell) Alter, the former born in 1776, the 
latter in 1780, both natives of Pennsylvania and of German parentage. Mr. 
Alter remained with his parents till the event of his marriage, receiving 
the ordinary education that the common schools of his time afforded. After 
the death of his mother in 1837 he remained at home and took care of his 
father, who was an invalid, till his death in 1838. In 1869, he moved to 
Jackson Township, buying 100 acres of land. His marriage to Miss Mary 
McCutchen occurred in January, 1835, and six children have been born to 
them — Eliza, Matilda, Da,vid, Nancy, John K. and Joseph. Of these, one 
died in infancy. Of these, the last named enlisted in the Fourth Pennsyl- 
vania Cavalry of the United States service and died at Stoneman Hospital 
August 23, 1864, of wounds received in the head and of disease. Mr. Alter 
continued his work on the farm and in the milling business till his second 
marriage, which took place November 14, 1850, taking for his bride Mrs. 
Sarah A. D. McGahan, widow of Robert McGahan. One daughter — 
Sarah R., wife of John A. Stewart — was the result of this marriage. At 
their marriage they each had five children. Two of Mr. and two of Mrs. 
Alter' s have since died; the rest are all married and settled in life. Mr. 
Alter still resides on his farm, and is comfortably situated in a good home. 
In politics, he is a Republican. He united with the Presbyterian Church 
of Plum Creek, when eighteen years of age, and was afterwai'd a member of 



840 HISTORY OF AVYANDOT COUNTY. 

the Church of Parnassus, where he was ordained an Elder about the year 
1865. When he united with the church in Forest, he was at once inducted 
into the session, and is the oldest member, with one exception, in the 
church. His first wife was a member of the Plum Creek Church until 
her death. February 27, 1849. Mrs. Alter, his present wife, was a member 
of the Saltsburg Presbyterian Church, and united, with her husband, suc- 
cessively in the churches of Plum Creek, Parnassus and Forest. 

SAMUEL BAKER was born in Columbiana County May 29, 1819. He 
is the son of John and Catharine (Mummery) Baker, both natives of Adams 
County, Penn., and of German lineage. The children of these parents 
numbered ten in all, of whom but six are living — Elizabeth, Abraham, 
Jonas, Isaac, Samuel and Lydia, The deceased are Sarah, William, Cath- 
arine and Moses. At the age of fifteen Mr. Baker left school to en- 
gage in daily labor at the carpenter's trade and other work. He was 
married to Miss Susannah Zimmerman, daughter of Peter and Sarah 
(Kennel) Zimmerman. Mrs. Baker was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, 
December 29, 1820 Eight children are the fruits of this union — Peter J., 
Andrew J., David S., Sarah C, Simon Z., INTary F. (deceased), Henry O. 
and William L. After marriage Mr. Baker followed the occupation of 
weaver and carpenter till 1861, when he moved to Jackson Township, Wy- 
andot County, Ohio, and settled upon a farm of 100 acres. By long years 
of industrious toil he has succeeded in placing most of this land in a state 
of cultivation, and is now the possessor of a comfortable home. In politics 
he is independent, believing that the safety of the Government depends 
most upon those principles. 

J. P. BERLIEN was born in Westmoreland County, Penn., April 4, 
1841. He came to this county with his parents, Jacob and Salina Berlien 
(whose history appears in another part of this work), when but four years 
of age. He was educated in the common schools and has spent the greater 
part of his life in agricultural pursuits. December 22, 1864, he married 
Miss Lydia A. Roose, daughter of David and Mary (Arner) Roose, who was 
born in Columbiana County September 22, 1840. They have been blessed 
with four children, three of whom are still living — Umphry L., born Oc- 
tober 31, 1866; Ida A.. April 26, 1872; John Z., March 5, 1879; Myrtie 
E., the deceased, was born August 8, 1876, and died March 8, 1877. Mr. 
Berlien was engaged in the late war, 'having enlisted in the One Hundred 
and Ninety-second Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, February 23, 1865. 
He was mustered in at Camp Chase, moving from there to Virginia, thence 
to Winchester and the South, doing patrol duty till the close of the war, 
when he was honorably discharged. Returning home, he resumed his agri- 
ricultural pursuits, renting land in this county for two years, then moving 
to Hardin County, returning to this county in 1873, buying forty acres of 
land, to which he has since added six acres more. By economy and indus- 
try he has succeeded in making of this a comfortable home, and from its 
products a substantial living for himself and family. Mr. Berlien is a 
Democrat in politics, and a member of the Christian Union Church. 

REUBEN BERLIEN, born in Westmoreland County, Penn., September 
27, 1831, is the son of Jacob and Salina (Zimmerman) Berlien. The 
former is a native of the same county, born January 4, 1804, the latter 
born November 28, 1807, in Lancaster, Penn. The death of the father oc- 
curred December 9, 1863, and that of the mother May 12, 1871. Nine 
children followed this union, eight still living — Henry, Reuben, Katie A., 
Susan, Sarah A., Jacob P. B., Peter Z. and Saloma. Anna M., deceased. 



JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 841 

Jacob P. B. enlisted in the war in the spring of 1865, One Hundred and 
Ninety-second Hegiment, serving about seven months, when he was honorably 
discharged. Peter Z. was mustered in in September of 1864, serving about 
eleven months in Sherman's Corps. He was engaged in several battles, but 
fortunately escaped without injury, and received an honorable discharge. 
Reuben Berlien, the subject of this sketch, enlisted in the One Hundred and 
Twenty- third Regiment August 11, 1862, Company F, and was mustered 
into service September 24. The following day he was moved to Virginia 
and joined the command of Gen. Millroy. On the 12th day of June, he 
was taken prisoner at Winchester, but was exchanged November 6, joining 
his regiment at Martinsburg in March, 1864. After this his first engage- 
ment was at New Market, under the command of Gen. Siegel. Following 
this came the engagements of Piedmont, Lynchburg, Linchford, "Winches- 
ter, Martinsburg, Strausburg, Charleston, Halltown, Fisher's Hill and Cedar 
Creek. All these battles were passed through without injury, and followed 
by an honorable discharge on the 12th day of June, 1865, at Columbus, 
Ohio. He was married to Mary E. Zimmerman, daughter of Conrad 
and Margaret A. (Ropp) Zimmerman, and is happily residing on his 
farm at the present time. He is highly esteemed by his neighbors, and 
looks back with considerable pride and satisfaction upon his military record. 

HENRY S. BOWER was born November 30, 1805, in Chester County, 
Penn. He is the son of David and Susan (Kepner) Bower. His great- 
grandfather was a native of Germany, Receiving an ordinary education 
in the schools of New York, on March 29, 1828, he married Miss Dorothy 
Bower, daughter of Michael and Elizabeth fShoenmaker) Bower, also 
of German parentage. Mrs. Bower was born July 28, 1806. After his 
marriage Mr. Bower removed to Livingston County, N. Y., stopping in 
that locality four years, after which he emigrated to Ohio in 1832. 
This trip, a distance of 350 miles, was made in eleven days, traveling in 
a covered wagon, as was the usual custom of those days. Settling in 
Jackson Township, Wyandot County, Mr. Bower entered 300 acres of 
land, himself and a neighbor, Mr. Hovey, being the first settlers of the 
township. He was at one time the owner of 400 acres, 175 of which he 
cleared and broke as " first land." It is now divided among his children, 
with whom he at present makes his home. He is the father of seven chil- 
di'en, five still living — Susan, wife of Erastus Bohannon (deceased); Jeffer- 
son D., Nelson J., Rosanna H., wife of Thomas B. Flower, and Henry. 
The deceased are Israel, Roxyanna and Elizabeth, wife of Samuel dinger. 
Mr. Bower has always been a faithful Democrat, having cast his first vote 
for Andrew Jackson. He has served as Justice of the Peace eighteen years; 
as Trustee, two years; as Treasurer, two years; refusing all the honor of 
these ofiices longer. He was, at one time a member of the Masonic, also 
of the I. O. O. F'. fraternity. He is still strong for one of his years. 

JEFFERSON D. BOWER was born in the State of New York, Septem- 
ber 12, 1834. He is a son of Henry S. and Dorothy (Bower) Bower, with 
whom he came to Ohio when very young. On the old homestead he was 
reared and educated, leaving off his studies at the age of nineteen. He 
remained at home, however, worked by the month and " farmed on shares " 
till his marriage, which important event took place March 26, 1863, Miss 
Sarah J. Flower, daughter of John and Susannah (Fitch) Flower, being the 
fortunate bride, her parents being natives of Pen,nsylvania. Her father 
was born in Bedford County, February 16, 1804, and her mother in Beaver 
County, July 11, 1808. They came and settled in Jackson Township, Wy- 



842 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

andot County, about 1825, being among the first settlers of this locality. 
They are tJie parents of twelve children, of whom six are still living — 
Henry, Thomas, Lydia A. , Sarah J.. Martha and Samuel. Mr. Flower died 
March 30, 1873, Mrs. Flower still living in the seventy-sixth year of her 
age, and being remarkably strong for one so old. Mr. Bower, the subject 
of this sketch, by inheritance and purchase, has secured eighty-six acres of 
land, which he keeps in a good state of repair and cultivation, and values 
at $75 per acre. In 1875, he constructed a handsome residence at a cost of 
$1,250. He also erected one of the finest barns in the township in 1883, at 
a cost of $600. He deals in the best grades of live stock, and votes the 
Democratic ticket, having cast his first vote for Buchanan. He is an en- 
thusiastic Granger and one of the most respected and worthy citizens of his 
township. 

SAMUEL M. BURNETT. This worthy pioneer was born February 
19, 1820, in the State of New York. He came to Wyandot County with 
his parents in 1834, then but a mere boy. He is the son of Elisha and 
Polly (Howe) Burnett. The former was born July 7, 1773, and died in 
March, 1868; the latter was born March 15, 1788, natives of Connecticut 
and Massachusetts respectively, and of Scotch lineage. Mr. Burnett was 
one of the first settlers of Jackson Township, having located there while the 
Indians were quite numerous, and sometimes troublesome, and when only 
" blazed " trees wei-e available to guide the footman from one settlement to 
another. Being on friendly terms with the savages, he frequently joined in 
the chase with them, though, while yet a youth, was at one time, through 
some misunderstanding, threatened by violence at their hands. The first 
and greatest necessity in those days being that of subsistence, and the edu- 
cational advantages being few, our subject was compelled to devote the 
greater part of his time to the clearing of the forest for the production of 
the potato and the "Johnny-cake." In the month of August, 1849, Mr. 
Burnett was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Tillbury, daughter of 
Abraham and Betsy A. (Taylor) Tillbury, who was born May 31, 1834, in 
the State of New York. They are the parents of eight children — Emily J., 
born May 31, 1850; Eliza, March 25, 1852; William, April 17, 1854; John 
H., Februarys. 1856; Benjamin, March 10, 1859; Mary E., October 17, 
1864; Samuel, March 3, 1867, and Joseph, September 5, 1872. After his 
marriage Mr. Burnett settled upon a farm of forty acres that had been en- 
tered for him when a boy, and this, by subsf^quent additions, he has in- 
creased to 220 acres. His farm is nearly all in a state of cultivation, the 
improvements thereon having been wrought out for the most part by his own 
industrious hands. He is well inured to the hardships of jjioneer life, 
and well understands the difficulties incident to the founding of a home in 
the wilds of the frontier. His faithful wife still lives to share his compan- 
ionship and the fruits ui their mutual toils. Politically, Mr. Burnett is a 
Republican, and a good neighbor and citizen. 

ARNOLD DURENBERGER was born April 20, 1833, in Reigolds- 
wiyl, Canton Basel, Switzerland. He is the son of Jacob and Margaret 
(Frae) Durenberger, who are both residents of Switzerland at the present 
time. Of the seven children, of which Mr. Durenberger is one, but three 
are living, viz.: Arnold, Rheinhart and Justiss. The deceased are Cath- 
arine, Sarah, Elizabeth and Charley. The subject of this sketch was edu- 
cated in the common schools of his native country, closing his school work 
at the age of eighteen. After this he was engaged four years as an appren- 
tice in the carpenter's trade, emigrating to the United States in 1856, and 



JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 843 

settled in Fairfield County, Ohio, where he worked at his trade fifteen 
years. In 1860, he married Miss Margareta Iti, daughter of John and 
Margareta Iti. In 1873, he moved to Hardin County, Ohio, where he pur- 
chased 140 acres of land, afterward adding eighty acres more. Of these 
220 acres about 100 are cleared and under a high state of cultivation. The 
farm is ornamented with a fine residence, which cost $3,000, and a barn 
worth $2,000. Its value is estimated at $75 per acre, it being well drained 
and generally supplied with all the modern improvements. Mi*. Duren- 
berger is a member of the Grange fraternity, and is Democratic in poli- 
tics. He is well respected by all who know him, and one of Jackson's 
most worthy citizens. His family consists of three children — John, Henry 
and Emma. 

HENRY FERNBAUGH was born in Ashland County, Ohio, March 1, 
1843. He is the son of John and Elizabeth (Brandt) Fernbaugh. natives 
of Pennsylvania, and of German ancestry. His father removed to Crane 
Township, this county, when Henry was but four years of age, and entered 
eighty acres of land, and leaving a possession of 120 acres at his death. 
The family consisted of nine children — George, Catharine, Eliza, William, 
Joseph, Henry, Mary A. , John T. and Jacob B. The father died in 1877, 
aged sixty-nine years, and the mother in her seventy- third year, residing in 
Crane Township at the time of their decease. Henry Fernbaugh was edu- 
cated in the district schools, and enlisted in Company K, Fifty-fifth Regi- 
ment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, at the age of eighteen years. He was en- 
gaged in some of the most important battles of the war, prominent among 
which were the following: Moorefield, McDowell, Cross Keys, Cedar Moun- 
tain, Freeman's Ford, Sulphur Springs, Second Bull Run, Chancellorsville, 
Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga, Charleston, Buzzard's Roost, Hickory. 
Grove, Lost Mountain, Peachtree Creek, and the siege at Atlanta. Besides 
these heavy battles Mr. Fernbaugh was in every skirmish with Sherman in 
his march to the sea. He was taken prisoner at Chancellorsville, and de- 
tained at Alexandria five months, but was finally exchanged. At the siege 
of Atlanta he was permanently injured, from the effects of which he has 
never recovered. He received an honorable discharge in July, 1865. His 
marriage to Miss Mary E. Shriver, occurred October 7, 1866, she being the 
daughter of Rev. David and Mary (Hendrickson) Shriver, who settled in 
Marion County in 1833. Mr. Shriver was engaged in the ministry about 
forty years; a few years of this time in the interest of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, and the remainder in the interest of the Church of God. He 
was the father of nine children, Mrs. Fernbaugh being the seventh. His 
death occurred in 1874, at the age of sixty-eight years, and that of his wife 
in 1863, at the age of fifty-five years. Mr. and Mrs. Fernbaugh are the 
parents of seven children, only three of whom are living, viz.: Minnie J., 
born October 3, 1869; Marion R., born December 2, 1874, and Laura G., 
born July 8, 1882. The deceased are Ordella E., Sarah F., Anna M. and 
an infant. In 1865, Mr. Fernbaugh purchased a fai-m of forty acres, where 
he resided until the spring of 1875, at which time he purchased another of 
eighty acres south of Kirby. On this farm he remained until the fall of 
1881, when he again sold out and purchased his present tract of forty acres, 
which he has improved to a large extent, and which he now values at $100 
per acre. A neat barn and a comfortable house are among the principal 
improvements. Politically, Mr. Fernbaugh is a Republican, and, with his 
wife, a member of the Church of God at Kirby. He has served as Elder, 
Deacon and Trustee of this religious denomination, and is reckoned among 
its most worthy members. 



844 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

J. H. FORNEY, the subject of this sketch, was born October 12, 1835, 
in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. He is the son of John and Mary (Shroy) 
Forney, the former born October 11, 1811; the latter in 1813, natives of 
Ohio and Maryland respectively, and of German descent. They were the 
parents of seven children — J. H. , George W., Amanda J., Margaret A., 
Catharine E., William R. and Elmira W. Of these but the former three 
are living. The second son, William, enlisted in the United States service, 
One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Regiment, in August, 1862, and entered 
the Army of the Potomac. He was engaged in numerous battles, but was 
unfortunately wounded in the battle of the Wilderness, dying from the 
effects of his injuries at Little York, Penn. J. H. Forney, the subject of 
this sketch, was educated in a common school and has always been engaged 
in agricultural pursuits. In 1864, he purchased land in Jackson Township, 
Wyandot County, to the amount of 152 acres, where he now resides. This 
entire tract has been cleared by himself, except forty acres which he has 
sold since the first purchase. The first tree was cut for the log cabin, in which 
he formerly lived. This cabin has now given place to a fine frame dwell- 
ing, erected at a cost of nearly $2,000. Mr. Forney has held the office of 
Trustee four years. He is Republican in politics, and one of the most suc- 
cessful farmers of Jackson Township. 

JOHN J. GASTER, the subject of this sketch, was born in the romantic 
country of Switzerland, in 1845. He came with his parents to this country 
in 1858, settling in this county. His parents were natives of Germany, 
bearing the names of Henry and Anna (Snider) Gaster respectively. Six 
children were the fruits of their marriage, namely: Barnabas, Henry, Ros- 
anna, Mary, John J. and Robert. Mr. Gaster was educated in the German 
language, and on coming to this country, made his first stop at Upper San- 
dusky. He immediately began his daily labors on the farm and elsewhere, 
which he continued till 1865. He then enlisted in the One Hundred and 
Ninety-eighth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was mustered in at 
Lima, and afterward removed to Camp Chase, where he remained till dis- 
charged. He then returned to Jackson Township, and resumed his agri- 
cultural work, which he has since engaged in. His father's death occurred 
in 1871. May 1, 1881, Mr. Gaster was joined in marriage to Miss Mary 
S. Heller, daughter of Philip and Sarah (Switzkable) Heller, born Febru- 
ary 22, 1859. After the death of his father, he and his brother worked 
together on the old homestead, to which they had fallen heii's, until by 
purchase, he secured his brother's interest, after which he assumed full 
possession. In politics Mr. Gaster is a Democrat. He is a member of the 
1. O. O. F., the G. A. R. and still resides upon the old farm of his father. 
He is an enterpi'ising farmer, and, with his wife, highly esteemed. 

PHILIP HELLER, born July 4, 1824, in Dauphin County, Penn., came 
with his parents to this part of the country in 1826. He is the son of Adam 
and Anna (Massner) Heller, both born in the year 1806, natives of Pennsyl- 
vania, and of German parentage. Their family consisted of three children 
— Philip, Almira and Mary A. The subject of this sketch, being left an 
orphan at the age of six years, was compelled to labor for his board and 
clothes until his sixteenth year, when he engaged in a woolen factory, pur 
suing this work until the outbreak of the Mexican war. He then enlisted 
at Buffalo, going directly to New Orleans; but, the war having suddenly 
closed, he was honorably dismissed, and returned to Toledo, Ohio, where 
he engaged on a fishing boat until 1846. He was next engaged in a machine 
shop at Fostoria for one year, and after that as civil engineer for two years. 



JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 845 

Leaving that occupation, he again resumed work in a woolen factory at 
Finley for one year, but after that time removed to Blanchard to engage in 
the same work, buying a half interest in a factory at that place. At Blanch- 
ard he remained four j'ears, at the expiration of which he removed to Wood 
County, where he erected a saw mill and lath factory. Six months were 
spent in this enterprise, after which the carpenter's trade was taken up and 
followed till August of 1862. He then enlisted in the United States service, 
One Hundred and First Regiment, going into camp at Monroeville, Ohio. 
At Perryville his first engagement took place, and he afterward did skirmish 
duty at Cumberland Gap. Receiving injuries of the spine, he was placed 
in the hospital, and soon after received his discharge at Quincy, 111. , for 
disability. He then returned to Wyandot County, bought thirty acres of 
land, and engaged with the railroad company at a good salary till 1868. He 
then purchased the farm where he now resides. In January, 1856, Mr. 
Heller was married to Sarah Switzkable, ten children blessing their union 
— Susan, John L. A., Louise B., Martha J., Maliuda. Charley, Elijah and 
Ida L. George and Maggie ai-e deceased. He is a Democrat and member 
of the G. A. R. 

GEORGE HESSELDENZ was born near Tiffin, Seneca County, Ohio, 
February 1, 1854. He is the son of Peter and Mary (Hovt) Hesseldenz, 
natives of Prussia, and of German descent. They were the parents of nine 
childi-en, of whom only the subject of this sketch is living. Mr. H. died 
January 2, 1877, of dyspepsia, at the advanced age of sixty-three years. 
Mrs. H. was stricken with paralysis, and died near New Riegel, in 1861. 
Of their nine children, two sons and three daughters died of cholera near 
Tiffin, Ohio, in the years of 1848, 1850. In 1864, another son and daughter 
died at New Reigel. The eldest son died in 1882, aged thirty-eight years. 
He was educated in the German Catholic school, and when eleven years of 
age moved with his father to Wyandot County, where he followed the voca- 
tion of a farmer till his thirteenth year. He then went to Upper Sandusky, 
where he worked one year as an apprentice to the carpenter's trade, after 
which he returned to the farm, where he remained till his sixteenth year. 
Not satisfied with the labor of the farm, he went to Tiffin and began work 
on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, following the line to Defiance. At 
eighteen Mr. George Hesseldenz went to Minnesota, doing general day 
labor, and remained in that State thirteen months. He then returned 
East to New York and Philadelphia; thence to W^abashaw, where he 
remained six months. Leaving this place, he visited relatives in St. 
Louis, and afterward secured a position in a grist mill at W^aterloo, 
111., where he remained one year. On June 13, 1876, Mr. Hes- 
seldeuz was united in marriage with Catharine A. Schaiper, daughter of 
Anthony and Mary Schaiper. Mrs. Hesseldenz was born November 9, 1858. 
They have four children — Henry, Matilda, Charlie and Angaline. Soon 
after his marriage, Mr. Hesseldenz returned to Wyandot County, and settled 
upon a farm, where he remained one year. He afterward spent four years 
in the interest of the Singer Sewing Machine Company, and in 1882 estab- 
lished himself in a grocery store at Kirby, subsequently adding silverware 
and hardware, and is doing a good business. Mr. Hesseldenz is a Democrat 
and a member of the Catholic Church. 

GEORGE H. HINES was born October 8, 1853. He was the son of 
Adam and Sarah (Kitch) Hines, and, like many other pioneers, received 
but the limited education which the schools of his time afforded. At the 
age of eighteen he left ofi" his school- going to engage in the more urgent 



846 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

duties of the farm. He was married July 14, 1881, to Miss Lizzie Snider, 
daughter of John and Mai'garet (Pink) Snider, both born in Germany. In 
this family were nine children, six now living, viz.: Mary, Lena, John, 
Lizzie, Bei'gaman and Charley. The deceased are Bellvy, George and Mar- 
garet. Mrs. nines, the wife of our subject, was born April 20, 1861. One 
child, Maggie E., has been born to them, her birth occurring July 5, 1882. 
After his marriage Mr. Hines remained upon the old homestead, which he 
hired and bought in 1875. He is a Democrat in politics, and shares 
the companionship of an exemplary wife, in addition to the material com- 
forts of a home. 

L. E. LANDON was born May 14, 1844 in Portage County, Ohio. He 
was the son of James and Ruth (Dudley) Landon, natives of Connecticut, 
and of English parentage. Mr. Landon was reared on a farm, and when 
about eight years of age moved with his parents to Ada, Ohio, to assist them 
to provide a home. He was afterward engaged in saw milling and other 
work as a day laborer till 1864, when he enlisted in the army, Company I, 
One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was 
mustered in at Camp Chase, and after remaining at that point one week 
was ordered south. Halting at Martinsburg, his regiment encamped with- 
in four miles of that place, and Mr. Landon was placed on patrol duty to 
guai'd the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. They were soon driven from this 
point to Harper's Ferry, and shortly after engaged in the battle of John 
Brown's Schoolhouse. This was Mr. Landon' s first military fight. He 
was moved later to Maryland Heights, where he remained till the expiration 
of his time of enlistment; he then returned to Columbus and was discharged. 
On June 16, 1870, Mr. Landon was mai'ried to Miss Caroline Ott, 
daughter of J. G. and Evea (Heisel) Ott. Mrs. Landon was born December 
25, 1845. They have two children— Clara A., born October 22, 1871, and 
ClijBford F. , born August 19, 1878. Soon after his marriage Mr. Landon 
engaged in the drug business in the town of Kirby, as a partner of T. H. 
Falty, but, subsequently purchasing the latter's interest, he now controls 
the entire stock and is doing a good business. He is a member of the G. 
A. R. and of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was appointed Postmas- 
ter at Kirby in 1872, and still holds the office. 

JACOB LAUTINSLAGER, physician and sui-geon, was born July 29, 
1853, in Lancaster County, Penn. His parents were Geoi'ge and Elizabeth 
(Clois) Lautinslager, natives of Germany and Pennsylvania, respectively, 
and of German parentage. When five years of age, Mr. Lautinslager came 
with parents to Clark County, where he resided fourteen years, attending 
the district school as a means of education. At the age of nineteen he 
moved to Urbana and entered the High School of that city, from which he 
graduated at the age of twenty-three. He then began the study of medicine 
at that place with the well-known physician, Dr. H. C. Pearce. By a close 
application to his studies he soon obtained a thorough knowledge of the 
science, beginning with chemistry and ending with obstetrics. He subse- 
quently attended lectures at the Columbus Medical College, Columbus, Ohio, 
graduating with honor February 28, 1882, and soon located in Kirby, where 
he is building up an excellent practice. 

J. A. LILES, born April 25, 1846, in Richland Township, this county, 
is the son of Isaiah and Catharine (Young) Liles, natives of New York and 
Ohio respectively. Mr. Liles was reared upon the farm and was educated 
in the district school. In January, 1863, he enlisted in the Forty-ninth 
Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry; was mustered in at Columbus, and, pro- 



JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 847 

ceeding to Chattanooga, was put upon the skirmish line and followed Hood 
to Buzzard's Roost, fighting on the march. At Ball's Knob he received a 
wound from a minie ball, from Avhich he became so disabled as to be sent 
back to the division station, and later to the hospital at Chattanooga. Re- 
maining at the hospital about one month. he ])roceeded to Nashville, thence 
to Joe Holt, thence to Camp Dennison, where he was discharged on account 
of disability resulting from wounds causing a disease of the heart. Mr. 
Liles was married September 24, 1868, to Elizabeth Brockney, daughter of 
John and Adaline (Kersey) Brockney, who was born September 16, 1848. 
They are the parents of six children, viz. : Adaline C. , Minnie E., Mary L. , 
Ralph A., Loyd E. and Earl L. After marriage he lived with his grand- 
father, managing his farm uutil making a purchase of fifty acres for him- 
self, to which he has since added, by subsequent purchases, till he now 
owns 178 acres. On this farm, which is in an excellent condition, he still 
resides. His residence is one of the finest in Jackson Township. In poli- 
tics, Mr. Liles is a Republican; he is a member of the I. O. O. F. , the Gr. 
A. R. and the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

JOHN LOUBERT was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, July 26, 1813. 
He is the son of George and Mary A. Loubert, the former born in 1768 in 
Germany, serving in the war against Napoleon, receiving a severe wound on 
the head by the cut of a saber. He served as a soldier six years and emi- 
grated to the United States in 1803, remaining in Baltimore until 1807, when 
he removed to Fairfield County, Ohio, while that region was still an un- 
subdued wilderness. Educated in the log schoolhouse, and sharing the dis- 
advantages peculiar to the times, Mr. Loubert remained at home till his 
father's death occurred, after which he engaged in the carpenter's trade un- 
til his marriage in 1858. He then purchased a farm of eighty acres, on 
which he labored, in connection with his work in carpentry, till 1865. 
Yielding to the call of his country, on February 17, 1865, he enlisted in 
the United States service, being then fifty-two years of age. He was a 
member of Company I, One Hundred and Ninety-second Regiment Ohio 
Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered in at Camp Chase. He started im- 
mediately for Virginia, stopping at Harper's Ferry. From there be pro- 
ceeded toHalltown, thence to Charleston, Winchester, Stevenson's Station, 
Reed's Hill and Harrisonburg, at the latter place going on duty, where he 
remained two weeks. He then returned to Winchester and was mustered out, 
receiving his discharge at Columbus, Ohio. Hismilitary career being ended, 
Mr. Loubert again turned his attention to his trade and the management of 
his farm. September 19, 1858, the happy event of his marriage took place, 
joining his worldly interests with those of Mrs. Mary Miller, widow of the 
late Jacob Miller, and who was born July 25, 1819. Two children were born 
to them, viz., John C, born October 25, 1859, and Mary C, born June 12, 
1862. In politics, Mi*. Loubert is a Republican; he is a member of the 
I. O. O. F., the G. A. R. and the Lutheran Church. 

JOHN H. MARCH was born April 7, 1838. The subject of this sketch 
first saw the light in Columbiana County, Ohio. His parents were Philip 
and Sarah (Gilmore) March, the former born in Berkeley County, Va. , Sep- 
tember 14, 1803, and the latter in Allegheny County, Penn., in 1804, of 
Irish and German ancestry. They had eight children, sis living, viz., Will- 
iam G. , Henry C, John H., Samuel Q., Margaret J. and Daniel W. Mary 
A. and Jatoes S. are deceased. Our subject, John H. March, was educated 
in the ordinary branches of the common schools, and is a farmer by occupa- 
tion. October 3, 1868, he married Sarah Adams, daughter of Thomas and 



848 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. , 

Susanna (Fisher) Adams. She was born January 18, 1848. They have six 
children — Aivin, born July 6, 1869; Frank, born March 19, 1871; Clara L., 
born November 5, 1872; Charley, born June 6, 1875; Howard, born Febru- 
ary 18, 1879; Roy, born June 4, 1881. After marriage, Mr. March came 
with his family to Wyandot County, and in 1870, purchased land in Jack- 
son Township to the amount of eighty acres. Of this, about forty acres are 
cultivated, and the whole forms one of the pleasant and thrifty farms of the 
township. Mr. March has served six years as Township Clerk, and is a 
Democrat politically. 

ELI AS McPEEK, now one of Wyandot's best citizens, was born Au- 
gust 17, 1833, in Guernsey County, Ohio, being the son of Rev. William 
and Rebecca (Bowen) McPeek, both of whom were born in Guernsey County, 
the former in 1808. A minister by profession, member of the Baptist 
Church in Noble County, he is still living, in excellent health for one of his 
yeai's, filling three appointments in his ministerial work. The latter was 
born in 1811, and is still living. Seven children have blessed this union, 
but one having joined the army of the dead. Tbey are Elias, Joseph, Eli 
D., Allen D., Philipp, Mary E. and Sarah J., deceased. Three of the sous, 
Joseph, Allen D. and Philipp, served in the late war. Joseph, enlisting in 
the three months' service, at the expiration of that time volunteered in the 
regular army, Ninety-second Regiment, serving nearly four years. He 
was at length discharged, however, on account of wounds received by the 
explosion of a shell, having five bullet-holes shot through various parts of 
his clothes at the same time. Allen D. entered the same regiment about the 
same time, but was soon discharged on account of physical disability. 
Philipp entered the service as a substitute, serving about three months. 
Elias, the main subject of this sketch, received a fair education in the public 
school of his time, closing his literary career in his seventeenth year. After 
this time he was engaged at monthly wages as a laborer on the farm, which 
occupation he followed till his marriage to Miss Mary A. E. Armstrong July 
22, 1858. Mrs. McPeek was born March 22, 1833, and is the daughter of 
Thomas and Margaret (McQuoun) Armstrong, who are both yet living and 
in good health. The former has reached the advanced age of eighty and 
the latter seventy-five years. Six children are the result of their marriage — 
Washington A., Thomas M., William F., Eugene, Lillie and Ella M., de- 
ceased. After marriage, they rented and farmed for five years, then bought 
seventy-five acres of land in Jackson Township, Wyandot County, where 
they still reside, in the enjoyment of an elegant home as the fruits of their 
honest industry. A fine residence, good barn and other improvements to the 
value of $3,000 are the results of a commencement in life with but $300. 
In politics, Mr. McPeek is a thorough Democrat, 

WALTER SANFORD, now one of Wyandot's most respected citizens, 
was born in Allegany County, N. Y., May 5, 1832. His parents were 
Jeremiah F. and Rebecca (Simerson) Sanford, the former being a native of 
New York, born February 18, 1805; the latter, of New Jersey, boi'n in 1811. 
They were the parents of eight children — Waltei*, George F., John F. and 
Millissie, living, and Christina, Edward, Jackson L. and Jerod, deceased. 
A farmer by occupation, he received the education afforded by the common 
schools. March 11, 1858, he married Susannah McDaniel, daughter of 
Jane and Nancy (Hannah) SIcDaniel. Mrs. Sanford was born in 1830, 
December 4, and came of an excellent family. After his marriage, Mr. 
Sanford removed to Wyandot County, purchasing a farm of forty acres, upon 
which he still resides. His entire possession of real estate is 120 acres. 



JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 849 

This has been accumulated by hard labor, Mr. Sanford having but ono 
horse, one cow and an ax with which to begin. In politics he is of Demo- 
cratic persuasion, and is a member of the Grange Lodge and Union Chris- 
tian Church. 

HENRY SCHRIVER was born in Hardin County, Ohio, December 8, 
1843. His parents were Henry and Sarah Schriver, natives of Pennsylvania, 
and of German extraction. Mr. Schriver was educated in the district school, 
and worked upon the farm till 1861, when he enlisted in the army of the 
United States, being mustered in at Camp Bartley, Mansfield, Ohio. Mov- 
ing from this point to Lexington, Ky., and other points, and spending live 
weeks of his time in the hospitals along the route, he was at length enabled 
to join his regiment at Nashville. At the battle of Shiloh, so memorable in 
history, he first engaged in the dreadful work of destroying his fellow-men. 
From Shiloh he was moved to East Tennessee; thence to Louisville, Ky., and 
from that point to Stone River, where he was wounded on the second day of 
the great fight at that point. After four months' confinement in the hos- 
pitals at Nashville, Tenn., and New Albany, Ind., he next joined his regi- 
ment at Murfreesboro, taking part in the engagements at Liberty Gap, 
Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Peach Tree Creek and 
Kenesaw Mountain. Here he received a second wound and was subsequently 
removed to the rear a short time and again went to the front and served in 
the engagements of Atlanta and Lovejoy Station, being under fire 112 days. 
He then went to Chattanooga. His three years' service being now expired, 
he was mustered out and received an honorable discharge, having partici- 
pated in some of the greatest battles of the greatest nation beneath the sun. 
On his return home, Mr. Schriver resumed his labor upon the farm, which 
occupation he is still engaged in. He was married, September 19, 1869, to 
Mrs. Susanna Hogan, and subsequently emigrated to Missouri. Meeting 
with misfortune here in the death of his wife, he returned to Ohio and after- 
ward was united in marriage to Mrs. Maggie E. Morrison, widow of James 
R. Morrison. She was born August 13, 1849, and was married to her first 
husband, February 25, 1869. Two children were born to them — Eldorado 
G., born June 24, 1871, and Lillian M., born August 2, 1873. The wife 
having obtained the homestead from the administrator, the husband has 
added fifty acres more by subsequent purchase and a fine new dwelling, 
worth $2,000, has been erected upon the premises In politics Mr. Schriver 
is a Republican. He is a member of the G. A. R., and also of the Presby- 
terian Church. 

ABRAHAM H. VANORSDALL was born March 18, 1827, in Cayuga 
County, N. Y. He is the son of Andrew and Catharine (Vanorsdale) Vanors- 
dall, natives of Pennsylvania and New Jersey respectively; the former born in 
the year 1800, and the latter in 1803, of German lineage. In 1846, Mr. Vanors- 
dall, with his family, moved to Ohio, settling in Wyandot County, Mifflin 
Township, where he purchased eighty acres of land, upon which he resided till 
his death, which occurred in July, 1848. Eight children were born to them, 
six of whom still survive — Abraham H., Hannah P., John A., Jonathan O., 
Katie and Ruby. The deceased were Lovind and Isaac A. Our subject 
received a liberal education in the common schools of his day, closing his 
literary pursuits at the age of nineteen years. After this he was engaged in 
farm labor during the summer, and taught school in winter until his mar- 
riage, which took place in June, 1849, to Miss Ruth Snider, daughter of 
Daniel and Anna (Dean) Snider. Six children were the fruits of this mar- 
riage, all of which are still living except Daniel S. Their names are as 



850 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

follows: Daniel S.; Agnes, wife of G. N. Fox; Julia M., wife of B. F. Stultz; 
Emma E., wife of John M. La Rowe; Curtis A. and Minaie M. Mr. Van- 
orsdall purchased 240 acres of land in Wyandot County, and settled upon 
the same in 1863. Since that time he has served in nearly all the offices 
in the township in which he resides, and also in some of the county offices. 
As Township Clerk he served for a term of sixteen years; as Treasurer, ten 
years; as Justice of the Peace, twenty-one years; as Assessor, two years. 
By appointment he was made Infirmary Director for one year, and afterward, 
by election, six years. In 1882, he was chosen as Commissioner, which 
office he still (1883) holds. He is a member of the F. and A. M., I. O. O. 
F. and Grange fraternities, and also of the Christian Union Church. In 
politics he is a stanch Democrat. He is still living on bis finely cultivated 
farm, in the companionship of an excellent wife, and surrounded by a host 
of friends. 

M. H. WALTERMIRE was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, September 
29, 1827, and is the son of Samuel and Margaret (Clymer) Waltermire. 
Having a good knowledge of the English branches, at the age of twenty-one 
years he obtained a livelihood by teaching school and laboring at the car- 
penter's trade till the year 1865, when he obtained a piece of land in Jack- 
son Township, Wyandot County, where he has since resided. On January 
26, 1854, he married Mary E. Edwards, daughter of William and Mary A. 
(Bell) Edwards. Mrs. W^altermire was born November 22, 1832, in Bel- 
mont County, Ohio. Their marriage has been blessed by eight children — 
William M., born January 21, 1855; Mary M., born September 5, 1856 
(wife of J. D. Alexander); Samuel H., born August 3, 1858; Andrew J., 
born August 30, 1860; Lemuel G. , born February 19, 1864; Joseph H., 
born February 23, 1866; George W., born June 7, 1868; Emma M., born 
May 6, 1875. Mr. Waltermire is the owner of 120 acres of land, all under 
cultivation, and provided with a comfortable residence. He is a member of 
the I. O. O. F., and a sound Democrat. As Justice of the Peace he has 
served fifteen years, and as Township Clerk five years. He enjoys a pleas- 
ant home, the companionship of an excellent wife, and is well respected as 
a citizen. 

HEZEKIAH YOUNG. In Crawford County, Ohio, March 11, 1844, this 
gentleman first appeared on the scene of life. He is the son of Surrena (Sinn) 
and George Young, the former born in Pennsylvania, in 1810, the latter in 
Virginia, in 1806, and dying in the years 1877 and 1848 respectively, being of 
German ancestry. Eight children blessed this imion, five of whom are still 
living, as follows: Peter S., Jeremiah, Delilah, Hezekiah and Mai'tin. 
Fannie, Isaac and Maria are numbered among the dead. Mr. Young was 
a soldier in the Mexican war, and in that capacity rendered able service in 
the cause of his country. The subject of this sketch was educated in the 
common schools of his day, emigrating to Missouri at the age of fifteen, 
but returning to Crawford County. Ohio, after an absence of six mouths, 
and working on the farm as a hand till the spring of 1864, at which time 
he entered the United States service. He was enlisted in the One Hundred 
and Forty-fourth Regiment, and, after three months' skirmishing in the Shen- 
andoah Valley, was honorably discharged. Returning home, he labored on 
the farm till his marriage, which took place September 27, 1866, to Miss 
Malinda Baum, daughter of Jackson and Jane (Stokely) Baum, who was 
born May 8, 1847. As a result of this marriage eight children were born 
to them, all of whom are still living. The names of these are as follows: 
George W\, Mary M., Ruie S., James W., Hezekiah, Gustus F., Harley L. 



JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 851 

and Myrtie J. After marriage he still engaged in farming and saw milling 
till the year 1877, when he purchased 107 acres of land in Wyandot County, 
sixty of which are in a good state of cultivation. Mr. Young is Independent 
in politics, is a member of the G. A. 11., and highly respected as a citizen. 
PETER ZIMMERMAN. On IMay 15, 1811, in Columbiana County, 
Ohio, the subject of this sketch first saw the light of this world. He is the 
son of Peter and Sarah (Connel) Zimmerman, the former born April 15, 
1776; the latter was born in Northampton County. Penn. , both of German 
extraction. Our subject received a moderate English education in the 
common school, closing his work in that direction to engage in the more 
rugged pursuits of farm labor. On January 14, 1841, he was united in 
marriage with Miss Caroline Felty, daughter of John G. and Barbara (Hem- 
merly) Felty. Her father was born in Wittenburg, Germany, in 1789. 
Her mother was born in Wittenburg, Germany, in 1792. To them were 
born seven children, but three of whom are now living, viz.: Catharine G. , 
Caroline and Frederica. The deceased are Christina E. , John C, Jacob 
and John. After his marriage Mr. Zimmerman moved to Wyandot County, 
Ohio, locating in Jackson Township. Here he entered 160 acres of land, 
making the entry in 1835, when but little more than a dozen families were 
living in the township, it being then in its wildest condition, with the 
Indian roaming at will over its uninhabited plains. Of this land he has 
placed about 130 acres in an enviable state of improvement, and by incessant 
toil has built for himself a comfortable home. In politics, Mr. Zimmerman 
is a firm Democrat, having cast his first vote for the venerable " Hickorv " 
Jackson. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and is the happy father 
of twelve children, ten of whom are still living, named as follows: John F., 
born December 23, 1841; Simon P., February 9, 1844; Henry K. , November 
3, 1845; Juda, March 30, 1849; Catharine, April 22, 1851; Christina, May 

11, 1853; David W., born August 11, 1855; Susana, April 18, I860; Con- 
rad T., February 23, 1862; Perry C, November 22, 1865. The deceased 
are Sarah, born August 18, 1847, died October 6, 1848; Caroline, born De- 
cember 1, 1857, died March 1, 1865. 

SIMON ZIMMERMAN was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, August 

12, 1823. He is the son of Peter and Sarah (Kemne) Zimmerman. His 
father was born in Virginia, May 15, 1776, and died September 15, 1861. 
His mother was born in Maryland, May 26, 1781, and died January 18, 
1834. Mr. Zimmerman obtained his education in the common schools, and 
at the age of eighteen turned his entire attention to farming. On Septem- 
ber 7, 1854, he married Miss Mary A. Dubbs, daiighter of John and Anna 
(Woolfrom) Dubbs, born January 29, 1837, in Columbiana County, Ohio. 
They are the parents of three children — George L., born June 11, 1855; Ida 
Ann, born May 26, 1858; John O., born January 30, 1869. Mr. Zimmer- 
man emigrated to Wyandot Coiinty, Jackson Township, in 1863, buying 160 
acres of land, to which he afterward added forty more. Although over- 
grown with timber, Mr. Zimmerman has made his farm tillable, and now 
lives in the enjoyment of worldly plenty, surrounded by many warm friends. 
He is a Democrat in politics, a member of the Lutheran Church and of the 
I. O. O. F. He has served nine years as Township Trustee. 



852 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 



CHAPTER VI. 
MARSEILLES TOWNSHIP. 

The Township as Organized— Its Physical Features — First Improve- 
ments—Early Settlers — Owners of Real and Personal Estate in 
1845— Educational— Religious— Officials since 1849— Miscellaneous- 
Village OF Marseilles— Biographical Sketches. 

^^HIS township, which comprises Township 4 south, Ranges 12 and 13 
JL- east, is what is termed a fractional township, being longer, by an aver- 
age of five miles from east to west, than it is in breadth from north to south. 
It was organized in 1824. Part of it was foi'merly Grand Township, 
Marion County, and part was separated from Goshen Township, Hardin 
County, by the erection of Wyandot County in 1845, when it derived its 
name from its chief village, Marseilles. It is bounded on the north by 
Jackson and Mifflin Townships; on the east by Pitt Township; on the south 
by Marion and Hardin Counties, and on the west by Hardin County and 
Jackson Township. 

The quality of the soil is some of the best in the county, and is specially 
adapted for bearing wheat and other cereals. Although a goodly poi'tion 
of this township to the east of Marseilles Village is solid forest or prairie 
land, yet the many prosperous farms that abound in the remainder afiford 
abundant evidence of the fruitfulness of the land under care of the agri- 
culturist, whose attention appears to be pretty equally bestowed in the pro- 
duction of corn, wheat, hay, potatoes, and other crops. 

The principal stream that pursues its meandering course through Mar- 
seilles Township is known as Tymochtee Creek. Entering from Marion 
County, on the farm of Frederick Fehl, in the southeast corner of Section 

17, the creek takes an almost due northerly course, and, after skirting the 
western limits of Marseilles Village, it passes through Sections 8 and 5 in a 
somewhat serpentine manner, and makes its exit into Mifflin Township on 
the farm of Isaac Johnson, in Section 5. Most of the tributaries which give 
birth to the Tymochtee have their sources in the northwest quarter of Marion 
County; some of them rise in Hardin County, and the Little Tymochtee, 
which pours its waters into its more pretentious namesake in Marion County, 
has its genesis partly in Hardin County and partly in Jackson Township. 
The main artery of this tributary peragrates the western portion of Mar- 
seilles Township from northwest to southeast, entering at the southwest 
corner of Section 2 west, and in passing through the northeast quarter of 
Section 11 west, it picks up a streamlet (which has its rise in Hardin County, 
flowing northeast), and, after coursing through Sections 12 west, 13 west 
and 18, it forsakes this township on the farm of Adam M. Hartle, ata point 
where the old Belief ontaine road crosses it on the southern edge of Section 

18. A small bend of one of the feeders of the Little Tymochtee dodges 
across the northwest corner of Section 10 west, on the farm of James B. 
Pool, and other than a rill that rises in the west of Section 7, on the farm 
of Michael Bower, and trills eastward into Tymochtee Creek at Marseilles 
Village. There is no other stream of any moment in the township. 



MARSEILLES TOWNSHIP. 853 

FIRST IMPROVEMENTS. 

The first highway to be regularly laid out, in this township, was the State 
or Bellefontaine road in 1822, which enters from Mifflin Township, on the 
farm of John P. Miller, in Section 4, and, after traversing the township in 
a southwesterly direction and passing through Marseilles Village, it enters 
Marion County at the southern edge of Section 18. Two roads enter from 
Pitt Township in the east at Sections 1 and 13 respectively, the more noi'th- 
erly of which runs about due west, and strikes Jackson Township at Section 2 
west; the other road leads due west till it reaches the western edge of Sec- 
tion 16, when it proceeds due north a short distance; then due west again 
for a quarter of a mile; then northwest till it terminates in Marseilles Vil- 
lage. From the old Bellefontaine road two others diverge, one leading 
northwest into Jackson Township, and the other taking a somewhat irregu- 
lar route northwest, west aad southwest, into Hardin County. 

EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 

Il was not until within the second decade of this century that the first 
ax was wielded toward clearing the township we now write of, and 
reducing it from the condition of an unbroken forest to a place fit for the 
habitation of civilized man. 

Probably the oldest settler in the township, now living, is Samuel Simp- 
son, who was born July 8, 1815. He at one time drove a stage between 
Cincinnati and Portland, and between Springfield and Columbus, for two 
years, commencing that occupation when eighteen years of age. He came 
with his parents, Samuel and Elizabeth Simpson, to Marseilles Township 
in 1821, and now resides in Marseilles. In his association with the Indians, 
he learned to speak their language, and still possesses that acquirement. 
Garrett Fitzgerald; a native of Virginia and a married man with a family 
of seven children, settled in the southeast quarter section in 1822. In the 
same year came David and Jerry Terry. In 1823, William Renick, a native 
of Virginia, and Charles Crosberry; in 1824, Thomas Wallace; in 1825, A. 
Renick, James Brown, Robert Ward, Richard Lee, Harvey Buckmeister, 
Col. Hunt, William Bowsher, Anthony Bowsher, David Harpster, David 
Miller. In 1826, Daniel and Samuel Straw and Joseph Parish; John 
Heckathorn came in 1828, and Maj. Hugh Long, a tanner, located in the 
village of Marseilles in 1832. He was born in West Liberty, Va., April 12, 
1794, and served in the war of 1812 as a member of a Light Horse Com- 
pany, commanded by Capt. Ichabod Nye, of Knox County. They camped 
on what is now known as "Armstrong's Bottom," about two miles south of 
Upper Sandusky. When Maj. Long came to engage in the business of tan- 
ning in Marseilles in 1832, Charles Merriman owned the only frame house 
in the village, which then consisted of some six or eight cabins. The Major 
filled, in his lifetime, nearly every township office, and he did much toward 
building up the village to what it now is. During the latter years of his 
life, he drew a pension from the Government for his services. 

John Febl, a native of Pennsylvania, was born September 1, 1792; came 
to this township in 1834, and entered eighty acres of land. He was the 
father of nine children. His death occurred July 8, 1871. Mrs. Fehl, his 
widow, was born April 16, 1794, and is now living on the old homestead, in 
her ninety -first year. 

Alexander Pool, born in Pennsylvania in July, 1799, came to Marseilles 
Township in the spring of 1834, and entered eighty acres of land. He 
died December 24, 1880. John W. Kennedy settled in Marseilles in 1835, 

38 



854 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

and was appointed Postmaster of Marseilles Village April ]7, 1883. He 
was born October 6, 1809. Frederick Kennedy, a native of Pennsylvania, 
came to the village of Marseilles in 1835, and w^orked as a mechanic until 
his death in 1841. Michael Bower, born in New York, January 19, 1818, 
came with his parents, David and Susanna Bower, in 1835; entered 276 
acres of land. David Bower died in 1857, aged seventy-four, and Mrs. 
Bower died in the same year at the same age. Peter L. Demarest was born 
August 19, 1800, in New York; came here in 1835 from Covington, 
N. Y., in a wagon, and entered 160 acres of land near Marseilles 
Village. In 1868, he moved into that village, where he died October 10, 
1883. Among others who arrived in this township during or prior to 1835, 
may be mentioned Socrates Hartle, born July 23, 1818, in Georgetown, 
Penn., who came with his mother, brother and sister (John and Esther) and 
entered 240 acres of land. He acquired in all 1,288 acres of land, and 
died June 21, 1877, leaving an estate valued at $70,000. He was a very 
prominent and highly esteemed citizen, and as a solid, reliable man was 
known far and wide. Others were Henry Quail, David Young and son, 

John Hankins. David Bowers, Henry Haner, Z. Hurd, Waller, Ethan 

and John Terry, Dr. Westbrook, Nicholas Bowers, Elisha Parker, Benjamin 
Ellis, Dr. Hall, Henry Hawthorne and T. Hendrickson. 

Samuel Studebaker, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1816, settled in 
Marseilles Township prior to 1838. Enoch Thomas, born in Hardy County, 
Va., July 30, 1814, came to Franklin County, Ohio, in 1838, and in the 
spring of the same year to this township, where he bought the land on 
which he now resides. Thomas Emptage, a native of Kent, England, born 
July 18, 1802, emigrated to America in 1833, and after residing two years 
in Richland County, Ohio, and four years in Hardin County, Ohio, came to 
Marseilles, where he died March 15, 1879. His widow, a native of Hamer- 
sham, England, is now living, in the seventy-fifth year of her age. Parker 
Lee, who spent 1840-42 in Marseilles Township, was born in Maryland, 
served through the war of 1812, and died in Salt Rock Township, Marion 
County, 

The owners of real and personal estate in the township of Marseilles in 
1845, at the organization of the county, were as follows: 

OWNERS OF REAL ESTATE. 

Andrew Alexander, William Adams, Solomon Adams, Samuel Adams, 
Hugh Adams, Alexander Armstrong, Ephraim Atkinson, David Bower, 
Charles L. Boalt, Joseph Boucher, Ozias Bowen, David Bowers, John 
Bowers, George H. Busby, S. S. Bennett, Joseph P. Corey, David J. Corey, 
David Cross, Edwin Case, John Caughly, Josiah Copeland, Abraham Dean, 
Peter L. Demarest, Elisha Davis, Davenport & Monahan, Frank Eller, 
Stephen Frost, Jr., Isaac Farmer, John Fehl, Talmage Hildreth, Hanson 
Hooker, Henry H. Haner, Zadock Hurd, Thomas B. Hendrickson, Alexan- 
der Ingham, Orange Johnson, John W. Kennedy, Samuel Kelly, Rachel Kirk, 
Henry Heckathorne, John Heckathorne, Jacob Harrold, Robert Longberry, 
Hugh Long, Simeon Miller, Peter H. Mitchell, James May, David Miller, 
Charles Merriman, Merriman & Carey, T. McCaully, Hugh Nugent, Will- 
iam Norton, Alston Norton, Charles Merriman, Gilbert Olney, Jonathan 
Owens, Alexander Pool, Philip Penser, James Pool, Elisha Parker, Benja- 
min Pancake, Henry Quail, Ivey Renick, Elizabeth Renick, Abel Renick, 
Paulina Reber, James Rhoads, Crawford Richey, Josiah Robinson, Rob- 
ert Smith, David Smith, State of Ohio, Jacob Smail, Daniel Snyder, 



MARSEILLES TOWNSHIP. 855 

Samufil Studebaker, Ethan Terry.* John P. Terry, Obed Taylor, John 
and Thomas Thurman, David M. Thomas, Enoch Thomas, John P. Terry, 
Champrees Terry, Henry Ten Eyck, Ezra Winslow, William Walker, Henry 
Wishler, Gabriel Wallis, Potter Wright, George Welch, Jr., William Wood- 
ward, Henry Wilkins, David Yoiing, Henry Zimmerman, 

VILLAGE OF MARSEILLES. 

Owners of lots: John Aughenbaiigh, Zenas Bradish, Peter Conley, 
Eusebius Cresap, Daniel Cozzen, William Carey, Moses Dudley, Orrin Ferris, 
Jasper Hiint, John Heckathorne, John W. Hendrickson, Frederick Kennedy, 
John W. Kennedy, Samuel Kennedy, Henry King, Moses Kennedy, Hugh 
Long, James M. Lambert, Peter Mitchell, Merriman & Carey, Charles Mer- 
riman (who then owned a majority of the town lots), John Mattoff, Jacob 
Snyder, Peter L. Van Ostrand and William Welsh. 

VILLAGE OF BURLINGTON. 

Owners of town lots: W^illiam Carey.Hiram Chapman, Garrett L. Cowan, 
Moses Dudley, Garrett Fitzgerald, Zadock Hurd, Hugh Long, William S. 
Potter, and State of Ohio. 

OWNERS OF PERSONAL PROPERTY. 

John Aughenbaugh, George Armstrong, Solomon Adams, Hugh Adams, 
Samuel Adams, Thomas Armstrong, John Ackley, Andrew Alexander, John 
N. Bower, David Bower, David Bower, Jr., Michael Bowers, William Carey, 
Samuel Caugh, Andrew Campbell, Peter Conley, Dr. W. M. Chesny (a 
practicing physician), Daniel Cozin, James Clark, Artemus W". Cushman, 
John Carpenter, Zenas Durgy, Peter L. Demarest, Thomas Emtpage, Dr. Or- 
rin Ferris (a practicing physician), Robert Foster, Thomas Frazier, Stephen 
Frost, John Farmer, Isaac Farmer, John Feigle, Joseph Firestine, Joseph 
Gibson, Jasper Hunt (a merchant), Zadock Hurd, Lyman Hurd, John G. 
Hensel, Erastus Hickok, John Hooker, Talmage Hildreth, Stephen Hildreth, 
John Heckathorne, Henry Heckathorne, John W. Hendrickson, John W. 
Kennedy, Samuel Kennedy, Henry G. Kennedy, Hugh Long (a tanner and 
merchant), James M. Lambert, Richard Lee, Hiram Morgan, Charles Mer- 
riman, S. D. Maynard, A. C. Miller, Peter H. Mitchell, Gilbert Olney, John 
Penn, Day Pugh, W. M. Potter (a merchant), Charles Polly, Alexander Pool, 
Hannah Parker, Henry Pencer, Josiah Potter, David Polly, Henry Quail, 
Abel Renick, Thomas Robertson, Crawford Richey, Jacob Snyder, Jacob 
Shafer (a merchant), Jacob Smail, Charles Stinefield, David Snyder, Enoch 
Thomas, Loren Torpening, Ethan Terry, John P. Terry, Peter Vanorsdall, 
Isaac Vanorsdall, Ezra Winslow, William Woodward, John Wilkins, Will- 
iam Walker, David Young, Samuel Yamer. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

Prior to 1823, the youth of this township enjoyed no educational facil- 
ities, but grew up with a " plentiful lack " of scholastic knowledge. Set- 
tling in Marseilles was for a number of years slow, and as all new countries 
require diligent and unceasing labor, of a necessity years passed by without 
any advancement, intellectually. At last the pioneers realized that to keep 
pace with the surrounding country, and to prevent their children from grow- 
ing up in ignorance and vice, they must take proper steps to accord them 
the essential instruction. In 1823, the first schoolhouse, built of hewed 

* One of the first County Commissioners. 



856 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

logs, with puncheon floors and greased paper windows, and furnished with 
other necessary antiquated paraphernalia, not forgetting the inseparable 
birch rod, put in an appearance in the northwest of Section 17. The first 
teachers were: For first three months, Jerry Terry; for second three months, 
Silas Unten; for third three months, William Williams, and this arrange- 
ment continued each year for three years. There are now in this township 
three school buildings located on Sections 14, 12 and 17. 

RELIGIOUS. 

There are at present two church buildings in this townshij), an account 
of which will be found under the heading "Marseilles Village," to which 
the reader is referred. One cemetery stands in Section 17, between the 
road and Tymochtee Creek, about half a mile south of Marseilles Village; 
another may be found in Section 8, on the Bellefontaine road, quarter of a 
mile from the village; and a third in Section 18, on the same road, one 
mile from Marseilles. Besides these there are several private burial grounds, 
in one of which, on the Wallace farm, John Crosberry, who died in 1826 
(the first death in the township), lies buried. 

TOWNSHIP OFnCIALS SINCE 1849. 

Trustees — 1849, John W. Kennedy, John N. Bower, William Woodard. 
1850 — Lansing Chamberlin, William Woodard, Charles Merriman. 
1851 — Hugh Long, Lansing Chamberlin, Enoch Thomas. 
1852 — Enoch Thomas, Peter li. Demarest, Michael Bower. 
1853— John Fehl, William H. Renick, William Phillips. 
1854— John Fehl, William H. Renick, William Phillips. 
1855 — Peter L. Demarest, Daniel Heckathorne, Enoch Thomas. 
1856 — Enoch Thomas, Jonathan Owens, William H. Renick. 
1857 — George Merriman, James Scott, Alexander Pool. 
1858 — James Scott, George Mei-riman, John Fehl. 
1859 — James Scott, James B. Cook, Jonathan Owens. 
1860 — James B. Cook, Jonathan Owens, William Phillips. 
' 1861 — James B. Cook,* Samuel Hollinger, William Phillips. 
1862 — William Phillips, H. H. Carey, Josiah Chandler. 
1863 — William Phillips, Josiah Chandler, Henry H. Carey. 
1864 — William Phillips, William H. Renick, Samuel Hollinger. 
1865 — William H. Renick, Samuel Hollinger, William Phillips. 
1866 — William Phillips, Samuel Hollinger, Enoch Thomas. 
1867 — Josiah Chandler, H. H. Carey, John M. Houston, 
1868 — Josiah Chandler, H. H. Carey, John M. Houston. 
1869 — Josiah Chandler, H. H. Carev, John M. Houston. 
1870— Josiah Chandler, H. H. Carey, Elias L. Parker. 
1871 — Josiah Chandler, H. H. Carey, Elias L. Parker. 
1872 — Josiah Chandler, H. H. Carey, Elias L. Parker. 
1873 — Josiah Chaiidler, H. H. Carey, Elias L. Parker. 
1874— Josiah Chandler, H. H. Carey, Elias L. Parker, 
1875 — William Seligman, H. H. Carey, Jacob Williams. 
1876 — William Seligman, H. H. Carey, Jacob Williams. 
1877 — Jacob Williams, Philip Uncapher, Simeon B. Cook. 
1878 — Jacob Williams, Philip Uncapher, Simeon B. Cook. 
1879 — Jacob Williams, Philip Uncapher, Simeon B. Cook. 
1880 — Jacob Williams, Simeon B. Cook, Thomas Emptage. 

*Died, and Henry H. Carey was appointed to fill the vacancy. 



MARSEILLES TOWNSHIP. 857 

1881 — Simeon B. Cook, Heniy Handchy, Thomas Emptage. 

1882— -Thomas Emptage, Adam M. Hartle, Henry Handchy. 

1888 — Thomas Emptage, Henry Handchy, Adam M. Hartle. 

Clerks — 1849-52, James P. Maddux; 1852, Anson Norton (appointed); 
1853, S. S. Adams; 1854, H. N. Croninger; 1855. John M. Chesney, Lewis 
R. Seaman (appointed); 1856, Lewis R. Seaman; 1857-58, William N. 
Knibloe; 1859-81, Elijah K. Ferris; 1881, H. S. Gates (appointed); 1882- 
83, H. S. Gates. 

Treasurers— 1849-53, John W. Kennedy; 1854, William S. Potter; 
1855-60, John M. Chesney; 1861-63, Lewis Merriman; 1864-83, Benja- 
min F. Kennedy. 

Justices of the Peace— 1849, William S. Potter; 1851, James P. Mad- 
dux; 1852, John C. Davis; 1853, S. S. Adams, William Irvine; 1854, Will- 
iam S. Potter; 1856, William S. Potter, Moses Dudley; 1858, William N. 
Knibloe; 1859, S. P. Shur; 1S61, William N. Knibloe; 1862, John N. 
Bower, Elijah K. Ferris; 1865, John N. Bower, Elijah K. Ferris; 1868, 
John N. Bower, Elijah K. Ferris; 1870, Elias L. Parker; 1871, Elijah K. 
Ferris; 1873, Philip Uncapher; 1874, Elijah K. Ferris; 1876, Henry S. 
Ormerod; 1877, Elijah K. Ferris; 1879, Henry S. Ormerod; 1880, Elijah 
K. Ferris; 1881, Samuel P. Hill, Clarence L. Ellis. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

The first election for any pui'pose in this township, then known as 
Grand Township, was held in the village of Marseilles in 1829, in Charles 
Merriman's storehouse, on which occasion, when some forty or fifty votes 
were recorded, were elected following officials: For Justice of the Peace, 
Abraham Renick, Whig; for Constable, Samuel Simpson, Democrat; for 
Clerk and Treasurer, C. Merriman, Whig. W. S. Potter was elected Justice 
of the Peace in 1844. The first white child, a girl, to come into the world 
in this township was in 1832 — parents, Harvey and Abigail Buckmeister. 
The first wedding was in 1844, the contracting parties being Samuel Simp- 
son and Ann E. Kennedy; and the first death was that of John Crosberry, 
in 1826. Dr. Westbrook is said to have been the first physician. Before 
any store existed in this township, settlers had to go to Upper Sandusky, 
West Liberty or Belief ontaine for their supplies, and Charles Merriman 
opened and carried on the first store in the township in Marseilles Village, 
and there are, even now, no stores in the township outside of the village. 
The first saw mill and grist mill stood in Section 17, and were driven by 
Tymochtee Creek water-power; they were erected in 1822 by David and 
Jerry Terry. There are now five mills in the township, all portable — one in 
the village owned by Thomas & Westow; two in Section 3, and Althou- 
sen's mill. The remains of some Indian camps to be found in Sections 8 
and 17, although no "relics" have been discovered, and some of the old 
settlei's can relate many legends of the untutored Indians' war dances and 
dances with the calumet of peace, their weddings, burials, sports and 
"shin-digs." 

MARSEILLES VILLAGE. 

About the year 1827, as near as can be ascertained, Garrett Fitzgerald, 
a native of Virginia, who emigrated to this county in 1825, and entered 
eighty acres of land in Section 8, this township, laid out a small town on 
said section, which he called Burlington, situated on the north of and ad- 
joining the south line of Section 8. In 1828, Josiah Robinson, also a Vir- 



858 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

ginian, who emigrated to this county and settled in Antrim Township in 
1822, and who a few years later became owner of 160 acres of land in Mar- 
seilles Township, Section 17, also laid out a small town in his section, 
which he named Marseilles. In 1845, C. Merriman, owning a small strip 
of land lying between and adjoining "Burlington" and "Marseilles," a 
little later laid out another addition, and the entire village soon became the 
Marseilles Village of to day, and the several parts, or divisions, were known 
as: 

Fitzgerald's Addition to Marseilles. 

Robinson's Addition to Marseilles. 

Merriman's First Addition to Marseilles. 

Merrimao's Second Addition to Marseilles. 

The village is situated on Tymochtee Creek and the old Bellefontalne 
road, one-half being in Section 8 and the other half in Section 17*. 

riEST HOUSE, STORES, MILLS, ETC. 

The first house in the village was erected by Garrett Fitzgerald on Lot 
No. 12, Fitzgerald's Addition. It was a round-log, single story building, 
16x18 feet, used as a dwelling house for many years, and of which nothing 
now remains, a frame house having been built on the same lot in 1836, by 
Solomon Adams, which is still in use as a residence. The first store was 
built in 1828, on Lot 11, Kobinson's Addition, by Merriman & Terry, a 
20x32-feet structure of hewed logs, in which the firm carried on a general 
merchandising business with a stock representing $1,000 capital. This 
partnership continued but a short time, Mr. Terry retiring from the firm 
and devoting his attention to real estate business and general agriculture. 
Later on, William Carey formed a partnership with C. H. Merriman in 
mercantile business, and, in 1834, built a new business room, the first frame 
building in the village, 22x44 feet, on Lot 24, Robinson's Addition. This 
partnership continued until 1844, when they sold out to Jacob Shaffer, who 
again sold out to Long & Kennedy, who carried on the business until 1850, 
and were then bought out by S. Potter who also disposed of his interest 
two years later to Knibloe & Norton, who sold out to Lewis Merriman and 
who, in a few years, took into partnership B. F. Kennedy. After another 
few years, Merriman retired and Kennedy continued alone until 1883, when 
he sold ont to Robert Linsey, now in possession of the business with R. 
Gates as partner. 

About 1837, William Welch opened out a small grocery store, which he 
carried on a short time and then sold out to Joseph Shilling, who occupied 
the store mainly as a saloon. In 1847, Charles Slerriman built on Lot 10, 
Robinson's Addition, a two-story brick block, 22x40, where he conducted a 
general merchandise business for a few years, when his son, Calvin Davis, 
succeeded him and continued several years, until Shaver Bros, came into 
possession. The latter firm built, in 1857, on Lot 10, a two-story frame 
business room, where they carried on mercantile trade for about two yeai's, 
and then closed out their stock, sold their property to John Fehl, and re- 
moved to Delawai-e, Fehl sold this property to Dr. Gates, who disposed of 
same soon after to J. O. Studebaker, who resold about 1881 to Dr. Gates, 
in whose name it now remains. This store has been occupied at intervals 
by various parties, and is at present occupied by Hanchey & Krisher, in 
general grocery and variety business, and by Dr. Barr in drugs. In 1852, 

*Near Marseilles, a little to the northeast, can be pointed out the exact spot where Simon Kenton was 
made to run the gantlet by the Wyandot Indians. 



MARSEILLES TOWNSHIP. 859 

Mr. J. W. Kennedy remodeled his dwelling-house, and built an addition 
thereto in form of a business room, which was occupied by his son, H. 
Kennedy, as a grocery store, for eighteen or twenty years; sold out to John 
Leder, who carried it on two years, reselling to H. Kennedy, whose father, 
for three and a half years, there carried on a general variety trade, then 
sold to Frank Williams, who, in 1883, moved his stock to his news room, a 
frame, two story building, 22x60 feet, on Lot 25, in Robinson's Addition, 
the second story of which is now occupied by "Ellis" Post, No. 292, G. 
A. R., organized in 1883. Two or three other stores of later origin, now 
in existence; are: Lindsey & Gates, dry goods; Silas Buckingham, hard- 
ware and tinware; B. F. Kennedy, groceries, and Samuel Yencer, general 
grocery. A portable saw mill is owned and operated by Thomas & Weston. 
In 1852, a line, frame, five-story floui--mill, 40x50 feet, was built at a cost 
of $12,000, by a joint-stock company of whom Charles Merriman, Long & 
Kennedy, Dr. William Chesney and Dr. Irvin were the principal stock- 
holders, which mill did a good business for many years. It changed hands 
frequently and was tinally owned by Lewis Seligman. In June, 1833, a 
fire broke out in the smut mill, in the fourth story, which consumed the en- 
tire concern. About 1860, a large frame carding mill, 30x50 feet, was 
erected by William Weber, of Delaware, and conducted successfully for 
several years, but for the past few years has been standing idle. 

SCHOOLS. 

The first schoolhouse was built in 1837, on Merriman's Addition, a 
frame structure, 25x30 feet, at a cost of $300 or $400. This, in 1847, was 
abandoned, and a second school building of brick, 30x40, was erected on the 
same lot, in that year, at a cost $450. A special school district was organized 
here in' 1875, and a third, the present, school building was erected in Merri- 
man's Addition in 1877, two stories, three rooms, of brick, costing about 



The Present School Board is composed of B. F. Lee, Lewis Seligman 
and G. W. Knibloe. 

CHUECHES. 

Presbyterian Church. — This society was organized in 1823, in the log 
schoolhouse of the township. The membership numbered from thirty to 
forty, among whom can be mentioned David and N. Bowers and family, 
John Fehl and wife, P. L. Demarest, P. Q. Mitchell and wife, and Jacob 
Bowers. In 1832, the congregation erected their first church in Robinson's 
Addition. It was a frame building, 30x40 feet, and cost about $500 or 
$600. For twenty years or more this structure was utilized as a place of 
worship and then abandoned. It was afterward, for several years, used as 
an ashery, later as a grocery, and finally burned down in 1876. In 1847, 
the Presbyterian society erected their present church edifice, a frame build- 
ing 40x60 feet, in Merriman's Second Addition, at a cost of $1,800. In 
1876, they purchased a dwelling house to be used as a parsonage, and to 
this, in 1882, they made a new and considerable addition, which has ren- 
dered it a complete and comfortable parsonage, valued at not less than 
$2,000. The membership of the church now numbers some 120 souls. 
Daniel Heckathorne, D. J. Bower and B. F. Lee compose the session or 
board of leaders. The pastors who have served this church were: First foiu' 
years. Rev. Miller, deceased; following him Revs. Templeton, T. J. Cellar 
and A. B. Stanthers, the present incumbent, now in his fifth year. The 
church is in good condition, both spiritual and temporal. 



860 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Methodist EpiscojKil Church. — This society was organized in 1825, in 
the old log schoolhoiise of the township, on which occasion some twenty- 
live or thirty members were present, among whom were the Nutern family, 
Thomas Wallace and family, and Joseph Parish and family. The first 
church (the present one) was erected in 1840, in Marseilles Village, of 
frame work, 30x40 feet, cost about $1,000. This building was overhauled 
and remodeled in 1873, at a cost of §800. The society built, in 1861, a 
comfortable parsonage in the vicinity of the church, Costing about $1,000. 
The pastors who have served this congregation were Revs. Bunker, Burgess, 
Sterling, Blanpede, Mower, Hager, Cutler, Delisle, Colgan, Roberts, 
Powell, Henderson, Taylor, Young, Mather, Reagh, Feghtly, Lawrence, 
Plum, Boggs-, pi'esent leadei's, Michael Bower, George Wood, R. Willard, 
S. Cook, D. Leslie. Present church membership, 200. During 1883, this 
church witnessed its greatest revival since its organization, 118 having been 
added to the flock on probation. 

SECRET SOCIETIES. 

Marseilles Lodge, No. 515, F. & A. M. — This lodge was organized De- 
cember 14. 1876, with following charter members: J. O. Studabaker. Henry 
Handchy, Myron Ellis, H. S. Ormerod, J. O. Vanorsdall, D. W. McConnell, 
L. A. Seligman, J. W. Bower, M. H. Kirby. There are at present thirty- 
six members, and the lodge is in good running order under the present ad- 
ministration of officers, viz. : H. S. Gates, W. M. ; L. A. Seligman, S. W. ; 
L. Krisher, J. W.; W. R. Ramsdell, S. ; Robert Lindsey, T.; Myron Ellis, 
S. D.; J. C. Rubins, J. D.; Caleb Dougherty, T. 

Tyynochtee Lodge, No. 634, L. O. O. F., was organized June 27, 1876, 
with following charter members: A. H. Vanorsdall, A. V. Hartle, Isaac 
Robinson, E. Fehl, M. R. Owens, J. A. Baker, M. C. Sprague, Jasper N. 
Taylor, D. W. McConnell. Present membership, thirty. Present officers: 
John Fehl, N. G.; John Bloomingdale, V. G. ; Robert Wall, P. S.; G. W. 
Halsey, T. ; John Straw, R. S. 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

JAMES D. BARR, M. D., was born in Hollidaysburg, Blair County, 
Penn., January 28, 1847, son of Joseph and Elizabeth (McDonnough) Barr, 
natives of Pennsylvania, and descendants of Scotland. His maternal grand- 
father was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. His parents had twelve 
children, eight still living — ^Cassandra, James D., William, George, Anna, 
Alfred, Benton and Bertha. The deceased are Franklin and Ellen. His 
parents are still residents of Pennsylvania, his father being a carpenter by 
trade. James D. Barr, the subject of this sketch, was educated at the com- 
mon schools, and afterward attended college at Lewisburg, Penn. , and be- 
gan the study of medicine in 1875, under the eminent physician, Dr. D. S. 
Hayes, of his native place, continuing his reading four years, and attend- 
ing three courses of lectures at the University of Pennsylvania, at Phila- 
delphia, graduating in 1879. He is of the regular Allopathic school. After 
recuperating for one year, he located at Marseilles in the fall of 1881, and 
has succeeded in establishing a fair practice. In July, 1883, he purchased 
a drug store at Marseilles, where he is doing a good business in that trade. 
April 10, 1882, he married Miss Anna Seligman, daughter of William Selig- 
man. Their only child is Howard F., born April 13, 1883. Mr. Barr is a 
member of the I. O. O. F. at Hollidaysburg; is Republican in politics, a 
member of the Baptist Church, and a highly respected citizen. 



MARSEILLES TOWNSHIP. 861 

EZRA G. BARTRAM was born in Marion County, Ohio, December 18, 
1837, son of Milo and Laura (Sabine) Bartram, natives of New York and 
Connecticut respectively, and of Scotch ancestry. They came to Marion in 
1825, and were the parents of ten children, seven living — C. Porter. Mary 
J., Sarah E. G., Louisa, Olive and John. The deceased are William, Laura 
E. and Milo P. The father died about 1869, aged seventy-one years; the 
mother in 1865, aged fifty-five years. Ezra G. Bartram received a common 
school education, and January 20, 1859, married Magdalene Smith, daugh- 
ter of Martin Smith, of Wayne County. They have eight children — Charles 
W. , Lois E. , Eunice v., Smith I., Cora J. and Laura E. The deceased 
are Abba A. and George E. In the fall of 1862, Mr. Bartram enlisted in 
Company E, One Hundred and Twenty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer In- 
fantry, at La Rue, Marion County, and took part in the chase of Gen. Mor- 
gan through Kentucky several times; lost his health, and was sent to the 
Louisville Hospital, where he received his discharge April 27, 1863. He 
returned home, and in 1865 purchased his present farm of eighty acres, 
paying $25 per acre — now valued at $40. Politically, Mr. Bartram is a 
Democrat. His health, which was injured in the late war, he has never 
fully recovered, and consequently he receives a Government pension of $8 
per month. 

JOSEPH BLOW, one of the representative men of the township, was 
born in England September 18, 1823. He is the son oE Charles and Su- 
sanna (Hendryby) Blow. They had three children — James, Joseph and 
Edward, the former being now deceased. His father died aged fifty- five 
years; his mother while Joseph was quite young; and, as a result, his edu- 
cational privileges were limited. He worked at yearly wages — $40 to $50 
per year — for some time, but came to America with both bi'othei's in 1845, 
and located in Grand Township, Marion County. In 1855, he bought 160 
acres of land there at a cost of $1,075, clearing 120 acres of forest land 
himself. His farm is in good repair, valued at $55 per acre, and has been 
rented for the past seven years. He purchased his present home of forty- 
two acres near Marseilles in 1876, paying $2,900 for the same, and making 
it a present to his wife. This farm is valued at $100 per acre, a valuable 
stone quarry being located near the residence. His marriage to Rachel 
Blow occurred March 8, 1863. She was born December 14, 1841, daughter 
of Robert and Elizabeth Blow. They have no children. Politically, Mr. 
Blow is an Independent, and, with his wife, is a member of the Disciple 
Church. He is also a member of the G. A. R. Mr. Blow was a soldier in the 
late war, entering the service in October, 1864, Company C, Thirty- eighth 
Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was engaged at Chattanooga, where 
he was taken sick and confined to the field hospital, but was subsequently 
removed to Nashville, Jeffersonville, and lastly to Camp Dennison, where he 
was discharged in the spring of 1865. In England he was a member of the 
I. O. O. F. fraternity. Robert and Elizabeth Blow, parents of Mrs. Rachel 
Blow, came to America from England in 1857, settling in Grand Township, 
Marion County. They had eight children, six now living — Charles, Han- 
nah, Lucy, Robert, Peter and Rachel. The deceased are George and Ed- 
ward. Robert Blow died aged eighty- five, and his wife, Elizabeth, at the 
age of seventy years. This family were all natives of England. 

MICHAEL BOWER, son of David and Susan (Kepner) Bower, was born 
in New York January 19, 1818. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania, 
and of German lineage, coming to Ohio in 1835, and settling where our 
subject now resides. Here they entered 376 acres of land, upon which they 



862 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

lived and died. They were the parents of eight children — five still living, 
Henry S. , Jacob P., Michael, David and Maria. The deceased are Adam, 
John N. and Margaret. The father died in 1857, aged seventy- four years; 
the mother, in the same year, at the same age. Our subject, Michael 
Bower, was provided with a common school education, and remained upon 
the old homestead which he assisted in clearing, and eighty acres of which 
he has since fallen heir to. By subsequent purchases he has raised this 
number to 240 aci'es, all in good repair and valued at $60 per acre. In his 
lifetime Mr. Bower has cleared about one hundred and fifty acres of heavily 
timbered land. In 1875, he built his attractive residence, costing $2,500. 
October 14, 1838, he married Miss Ann E. Studebaker,by whom he became 
the father of five children — three living: Jarvis, Martha and Willamina. 
The deceased are D. Orsin and Mary A. The mother died August 9, 18 i7. 
Married again, deceased wife's sister, Martha J. Studebaker, daughter of 
Abram and Mary (Group) Studebaker, March 14, 1848. Four children re- 
sulted from this marriage — three living: Ann E., Neander S. and John M. 
Georgiana died November 4, 1857. Mrs. Bower was born April 2, 1832. 
Mr. Bower was formerly a Whig, but now is a firm Republican. His suns, 
James W. and D. Orsin, were in the late war; the latter was held a prisoner 
in Andersonville, nine months, and died at home from disease contracted in 
the service. Mr. Bower and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and have been for the past forty-four years, he serving as Class 
Leader and Steward most of that time. He was Trustee of the township 
two years, and is well respected as a citizen, contributing liberally to benev- 
olent causes. 

SIMEON B. COOK was born in Kichland County, Ohio, October 10, 
1840; the son of James B. and Hannah (Corwin) Cook, she being a second 
cousin of ex-Gov. Corwin. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania, of 
German and Irish ancestry. The father was born in 1818; the mother in 
1820. They were married in Richland County in 1839, and moved to this 
county in 1844, buying eighty acres in Mifflin Township and later adding 
twenty-six acres. They had nine children — eight living: Simeon B. , T. 
Ann, Z. Adilla, Solomon H, , James M. , A. Maria, William, Harriet, and 
Elizabeth S. — deceased. The father died in 1861, aged forty-two years; 
the mother is still living, aged sixty-five years. Our subject attended the 
schools of his neighborhood and remained with his parents till 1864, May 
2, when he enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Forty-fourth Regi- 
ment Ohio National Guards; was engaged in the battles of Fredericksburg 
and Berry ville; was wounded in the shoulder at latter place, returning home 
September 2, 1864, discharged. January 12, 1864, he married Miss Julia 
Ilildreth, daughter of Stephen and Jane C. (Mills) Hildreth, whose history 
is given elsewhere in this book. Six children were the fruits of this 
union — four living: Frank L., born January 23, 1865 — dving January 26, 
1875; Willis E., born February 3, 1867; Elton J., July 2, 1869; Julia A., 
January 19, 1872— died January 3, 1880; Bertha J., March 5, 1876, and 
Clara L., September 8, 1881. Mr. Cook rented land during the first four 
years of his married life, buying his p'^esent farm of 117 acres in 1870. 
This farm is well improved and stocked with good grades. Politically he 
is a Republican, and served four years as Trustee of his township. He is 
a member of the G. A. R. at Marseilles and also of the Methodist Episco 
pal Church, of which he has been a Class Leader since 1870. His wife 
is a member of the Presbyterian Church. 



MARSEILLES TOWNSHIP. 863 

PETER L. DEMAREST (deceased) was born August 19, 1800. He 
was a native of New York, and is the son of Lucas Demarest. His paternal 
grandfather was a soldier of the Revolution, and his father in the war of 
1812. His mother was of French lineage, and his father probably German. 
He received a limited education, speeding most of his life upon the farm. 
He was married November 2, 1826, to Miss Olive P. Parsons, daughter of 
James and Huldah (Beach) Parsons, natives of Connecticut and New York 
respectively. She was born September 36, 1808. Mr. and Mrs. Demarest 
were the parents of seven children, three living — L. James, Edwin and 
David P. David O., John S. and two infants are deceased. They con- 
tinued farming in Genesee County, N. Y., ten years, coming by wagon to 
Ohio in 1835, and settling in Marseilles Township, entered 160 acres of 
land, on which they resided until 1868. In 1868, they removed to Mar- 
seilles, where Mrs. Demarest still resides. Mr. Demarest was a Republican. 
He sent his two sons to the war, and was a charter member and Elder at 
the organization of the Presbyterian Church. He died October 10, 1883, 
one of the most respected of pioneers. 

AVILLIAM EMPTAGE was born in England, March 11, 1838. He is 
a son of Thomas and Ann (Homersham) Emptage. He was given but a 
limited ediication, coming to America with his parents when quite young, 
and remaining home until his eighteenth year. He served an apprenticeship 
at the blacksmith trade three years, and continued at that business in Mar- 
seilles (one year at Bellefontaine) till September 12, 1861, when he en- 
listed in the United States service, Company G, Fifteenth Regiment Ohio 
Volnnteer Infantry, and participated in the following battles: Pittsburg 
Lauding, Stone River, Liberty Gap, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, 
Knoxville, Rocky Face Ridge, Resaca, Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach 
Tree Creek, Atlanta and Lovejoy Station; traveled 3,000 miles, lay in 
Louisville Hospital one month from cold and fever, and was honorably dis- 
charged September 17, 1864. He returned home, and has been farming 
since. With his brothers he has added 100 acres to the homestead, which 
numbers 483 acres. In politics Mr. Emptage is a Republican, and a mem- 
ber of the G. A. R. 

FREDERICK FEHL, one of the leading farmers of his township, was 
born February 10, 1820, in Adams County, Penn. He is the son of John 
and Sarah (Wolf) Fehl, natives of Pennsylvania and of German and Scotch 
parentage respectively. His father, John Fehl, was drafted for the war 
of 1812, but before presenting himself the war closed. His grandfather, 
Wolf, was drafted for the Revolutionary war, but owing to physical disa- 
bility was exempted from the service. John Fehl was born September 1, 
1792, and his wife, Sarah, April 16, 1794. They were the parents of nine 
children — live of whom are still jiving, namely: Valentine, Frederick, 
Elkana, Delilah and Margaret. The deceased are Christina, Elizabeth 
John and Caroline. John Fehl emigrated to Wyandot County in 1834, 
settling where our subject now resides, entering eighty acres of land, and 
subsequently purchasing 100 acres more. His death occurred July 8, 1871. 
His wife is still living, "hale and hearty," in her ninetieth year. Freder- 
ick Fehl, the subject of this sketch was educated in the common school, and 
remained at home till the event of his marriage, which took place in 1865; 
Miss Mary McCleary, daughter of Alexander and Elizabeth (McCnrmick) 
McCleary being his chosen wife. They have beea blessed with nine chil- 
dren, five of whom are still living, viz. : Jane (wife of Byron Rubens), 
Almira (wife of Charles Vanorsdall), Henry, John and Valonia (wife of 



864 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Robert Watt). The deceased are Sarah, Alexander, James and Clara, and 
these were joined by their mother, Mrs. Mary Fehl, in 1881, her death oc- 
curring on the 6th of September of that year. By purchase, and as an 
heir, Mr. Fehl obtained the old homestead of 180 acres, of which, five and one- 
half acres have since been appropriated as the " Orchard Grove Cemetery. " 
Of this tract of land Mr. Fehl has cleared fifty acres, besides spending 
twenty- five years in the old grist mill, the remains of which still stand on 
the premises. The farm is in good i-epair, being provided with over one 
mile of tile under-draining. In politics, Mr. Fehl was formerly a Whig, 
but is now a Republican. He is noted for his benevolence, and is highly 
esteemed as a citizen. 

GEORGE W. FOX was born in Richland County, May, 17, 1849, son 
of Augustus G. and Louisa (Dorm) Fox. early settlers of Richland and 
this county (1854), where they still reside. They are the parents of five 
children, George W. being the second. He received instruction in the dis- 
trict schools, afterward attending the Delaware College two terms; also at 
Republic, Ohio, and the Ada Normal. He began teaching in his nine- 
teenth year, and has continued in the profession most of the time since, 
teaching seven successive terms near home — four terms in the home dis- 
trict. He was married, March 27, 1878, to Agnes L. Vanorsdall, daughter 
of Abram and Ruth (Snider) Vanorsdall (see sketch, Jackson Township). 
They have two children — Ray A., born June 2, 1880; Cora E., March 31, 

1882. He purchased his farm of 160 acres, paying $5,000. in 1876, and 
since his marriage has been more or less engaged in agricultural pursuits; 
farm well stocked and improved, valued at $9,000. Politically, Mr. Fox is 
a Democrat, and, with his wife, a member of the York Street Christian 
Union Church. Mrs. Fox also taught nine terms of school and has done 
much for the mutual success of herself and husband. 

HORATIO S. GATES, of the firm of Lindsey & Gates, dealers in dry 
goods, groceries, etc., at Marseilles, was born March 3, 1852, in Allen Coun- 
ty, Ohio, son of Dr. Charles W. and Jane S. (Ramsdell) Gates, natives of 
York State, and of English ancestry. His father was born in 1815, and his 
mother in 1820. His father came with his parents to Medina County, Ohio, 
in 1833, and his mother to the same county in 1837. They were married, 
December 22, 1841; moved to Allen County in 1849, settling at Mavsville, 
where his father practiced medicine sixteen years. He came to Marseilles 
in February, 1865, and located as a physician, buying a drug-store, house 
and lot, and 160 acres of land. He became an old and honored citizen, and 
died September 22, 1880. His wife is still living, and is quite vigorous 
for one of her years. They were the parents of four children, two surviving — 
Horatio S. and Electa. Harriet S. and an infant are deceased. Hora- 
tio S. Gates was educated in the district schools, and in early youth entered 
his father's drug store, commencing business for himself at the age of 
twenty-one with G. W. Davis, under the firm name of Davis & Gates, 
drugs and groceries, doing a very successful business till 1876, when they 
disposed of this establishment and purchased another in Galion, Ohio, re- 
maining two years; returning to Marseilles in 1878. Sir. Gates then en- 
gaged as assistant to his former partner two years, both forming a partner- 
ship in 1880, under the firm name of Davis & Gates, doing a thriving bus- 
iness until 1882, when they sold out and opened business in Marion in the 
grocery and provision trade, doing an excellent business. In the spring of 

1883, Mr. Gates purchased a half interest in the present establishment of 
Lindsey & Gates, where he is now engaged with a stock of $12,000, doing 



MARSEILLES TOWNSHIP. 865 

a thriving business. He married, February 22, 1880, Miss Dilly Seligman, 
daughter of William Seligman. Two children blessed this union — Flor, 
born January 9, 1881; and Grace, October 7, 1882. Mr. Gates is a membey 
of the Masonic fraternity, Blue Lodge at Marseilles; Master of Second 
Veil, McCutcheon Chapter, No. 96, at Upper Sandusky; and Commandry 
K. T. at Marion. He is an active, enterprising and successful young 
business man, and well respected as a citizen. 

SOCRATES HARTLE (deceased), one of the pioneers of the county, 
was born in Geoi'getown, Penn. , July 23, 1818. He was the son of Michael 
and Sarah Foe Hartle, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. 
They were the parents of seven children — three now living — Susan, John 
and Esther. Our subject was educated in the common school, ceasing his 
studies at sixteen, his father having died while he (Socrates) was yet a child. 
He, John, Esther and their mother came to Ohio in 1831, settling in Hardin 
County, entering eighty acres, emigrating from his native place in a wagon. 
He lived with his mother till his twenty-sixth year, and was maixied April 
18, 1844, to Miss Henrietta Hendrickson, daughter of Thomas B. and Mary 
E. (Martin) Hendrickson, natives of Maryland, and of German and English 
ancestry respectively, Thomas B. having been a soldier of the war of 1812. 
They moved to Marion County in 1830, entering 240 acres in Grand Town- 
ship (then New Marseilles), and reared a family of seven children, six liv- 
ing — Maria, John, Henrietta, Sophia, Elizabeth, Michael and Eussel. The 
deceased is Lenox J. Thomas, her father, died in 1875, aged ninety-two 
years; her mother is also deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Hartle had seven 
children, six still living — Americus V., born Januarv 19, 1846; Mary E., 
July 23, 1847; Susan W., December 8, 1848; Matilda M., July 12, 
1851; Sarah A., March 4, 1853; Addison F., March 3, 1855; Adam M., 
December 8, 1857. In 1849, he bought 120 acres in Hardin and Marion 
Counties, and lived upon this farm until 1870, when he purchased 300 acres 
in Marseilles Township. To this, by subsequent purchases, 240 acres were 
added in Marion County. In 1875, his present place was purchased — 214 
acres. At the time of his death Mr. Hartle owned 1,288 acres of land. He 
began with nothing, and at his death left an estate of $70,000. He died 
June 21, 1877. Mr. Hartle was an active Republican, and a strong member 
of the Presbyterian Church, an Elder during the last years of his life He 
was also a liberal contributor to the church and to benevolent purposes gen- 
erally. His widow, born October 23, 1816, is still living upon her farm 
near Marseilles, her son Adam residing with her, both being members of 
the Presbyterian Church. 

ADAM M. HARTLE was born in Hardin County, Ohio, December 8, 
1857, son of Socrates and Henrietta (Hendrickson; Hartle, whose notice ap- 
pears elsewhere. He attended the common schools and remained, on the old 
homestead all his life. He was married May 10, 1883, to Miss Rhoda A. 
Terry, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Simpson) Terry, who were the 
parents of four children, three living — Scott, John and Rhoda. Her father 
is still living, aged fifty-five years, a resident of Hardin County. Upon 
his father's decease, our subject inherited 196 acres of land, joining the old 
homestead of 214 acres, besides 183 acres recently purchased — in all 593 
acres, valued at $60 per acre. Mr. Hartle does an extensive agricultural 
and live stock business, usually employing two assistants on his farm. He 
was elected Township Trustee in 1882 and 1883; is a Democrat in politics, 
and an honorable citizen. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church; she was born January 10, 1859. 



866 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

HENRY HANDCHY was born in Canton Basel, Switzerland, November 
22, 1883, son of John and Elizabeth (Boiisher) Handchy. He was educated 
in the schools of Switzerland, and with his father emigrated to America in 
1845, settling in Stark County, Ohio. In 1846, moved to Little Sandusky, 
this county. His father died in 1855 — killed by a falling tree. He was 
sixty-three years old. His mother died in Germany in 1845. Henry Hand- 
chy, the only surviving soo of his father's family, was hired out when in 
his fifteenth year to Joseph Shilling, of Marseilles, and remained with him 
seven years. He married November 30, 1856, Miss Almira Haner, daughter 
of Henry Haner. She died in 1876, aged thirty-seven years, leaving at that 
time seven children, six of whom still survive — Rosa, Joseph. John, Jessie, 
Edward and Louis C. Charles is deceased. March 24, 1879, Mr. Handchy 
was married to Mrs. Isabel Yencer, daughter of Jacob Keyes. She had 
three children, two, Mary and Ivy, by her former husband, and one, Altha, 
by Mr. Handchy. In 1855, Mr. Handchy rented a room in Marseilles, and 
established himself in a grocery and provision store, doing a good business 
for one year. He then purchased the store-room of Benjamin Ellis, in Avhich 
he conducted the same business successfully till 1877. He then purchased a 
farm of 120 acres in Marseilles Township, later adding thirty acres joining 
the village, and engaged live years in agricultural pursuits. In the spring 
of 1882, he purchased a half interest in the grocery and provison store with 
Lemuel Krisher, and is still doing a thriving business under the firm name 
of Handchy & Krisher, with a stock of $1,800. Mr. Handchy is serving as 
Trustee of his township, which office he has held for three years; was a 
member of the Town Council five years, and School Director three years. 
He is a Democrat, a Master Mason, member of Council at Bucyrus, No. 57, 
and a good citizen. 

THOMAS HEWLITT was born in New York, December 12, 1827, son 
of Philip and Margaret (Sutphen) Hewlitt, natives of New Jersey, of Eng- 
lish and German parents. His father was born February 26, 1794, en- 
gaged in war of 1812; his mother September 11, 1797. They were married 
about 1818. They came to New York before marriage, and remained till 
1847, when they removed to this county, locating where our subject now 
resides, buying eighty acres of land; had two children — Randall and 
Thomas. He died October 28, 1857, the mother March 27, 1862. Our 
subject obtained a limited education, and turned his attention to farming 
at the age of eighteen. He was married October 13, 1853, to Margaret 
Morrison, daughter of Mrs. Tacy Morrison, now Mrs. Pumphry, native of 
Pennsylvania, and born February 26, 1809. Her husband, John W. 
Pumphry, was in the war of 1812. She came to Ohio at the age of ten, 
living a number of years in Clinton and Fayette Counties, to this in 1853; 
is the mother of three daughters, Mrs. Hewlitt being the eldest, with whom 
she resides. Mr. and Mrs. Hewlitt have two children — Z. P., born Jan- 
uary 5, 1862; George M. , born December 15, 1855, died January 11, 1862. 
Mr. Hev\ litt "' hired " and purchased his present farm of eighty-six acres, 
clearing fifty acres of heavy timber land, and built a neat residence in 1875, 
costing $1,200. He is a hard worker, has split 400 rails in one day. He 
makes a specialty of "registered" hogs and fine varieties of wheat; values 
his land at $50 per acre. He is a Republican in politics, a member of tLe 
Methodist Episcopal Church for the past twenty- nine years, and Class Leader 
six years. Mrs. Hewlitt has also been a member of the same Church since 
her twelfth year. 



MARSEILLES TOAVNSHIP. 867 

STEPHEN HILDRETH was born in Dutchess County, New York, 
September 17, 1797. He was the son of David and Abigail (Toppan) Hil- 
dreth. His brother James was in the war of 1812. Mr. Hildreth received 
a common school education, and remained at home till his marriage to Miss 
Hannah Gernea in 1820. They had three children, two living — David and 
Mary. Susan died aged seven years. His first wife died about 1830, aged 
thirty-three. March 12, 1839, he married Miss Jane C. Mills, daughter of 
William P. and Anna (Powell) Mills, natives of New York, and of English 
extraction. Mr. and Mrs. Mills were the parents of eight children, five 
living — Joseph W., Jane C. , Draton O., Charles H. and Edwin D., Alonzo 
W., Mary A. and Roderick R. are deceased. The mother died October 9, 
1865. aged seventy-six years. Mr. and Mrs. Hildreth are the parents of 
five children, four living — -William J., born March 28, 1840; Julia C, 
August 1, 1842; Emily A., February 1, 1857; Alvina J., January 2, 1860. 
They removed to this county in 1844, settling near where they now reside, 
purchasing eighty acres of forest land. Before the war Mr. Hildreth was 
a Democrat, but since a strong Republican. Himself and wife are mem- 
bers of the Presbyterian Church, and among the oldest and most highly 
respected citizens of their neighborhood. The former is in his eighty- 
seventh year, and is still able to do much light outdoor work. Mrs. Hil- 
dreth, born March 12, 1818, is still living in excellent health. 

DAVID B. HILDRETH, born in Fulton County, N. Y., October 15, 
1830, is the son of Stephen and Hannah (Gernea) Hildreth, natives of New 
York (see Stephen Hildreth's sketch). Mr. Hildreth was educated in the 
common schools and at twenty-one, began work for himself, engaging in 
daily labor and farming till 1853. In September of that year he married 
Miss Sarah A. Thomas, daughter of David Thomas. She died July 23, 1859, 
leaving one child — James A. He married again, Sarah S. Kirby; she died 
leaving four children — Charles, Lizzie J., Mary A. and Sarah S. June 14, 
1876, he married Miss Kezie Davis, daughter of Robert Davis, In 1853, 
Mr. Hildreth bought twenty-four acres of land in Marseilles Township to 
which he has added by subsequent purchases till he now owns 160 acres, 
valued at 160 per acre. He owns also his town residence and four other 
town lots. He was in the United States service. Company B, One Hundred 
and Forty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving four months, being en- 
gaged in the battle of Frederick City, and receiving an honorable discharge. 
His grandfather Hildreth was forced to work on the British forts of Long 
Island when a boy. His maternal grandfather was in several fights with 
the Indians, at one time only he and a comrade escaping. In politics Mr. 
Hildreth is a temperance Republican, a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. His wife is a memlDer of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Hildi'eth 
began life a poor boy and has accumulated a handsome property by his in- 
dustry and economy. 

SAMUEL P. HILL was born in Center County, Penn. , November 4, 
1830, and is the son of Rudolph and Catharine (Hare) Hill, natives of Ger- 
many and Pennsylvania respectively. His father came from Germany when 
a young man and married in Pennsylvania, moving to Crawford County, 
Ohio in 1834. Mr. and Mrs. Hill were the parents of six children, four 
still living — Anna, Leah, John and Samuel. The deceased are Julia and 
David, the latter killed in the late war. The mother died in Richland 
County, February 24, 1870. Our subject, S. P. Hill, obtained an ordinary 
education, at the age of six by the consent of his mother, taking up his resi- 
dence with James McCormick, and remaining with him until the latter's. 



868 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

death, which occurred August 23, 1873. On the occasion of this death, Mr. 
Hill inherited 120 acres of land, upon which he resided at intervals till 
1875. At this time he sold the farm and removed to Mansfield, Ohio, and 
four years later to Marseilles, purchasing a house and lot on Main street. 
November 18, 1869, he was married to Mrs. Hannah Helm, widow of James 
Helm, by whom she had two children, both deceased. She was the daughter 
of Alexander McCleary, of Mifflin Township, this county. One child has 
been born to them — John F. , born February 26, 1873. Mr. Hill is a strong 
Republican; elected Justice of the Peace in 1881; re-elected in fall of the 
same year, and giving general satisfaction. With his wife, he is a member 
of the Presbyterian Church. 

ISAAC JOHNSON was born in Antrim County, Ireland, in May, 1827; 
son of John and Mary (Knoland) Johnson, his mother dying when he was 
two years old. He was brought up by his father and hired out at the age 
of thirteen, receiving ten shillings for his first six months' labor. He came 
to America in 1854, locating in Livingston County, N. Y. ; came to Upper 
Sandusky in 1855, and, after a period of ten to fifteen yeai's spent in daily 
labor and renting land, purchased his pi-esent farm of 129 acres, now one 
of the best cultivated farms in the township. In 1881, he erected a fine 
residence at a cost of $2,000. His property is estimated at $10,000. In 
1864, he was married to Eliza Preston, daughter of James Preston. They 
have three children — Ivy J., Anna B. and Andrew. Elizabeth is deceased. 
Mr. Johnson is an independent voter, and, with his wife, a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 

G. W. KEMP, M. D., was born in Stark County, Ohio, June 24, 1822; 
son of George and Isabel (Hughes) Kemp, natives of Maryland and Penn- 
sylvania respectively and of English lineage. His grandfather Kemp was 
a Revolutionary soldier for seven years. Soon after their marriage his 
parents moved to Stark County, and some years later to Richland County 
thence to Hancock County, where they entei'ed 120 acres and resided six 
years. He afterward removed back to Richland County, but returned in 
1842, and died in Hancock. He was the father of eight children who at 
tained their majority — Mary and Agnes (twins), David, George W. , Sarah, 
Isabel. John and Jesse. He died October 1. 1862, aged seventy years; 
his wife about 1861, aged about seventy-one years. Our subject, George 
W. Kemp, was educated in the schools of Richland and Ashland Counties, 
attending one year at Vermillion College, Ohio. He began reading medi- 
cine in 1848, under J. R. Rodgers, of Haysville, Ashland County, and pur- 
sued this study two years, laboring at " lettering " or painting for support 
in the meantime. He graduated at Cleveland Charity Medical College 
(which subsequently became the medical department of the Wooster Uni- 
versity) in 1860, but began practicing in 1849, having attended a coui'se of 
lectures at Miami Medical College at Cincinnati. He enlisted as a private 
soldier in September, 1862, and was detailed in General Hospital at Bowl- 
ing Green, Ky., as Hospital Steward, remaining in that position till April 
18, 1863, when he was discharged, and received a commission May 19, 1863, 
as First Assistant Surgeon of the One Hundred and Thirteenth Regiment 
Ohio Volunteer Infantrj'. This charge he held till October 6, 1863, when 
failing health compelled him to resign. He was in the battle of Chickamauga, 
but returned to Kenton, where he recuperated one year, and subsequently 
settled in Marseilles, where he has since resided and built up an extensive 
practice in the regular Allopathic school of medicine. October 20, 
1844, Mr. Kemp was married to Miss Irene Greeley — a relative of 



MARSEILLES TOWNSHIP. 869 

Horace Greeley — who died in 1851, leaving Romina Asenath, their 
only child: was married again November 18, 1852, to Mrs. Jane Alban, 
a niece of the late Gov. Vance, she passing away February 26, 1854. 
Mr. Kemp was again married, July 4, 1855, to Ervilla M. Snow, four chil- 
dren having been born to them — Sarah E. (deceased), Orvis, Lucy E. and 
G. Wilber. He has a comfortable dwelling and several lots in Marseilles, 
also a store-room, thirteen acres of land near the village, a lot in Ada, Ohio, 
and several lots in Enterprise, Van Wert County. Mr. Kemp is a rigid 
temperance Democrat, member of the G. A. R. at Marseilles (Surgeon of 
Post), and, with his wife, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
officially connected, having lately been licensed as a local preacher*. He was 
commissioned a surgeon in the army by Gov. Tod, on the recommendation 
of prominent surgeons and his neighbors. He is an energetic citizen and a 
member of the Medical Society of Cleveland. He is now suffering from a 
disease contracted while in the service as surgeon, which is yearly growing 
on him. 

B. F. KENNEDY was born in Marseilles, October 8, 1838. He is the 
son of Frederick and Alvina (Hull) Kennedy, natives of Pennsylvania and 
of German ancestry. His parents were married in 1836, at Marseilles, his 
father having come to that place in 1835, and his mother at about the same 
time. He was a mechanic, and died in 1841, aged thirty years. She is 
still living, a resident of Kansas. They were the parents of two children — 
Jerome and Benjamin F. He was marHed September 26, 1861, to Miss S. 
L. Knibloe, daughter of John P. and Kate Knibloe, of Livingston County, 
New York. They have eight children —Kate, Mary E. (wife of W. M. 
Kneisley), Frank H., Cora L , Adelbert, Jared, Edna and Charles F. Mr. 
Kennedy has served as Town Treasurer twenty years and still holds the 
office. He is a stanch Republican, a strong temperance advocate, and, with 
his wife, a member of the Methodist Church. 

JOHN W. KENNEDY, Postmaster at Marseilles, was born in Adams 
County, Penn., October 6, 1809. He is the son of John and Margaret 
(Wolf) Kennedy, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Irish and German ances- 
tiy respectively. His grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. 
His father came to Marion County (now part of Wyandot), in 1836. He 
was the father of nine children, six of whom are still living: John W., 
Samuel, Moses and Aaron. The girls living are Christina and Mary A. 
The deceased are Frederick, Henry and an infant. The father and 
mother both died in Marseilles, the former seventy and one-half years of 
age, and the latter seventy. Our subject was given but six months in 
school. At the age of twenty-one years he began work for himself, serving 
an apprenticeship as millwright two years, and afterward following his trade 
two years in Adams County, Penn. In 1835, he came to Marseilles, bought 
a lot and erected a dwelling thereon, being one of the first settlers of the 
village. Here he plied his trade for twenty years, building over fifty mills 
in various places, part of the time operating a manufacturing shop at Upper 
Sandusky. In company with Maj. Long, he sold dry goods in Marseilles, 
from 1845 to 1852, under the firm name of Long & Kennedy, serving as 
Deputy Postmaster during that time. He then returned to his trade, at 
which he was engaged at intervals until 1870; was then employed to man- 
age his son's store in Marseilles, for three and one-half years, and has 
since been engaged in various employments. April 17, 1883, he was 
appointed Postmaster of Marseilles, which situation he still retains. Mr. 
Kennedy was married July 29, 1834, to Mary Junkins, daughter of James 

39 



870 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Junkins, by whoui he had twelve children ; eight living : Howard, 
Cordelia, Susan, Oliver, Mary E., Sarah J., Emma and Vilroy. The 
deceased are Ella G. and Harriet, James K. and Olive K. Mr. Kennedy 
assisted in organizing the lirst company at Marseilles for the late war. and 
offered his own services, but wa« refused on account of disability. His son 
Howard was engaged in the service. Mr. Kennedy is Republican in poli- 
tics, and is identified with the Presbyterian Church, though not a full 
member. He was member of the I. O. O. F. till the time of the war. He 
is one of the oldest settlers in the township, himself, wife and Maj. Long 
being the only ones remaining of the settlers of forty-eight years ago. 

LEMUEL KRISHER was born in Richland Coiinty, Ohio, August 19, 
1839. He is the son of John and Jane (Campbell) Krisher, natives of 
Pennsylvania, and of L'ish and German ancestry. They came to Ohio in 
1831, settling in Richland County, and rearing a family of fourteen chil- 
dren, of whom eight are living: Maria, Betsy A., Thomas R., Jeremiah, 
Nancy, Lemuel, Delilah and Lambert. The parents both died in Wyandot 
Coiinty; the father aged seventy -three, and the mother aged seventy-one. 
Mr. Krisher, the subject of this sketch, was educated in the common schools 
leaving off at the age of twenty-one. remaining with his father till the 
beginning of the war. He then enlisted in Company G, Ohio Volunteer 
Infantry, April 19, 1861, being the first volunteer from Jackson Township; 
re-enlisted five months later in the Independent Ohio Battery, and partici- 
pated in the battles of Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga, Mission 
Ridge, Lookout Mountain, and in every battle in which the Army of the 
C,umberland was engaged. He entered the ranks as a private and was mus- 
tered out a Second Lieutenant, being discharged September 1, 1865, having 
served four years and one month without a scar, and without missing a bat- 
tle. Returning home, he went to Michigan, and engaged in the lumber 
business three years; returning home again, farmed two years with his 
father, in 1875 buying a saw mill located at Marseilles, which ho has since 
successfully operated. June 27, 1883, he purchased a half interest in a 
grocery and provision store, with Henry Handchy, at Marseilles, doing a 
thriving business, with a stock of $2,500, under the firm name of Handchy 
& Krisher. He was married July 19, 1871, to Miss Emma Adams, daugh- 
ter of S. S. and Abalene Adams, to whom were born three children: Carrie, 
born March 7, 1872; Jessie B., February 6, 1874, and Charles H., July 2, 
1876. Mr. Krisher is a Republican, member of the G. A. R. , Senior Vice 
Commander, Master Mason, F. & A. M., both at Marseilles. He is still 
engaged in milling. 

CHAUNCEY M. LEAR. This gentleman is a native of Delaware, 
Ohio, born January 5, 1855, son of Daniel and Susan (Pentzer) Leai', na- 
tives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, and of German extraction. They were 
married January 5, 1854, and lived at Delaware till 1865, when they moved 
to Marseilles, purchasing eighty acres of land. They had five children — 
Chauncey M., Josephine F., Lucinda W., George W. and William D. The 
father was accidentally killed at La Rue, Ohio, by a runaway team— being 
fifty-five years of age at'the time of his death. Our subject received a good 
education in the common schools, spending some time at the Ohio Wesley an 
University, Delaware, Ohio, and Ada Northwestern Ohio Normal School; 
began teaching in his twenty-first year, and has since given the profession 
his whole attention, in which he has been very successfiil, winning an en- 
viable reputation and ranking among the leading educators of the county. 
He purchased the homestead in 1878; was married, February 12, 1874, to 



MARSEILLES TOWNSHIP. 871 

Miss Marian Van Fleet, daughter of Miles and Nancy (Wright) Van Fleet, of 
Hardin County, natives of New York and Massachusetts. They are the par- 
ents of five children, three living — P'loraMay, born April 27, 3878; Charles 
F., August 17, 1881; Grace E., July 28, 1883. The deceased are two in- 
fants. Mr. Lear is a Kepublican, a Granger, a K. of H. , and a member of 
Franklin Cornet Band, and, with his wife, a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. 

BENJAMIN F. LEE was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, November 
29, 1825. He is the sou of Parker and Elizabeth (Shoots) Lee, natives of 
Maryland and Ohio respectively, Mrs. Lee being of German lineage. Par- 
ker Lee emigrated with his parents from Maryland to Kentucky, when but 
seven years of age, and was engaged in the war of 1812, serving as Captain 
of a militia corps during the entire war. His marriage to Miss Elizabeth 
Shoots took place in or near the year 1812, soon after which he removed to 
the Sandusky Plains, about 1837, buying 800 acres of land in Big Island 
Township, Marion County. From 1840 to 1842, he lived in Wyandot Coun- 
ty, but spent the remainder of his days in Salt Rock Township, Marion 
County. He was the father of twelve children, six of whom are now liv- 
ing, namely, John, William, Benjamin F., Elizabeth, Sarah and Martin. 
The deceased are Melinda, Joseph, Henry, Louis, Jacob and Lucretia. He 
died at the age of seventy-eight years, and his wife at sixty-nine. Benja- 
min F. Lee was educated in the common schools, living with his father 
until his twenty-eighth year. He was married, November 30, 1853, to 
Narcissa Sappington, daughter of Elias and Mary (Whitcomb) Sappington, 
of Big Island Township. Mr. and Mrs. Lee were the parents of nine 
children, six surviving — Mary E. (wife of Amandis Seligman), Sallie W., 
(wife of Thomas Heckathorn), Willie E., John S., Carrie F, and Frank G. 
The deceased are Elias F. , Sophrano and James. Taking one crop from his 
father's farm as a subsidy, he purchased in the fall of 1854, 177 acres in 
Hardin County, Ohio, moving there in the same year, and remained five 
years. He then traded this farm for one of 240 acres in Goshen Town- 
ship, subsequently adding twenty more, remaining there five years and 
another five years on an eighty acre farm one and a half miles east of Ken- 
ton. In 1865, this latter, tract was sold, and twenty acres adjoining the 260 
acres spoken of above, were purchased. In 1866, this whole tract was ex- 
changed for the one of 260 acres on which Mr. Lee now resides. His farm 
is in a high state of cultivation, is valued at $75 per acre, and stocked with 
excellent grades. It is watered by twelve never-failing springs and eighty 
rods of the Tymochtee River. The residence, which was repaired at a cost 
of $600, was consumed by fire, May 5, 1878, and his present handsome 
dwelling was erected the same season at a cost of $2,000. In politics, Mr. 
Lee is a stanch Republican. He has served as a member of the School 
Board of Marseilles, for three years, which post of honor he still retains; 
he was a member of the Board of Agriculture four years, and is an Elder 
of the Presbyteriau Church. His wife and childi'en are members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, and in good standing. Mr. Lee is one of the 
leading farmers of his township, and is a generous and influential citizen. 

JOHN LESLIE, the subject of this sketch, was born in Seneca County, 
Ohio, December 27, 1842, being the son of John and Esther (Smith) Leslie, 
natives of Pennsylvania, and of Irish-German descent, his grandfather 
Leslie born in Ireland, his grandfather Smith in Germany. His people 
came to Ohio soon after marriage in 1833, lived in Akron and Massillon 
some time, at the former place when it contained few houses. They then 



872 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

moved to Norwalk, Ohio, and later to Hardin County, while it was yet a 
" wilderness of wolves," thence to Marion County, buying 100 acres near 
La Rue. He died October 22, 1851, aged forty-three years, leaving a 
family of seven children — Louisa, Harriet (deceased), James, John, Martha, 
Demer and Harmon. The mother died in September, 1861, aged forty- 
seven years. Mr. Leslie received a limited education in the common schools, 
and lived on the homestead till enlisting in the United States service, 
Company F, Eighteenth United States Infantry, October 26, 1861. He 
fought at Shiloh, Perryville, Stone River, being wounded at the latter place, 
and compelled to retire six months. He returned to his regiment, and was 
subsequently engaged at Resaca, Kingston, Snake Gape, Buzzard's Roost, 
Atlanta, Jonesboro, and many skirmishes, and was discharged at Lookout 
Mountain, Tenn., October 26, 1864. His marriage to Miss Evaline Craw- 
ford occurred June 29, 1865. She is the daughter of Rev. Silas and Ann 
E. (Nicholes) Crawford, who are natives of Ohio, and of German extraction. 
They are residents of Plymouth, Ind., he being identified with the Baptist 
Church of that place. Mr. and Mrs. Leslie have four children — W. Thur- 
man, born September 25, 1867; Lillie B., June 19, 1870; Mary L. , Jan- 
uary 11, 1872; Marven H., September 4, 1878. Mr. Leslie purchased fifty acres 
in Bowling Green Township, Marion County, 1864, resided there three years, 
and two years on another farm in same township, rented two years in Medina 
County, and in 1871 purchased forty acres of his present farm. This he 
has increased by subsequent purchases to 200 acres — eighty cleared — all 
valued at $50 per acre. He is a Democrat in politics and a substantial citi- 
zen, member of the G. A. R. at Marseilles. Mr. Leslie and family are mem- 
bers of the Presbyterian ChurcL. 

ROBERT LINDSEY, of the firm of Lindsey & Gates, dealers in dry 
goods, groceries, etc., was born in Grand Township, Marion County, Ohio, 
May 30, 1844, son of James H. and Elorn (Stiverson) Lindsey, natives of 
Ohio, and of Scotch-Irish and Scotch-German descent respectively. They 
were married about 1835-36 in Grand Township, and were the parents of 
seven children, four living — Robert, Ann M., Sarah R., and Mary. The 
deceased are James, John and David, the two latter having lost their lives 
in the late war. His father died February 19, 1881, the mother October 29, 
1882. Mr. Lindsey, our subject, was educated in the common schools, at- 
tending one term at the Weslyan University of Delaware, Ohio, closing his 
literary pursuits at the age of nineteen. He remained with his father till 
May 2, 1864, when he enlisted in Company M, One Hundred and Forty-fourth 
Regiment (Cavalry) National Guards and was engaged at Manassas Junction, 
and discharged four months later at Columbus, Ohio. He returned to the 
farm, staying until his twenty-sixth year. In 1870, he went to Kansas, 
purchased eighty acres of land, and staid three years, when he returned 
to Ohio, and received 160 acres of land from his father in Grand Township. 
He tended this farm till 1880, when he purchased an interest in his present 
store, of B. F. Kennedy, and began business under the firm name of Ken- 
nedy & Lindsey. They continued this partnership one year, after which 
time Mr. Lindsey purchased his partner's interest, selling soon after one- 
half interest to H. S. Gates, with whom he is still in partnership. They 
carry a $12,000 stock. Besides this, Mr. Lindsey owns 320 acres of land in 
Kansas, valued at $20 per acre, well situated. His marriage to Miss Re- 
becca J. Oroke, daughter of Catharine Oroke, occuri*ed February 6, 1871. 
They have five children — James H., Frank E., Edith L., Charles F. and 
Jessie M. John is deceased. Mr. Lindsey is a member of the Methodist 



MARSEILLES TOWNSHIP. 873 

Episcopal Church, of the F. & A. M., Master Mason, of Marseilles, of the 
G. A. R., and a Republican in politics. He is a successful business man 
and a good citizen. 

MA J. HUGH LONG,* one of the oldest settlers of the township, was 
born in West Liberty, Va., April 12, 1794. He is the soa of John and 
Catharine (Fry) Long, natives of Pennsylvania. His great-grandtnother, 
Nancy Howard, was kidnapped in London, England, brought to this coun- 
try and sold for her passage. His grandfather Fry was a soldier in the 
Revolutionary war three years. His father was reared a farmer, and at the 
age of twenty-one, went to Pittsburgh and learned the tanner's trade, Gen. 
Wayne's army being then stationed there. He was married there and moved 
to St. Clairsville, Belmont County, Ohio, and became the father of ten chil- 
dren. He died in his sixty-fou^rth year, and his wife in her seventy-nfth. 
Maj. Long, the subject of this sketch, attended the common schools of his 
time and enlisted in a Light Horse Cavalr} Company in the war of 1812, 
but, with other volunteers, was not wanted, and was exempted from enter- 
ing the service. He learned the tanner's trade of his father, and was en- 
gaged with him in the trade till twenty-five years of age. About that time 
he married Miss Catharine Trucks, four children resulting therefrom, two 
living — Mary and Matilda; the deceased are Catharine and Joseph. The 
mother of these died in 1832, aged twenty-four years. Mr. Long was mar- 
ried again the same year to Miss Sarah Hinkle, who by him became the 
mother of fourteen children, six surviving to the present time — Hugh H. , 
John, Hiram, Orrin, Vincent and Hattie, wife of Lawson H. DeLander. 
Mr. Long came to Marion County, in 1832, settling in Marseilles, then Bur- 
lington; the Fitzgeralds, Youngs and Merrimans being the only families 
in the township; our subject now being the oldest and only surviving resi- 
dent of those early days. He built his shop and began his trade as tanner 
in 1834, and continued in this occupation till 1876. He is the owner of 
thirty acres of land within the corporation and has been largely interested 
in building up the village. He has held every office in the township except 
that of the Justice of the Peace, and that he refused. He obtained the title 
of "Major" through Charles Merriman. For his eighteen days' service in 
the war of 1812, he receives a pension of $8 per month; also received a 
title to 160 acres of land, which afterward sold for $140. He was formerly 
a Whig, but laterly a Republican. His wife died February 9, 1882, aged 
seventy-three; he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and highly 
esteemed in his old age. 

JOHN McCLEARY (deceased) was born in Franklin County. Penn., 
June 10, 1821; he was the son of Alexander and Elizabeth (McCormick) Mc- 
Cleary, natives of Pennsylvania and of Irish ancestry. They emigrated to Wy- 
andot County about 1838, and though the parents of ten children, but three 
are living — Hanna, Lemuel and Jane. The deceased are Robert, John, 
Mary, Alexander, James, Thomas and William. The father died in 1865, 
aged sixty-five years; the mother in 1851, aged fifty-five years. Mr. Mc- 
Cleary attended the common schools and was married to Miss Susan Han- 
kins, daughter of John and Mary (Young) Hankins, April 14, 1848. Miss 
Hankins was born June 26, 1828, her parents being natives of Maryland, 
and of Irish and German descent. They came to Ohio in an early day and 
settled in Knox County. They had five children, four living — Timothy, 
George, Lewis and Susan. Thomas is deceased. Her father died October 
18, 1876, aged seventy-nine years; her mother January 4, 1881, agedseventy- 

* Since this sketch was written Maj. Long died. 



874 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

eight years. John McCleary, our subject, was the father of ten children, 
eight living — William, Timothy, Loucetta, wife of Elkana Crossen; Hattie, 
wife of John Lutz; Daniel, Julia A., wife of Hugh Smith; Ida J., the two 
latter being twins, Mary E. and Louisa are deceased; the former dying at 
the age of eight years, and the latter eighteen months. During the first 
four years of his married life Mr. McCleary rented land, but purchased 
eighty acres in Mifflin Township in 1853, increasing the tract, by subsequent 
purchases, to 115 acres; he was always an active Democrat and a well re- 
spected citizen. He died August 3, 1880, leaving an estate of $8,000; his 
widow disposed of the f ai'm and purchased her attractive home in Marseilles, 
April 10, 1883. Two children and a niece reside with her. Mrs. McCleary 
has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since her fourteenth 
year. She is pleasantly situated in her new home and is highly esteemed 
as a citizen. 

DAVID W. McCONNEL, M. D., a leading physician of this county, 
was born in Greene County, Ohio, May 14, 1839. He is the son of Isaiah 
and Ann (Bain) McConnel, the former born in Edinburgh, Scotland, 1800; 
the latter in Lexington, Ky. , in 1799, her parents originally emigrating 
from Glasgow, Scotland, about 1795. They were married in Xenia, Ohio, 
January 1, 1828, and resided in that city ten years, after which time they 
removed to Hardin County, where they settled permanently. They were the 
parents of six children, fom- still living — James B., Sarah F., David W. 
and Mai'tha. The deceased are Rebekah and Samuel J. The father died 
July 4, 1860; the mother September 12, 1883. The subject of this sketch 
attended the Kenton schools, and subsequently graduated from North wood 
College in 1854. He began the study of medicine under Dr. W. H. Phillips, 
of Kenton, in 1856, and remained with him nearly four years, and after- 
ward graduated from the Starling Medical College in 1866, in the mean- 
time teaching eight terms of school. He enlisted in Company G, I'ourth 
Begiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, April 16, 1861; re-enlisted in the 
Thirty-third in July of the same year as private, and was appointed Orderly 
Sergeant, serving nine months, when he was appointed Second Lieutenant, 
after twelve months First Lieutenant, and then Captain of his company 
till the close of the war. He was engaged in the campaign of Eastern Ken- 
tucky under Gen. Nelson, and participated in the following battles: Pike- 
ton. Bowling Green, Bridgeport, Battle Creek, Prestonsburg, Stone River, 
Chickamauga and Mission Ridge. At the latter place he was wounded three 
times, but was not discharged, and after six weeks returned as Aid; was 
subsequently in the battles at Franklin and Nashville, and continued as Aid 
till June of 1865, when he received his discharge. Mr. McConnel was mar- 
ried March 10, 1870, to Miss Martha J. Lacey, daughter of Haman H. 
Lacey. They have four children — Anna L., James H., John C. and D. Watt 
(Samuel E. , deceased). He located in Marseilles in August, 1865, where 
he has since resided, building up a good living practice in his chosen pro- 
fession. He belongs to the regular school of medicine, and favors the 
temperance element of Republicanism; is a member of the I. O. O. F. and 
K. of H. fraternities, and a master member of Marseilles Lodge, No. 515, F. & 
A. M. ; McCutchen Chapter, R. A. M. ; member of Ivanhoe Council, R. & S. M., 
Bucyrus, Ohio; and of Marion Commandery Knight Templars, Marion, Ohio. 
He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and highly respected as a citi- 
zen. It is worthy of notice that the father of our subject was one of the 
seven original Abolitionists of Ohio, and his son has always been an active 
anti-slavery man. Mrs. McConnel departed this life November 25, 1884. 



MARSEILLES TOWNSHIP. 875 

She was a lady of unusual strength of character, and was greatly admired 
and esteemed for her many excellent qualities. 

SAMUEL PHILLIPS, blacksmith, was born in Salt Rock Township, 
Marion County, Ohio, June 18, 1834; son of Jacob and Comfort (Martin) 
Phillips, natives of Massachusetts and Ohio respectively. His father came 
to Ohio in an early day, and was a shoemaker by trade. He was married in 
1830. and was the father of ten children, six still living — William and Edna 
(by his first wife), Samuel, David, John and Jacob (by his second wife). 
He died in Michigan when our subject was but four years of age. His wife 
departed this life about 1870, aged sixty years. Samuel Phillips attended 
the very ordinary schools of Michigan, giving up entirely his studies at the 
age of eighteen, coming to Marseilles and beginning his trade as an appren- 
tice, serving three years with James R. Eaton at 1() cents per day. At the 
end of three years he had accumulated $16. In 1854, he purchased a half 
interest in his employer's shop, where he has since pounded the anvil, build- 
ing up an extensive business. This partnership existed twenty-one years, 
at the expiration of which time Mr. Eaton retired, Mr. Phillips continuing 
the business at the present time as sole proprietor. His marriage lo Miss 
Mary A. Ellis, daughter of Richard and Mary P. (Stover) Ellis, occurred in 
October, 1857. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips have reared ten children, seven liv- 
ing — John, Eva (wife of J. L. Hastings), James, Charles, Jennie, Frank 
and Anna. The deceased are Mary, Harlan and Stover. Mr. Phillips owns 
his shop and lot; also his house and lot. His wife's mother resides with 
him, in the seventy -fourth year of her age, in feeble health. He was in the 
"hundred-day service," Company G, One Hundred and Forty-fourth Ohio 
National Guards, but sickness debarred him from active duty. He is a mem- 
ber of the G. A. R. , of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a stanch Re- 
publican. His wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church. 

JAIMES B. POOL was born in Richland County, Ohio, May 14, 1833, 
son of Alexander and Phoebe H. (Harris) Pool, natives of Pennsylvania, and 
of German and Irish blood. The former was born July 15, 1799, the 
latter May 10, 1802; married June 7, 1821. They removed to the farm on 
which our subject now resides, in 1834, entering eighty acres of forest land, 
clearing the whole of it. They were the parents of eight children, seven 
living — Harris, William, John, Elza, James B,, Clarissa E. and Charles. 
Eliza J. is deceased. The mother died May 14, 1878; the father December 
24, 1880. Our subject received a limited ediication, leaving off bis educa- 
tional pursuits at the age of eighteen, and serving an apprenticeship of two 
and one-half years at the wagon trade in Upper Sandusky, following this 
pursuit till 1861. April 18, 1861, he enlisted in Company G, Fourth Reg- 
iment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for three months, meeting with no engage- 
ments; re-enlisted in Company C, Second Missouri Cavalry, First Sergeant, 
and participated in the battles of Pierce's Mills, Moore's Mills, Kirksville, 
Little Rock, and one south of the latter place. Was wounded at Kirksville, 
but retui'ned to his company soon after, and was discharged August 3, 1865. 
He was married, September 15, 1856, to Modestia Woodard, one child — 
Oscar — being born to them, November 11, 1857. She died February 1, 
1859. Mr. Pool was again married, September 12, 1862, to Mary E. Boyer, 
daughter of Eli and Lucinda (Banghart) Boyer, natives of Ohio. He in- 
herited and bought the old homestead, located on the Tymochtee Creek, and 
valued at $60 per acre. Since the war he has been engaged in farming, 
though his sight was permanently injured in the service. In politics, Mr. 
Pool is a Republican, and is a member of the Presbyterian Church, of which 



876 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

he has been an Elder for the past live years. His wife is also a member of 
the same organization. 

HENRY QUAIL (deceased) was born in Pennsylvania, January 2, 1804. 
He was the son of John Quail, of English parentage. His father was a 
soldier in the war of 1812, never returning. Mr. Quail received but a lim- 
ited education, beginning life for himself at the age of fourteen. He was 
married, March 17, 1836, to Miss Barbara Pepple, daughter of John and 
Mary Pepple, natives of Maryland, and of German lineage. Mr. and Mrs. 
Quail are the parents of seven children — five living — Lydia (wife of Charles 
Rail), Henrietta (wife of David Whittaker), Laura A. (wife of David Mc- 
Cleary), Asa and John. Sophia and an infant are deceased. After spend- 
ing two or three years in daily labor, in 1841, Mr. Quail emigrated to Ohio 
by wagon, settling where the widow now resides. He entered eighty acres of 
land, and afterward owned 320 acres — owning 280 acres at his death, much 
of which he himself cleared of the timber. He died March 10, 1882, leav- 
ing an estate of $15,000. He was a Democrat in politics, a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, and an honest, liberal and well-respected citizen. 
Mrs. Quail was born November 5, 1811, and has endured many of the hard- 
ships of pioneer life. Notwithstanding the long years of toil, however, she is 
still able to do her own work. She is a member of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church, and highly esteemed by all who know her. 

WILLIAM SELIGMAN, an influential farmer, was born December 18, 
1817, in Lehigh County, Penn. He is the son of Joseph and Elizabeth 
(Stableton) Seligman, natives of the same State, and of German lineage. 
Their entire lives were spent in Pennsylvania. Seven children were born 
to them — Daniel, Charles, William, Henry and three daughters, whose names 
are unrecorded and forgotten. His parents dying when he was a mere 
child, Mr. Seligman has been unable to obtain either their names or the 
dates of their births. Being bound to John Foos at the age of six years, 
his educational privileges were few, receiving most of his instruction from 
private tutors in dwelling houses. He remained with Mr. Foos till his 
twenty-first year, and then engaged as an apprentice to the cabinet and 
carpenter's tz*ade, working in this capacity three years, and subsequently in 
an independent business until 1860. He came to Ohio in 1842, and set- 
tled near Bucyrus, doing an extensive business in contracting and building, 
employing from six to ten hands, and, as a result of his success, accumu- 
lating considerable property. On January 1, 1843, he married Miss 
Savina Boyer, daughter of Christopher and Elizabeth Boyer, natives 
of Pennsylvania, and of German parentage. Eleven children have been 
born to them, eight of the family still surviving — Lewis A., Amandes M., 
Edward H., William E., Lydia A., Dilly E. (wife of H. S. Gates), Annie 
M. (wife of J. D. Barr). The deceased are Moses F., Angelina, Charles 
and an infant. Mrs. Seligman was born in 1823, and passed away Novem- 
ber 29, 1879. In 1860, Mr. Seligman purchased his present farm and resi- 
dence, at a cost of |9,000, the original number of acres being 400, which 
he has increased by subsequent purchases to 506, all in a splendid condi- 
tion. Eighty acres of this Mr. Seligman cleared with his own hands. In 
1864, he erected a handsome and commodious dwelling, costing $3,000, and 
also three excellent barns that are a valuable addition to the premises. The 
farm is also well drained, there being nearly two miles of tiling buried 
within its limits. His wealth is estimated at $80,000. Before the war 
he voted the Democratic ticket, but has since been identified with the Tem- 
perance wing of the Republican party. He has served six years as Trustee 



MARSEILLES TOWNSHIP. 877 

of Lis township, is a member of the I. O. O. F., at Marseilles, and withal 
one of the most highly respected and benevolent citizens of his community. 
Beginning life a bound boy, his life is well worthy the emiilation of any 
who may become acquainted with its history. 

LEWIS A. SELIGMAN was born in Crawford County, Ohio. De- 
cember 24, 1847, to "William and Lavina (Boyer) Seligman. He was edu- 
cated in the common schools, ceasing his schooldays at the age of eighteen. 
He remained with his parents till the period of his majority, and' subse- 
quently engaged as fireman on a saw mill for eighteen months, for the Stu- 
debaker Brothers. He then purchased a third interest in a circular mill at 
Upper Sandusky, continuing in a successful business three years. In 1872, 
he entered B. F. Kennedy's dry goods store as a clerk, serving in this ca- 
pacity over four years. At the expiration of that time, he bought a half in- 
terest in a flouring mill at Marseilles, paying $3,0()0 for the same, and began 
business under the firm name of Hartle & Seligman. This partnership 
lasted four months, when Hartle's interest passed into the hands of B. F. 
Kennedy, and eight months later, 1879, into the possession of William Sel- 
igman, the firm then taking the title of Seligman & Son. They did a flour- 
ishing business until their mill was destroyed by tire in June, 1883. Mr. 
Seligman was married, December 28, 1869, to Miss Ella Atkinson, daughter 
of Andrew and Mary (McKnight) Atkinson. Mr. and Mrs. Seligman have 
three children — Charles W., born February 28, 1871; Guy A., October 22, 
1877, and Kay W., March 15, 1882. Mr. Seligman is a strong temperance 
Eepublican and a member of the A. , F. & A. M. , and K. T. ,of Marion Com- 
mandery. No. 36. He owns an attractive home on Main street, valued at 
$2,000, and is one of the influential citizens of the county. 

SAMUEL SIMPSON was born July 8, 1815, son of Samuel and Eliza- 
beth (Knowles) Simpson, natives of Ireland and Pennsylvania respectively, 
and of Irish blood. Mr. Simpson was educated in the poorly organized 
schools of his day, closing his work in this direction at the age of eighteen, 
and engaging to " drive stage " from Cincinnati to Portland and from 
Springfield to Columbus. After two years spent in this occupation, he came 
with his parents to Marseilles in 1821. being one of the first settlers in the 
locality, and established himself on the Addison Heath farm, two miles 
south of the village. Later, he engaged in the flour mill with John Fehl, 
remaining in the business eleven years. He was married January 25, 1844, 
to Miss Ann Kennedy, daughter of John and Margaret (Wolf) Kennedy. 
They were the parents of three children^William C, John F. and Samuel 
S. The first is deceased. In 1842. Mr. Simpson purchased a farm of 
sixty-four acres in Grand Township, Marion County, where he remained ten 
years, selling out in 1852, and purchasing a grist and saw mill at La Eue, 
and operating the same until 1858. Disposing of this property in 1860, he 
removed to Marseilles and purchased a residence and eight lots, which he 
still owns and where he still resides. By his own efi'orts he has cleared 150 
acres of forest land, which has materially affected his health. In politics, 
Mr. Simpson is a Democrat, and east his first vote for Gen. Jackson. He is 
familiar with much of the Indian history of the county and is able to speak 
the Indian language quite fluently. He has been a resident of the county 
sixty-two years. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

JOHN O. STUDEBAKER was born in this county June 22, 1840, son 
of Samuel and Delilah (Fehl) Studebaker, natives of Pennsylvania and of 
German parentage. His mother was born in 1822, and his father about 
1816. They were married in this county in 1838. He was a shoe maker 



878 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

by trade. They were the parents of three children — Flavins J., Mary and 
John O. The father died in February, 1845; the mother is still living, in 
Marion County, sixty-two years of age. Our subject attended the common 
schools till his eighteenth year and was subsequently engaged in farm labor 
till 1861. May 28 of that year, he enlisted in Company K, Fourth Regi- 
ment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was engaged at Rich Mountain, Laurel 
Hill, Romney, Winchester, Edinbu.rg, New Market, Port Republic and 
Chancellorsville; captured at the latter place and taken to Richmond, and, 
after sixteen days, paroled; thence to Annapolis; thence to Washington; on 
Gen. Auger's staff as clerk till discharged, July 11, 1864. He returned to 
farm, and married, April 16, 1867, Ivy, daughter of William and Jane N. 
Renick, natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania respectively, of German de- 
scent. They settled in W^yandot County (then Marion) in 1823. Their one 
child, Ivy E., was born March 28, 1843. The father died in 1876, aged 
sixty -five years; the mother died in 1875, aged fifty-five years. Mr. and 
Mrs. Studebaker have two children living — Renick, born January 28, 1869; 
Bertha E. , January 3, 1880. Lorin V., August 3, 1875, died January 28, 
1879; George V., born January 19, 1882, died January 10, 1883. 

ENOCH THOMAS was born in Hardin County, Va., July 30, 1814, 
son of Owen and Sophia (Hansom) Thomas, natives of Wales and Virginia 
respectively — she of mixed nationality. His father enlisted in the Revolu- 
tionary war, but did not serve; was a carpenter by trade and the father of 
twelve children — two living — Rebecca and Enoch. He died in 1838, aged 
seventy-nine years; the mother in 1836, aged fifty-six years. Our subject 
was educated in the very common schools of the Old Dominion, attending 
one year, there being no free schools at that time. He resided with his 
father till March 1, 1838, when he came W^est, traveling on horseback a dis- 
tance of 450 miles, crossing the Alleghanies without any roads, and arriv- 
ing in Franklin County, Ohio, in fifteen days. He came to Marseilles, 
Marion Co., Ohio, at once, and purchased eighty acres, where he now resides; 
has bought and sold till he now has 119 acres of good land, well improved, 
drained by Tymochtee River, valued at $60 per acre; made all the improve- 
ments, and has cleared over one hundred and twenty-five acres of forest 
land. He married, in 1842, Mrs. Jane Thomas, widow of David M. Thomas, 
and daughter of John and Sarah Farmer. They were the parents of four 
children — William C, George C, David M. and Margaret (deceased), wife 
of Levi Hildebrand. His first wife dying, Mr. Thomas was married again, 
in 1857, to Mrs. Sarah A. Bates, by whom he had two children — Owen and 
Osweld, the former now deceased. Mr. Thomas was born with but one arm, 
began life with $125, but by his industry has gained a competence of 
$8,000. He fs a Republican. He and Mrs. Thomas are both members of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, to whose support they contribute liberally. 
Mr. Thomas has served as Trustee several years; also as Assessor and Land 
Appraiser, in 1870. 

ANDREW UNCAPHER (deceased) was born in Westmoreland County, 
Penn., Febriiary 24, 1811, son of George and Catharine Uncapher. He 
obtained a good education, and was for a time book-keeper for a firm in 
Pittsburgh. He afterward learned the tanning trade, and pursued this busi- 
ness till 1860, at which time he moved to this township and purchased 400 
acres of land. In 1836, he married Miss Mary Horrel, daughter of John 
and Margaret (Trimmel) Horrel, natives of Pennsylvania, and parents of 
ten children, Mrs. Uncapher being the youngest. Her parents are both de- 
ceased. Mr. and Mrs. Uncapher were the parents of ten children — eight 



MARSEILLES TOWNSHIP. 879 

living — Theodore, Philip, Joseph, .lackson, and Mary, wife of George 
Everts. The deceased are George, John, John T. , Sarah E. and Thomas 
M. Mr. Uucapher died in the fall of 1861; he was a stanch Democrat and 
a member of the Lutheran Church, highly esteemed by all who knew him. 
His widow, born 1820, still survives him, owning eighty acres of good land. 
She is a member of the Presbyterian Church and has successfully reared a 
family of six children to the years of their majority. 

PHILIP UNCAPHER. This enterprising farmer was born in West- 
moreland County, Penn., December 27, 1846. He is the son of Andrew 
and Mary A. (Horrel) Uncapher, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Scotch- 
Irish descent. (See sketch). Our subject received his education in the 
district schools, remaining on the farm with his father. He was married 
August 21, 1873, to Elizabeth Modd, daughter of Thomas and Sarah 
(Wing) Modd, natives of England, who married there and came to America 
in 1851, settling in Logan County, Ohio, for a number of years, where Mrs. 
Modd died. He is at present a resident of Linn Township, Hardin County, 
in his fifty- sixth year. They were parents of three children — two living. 
Mr. and Mrs. Uncapher have three children — Ernest M., born December 2, 
1874; Philip, Jr., September 4, 1876; Chastina B., May 10, 1880. Mrs. 
Uncapher was born October 30, 1853. Mr. Uncapher received eighty acres 
from his father's estate, to which he has added forty acres,' all well im- 
proved, with a neat residence built in 1874, costing $500. Mr. Uncapher 
is a Democrat; served as Trustee three years; as Justice of Peace one year, 
and is a substantial citizen. 

A. ROYAL WEBBER, born in Whittingham, Vt., March 6, 1838, is a 
son of Lyman J. and Mary A. (Goodnow) Webber, natives of Massachusetts 
and Vermont respectively. Lyman Webber's father died when the former 
was but eighteen months old, the family being of English ancestry. Lyman 
was born in 1810; his wife (Mary A. ), in 1809, and they were married about 
1832. They lived in Vermont till 1855, manufacturing hoe-handles, wag- 
on shafts, etc. Being a millwright by trade, he moved to Delaware County, 
Ohio, in the above year, purchasing a saw mill and grist mill. Later he 
was engaged in cabinet work, and moved to Wyandot County in 1866, 
where the mother died in 1867, age fifty-seven years. The father is a 
resident of Morrow County, at the present time, in his seventy-fourth year. 
A. R. Webber was virtually bound out when nine years of age to learn the 
shoe -maker's trade, and was to receive |100 at the age of twenty-one; at 
eleven, he "'declared independence," and two years later emigrated to 
Massachusetts, there learning the cutler's trade. This occupation he fol- 
lowed till his nineteenth year, when, becoming proficient in the use of 
brass and stringed instruments, he engaged in giving instructions in their 
use, and in the sale of instruments, following these occupations sixteen 
years. Came to Ohio in 1857; went West, and in 1859 returned, living 
in the various counties of Delaware, Morrow and Wyandot, till 1862; 
thence to Cincinnati, till 1865, selling pianos and organs. In 1865, settled 
on present farm, which is well stocked with best grades Durham cattle, 
merino sheep, and provided with four and one-half miles of tile drains, 
Mr. Webber being the first man in the township in adopting the tile system. 
November 3, 1864, he married Caroline Terry, davaghter of Ethan and 
Barbara (Heckathorn) Terry, natives of Virginia and Ohio respectively, 
and of German and English descent. Ethan Terry crossed the Ohio River 
in a skiff when but three years of age, his parents settling in Marseilles 
Township in 1826. He died aged sixty-five; the mother aged fifty-nine. 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Mr. and Mrs. Webber have two children — Edgar K., born October 28, 1865; 
Ernest R. , born August 25, 1871. In politics, Mr. Webber is Independent, 
Temperance, the entire family being members of the Presbyterian Church. 

WILLIAM E. WEBBER was born in Windham County, Vt., October 
9, 1842. son of Lyman J. and Mary A. (Goodnow) Webber (see A. R. Web- 
ber). He was educated in the high school in Delaware County, Ohio, tak- 
ing a commercial course in the Columbus Business College, graduating in 
1865. His marriage to Miss Mary E. Terry, daughter of Ethan and Bar- 
bara Terry, occurred October 25, 1870. Two children have been born to 
them— Winferd P., August 7, 1872; Walter Owen, August 17, 1877. Mr. 
Webber was engaged in teaching school ten years; enlisted in three months' 
service, Company C, Eighty-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry; re- 
enlisted at end of three months in Eighty-eighth Regiment Ohio Volunteer 
Infantry, doing camp and guard duty one year, when he was promoted to 
Corporal, and subsequently to Sergeant; served on the recruiting commis- 
sion, raising thirty men for Company H, One Hundred and Seventy- fourth 
Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and became Second Lieutenant of same 
company, and was mustered out as First Lieutenant. He was engaged in 
the iDattle of the Cedars, Nashville, Franklin, Newbern, and in many skir- 
mishes, receiving his discharge July 5, 1865. In 1866, he purchased an 
interest in a woolen mill, which he successfully operated six years. He and 
family are living at present on their farm of 200 acres, which is well im- 
f)roved and valued at $60 per acre, stocked with good grades of Durham 
cattle, merino sheep and horses. He built this year one of the finest frame 
residences in the township, costing about $3,000; also owns 150 acres of 
good grazing land in Tennessee. He and Mrs. Webber are both members 
of the Presbyterian Church, he being a Trustee of the same. In politics, 
Mr. Webber is a Republican, of the temperance persuasion. Mrs. W^ebber 
was born and principally educated in Wyandot County, Ohio, receiving in 
addition to a good common school education a thorough course in the Young 
Ladies' Seminary, Springfield, Ohio. She inherited from her parents the 
farm on which the family now reside. 

DAVID WILKIN is a native of Hardin County, Va., born March 31, 
1822. He is the son of David and Mary (Wilson) Wilkin, natives of the 
same county, of German parentage. They emigrated to Ohio in 1827, set- 
tling in Licking County, where they resided twenty- five years. They then 
moved to Van Wert County, and shortly after to Michigan, where they re- 
sided about four years, and thence to Indiana for about the same length of 
time. The father died at the home of his son David, March 28, 1882, aged 
eighty-five years. He was the father of fourteen children, seven by his first 
wife — Benjamin, David, John A., Joseph, Jonathan, Isaac and Mary A. By 
his second wife — Hayden, George, William, Cora, Lucinda and Amanda. 
The mother of the first family died in 1849, aged fifty-three years. Our 
subject obtained a common school education in Licking County, and worked 
at home and elsewhere until his marriage, December 23, 1847, to Barbara 
E. Losh, daughter of Jacob and Eve (Shular) Losh, natives of Pennsylvania, 
of German lineage. They were early settlers of Perry and Licking Coun- 
ties and were the parents of nine children, five living — CzarH. , born March 
28, 1852; Lucinda D., November 20, 1854; Lydia S., July 20, 1858; Lucy, 
December 7. 1861; Flora B., June 14, 1864. The deceased are John A., 
Mary A. and two infants. Mr. Wilkin came to Marseilles Township in 
1851, renting the old Wilkin farm twenty-two years; he bought eighty acres 
of his present farm in 1855, and has since added forty acres more; fifty 



MARSEILLES TOWNSHIP. 881 

acres of this was forest land cleared by himself. In his lifetime, Mr. Wil- 
kin claims to have put 100 acres of forest land under cultivation. He began 
life with nothing, and now lias a farm well improved, valued at $8,000; has 
ever been a hard worker, himself and another young man (Drum) having 
cradled 240 dozen of wheat and shocked sixty dozen of the same in one day; 
reaped with a sickle thirty-five dozen in one day. In politics, Mr. Wilkin 
is a Democrat, voting first for James K. Polk. He is a member of the A., 
F. & A. M. at Marseilles; his wife of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 

PHILIP WINSLOW was born in New Castle, Knox Co., Ohio, Octo- 
ber 4, 1834. He is the son of Jeremiah and Elizabeth (Eli) W^inslow, na- 
tives of Massachusetts and Pennsylvania respectively, and of English and 
German ancestry. His father's great-grandfather came from England, and 
his grandfather W^inslow was a soldier in the Eevolutionary war. His 
father came to Ohio when eighteen, walking from Massachusetts. Ho was 
married, and moved to Marion County in 1835, purchasing 160 acres in 
Grand Township, clearing much of it, and rearing a family of eight children, 
five still living — Patience, Philip, Emaline. David and Orrin. The deceased 
are Mary A., William and John. The father is still living, aged eighty-six. 
The mother died May 9, 1875, aged seventy-three. The subject of this 
sketch was given a common education, and worked by day and month till 
he enlisted in the service. Company G, Eighty-second Regiment Ohio Vol- 
unteer Infantry, November 18, 1861. He participated in the battles at 
McDowell, Cedar Mountain, Bull Eun second, Kelly's Ford, Fredericksburg, 
Chancellorsville and Gettysburg; was here transferred to the Army of the 
Cumberland, and subsequently engaged at Lookout Mountain, Knoxvilie 
(here veteranized), Resaea, New Hope Church, Buzzard's Roost, Peach Tree 
Creek, Atlanta, with " Sherman to the sea," at Bentonville, and Raleigh, 
making a forced march to Washington, from W^ashington to Louisville, Ky., 
and here discharged August, 1865. He was captured at Gettysburg, taken 
to Belle Isle and kept three months and eight days, where he would have 
died only for the assistance of Patrick Cayten, of Marion, Ohio. He was at 
length exchanged, after having marched 2,500 miles, and fought twenty-five 
to thirty battles. Mr. Winslow was married, December 9, 1860, to Miss 
Januett Coflfman, daughter of Martin and Lucy (Dickson) Cofifman, the 
former deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Winslow have had eleven children, eight 
living — John, Elnora, Curtis, Mary A., Alice, Louis, Elvira and Early. 
The deceased are Lucy B., Montgomery and an infant. Mr. Winslow pur- 
chased his present farm of eighty acres in 1872. In politics, he is a sound 
Democrat. 

JOSEPH C. WORTHINGTON. The subject of this sketch was born 
in Ross County, Ohio, October 2, 1827. He is the son of John and Nancy 
(McDill) Worthington, natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania, of English 
ancestry. His grandfather Worthington was a soldier in the Revolution, 
and his father in the war of 1812. His uncle, Thomas Worthington, of 
Chillicothe, was at one time Governor of Ohio. They removed to Chilli- 
cothe, or near that place, about 1815, rearing a family of nine children, six 
living — Isabel, Robert, Elizabeth, James, Joseph C. and Nancy. The de- 
ceased ai-e Jane, Mary and John, the latter dying from disease contracted in 
the late war, in which he served three years. The father died in 1873, aged 
seventy-eight years; the mother in 1848, aged forty-five years. Our subject 
attended the common school, beginning monthly labor on the farm at six- 
teen, and continuing in this pursuit two years, since which time he has en- 
gaged in farming. He married, December 29, 1849, Miss Mary J. Piimphry 



882 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 



(born February 8, 1833), daughter of John W. and Jane (Wright) Pum- 
phry, natives of Virginia and Ohio, of Welsh and Irish ancestry. Her 
father was a soldier in the war of 1812, and her grandfather Pumphry in 
the Revolutionary war. She is descendant of the English Cromwell — her 
father's mother, Rachel Cromwell, coming from England. Her parents 
settled in Ohio in an early day. Her mother had seven children, she being 
the second by the second marriage, her only full brother being J. B. Pum- 
phry. Mr. and Mrs. Worthington have two children —John A., born June 
26, 1852; James R., July 19, 1862. They rented land during the lirst four 
years of married life, and purchased his present farm of eighty acres in 
1854, paying for the same $765; has cleared fifty acres of his farm, and 100 
acres in all. In 1864, enlisted in Company G, Eighteenth Regiment Ohio 
National Guards; engaged at Monocacy River, and discharged at the expira- 
tion of 100 days. Mrs. Worthington is a member of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church, and both Mr. and Mrs. Worthington are industrious and well 
respected. 




MIFFLIN TOWNSHIP. 883 



CHAPTER VII. 
MIFFLIN TOWNSHIP. 

Organization and Boundaries— Physical Characteristics— Roads, Etc.— 
First vSettlements— Inhabitants of the Township in 1845 — Town.ship 
Officials— Miscellaneous— Biographical Sketches. 

THIS township, which embodies Township 3 south, Kange 13 east, was 
under the civil jurisdiction of Crawford County before the erection of 
Wyandot, though it was within the reservation. The township assumed its 
present dimensions in 1845, the sale of the reserve taking place in 1843. 
It is bounded on the north by Salem Township, on the east by Pitt and 
Crane Townships, on the south by Marseilles, and on the west by Jackson. 
The Wyandot Reservation line in Mifflin ran from the north, parallel with 
and about a mile and a quarter from the western boundary line of the town- 
ship, through Sections 5, 8, 17, 20 and 29, as far as Tymochtee Creek in 
Section 32, thence eastward, parallel with and about three-quarters of a 
mile from the southern boundary of the township through Sections 32, 33, 
34, 35 and 36. 

The topography of this township and general quality of the soil are 
much in common with the surrounding townships, and its productiveness in 
crops and farm stock is in nowise behind, corn, wheat, grass and all root 
crops being well up to the average, besides abundance of cattle, sheep and 
hogs, all fully testifying to the prosperity of the husbandmen. More 
clearing, perhaps, of the timber may have been eifected than can be said 
of some of the neighboring townships, though in the northern part the 
growth is somewhat heavier. 

The township is well favored in being possessed of a multitude of 
streams, brooks and rivulets, which through many a field and fallow fret 
their mossy banks, as, babbling onward on their way, in trilling cadences, 
like "'the swell of some sweet tune," they never ceasing seem to sing: 

" For men may come and men may go 
But I go on for ever." 

The main stream of all is Tymochtee Creek which enters the township 
from Marseilles on the farm of H. and P. H. Haner, in Section 32, and, 
after describing some eccentric convolutions, one time swift, another time 
slow, as it meanders through Sections 32, 31. 32 again, 29, 28, 29 again, 
28 again, 21, 16, 21 again, 22, 15, 16, 15 again, 10, 9, 10 again, 3, 4, and 
3 again, it bids adieu to Mifflin and hastens away to mingle with the San- 
dusky River. Of the many tributaries that purvey to the channel of the 
Tymochtee in this township, Warpole Run is the chief, connecting with it 
from the southeast in the northwest quarter of Section 10, and the several 
veins that contribute toward its existence have their sources in Sections 34, 
26 and 25 respectively, and in Pitt Township, from which latter, two 
streams, one named St. James' Run, emanate. Sugar Run rises in Section 
17, flows nearly due north and unites with the Tymochtee in the extreme 
west of Section 3. Oak Run has its birth in Jackson Township, one arm 



884 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

entering Mifflin in Section 18, and another in Section 19. A small re- 
enforcement meets Oak Run just as it is about leaving Mifflin for Salem 
Township in the northwest corner of Section 4. Besides these tributaries 
mentioned, there are some seven or eight streamlets, all adding their indi- 
vidual modest modicum. 

ROADS, ETC. 

The old Beliefontaine road, which was cut by the troops under Gren. 
Harrison in 1812, enters Mifflin Township from Pitt Township, on Section 
13, through a corner of which it passes, tbence through Sections 24, 23, 26 
and 27, and enters Marseilles Township at Section 33, after traversing in 
about a southwest direction. Another road enters on the east, on Section 
36, leading due west into Jackson Township at J. O. Vanorsdall's farm. 
Section 31. From this highway a branch strikes off on Section 32, leading 
north and northwest, and also entering Jackson on Section 30. Other roads 
traverse the township to and from all the cardinal points of the compass. 
The Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad crosses Mifflin in a west 
by south direction, penetrating from Salem Township at the extreme north- 
east corner of Section 4, which it passes through, also Sections 5 and 6, 
thence through Kirby Village, in the northeast corner of the township, 
where there is a station. 

FIRST SETTLEMENTS. 

Samuel Stansberry, born in 1806, in Massachusetts, came to this town- 
ship in 1830, and entered eighty acres of land. He died in 1852, having 
accumulated considerable property. James Halstead, also one of the early 
pioneers, was born in Poughkeepsie, N. Y. , in 1797. He married, in On- 
tario County. N. Y., Anna Irwin, and settled in this township in 1830, 
remaining a resident of the township till 1850, when he removed to Indiana, 
and four years later to Piatt County, 111., where he died in 1873. John 
Clioger moved with his family to this county in 1830 and settled in Mifflin 
Township, where he purchased eighty acres, which he cleared and occupied 
till his death, which occurrred November 18, 1880. 

Others that came about this period were: Wilford Whaley (born August 
25, 1822), Andrew J. Kail, John Haner (born in New York), John Farmer, 
Daniel and Israel Straw, Abram Clark, William Bowsher, Hanson Hooker, 
Henry and Philip Haner, David Young, James, William and John Irvin, 
Alexander INTcCleary, John Hankins, Wolford Whaley, John Farthing, An- 
drew and Isaac Farmer, John Henry, Jacob Leonard, John Ackley, Rich- 
ard Parlet, Thomas Hendrickson, James Gibson, Martin Dickens, Daniels 
and his son Julius, David Bowen, Sr. (a native of Pennsylvania; moved to 
this county in 1835, and June 17, same year, settled in Mifflin Township; 
on the farm on which he located stood an old Indian tavern; his son, David 
Bowen, still resides in this township). From 1835 to 1839 came Wesley 
Davenport and Mr. Brown (who laid out Brownstown), Richard Lee, Will- 
iam Lee. James O'Neil, Tunis Ten Eyck. Adam Smith, Moses Ricker, John 
A. Swartz, Jacob Hollanshead, Daniel Piersou, Walter Simerson, Thomas 
Snider, Abraham Clark and Cornelius Young. 

The following were the owners of real and personal estate in the town- 
ship of Mifflin in 1845: 

OWNERS OF REAL ESTATE. 

Jedidiah Allen, Sections 35 and 36, 482 acres; William Bowsher, Sec- 
tion 32, 50 acres; Jesse Bowsher, Section 36, 40 acres; George G. Baker, 
Sections 8, 7, 18 and 19, 425 acres; Lucretia Curtis, Section 32, 35 acres; 



MIFFLIN TOWNSHIP. 885 

Sbadwick Chandler, Section 18, 40 acres; James B. Cook, Section 31, 
84 acres; Abraham Clark, Section 30, 83 acres; William Carey, Section 

31, 160 acres; Sarah Davenport, Section 33, 25 acres; Martin Dickens, 
Sections 32, 33, 34 and 35, 309 acres; Charles Ely, Sections 6 and 7, 416 
acres; John Farmer, Sections 30 and 32, 116 acres; Abner Farthing, Sec- 
tion 33, 40 acres; Charles Graham, Sections 1 7 and 18, 183 acres; Henry Huber, 
Section 30, 40 acres; William Halstead, Section 34, 62 acres; Hanson 
Hooker, Section 18, 160 acres; James Halstead, Section 29, 85 acres; Henry 
Jones, Section 30, 40 acres; Orange Johnson, Section 7, 160 acres; Eliza- 
beth Knouse, Section 30, 40 acres; Isaac Longnecker, Section 19, 80 acres; 
George Lauck, Section 18, 81 acres; Richard Lee, Section 33, 41 acres; 
Henry Leonard, Section 31, 83 acres; John Maine, Section 18, 40 acres; 
Charles Merriman, Section 30, 243 acres; Alexander McCleary, Section 33, 
160 acres; John R. Osborn, Section 34, 40 acres; James O'Neil, Section 

32, 35 acres; John Y. Pettys, Sections 20 and 29, 115 acres; Horace Pot- 
ter, Section 19, 163 acres; Thomas Perkins, Sections 5, 7 and 33, 248 acres; 
Daniel Pierson, Section 81, 83 acres; William Pierson, Section 31, 84 acres; 
Benjamin Price, Section 6, 163 acres; George Sinn, Section 20, 100 aci'es; 
Henry St. John, Sections 5, 6, and 7, 354 acres; Israel Straw, Sections 33 
and 34, 120 acres; Daniel Straw, Section 33, 1 acre; State of Ohio; Basil 
Young, Section 31, 40 acres; John Young, Section 29, 100 acres; John 
Yeager, Section 30, 163; Moses Kichey, Sections 18, 34 and 35, 340 acres; 
Thomas S. Perkins, Sections 8 and 29, 100 acres; James Irvin, Section 17, 
100 acres. 

OWNERS OF PERSONAL ESTATE. 

John S. Bunker, Ebenezer Baker, William Bowsher, Henry Bowsher, 
Abraham Clark, Abraham Clark, Jr., Henry Cregalow, Solomon Cook, 
James Cook, Catharine Davenport, James Dearinger, Martin Dickens, 
Jonas Dennis, David Eggleston, John Eastwood, Thomas L. Farthing, 
Murrillo H. Gillett, Thomas B. Hendrickson, Thomas H. Hawkins, Timo- 
thy Hawkins, Lewis Hawkins, James Halstead, William Halstead, Henry 
H. Haner, Philip H. Haner, John Haner, .Anthony Hall, James I. Irwin, 
John M. Irwin, William Jones, Charles Jones, John Jones, Alexander Mc- 
Cleary, Robert McCleary, William McCleary, Thomas Moore, James O'Neil, 
William P. Pierson, Philemon Pierson, Daniel Pierson, Nicholas Rumble, 
Samuel M. Stansberry, Daniel Straw, Lewis Straw, Israel Straw, David 
Straw, Jr., Samuel C. Straw, John Stevens, John Shaw, Henry Swartz, 
Jacob A. Swartz, Royal Shuman, David G. Turner, Eli Vanorsdall, George 
AVilliams, James Young, Lewis Young, Cornelius Young, John Yeager, 
Ebenezer Zane. 

SCHOOLS. 

The first school held in the township was in the traditional primitive 
"temple of learning," located in this case on the land of Martin Dickens, 
two miles east of Brownstown. Among the early teachers may be mentioned 
William Harrison, Benjamin Olney, William Jones and Nancy M. Swartz. 
The number of school buildings now in Mifflin is eleven, established one 
in each of Sections 1, 4, 6 (in the village of Kirby), 7, 17, 15, 21, 23, 25, 30 
and 34. 

CHURCHES, ETC. 

Previous to any church building being erected in Mifflin, early services 
were held either in the schoolhouse or in the cabins of the settlers, 
truly humble in an architectural point of view, but in the sight of high 

40 



886 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Heaven, as noble as the proudest and grandest cathedral, for, the words of 
the poet : 

"God attributes to place 
No sanctity, if none be thither brought 
By men who there frequent." 

Mefhodist Episcopal Church, Wesley Chapel. — The first meeting of this 
society was held in the winter of 1858-59, at Swartz's schoolhouse, by L. D. 
Rodgers and William Bivens, and was first organized in the winter of 1859, 
at Mifflin Center, by Rev. L. D. Rodgers, missionary, on which occasion 
were present some forty members, among whom were J. A. Swartz and wife, 
II. S. Craiglaw and wife, B. F. Parlett, D. H. Parlett, R. J. Craiglaw and 
wife, M. A. Parlett, Miss Parlett, Mrs. Sarah Ewart, John Parlett, Lewis 
Young and wife. The first church bviilding, and the very first of any 
denomination in the township, was the Wesleyan Chapel, a frame structure 
36x40 feet, erected in 1860 at a cost of $800, located in the southeast corner 
of the southeast quarter of Section 15. The pastors who have served this 
society from its organization are as follows: Revs. L. D. Rodgers and Jacob 

Hoopner, three years ; William Close, one year; Smith, one year; 

James Deheal and Cable, one year; Samuel Barig, one year; Solomon Lind- 
sey, two years; Jabez Blair, one year. There is at present a membership 
of sixty, and the chui*ch officers are as follow: Leaders, J. A. Swartz, W. C. 
Keller, S. P. Kail; Trustees, W. C. Keller, B. B. Wentz and Samuel 
dinger. 

Methodist Epdscopjal Church, Salem Chapel. — In 1857, this society held 
its first meeting in this township in a log schoolhouse near Parlett' s Corners, 
presided over by L. D. Rodgers, and the initial organization was completed 
in 1858 in the same log schoolhouse by L. D. Rodgers. There were, on 
that occasion, present about twenty members, the names of some of whom 
we are enabled to give, as follows: Robert Parlett and wife; Matthew Mc- 
Cleary and wife; W. F. Smith and wife; H. D. Parlett and wife; W. W. 
Whaley and wife, and Elizabeth Smith. The first church building erected 
by this congregation in this township was named Salem Chapel; it stands 
in the northwest corner of Section 32. It is of brick, 32x40 feet, and cost 
$2,000. The pastors who have served this society from its organization 
are as follows: Revs. L. D. Rodgers, two years; J. H. Close, two years; J. 

S. Delille, two years; J. N. Calb, one year; Smith, one year; S. M. 

Boggs, two years; J. J. Finlay, one year; Miller, one year; J. S. 

Blair, two years; S. Lindsey, one year; W. W. Lanze, three years; J. C. 
Clemens, three years; William Dunlap, three years; and W. M. Lucas, 
present pastor, in his second year. There is a present membership of fifty 
souls, and the existing officers of Salem Chapel are as follows: Trustees, 
J. P. Bear, John A. McCleary, T. Johnson, H. Parlett and M. A. Parlett; 
Steward, A. G. Fox; Leaders, Joshua McCleary, A. G. Fox and F. M. 
Fox. The largest revival meeting held in connection with this society was 
under the guidance of Rev. W. W. Lanze, at which time thirty souls were 
converted; Rev. J. C. Clemens also held a revival and succeeded in accom- 
plishing twenty-five conversions; Rev. William Dunlap secured about 
twelve conversions; and Rev. W. M. Tjucas, on occasion of his grand 
revival meeting of 1883, some twenty -five. 

There are now five churcli edifices in Mifflin Township, established as 
follows: Church of God, Kirby Village; Methodist Episcopal Church, in 
Section 15; Methodist Episcopal Church, in Section 32; Christian Union 
Church, in Section 31 ; and Union Chm-ch, at Brownstown. There is a 



MIFFLIN TOAVNSHIP. 887 

cemetery in each of Sections 31, 32, 33, 23 and 18, besides some private 
burial places. 

OFFICIAL. 

Trustees. 1845, Henry Swartz, James Halstead, John Hankins. 

1846 — James Halstead, John Hankins, Lewis Young. 

1847 — James I. Irvin, Charles Jones, Alexander McClain. 

1848 — Andrew Vanorsdall, John Maybee, James I. Irwin.* 

1849 — James I. Irwin, Alexander McCleary, Thomas B. Hendrickson. 

1850 — Alexander McCleary, Thomas B. Hendrickson, William Snider. 

1851 — Alexander McCleary, William Snider, Timothy F. Young. 

1852 — James I. Irwin, Henry Swartz, Henry F. Haner. 

1853 — Jarties B. Cook, Alexander McCleary, Comfort Grillett. 

1854 — James B. Cook, Alexander McCleary, Jacob Hollanshead, 

1855^ Jacob Hollanshead, James B. Cook, David Bower. 

1856 — James I. Irwin, Timothy F. Young, David Bower. 

1857 — David Bower, James I. Irwin, Timothy H. Young. 

1858— Timothy H. Young, R. W. Hammond, Robert McCleary. 

1859— Timothy F. Young, R. W. Hammond, Joel Straw. 

1860 — R. W. Hammond, Joel Straw, Timothy F. Young, 

1861— Joel Straw, Timothy F. Young, R. W. Hammond. 

1862— -Joel Straw, Timothy F. Young, John Selover. 

1863 — A. J. Kail, David Bower, John Selover. 

1864 — A. J. Kail, David Bower, John Selover. 

1865— A. J. Kail, P. W. Kiser, Jacob Hollanshead. 

1866 — A. J. Kail, Jacob Hollanshead, J. A. Swartz. 

1867 — J. A. Swartz, James A. Kail, Morgan Simerson. 

1868 — Andrew J. Kail, James A. Kail, Aaron D. Snider. 

1869— Andrew J. Kail, A. D. Snider. 

1870— Andrew J. Kail, A. G. Fox, Aaron D. Snider. 

1871^ — Andrew J. Kail, J. B. Dean, Isaac Mann. 

1872 — J. B. Dean, Andrew J. Kail, Peter Kotzenmeyer. 

1873 — James F. Lindsay, J. B. Dean, Peter Kotzenmeyer. 

1874 — James A. Kail, Asa Quail, Hamilton Dean. 

1876 — Hamilton Dean, Asa Quail, Andrew J. Kail. 

1876 — Andrew J. Kail, Asa Quail, Hamilton Dean. 

1877 — Andrew J. Kail, John Selover, John Justice. 

1878 — John Selover, David Bower, Peter Kotzenmeyer. 

1879— Timothy F. Young, George Thiel, S. T. Jaqueth. 

1880 — John Wright, Charles H. Bradley, Peter Kotzenmeyer. 

1881 — John W. McCleary, Asa Quail, Jacob P. Bear. 

1882 — John W. McCleary, Asa Quail, Andrew J. Kail. 

1883 — John R. Young, William Smith, Lewis Wagner. 

Clerks — 1845, Lewis Young;-j- 1846, James Jackson; 1847-48, Lewis 
Young; 1849, Charles Jones; 1850, Lewis Young; 1851-52, George Adams; 
1852-54, Lewis Young; 1855-57, Lewis Young; 1858, Wesley Kiser; 1859, 
P. W. Kiser; 1860-62, Wesley Kiser; 1863, Jacob A. Swartz; 1864-65, 
John D. Shaw; 1866-67, J. J. Schwallick; 1868-69, Jacob A. Swartz; 1870, 
John S. Demarest; 1871, M. L. Rowland: 1872, John S. Demarest; 1873- 
74, J. J. Schwallick; 1875-76, Wesley Kiser; 1877-80, William A. Foucht; 
1881-82, Jacob C. Miller; 1883, Byron B. W^entz. 

*Appointed to fill vacancy caused by the death of Andrew Vanorsdall. 
tAppointed in place of William Jones. 



HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Treasurers — 1845-47, Daniel Straw; 1848, Thomas B. Heudrickson; 
1849-57, Daniel Straw; 1857, Jacob Hollanshead (appointed to fill vacan- 
cy); 1858-69, Jacob Hollanshead; 1870-71, James H. Lindsay; 1872, 
Charles Bradley; 1873-77, Jacob Hollanshead; 1878, David R. Maxwell; 
1879-80, Samuel A. Hale; 1881-82, Orrin F. Straw; 1883, John W. Mc- 
Cleary. 

Justices of the Peace — 1845, Daniel Straw, David Pierson, William 
Jones; 1846, Daniel Straw; 1848, Lewis Young; 1849, Daniel Straw; 1851, 
M. Gillett; 1853, Thomas Gatchell; 1855, Daniel Straw; 1856, Jacob Hol- 
lanshead; 1858, David Haines; 1859, Jacob Hollanshead, Thomas Gatchell; 
1863, Morgan Simerson; 1867, Jacob Hollanshead; 1868, Alfred Ansmin- 
ger; 1870, Jacob A. Swartz; 1871, Alfred Ansminger; 1874, La Fayette 
Rowland; 1876, Jacob A. Swartz; 1877, La Fayette Rowland; 1879, 
Ephraim Stansbury; 1880, La Fayette Rowland; 1882, Ephraim Stans- 
bury; 1883, La Fayette Rowland. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

The first elections in Mifflin were held at Brown's Corners, now known 
as Brownstown, never regularly laid out, where there was in days of yore 
an inn in which refi'eshments for man and beast, more especially man, were 
dispensed, and it was no unusual thing at the organization of the township, 
at which time there was a great deal of travel, to find the " Corner Inn " 
and the trading-house that also stood there crowded with wayfarers on their 
way to Henry, Hancock or Hardin Counties. The first settler at Browns- 
town was the individual after whom it was named, and who lived there 
about three years, then moved away. Early settlers had to go to Upper 
Sandusky and Tiffin for their supplies, until the first store in Mifflin was 
opened out, which was in Brownstown, kept by Daniel Straw. 

The first saw mill erected in the township was on Tymochtee Creek, in 
Section 28. There are now four mills in Mifflin — one in Kirby Village, 
owned by Jacob Shuler; one in Section 18, owned by Joseph Daugherty; 
one in Section 15, owned by Mr. Myers; and one in Section 21, owned by 
Mr. Haner. The first physician is said to have been Dr. Cover, and the first 
cabinet-maker Daniel Straw. 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

C. P. BRICHER, an enterprising merchant of Kirby, was born October 
22, 1856, in Seneca County, Ohio. He is the son of Stephen and Anna (Dun- 
nersbough) Bricher, both of German nativity and descent. Mr. Bricher 
came with his parents to Wyandot County when but two years of age, and 
was engaged with them in farm labor till his nineteenth year. He received 
a good English education, and in the year 1878, entered upon the grocery 
business as a clerk for Mr. Carter, in Kirby. This position he retained 
about eighteen months, when the establishment was turned over to Mr. 
Switzer, and Mr. Bricher was placed in full charge of the same. Here he 
remained till the year 1880, when he purchased a stock of general mer- 
chandise, and opened up an establishment of his own, where he is still 
engaged. Mr. Bricher is a member of the Catholic Church, and is Demo- 
cratic in his political views. 

DANIEL CLINGER, born in this county, January 28, 1839, is a son of 
John and Barbara dinger, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German parent- 
age. His parents located in this county about 1830, and purchased eighty 
acres of land, on which they afterward resided, his father dying November 



MIFFLIN TOWNSHIP. 889 

18, 1880. He was a member of the Albright Church. Daniel Clinger was 
reared on the farm. He enlisted for three years, or during the war, in the 
Third Ohio Cavalry, in December, 1861, and joined the army of the Cum- 
berland, participating in the battles of Pittsburg Landing, Berryville, 
Stone River, Chattanooga, Atlanta, Resaca, Mumfordville and many minor 
engagements. He served his fall time and was discharged at Nashville, 
Tenn. Returning home, he engaged in farming, and in the course of a few 
years purchased fifty acres of land where he now resides. Mr. Clinger was 
married July 15, 1860, to Miss Eliza Young, daughter of Lewis and Chris- 
tina Young, and born August 1, 1844. They have three children: James 
A., born August 24, 1861; Ida J., December 28, 1865; Elliott E., November 
15, 1867. Mr. Clinger is a Republican, and both he and Mrs. Clinger are 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

HAMILTON DEAN was born in this county, April 30, 1844. He is a 
son of Abraham and Nancy (Simmerson) Dean, natives of New Y'ork; the 
former born August 10, 1808; the latter July 20, 1805. They were married 
January 11, 1827, and eight children were born to them — Mary, Isaac, 
Sophia, John, Martin, Edward, Hamilton and Eliza. Clarinda M. is 
deceased, having passed away July 6, 1835. The father came to this 
county in 1836 and died October 20, 1873, leaving 100 acres of land as an 
estate. The mother is still living, in her seventy-eighth year. Hamilton 
Dean, the subject of this notice, was reared on the farm and early learned 
the lessons of industry. He was married March 3, 1866, to Miss Ruby 
Vanorsdall, daughter of Andrew and Katie Vanorsdall, and three children 
are the fruits of their union — Clemmie L. , born April 2, 1870; Perry L., 
May 30, 1872; Orra E., June 23, 1878. Mrs. D. was born November 21, 
1843. Mr. Dean resided with his father till 1870, and then purchased his 
present farm of eighty acres, which he has placed in excellent repair. He 
is a member of the Christian Union Church, and well respected by the citi- 
zens of his community. 

JAMES GIBSON was born in Ross County, Ohio, March 6, 1805. He is 
a son of Robert and Rhoda (Donavan) Gibson, natives of Delaware and New 
Jersey respectively. They were married in the former State, in 1798, Mrs. 
Gibson dying in 1808. Their children were John, born in 1799, James 
and a daughter who died at one year of age. Mr. Gibson subsequently 
married Mrs. Amelia Reed, widow of Meyer Reed, and the following chil- 
dren were born to them: Joseph, David, Benjamin, William, Eliza and 
Robert. In April, 1821, Mr. Gibson came from Fairfield County, and 
entered 160 acres in Tymochtee Township, where he died in 1861. James 
Gibson, the subject of this sketch, returned to Fairfield County, where he 
learned the blacksmith's trade, which he engaged in many years in this 
State and Michigan. He was married March 31, 1838, to Mary Ann, 
daughter of John Beam, a native of Maryland, and a miller by trade. 
Their children are Joel W., born December 15, 1842; Delilah, November 

19, 1844; Emma December 5, 1846: Cornelius, December 22, 1848; Julia, 
December, 1850. The deceased were Eliza, born February 11, 1839, died 
1839; Louisa, born December 16, 1852, died 1856. Mrs. Gibson's demise 
occurred in December, 1853, and Mr. Gibson was married in 1858, to 
Mrs. J\achel Corderey, widow of Andrew Corderey, and daughter of Mr. 
Carpenter, of Marion Coiinty. She died in 1872. Mr. Gibson resides on 
his farm of 132 acres, eighty of which were entered before the land sales of 
1845. He also owns forty acres near by. He is a Democrat, and member 
of the Universalist Church. 



890 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

JOHN HANER was born near Albany, N. Y., August 27, 1822, and is 
the son of Henry H. and Sarah (Strope) Haner. His parents came to this 
county in March, 1838, and purchased 111 acres in the township, where 
they resided until 1863, when they emigrated to Kansas, where his father 
died in 1879. John Haner, our subject, came to this locality when quite 
young. In 1858, he bought eighty-two acres of school laud, which he has 
cleared and transformed into a pleasant home. He was married November 
9, 1847, to Miss Lovina A. Vanorsdall. daughter of Andrew and Kate Van- 
orsdall, and three children were born to them — Darwin G., September 1, 
1848; Cynthia A., September 23, 1850; and Henry A., October 26, 1852. 
Mrs. Haner departed this life October 30, 1852; and Mr. Haner was mar- 
ried in 1863, to Miss Sophia Dean, daughter of Abraham and Nancy Dean, 
six children resulting from this marriage — Dorleska J., born September 16, 
1864; Alfred B., February 28, 1866; Ella M., May 1, 1866; John, January 26, 
1870; George E., July 16, 1872; and Mary E., December 26, 1876. 'Mr. 
Haner still resides on his first purchase, having lived in the same place 
about thirty-three years. 

J. E. HEALY was born November 21, 1830, in Stark County, Ohio. 
He is the son of Horace and Elizabeth (Brumel) Healy— the former born 
February 24, 1808 — natives of Vermont and Pennsylvania respectively, and 
of Scotch and German lineage. Ten children were born to them, three 
brothers and three sisters still surviving, namely: John E. , Stephen and 
William; Catherine, Philinda and Elizabeth. While a youth, when not in 
school, Mr. Healy was engaged in blacksmithing and farming till his mar- 
riage on June 5, 1855, to Miss Minerva Hazen, daughter of Jacob and Mar- 
garet (Crottinger) Hazen. She was born May 26, 1836, and is the mother 
of five children, four living — Isaac N. , boi'n September 29, 1856; Stephen 
E., December 7, 1857; Alice, February 28, 1859; and William, March 27, 
1861. After his marriage our subject engaged in blacksmithing, carpentry, 
clerking and general labor until 1864. September 26, he enlisted in the 
service of his country, joining Company C, One Hundred and Eightieth 
Kegiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry ; he was mustered in at Camp Chase, 
and started immediately for Nashville. He was assigned to the Twenty- 
third Army Corps and took part in the three days' battle at Wiges Cross 
Roads, this being his lirst engagement. Besides this he was engaged in a 
few skirmishes with Bragg, Lee and Johnson till the surrender of the latter 
General. He was then sent to Charlotte, N. C, where he received his dis- 
charge, and afterward to Columbus, Ohio, where he was mustered out in 
September, 1865. He then returned home, where he still resides, and is 
reckoned among the pioneers of the county. He has a vivid recollection 
of the Indian, and is familiar with his treacherous character. In politics, 
Mr. Healy is a Republican. He is a member of the G. A. R., and highly 
esteemed as a citizen. 

RUSSELL B. HENDRICKSON was born in this county July 8, 1834. 
and is the son of Thomas B. and Mary (Martin) Hendrickson. His father 
was born in Delaware August 12, 1794; and was married in Cumbei'land in 
1812, to Mary Martin, daughter of Robert Martin, a minister of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church. Their children were — Maria, John W., Henrietta, 
Sophia, Lennox, Elizabeth and Michael C. — all living but Lennox, who 
died in 1834. In 1838, the father moved to Marseilles Township, where he 
purchased 160 acres, and where he died August 14, 1875. The mother died 
May 6, 1860. Russell B., our subject, was educated in the old "Tranquil- 
ly" Schoolhouse, now called Pleasant Grove. He was married October 31, 



MIFFLIN TOWNSHIP. 891 

1866, to Theresa Ann, daughter of James B. and Hannah (Corwin) Cook. 
Their children are Lilly May, born September 25, 1868; and Julia May, 
March 17, 1872. Mr. Hendrickson owns 160 acres of good land and is a 
thorough farmer. He is quite a sportsman, and makes an annual trip to 
the deer haunts of Michigan. He is a Democrat, and member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, as is also his eldest daughter. Mrs. Gibson, 
after an illness of many years, passed away January 20, 1884. 

JACOB HOLLANSHEAD was born in Frederick County, Va. , January 
7, 1815, son of Thomas and Iva (Deal) Hollanshead, the former of whom 
died the same year. The latter remarried in 1819 to William Stayner of 
Pickaway County, their children being Maria, Thomas and Susanna B., wife 
of David Bower. Mr. Hollanshead came with his stepfather to Marion 
County in 1824, and resided there till 1846. He was married to Jane Con- 
rad, daughter of Jacob and Eve (Van Devauder) Conrad, January 4. 1838. 
She was born May 23, 1817, after the death of her father. This union was 
blessed by eleven children: Mary Ann, born March 10, 1839; Maria, De- 
cember 13, 1840; William H., November 3, 1842; Jacob S., March 5, 1847; 
Orrin F., February 24, 1849; Milton M., August 3, 1853; Matilda J., 
October 14, 1855; Julia V., July 5, 1858; Emma, September 10, 1861. 
The deceased are Thomas, born April 2, 1845, and missing after the battle 
of Stone River in 1862-63; and Elizabeth, born March 6, 1857, died March 
31, 1865. In the spring of 1846. Mr. Hollanshead came to this county and 
located on the farm where he now resides, his log cabin giving place in 
1857 to his present comfortable frame dwelling. His first land purchase 
was made at the Government land sales in 1845, and to this he has added, 
by subsequent purchases, till he now owns 360 acres valued at $75 per acre. 
He is quite extensively engaged in stock-raising, his annual product usually 
amounting from $1,500 to $2,000. Mr. Hollanshead served as County Com- 
missioner three years and in the minor offices of Trustee, Treasurer, Justice, 
etc., many years. He is a thorough and life- long Democrat, and has been 
officially connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church for thirty -five years. 

MILTON M. HOLLANSHEAD, son of the above, was reared in the rural 
districts, educated in the district schools, supplementing this by several terms 
in the Normal School at Ada, Ohio. He has since engaged, to a considera- 
ble extent, in teaching, and at present is a member of the Board of Exam- 
iners of this county. In connection with his pedagogic labors Mr. 
Hollanshead is largely engaged in agricultural pursuits and stock-raising, 
making a specialty of fine sheep, having one of the best flocks in the State. 
He was married September 13, 1882, to Miss Annie L., daughter of John 
R. and Hannah (Bennett) Layton, the date of her birth being September 
11, 1862. He and Mrs. H. are both members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, the former a Democrat, rocked in a hickory cradle. 

ANDREW J. KAIL was born in Harrison County, Ohio, January 28, 
1821. His parents, Adam and Anna (Capper) Kail, were natives of Vir- 
ginia and of German and Irish lineage. They located in Harrison County 
in an early day and purchased eighty acres of land, on which they resided 
nineteen years. He then moved to Carroll County and purchased 160 acres, 
where the father died in October, 1852, Andrew J., the subject of this 
sketch, was brought up on a farm and early inured to the hardships per- 
taining thereto. In 1853, he bought 160 acres in this county, where he has 
since resided. He subsequently added to his possessions and owned at his 
death 240 acres in excellent condition, valued at $80 per acre. He was married 
December 20, 1849, to Julia V. Lindsay, daughter of Samuel and Mary 



892 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Lindsay, and three children were born to them — Samuel P., January 30, 
1853; William, December 13, 1854; Anna E., November 24, 1856. Mrs. 
Kail's death occurred November 30, 1856, and Mr. Kail was married May 1, 
1860, to Miss Sarah McHugh, daughter of William and Sarah (Culberson) 
McHugh. She was born October 9, 1828. Three of their six children are 
living — Julia V., born November 7, 1861; Scott, September 3, 1865; Frank 
I., October 5, 1870. Andrew J., James A. and John C. are deceased. Mr. 
Kail died suddenly while in Upper Sandusky March 12, 1884. The Wyan- 
dot Union, in noticing his death, says: "Mr. Kail was one of our most 
substantial and influential farmers, owning and occupying one of the finest 
farms in Mifflin Township. He was a man of many excellent qualities, en- 
joying the high esteem and respect of all who knew him, and his many 
friends will learn of his unexpected death with much sorrow and regret. 
He was admired and respected by every one for his kind and cheerful dispo- 
sition, integrity and honor. He started in life with a limited capital, but 
by his excellent business qualities, devotion to his affairs and great indus- 
try, he prospered in everything he undertook and amassed a handsome 
estate. He was one of the representative Democrats of Wyandot County, 
and always took an active part in politics when any important office was to 
be tilled, and in other matters of importance he was generally consulted by 
his neighbors and those directly interested." For many years he was a con- 
sistent member of the Presbyterian Church, and was always active in the 
promotion of its interests and welfare, and few men were more liberal in 
aiding religious and benevolent enterprises than he. 

SAMUEL P. KAIL, son of the above-named gentleman, was born Jan- 
uary 30, 1853. He is a native of Carroll County, and came to this locality 
when but one year old. He obtained a fair education in the district schools 
and subsequently attended the Normal School at Ada, Ohio, five terms. 
This culture he has turned to advantage by teaching, having taught seven 
terms. He was married October 21, 1879, to Miss Matilda J. Hollanshead, 
daughter of Jacob and Jane (Conrad) Hollanshead, and two children have 
been born to them — Clarence C, born November 24, 1880, and Ira J., Au- 
gust 6, 1882. Mrs. Kail was born October 14, 1855. In 1879, Mr. Kail 
purchased seventy-nine acres of land in this township, where he now re- 
sides, farming during the summer and teaching during the winter seasons. 
Since the death of his father he has taken charge of the old farm and of 
settling his estate. 

HARMON R. LESLIE was born in Marion County, Ohio, March 27, 
1848. He is a son of John and Esther (Smith) Leslie, natives of Ohio and 
Pennsylvania, and of Scotch and German ancestry respectively, the father 
born May 15, 1808, the mother December 13, 1813. The dates of their re- 
spective deaths are September 21, 1851, and September 2, 1861. Six of 
their seven children are living — Louisa, James S., John J., Martha, Samuel 
D. and Harmon R. The latter, who is the subject here considered, was 
brought up on the farm, and obtained a good education in the district schools 
and the high schools at La Rue and other points. He engaged in teaching 
eight years; kept a drxig store two years, and afterward studied medicine 
under Dr. Hardy and attended one course of lectures at the Cleveland Med- 
ical College. He was married August 4, 1880, to Miss Sarah Lindsey, 
daughter of James and Elon (Stiverson) Lindsey, natives of Ohio, and of 
Scotch and German parentage respectively, the former born November 23, 
1814, the latter July 29, 1814. The dates of their respective deaths are 
February 19, 1881, and November 1, 1882. Mrs. Leslie was born Decern- 



MIFFLIN TOWNSHIP. 893 

ber 8, 1849. She also attended medical lectures with her husband, in view 
of graduating in the profession. They have one child, James W., born Octo- 
ber 24, 1882. They are jointly the owners of 160 acres of land, which they 
inherited from Mr. Lindsay and eighty acres by purchase. Of the Lindsey 
family four are living — Robert, Ann M., Sarah and Mary. The deceased 
are: John, killed in battle at Moulton, Ala., May 29, 1864; David, killed at 
Monocacy, July 10, 1864, and James, who died at home June 16, 1858. 

HUGH MASON, a native of Frederick County, Va., was born Septem- 
ber 11, 1833. His parents were natives of Virginia and of German and 
Scotch lineage, his father, William, born October 8, 1799; his mother, 
Mary M. (Cameron) November 5, 1 799. They came to Seneca County, Ohio, 
in 1884 and resided there till the death of the father, February 11. 1841. 
The mother died December 16, 1878. Hugh, the second son of the above 
parents, was left an orphan at eight years of age and was compelled to 
labor diligently for many years to aid in supporting himself and mother. 
He was married December 31, 1857, to Miss Jane E. McLain, daughter of 
Abraham and Mary (Nefif ) McLain, born August 25, 1835. They have no 
children. In 1864, Mr. Mason enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and 
Forty- fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and joined the Army of 
the Potomac. On account of physical disability he was not placed in act- 
ive service, and on leaving the hospital at Washington was discharged. 
In 1874, he moved upon his farm of forty-four acres in this county, having 
purchased the land in 1872. This farm he has placed in good condition, 
having earned all that it now contains or promises by hard, honest toil. 

JOHN W. McCLEARY is a native of Franklin County, Penn., born 
February 2, 1840. His father, Mathew, was born March 8, 1812, and died 
in February, 1879. His mother, Susanna, was born June 13, 1816, and 
still survives. Seven of the nine children are yet living — John W. , Mar- 
tha J., wife of Charles Hunter; Sarah, wife of Morris Owens; Leah, wife 
of George Hawkins; Isaiah, Joshua, Jemima, wife of Daniel Fox. The 
parents came to this county in 1847, and purchased 200 acres of land on 
which they resided till Mr. McCleary's death. John W., our subject, was 
brought up on the farm above mentioned. In 1865, he purchased 100 acres, 
to which he has since added forty acres, all in good condition as to soil, 
buildings, etc. He married July 18, 1861, Miss Anna D. Englehart, of 
Terre Haute, Ind., daughter of Martin and Christina Englehart, born April 
4, 1843. Their six children are Eliza J., born April 19, 1862; Silas W., 
August 9, 1863; Amanda E., October 22, 1867; Sylvia J., December 9, 
1869; Herschel V., December 22, 1871; Marietta C, July 1, 1874. Mr. 
and Mrs. McCleary are members of ihe Christian Union Church, and also 
of the Patrons of Husbandry. 

ASA QUAIL was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, January 27, 1838, 
is a son of Henry and Barbara (Pepple) Quail. He was reared to farm la- 
bor, and after obtaining his majority worked by the month and rented land 
until he had acquired a sufficient sum to purchase forty acres of land, to 
which he has since added forty acres more. He was married May 28, 1863, 
to Miss Mary R. McLain, daughter of Abraham and Mary (Nefif) McLain. 
She was born May 14, 1843. Their six children are all living — Sylvia J., 
was born April 19, 1865; Martha E., June 4, 1871; Mary A., June 11, 1873; 
George A., April 29, 1876; Iva B., September 3, 1878; Asa A., May 1, 
1882, Ml-. Quail is a member of the Church of God, and a Republican 
politically. He has a comfortable home, most of which he has earned by 
the " honest sweat of his brow.'' 



894 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

JOHN QUAIL is a native of Marseilles Township, son of Henry and 
Barbara (Pepple) Quail, born May 4, 1S40. He grew up on the farm in 
this county, and is familiar with the various steps of its progress. In 1866, 
he purchased eighty five acres of land, and by subsequent purchases has 
increased this immber to 125. His land is in a good state of cultivation 
and provided with comfortable buildings. Sir. Quail was married March 

8, 1865, to Miss Mary Reubins, and one child was born to them — Frank E., 
born August 29, 1867. Mrs. Quail departed this life March 15, 1868, and 
Mr. Q. was again married November 4, 1869, to Miss Ida Kiser, daughter 
of Wesley and Malinda (Reid) Kiser, five children blessing this union — 
George H, born March 2, 1871; Guy P., November 11, 1872; Virgil K., 
February 19, 1875; Rollo V., August 30, 1881; Victor Q., November 13, 
1883. Mr. Quail obtained such an education as the ordinary district 
schools aiforded. He has ever been a hard laborer and commanded the es- 
teem of his community. 

MARQUIS L. ROWLAND, son of John and Catharine (Ady) Rowland, 
was born in Ashland County, Ohio, March 10, 1844. His father was a na- 
tive of Pennsylvania, born May 4, 1804; his mother, of Ohio, born August 

9, 1817. They were of German and Irish descent, aud came to this county 
in 1855, purchasing 100 acres of land in Mifflin Township. He died April 
13, 1857. in his fifty-third year, a member of the Disciple Church. Mar- 
quis L., our subject, grew up on the farm of his father. At thirteen, he 
was left an orphan, and thereafter labored hard to help support his wid- 
owed mother (who now resides with him), and obtain an education. He has 
taught several terms of school, was elected Township Clerk in 1871, serving 
one term, and April, 1874, Justice of the Peace, in which office he is now 
•serving his fourth terra. Mr. Rowland was married November 29, 1866, to 
Miss Atty A. Ludwig, daughter of Gabriel and Eliza A. (Johnson) Ludwig, 
and six children have resulted— Francis L., born January 9, 1868; Willis 
P., born September 7, 1869; Dora A., July 4, 1871; Allen T., May 25, 
1873; Ira T., April 30, 1875; Curtis M., June 11, 1879. Mrs. Rowland 
was born October 12, 1845. Mr. Rowland is a member of the F. & A. M,, 
owns 120 acres of land and is highly esteemed as a citizen. 

GEORGE RIESER is a native of Baden, Germany, born May 1 1, 1824, 
and son of George and Raekina Rieser, also natives of Germany. He came 
to this county with his parents in 1846, and established a brick-kiln in Up- 
per Sandusky, where he resided about six years, when he purchased eighty 
acres of land in Mifflin Township, where he still follows the occupation of a 
farmer. His farm was once timber land and has been hewn into a valuable 
home by the greatest industry and perseverance. Mr. Rieser was married, 
October, 1847, to Elizabeth Fehter, who was born in Switzerland, Decem- 
ber, 1828. Their union has been blessed with one child — William H., born 
September 10, 1848. Mr. Rieser was a soldier of the standing ai'my, in 
Germany, and has passed a life of many vicissitudes, but finds himself in 
good circumstances in his declining years. 

WILLIAM F. SMITH was born in Bedford County, Penn., January 18, 
1833. He is a son of Adam and Elizabeth (Wehen) Smith, natives of Penn- 
sylvania, and of German parentage. There were eight children in the 
family, four living — Henrietta, wife of Ferdinand Switzer; Lienor, wife of 
Jacob Switzer; William F. and Sophia, wife of William Rieber. The 
deceased are Margaret, Caroline, George A. and Reuben, who enlisted in 
the One Hundred and Twenty-third Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and 
was killed in the battle of Winchester. After enofaofino: in brick-making a 



MIFFLIN TOWNSHIP. 895 

number of years in various localities, the father came to this county in 
1851, and purchased 120 acres of land, where he died a few years later. He 
was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church in good standing. Will- 
iam F., the subject of this notice, was reared on the farm, and, after his 
father's death, aided in supporting the family. He was married, Decem- 
ber 26, 1854, to Miss Elizabeth Stevens, daughter of John and Sarah Ste- 
vens, and the following are the names of the children born to them: Josiah 
J., October 20, 1855; George W., Sept. 7, 1857; John A., April 2, 1859; 
Keuben E., December 28, 1860; William V., March 20, 1863; Elenor M., 
May 26, 1868. Mr. Smith purchased and inherited 120 acres, on which he 
resided fourteen years. He then removed to Bucyrus to burn brick for the 
new Union School building, at that place sold his farm, purchasing one of 
480 acres (the Renick farm), which he afterward disposed of in small lots, 
and purchased his present property. Besides 159 acres in this township, 
he also owns forty acres in Marseilles Township, and is ranked among the 
best farmers of the county. 

OERIN F. STRAW was born on the farm where he now resides, July 
29, 1846. He is a son of Joel and Mary (Swayze) Straw, the former born 
near Waterbury, Vt., August 11, 1811; the latter in Sussex County, N. J., 
December 5, 1808. They were married in this county, August 11, 1836, 
their children being Rachel, born May 29, 1839; Orrin F., July 29, 1846; 
Amanda, November 15, 1849; Angenette, September 7, 1852, and four others 
deceased. The father died January 28, 1867, aged tifty-six; the mother is 
still living at the ripe age of seventy-five years. Our subject was mar- 
ried April 9, 1873, to Miss Maria M., daughter of Barnett and Catharine 
(Woodcock) Hughes, and a native of this county, born March 27, 1849. 
Their children are George W., born April 5, 1874; Iva E., October 27, 
1878; Anna B. , July 25, 1881; and William S., who was born July 19, 
1876, and died May 11, 1880. Mr. Straw owns 307 acres of good land, and 
is one of the substantial farmers of the township. He is a Republican and 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, formerly a Treasurer of the 
township. 

GEORGE THIEL was born in Luxemburg, Germany, Nov. 11, 1828. 
He is a son of Lawrence and Catharine (Wynande) Thiel, who were the 
parents of eighteen children. Our subject was married to Susanna Bricher 
in Echternach, August 11, 1849. In 1854, he emigrated to America, being 
114 days at sea with half rations for many days, and three days with noth- 
ing to eat or drink. His wife and two children crossed the water in the 
fall of the same year, suffering shipwreck, from the effects of which the 
children both died. Mr. Thiel located first in Seneea County, but six years 
later purchased land in this county, now owning 258 acres. His children 
by his first wife are Ferdinand, born November 1, 1858; Stephen, March 
22, 1861; Henry A., November 16, 1863. Mrs. Thiel died August 1, 1865, 
and Mr. Thiel was married, November 24, 1865, to Anna Bantz, daughter of 
John and Mary A. (Lusch) Bantz. The children by this marriage are George 
S., born August 28, 1866; Edward, March 11, 1870; Catharine, November 
25, 1871; Mary, May 28, 1873; Paul, July 18, 1875; John, March 3, 1878: 
Susanna, January 30, 1880; Peter, April 11, 1883. Mr. Thiel is a Demo- 
crat and member of the Catholic Church. 

JONATHAN O. VANORSDALL wasbornin Cuba, Allegany Co., N. Y., 
January 13, 1836. He is a son of Andrew and Katie Vanorsdall, was reared 
on a farm, and educated in the district schools. He came to this county 
with his parents in 1846, and on February 24, 1860, was married to Mar- 



896 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

garet Simmerson, daughter of Walter and Mary (Snyder) Simmerson. 
They had six children, three now living— Ida M., born May 14, 1864 ; 
Charley O., December 10, 1866; Clara B., September 26, 1869. Mrs. Van- 
orsdall was born September 26, 1833. Being a shoemaker by trade, Mr. 
Vanorsdall followed this occupation till 1870, when he moved upon his 
farm, since engaging in agricultural pursuits. He and his wife are both 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and highly esteemed by the 
citizens of their community. 

W. W. WHALE Y was born in this county April 15, 1862. He is a son 
of Wilford and Juliette (Parlett) Whaley, his father having been born 
August 25, 1822, and died June 11, 1883. Before his death he had ac- 
quired by hard labor and good management 145 acres of well-improved 
land, with all the comforts of a pleasant home. He was a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, as is also his widow, who still survives in her 
fiftieth year. W. W. Whaley was an only son. He resided with his father 
till the death of the latter, at which time he inherited 100 acres of the 
homestead, where he still resides with his mother and aged grandmother, 
who was born February 15, 1800. His farm is in a good state of cultiva- 
tion, and well provided with all the buildings necessary to comfort and con- 
venience. Mr. Whaley is counted among the best farmers of his com- 
munity, and is well respected as a citizen. 




PITT TOWNSHIP. 897 



CHAPTER VIII. 
PITT TOWNSHIP. 

Its Location and Relation Prior to the Organization of the County 
—Primitive Settlers and their Improvements— First Road— Vil- 
lages OF Little Sandusky and Foavler— Their Churches and Schools 
—The Township as Compared with 1845— Its List of Real and Per- 
sonal Estate Owners— Biographical Sketches. 

THE portion of Wyandot County designated by the above title was 
formed at the organization of the county in 1845. It is composed of 
twelve sections which formerly belonged to Salt Rock Township, Marion 
County, and the remainder from the reservation. It is one of the southern 
townships of the county, being bounded on the south by Marion County, 
on the west by Marseilles and Mifflin Townships, on the north by Crane 
Township, and on the east by Antrim Township.* 

Pitt is one of the most fertile townships of the county, a large portion 
of its area being made up of prairie land. The Sandusky River enters 
near the northeast corner of Section 25, and flows in a tortuous, general 
northwest direction, leaving the township at the northwest corner of Section 
15, while the Little Sandusky Creek enters near the center of the township 
on the south, and flows north, being joined by Honey Run from the east 
near the southern line of Section 35, and uniting with "Big" Sandusky 
near the center of Section 26. These streams water the eastern half of the 
township, which is also favored by several flowing springs. The western 
portion of the township is drained by several small streams which take their 
rise in that region and flow in a northwesterly direction, carrying the sur- 
plus water from the fertile fields which are so generally provided with the 
"blind" tile ditches, and affording an ample supply of water to the large 
herds of stock which may not be provided with pools and springs. The 
territory is well adapted to general agriculture and stock-raising, and is the 
seat of operations for some of the most prominent dealers in this section of 
the State, chief among them being David Harpster, C. R. Fowler and Lewis 
Straw. 

primitive settlers. 

At this period it is difiicult to state positively who the first settler of 
Pitt Township was, as, like the Irishman's rattlesnake, " where there's one 
there's two ; " so it usually transpires, at least in the settlement of a terri- 
tory so large as that which is usually comprised in the limits of a township. 
John Wilson, a native of York State, is reputed to have located here in 
1820, the first white man to call the locality his home, though it is well- 
known that one Walter Woolsey came here in the same spring. The former 
was a married man with the brilliant advantage of eight children; the lat- 
ter was a bachelor, also a native of York State. He built a little log cabin 
in Little Sandusky in 1820, and in his maturer years was finally persuaded 

* The township derived its name from one Pitt, who resided here at the time of its organization, and 
who moved here from New Jersey in 1822. 



898 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

to "turn from the error of his way." He married. It is also stated that 
Ebenezer RosebeiTj, a somewhat noted hunter and frontier sportsman, 
located in the southern part of the township as early as 1818, though it is 
not qviite certain that any white man ventured to raise his cabin in that 
locality as early as that date. For 1820, we find the names of Ora BelUs, 
William and Samuel Morral and Nehemiah Staley ; and in 1821 there ap- 
peared re- enforcements in the persons of Jacob Snyder, David H. Bargley, 
George Johns and Peter Bowsher. Anthony Bowsher was also one of the 
first settlers. He was born in Union County, Penn., in 1800, and grew up, 
so to speak, on the frontier, the family moving from Pennsylvania to Ohio 
in au early day, and settling near Circlevilie, Pickaway County. Anthony 
was married in the fall of 1818, and in the spring of 1819 settled in this 
township, built a small cabin on "Garbland," and with one Staley, his 
father-in-law, began improving eighty acres of land, which was surveyed 
during that year. About 1828, Maj. Bowsher, as he was latterly called, 
erected a building at Bowsherville, and began keeping a hotel and store, 
which occupations he continued there for forty years. He had a race track, 
and for many years Bowsherville was a favorite rendezvous for equine 
sportsmen of this and adjoining counties. Maj. Bowsher is still living, 
and but a few months ago went from Upper Sandusky to Kansas to reside 
with his son. Others said to have located in the township in the years 
1821, 1822 and 1823, are Alexander Frazier, Cornelius Wilson, Michael 
Harmon and Jacob Brewer. 

In the spring of 1820, John Wilson built a log cabin eighteen feet 
square in Little Sandusky, and this, we are informed by good authority, 
was the first clapboard canopy that was erected in this township by the de- 
fenseless hands of the pale-faced inhabitants. The first schools were held 
in a log cabin on Section 10, the house having been occupied formerly by 
Anthony Bowsher for a dwelling. William Brown, from New Jersey, was 
the first teacher who taught "the young idea how to shoot" amid these 
humble surroundings. In 1824, the first school building of the township 
was erected by Michael Harmon and his neighbors on Mr. Harmon's land, 
the northeast quarter of Section 11, and here Mr. Brown instructed the 
youth at intervals for seven or eight years. Other early teachers were Will- 
iam Howe and Mary Howe. In the sixty years that have followed, the 
progress has been such that seven well-established schools have been founded, 
the buildings being erected on the respective Sections 11, 15, 23, 27, 31, 
33 and 35. 

The first thoroughfare laid out in this township was established prior to 
1821, and was known as the Columbus & Sandusky road. It extended 
through Sections 1, 35, 26, 27, 22, 15 and 16, and it was by this route by 
which the first settlers reached the Indian Mill above Upper Sandusky and 
the town of Delaware, where they were accustomed to go for supplies. 
They also went to the town of Fremont to obtain supplies and get their 
" milling " done. In 1839, the first saw mill run by water-power was con- 
structed on Section 35 by Thomas Holmes, and in 1844 this same enterpris- 
ing gentleman built a grist mill, run also by water-power, on the Sandusky 
River in Section 26. The only mill of the kind in this township is now 
located at Fowler, and is owned by David Harpster. Ora Bellis established 
the first store in Pitt in Little Sandusky as early as 1820. He died, as may 
have been expected, in the fall of the same year, having the honor of estab- 
lishing the precedent for such transactions in this township. In 1844, the 
United Brethren denomination erected at Little Sandusky the first church 



PITT TOWNSHIP. 899 

building in the township, which now claims four of these places of worship, 
two in Little Sandusky, one at Fowler, and one on Section 12. The latter 
is owned by the German Reformed society; the others by the Methodist Epis- 
copal denomination.* The first election held in the township was at Little 
Sandusky, the officers elected being one Justice, Gideon Messenger; a Con- 
stable and three Trustees, Moses Messenger, Walter Woolsey and Cornelius 
Wilson. They were all Whigs, the number of votes polled not exceeding 
twenty. As early as 1821, Cupid found his way into these wilds, and the 
first victims of his magic spell were Joseph Wilson and Cloy Woolsey. 
They were married at Little Sandusky, and in the following year, 1822, a 
daughter, Hannahret, was born to them, she being the first white babe in Pitt 
Township to mingle her cries with those of the wild papoose. 

LITTLE SANDUSKY. 

This village, originally established and named by the Indians, was laid 
out in 1830 by Dr. Stephen Fowler, John Wilson and Walter Woolsey. who 
owned the land upon which the village is situated. Dr. Fowler came from 
Pennsylvania in 1827, and was an extensive land owner in this community. 
He was likewise one of the ablest physicians in this part of the State at that 
time, and had an exceedingly large practice. Wilson and Woolsey both 
came from York State, and in 1820, located here, owning small pieces of 
land. Little Sandusky is situated on the banks of the Little Sandusky 
Creek near the Indian reservation, and was once an important trading post. 
Before the days of railroads, it had a daily line of stages which ran between 
Columbus and Detroit, and the prospects for its future greatness seemed 
quite flattering; but the march of time and the decree of fate gave it rivals 
in sister towns which taxed its vitality more than it could endure and pros- 
per beneath, and the result has been an existence of mediocrity, both in the 
number of its inhabitants and the extent of its commerce. 

The first house erected in the village was built by John Wilson in 1820. 
It was made of round logs, was eighteen feet square, and is now used for a 
stable. In the same year, Walter Woolsey also erected a log cabin, somewhat 
smaller, in the village. It is stated in the beginning of this chapter that 
Ora Bellis conducted a store in Little Sandusky in 1820. This was while 
it was yet an Indian village. After the town was regularly laid out, the 
first business room was built by Cornelius Wilson in 1830. He kept a sort 
of hotel and general store, and continued in the business for fifteen years, 
carrying a stock of goods valued at from 11,500 to $2,000, He at length* 
became addicted to the use (^f strong drink, and later became insane. Wil- 
son was succeeded in business by Henry Baymond, who; after four years, 
returned to the East. Guy C. Worth was next to take up the commercial 
cross. He came from York State and remained in business about five or six 
years when he gave up mercantile pursuits and enlisted in the cause of 
his Master. Prior to his retirement fi'om business, he erected, in 1840. the 
second store room of the village— a frame building, one-story, 22x40 feet in 
dimensions. He was succeeded by his brother, S. M. Worth, who conducted 
a very profitable business till about 1865 or 1866. Mr. W^orth was followed 
by H. Simons, who sold out to C. B. Fowler three or four years later. Mr. 
Fowler placed his son Hiram, in charge of the store and after two years' 
operations he turned the business over to the present proprietors, Burk Mar- 
tin and James Whittaker, who repaired and enlarged the building, and 
have since conducted the business. 

* Prior to the erection of a church building, services were held at the cabin of Mr. Harman, by Rev. J. 
B.Finley and James Gilruth, Methodists. 



900 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

In 1876, Morris Carnes purchased and remodeled the building formerly- 
used by John Kisor as a residence, and later by William Montee as a saloon, 
and opened a grocery store, which he is still conducting with fair success. 
In 1881, Frank Sabaugh erected a frame business room, 18x30 feet, one- 
story, and placed therein a stock of general merchandise, which he has since 
been engaged in handling. Charley Hornby is the proprietor of a very 
creditable clothing store and tailoring establishment in the village. C. R. 
Fowler, a prominent stock and wool dealer of the place, handles annually 
products in his line to the value of from $50,000 to $75,000. The village sup- 
ports at present two grocery stores, one dry goods store and one clothing 
and tailoring establishment, the annual business of these firms aggregating 
about $50,000. 

Little Sandusky's first school building was erected in 1854. It was a 
frame structure, one story, 22x40 feet, contained two rooms, and cost about 
$400. It has been used since 1883 as a sort of public hall, where elections 
and other official gatherings are held. The present new school building 
was erected in 1883, the building board being David Bretz, Burk Martin 
and Hiram Cunningham. It is a neat brick structure, two-story, 40x22 feet 
in size, and cost about $4,000. The present Board of Education consists 
of the following members : David Bretz, Burk Martin and Hiram Cun- 
ningham. S. S. Hart is the present Superintendent and high school 
teacher; he is a young man of efficient qualities, a resident of this town- 
ship. 

CHURCHES. 

Methodist Episcopal. — The first meetings of this society in this township 
were at the residences of Samuel Winslow and Michael Harmon in 1820, 
under the charge of J. B. Finley, who was then also engaged at the Wyan- 
dot Mission at Upper Sandusky, and in 1821 he organized a church at Lit- 
tle Sandusky, with twelve members, whose names as far as remembered were 
as follows : S. Winslow and wife, William Woolsey, wife and children, 
Jacob Brewer and family and Michael Harmon and family. In 1856, the 
society erected a church building in Little Sandusky, and this structure is 
still in use. Kev. J. B. ri.nley was the first pastor who officiated in this 
charge, and he was succeeded by Rev. Cooper. Others were Revs. Mont- 
gomery, Bigelow, Thompson, Shaw, Camp, Bell and Jackson — all mission- 
aries. The present pastor is J. Carr. The society now comprises thirty 
members. The present officers are S. Burbach, Jacob Worley, Marion Wol- 
verton, Charles Hornby and William Simons. In 1880, under the adminis- 
tration of Rev. Donan, a series of meetings were held in which seventy-five 
members were added to the society. The following year. Rev. Lucas 
conducted a protracted meeting wilh fair results, and he was succeeded in 
1883 by Rev. Paul, who was also quite successful in reviving the interest. 
Mrs. Catharine Hall, widow of David Hall, is the pioneer member of this 
society, having been connected with it for the past fifty-three years. She 
was well acquainted with many of the Indians, with whom she often met in 
worship. 

United Brethren Church. — This society was organized at the residence 
of Michael Harmon by Rev. James B. Gilruth, with ten members, whose 
names as nearly as can be determined, were as follows : Michael Harmon 
and wife, John Green and wife, Andrew Plummerfet and wife, Thomas B. 
Mount and wife, Charles Best and wife. In 1844, the society erected a 
church building in Little Sandusky, at a cost of $1,000. It was a frame 
structure, 30x40 feet in dimensions. The society eventually disbanded, the 



PITT TOWNSHIP. 901 

few remaining members uniting with the Methodist Church. The old build- 
ing which was wont to resound with the holy words of Gospel truth, is now 
utilized as a stable. 

FOWLEE. 

This thriving young village derives its title from C. R. Fowler, whose 
lands join the town plat on the east, and who has already been mentioned 
in the preceding pages of this chapter. The village was founded in 1876 
by David Harpster and John Wood, who owned the land upon which it is 
situated, and whose prominence as farmers and stock dealers gives it its 
prestige as a commercial center. 

Fowler is located near the center of this township, on the C. , H. V. & 
T. Railroad, in Section 33, just south of the old Wyandot Reservation line. 
The town plat was recorded in 1877, and the first house was erected within 
its limits by William H. Parkins, of Crawford Township. It is still used 
as a residence, and is a plain frame structure, one and one-half story, 16x28 
feet in dimensions, located on Lot 15. 

The first and as yet the only store in the village was established by 
David Harpster. In the years 1876 and 1877, he erected a large two- 
story brick block, 22x80 feet, adding a second building, 22x100 feet, in 

1882. In the former apartment, in partnership with Mr. Cyrus Sears, Mr. 
Harpster opened a stock of general merchandise in 1877 on an investment 
of from 110,000 to $12,000. The firm of Harpster & Sears continued until 

1883, when the capacity of the store being more than doubled, Mr. Mc- 
Campbell was admitted to the firm, which has since been known as Harp- 
ster, Sears & McCampbell. The establishment is second to none in the 
county for quality and completeness of stock and range of prices, and does 
an annual business of $25,000 to $35,000. 

The village is supplied with an excellent grist mill, which was begun 
by L. W. Murphy in 1879 and 1880. Mr. Murphy having failed in the at- 
tempt to establish the industry, it was completed by David Harpster, who 
put in the machinery and began its operation in 1883, the total cost of the 
institution being about $10,000. The building is a frame structure, forty 
feet square and three stories high. The mill has three run of buhrs, with 
a capacity of seventy-five barrels of flour per day. 

.v4 Fowler has also a warehouse, erected in 1877 by John Gregory, of 
Marion. It is a frame building, 25x60 feet, two stories, with ordinary re- 
ceiving capacity. The annual shipments amount to about 60,000 bushels. 
In 1879, Mr. Gregory sold his interest in the elevator to Harpster & White, 
the latter of Upper Sandusk}', and this firm conducted the business till 
1881, when Mr. Fowler purchased Mr. White's interest, and the firm of 
Harpster & Fowler has since had the institution in charge. 

In 1880, a saw mill was erected in the village by Mr. Murphy. It soon 
fell into the hands of Parkin & Frater, and is now the property of Garvin 
& Frater. The mill is well managed and does an excellent business. The 
village is also supplied by quite an extensive tile factory, established in 
1878 by Messrs. Hunt & Frater, the latter member of the firm now being 
sole proprietor. It is one of the most important industries of the village. 

The only hotel of the village is conducted by Henry C. Jury. It is a 
good-sized frame structure, well furnished and ventilated, and the accom- 
modations here offered are much 'superior to those of many more pretentious 
establishments of the kind. 

The Harpster Bank was organized in 1883 by David Harpster, with J, 
L. Lewis as Cashier, and with a capital of $120,000. The institution has' 



902 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

a sound basis, being thoroughly secured by a large amount of real and 
personal estate. 

The first and only school building erected in Fowler was built before the 
town had an existence. It is a comfortable brick building, one story, 25x30, 
and cost $2,500. The present Board of Edvication is comprised of the 
following members: A¥illiam Parker, John L. Lewis and Cyrus Sears. 
W. V. Smith was the last to ofiSciate as teacher. 

CHURCHES. 

Fowler Methodist Episcopal Church. — This society may be said to have 
been organized about 1853, as it was originally made up of members from 
the Bowsherville society and a few from Little Sandusky. It was first or- 
ganized as the Fowler society by D. B. Rinehart in 1847 with twenty-five 
members, among whom were John Wood and wife, William Parker and 
wife, James Parker and wife, John Mawer, George Baldwin, Richard Mould 
and others whose names are not now remembered. The church building, a 
brick structure, 40x60 feet, was erected in 1878-79 at a cost of $5,000. D. 
B. Rinehart officiated as pastor two years from the date of organization of 
the society, J. W. Donan, one year; William Lucas, two years; William 
S. Paul, one year; and Jesse Carr is the present incumbent. The society is 
in a flourishing condition and numbers about seventy members. The pres- 
ent officers are William Parker, Richard Moulds, E. B. Lewis and John Wood. 

The Methodist Episcopial Church at Bowsherville, as above stated, was 
organized about 1853 by Rev. Jacob Fegly, meetings being held in school- 
houses till 1869, when a church building was erected on the northwest 
quarter of Section 6. It was a frame building, 30x40 feet, and is still 
standing, though in 1878 it was moved to Pleasant Grove, one and one-half 
miles west of its original site. The society organized with about thirty or 
forty members, some of whose names are remembered as follows: William 
Miller and wife, B. Swayze and wife, Mrs. Catharine Hughes, Mrs. Lydia 
Hunt, Mrs. Sallie Hunt, John Brown and wife, Mr. Mallow and wife and 
Mrs. P. Holland. Those who assisted in the erection of the church outside 
of the society members were David Harpster and family, Mr. Hunt and 
family, John L. Lewis, Charles Burke and Mr. Stoneburner. 

The German Reformed Church of Pitt Tosvnship was organized in 1852 
by Rev. Winter. The first meetings of the society were held at John Kep- 
ler's residence, on Section 12, in 1850, Mr. John Kepler and John Brand, 
citizens, officiating. The church was organized with from twenty to twenty- 
five members, John Castanien and wife, George Kramer and wife, John 
Kepler and wife, and John Brand and wife being among the number. In 
1854, the society built a frame building on the southwest quarter of Section 
12, the structure being 25x35 feet in dimensions, and costing about $700. 
As a protection against the frosts of winter, the spaces between the stud- 
ding of the frame work were filled with clay. In 1872, this primitive edi- 
fice gave place to a comfortable brick building, 35x50, erected at a cost of 
$2,300. The pastors who have served on this charge are as follows: Rev. 
Winter, two years; Rev. Brecht, four years; Rev. Peter Jarus, five years; 
Rev. Jacob Klingler, twelve years; Rev. C. Wisner, five years; and Rev. E. 
D. Miller, who is still in the service. The society now comprises 110 mem- 
bers, the present officers being Christian Foucht, Christian Barth, Solomon 
Katterman and Ulric Brandt. It conducts a live missionary society on the 
most approved plans, and is growing rapidly. 

Pitt Township is one of the most flourishing in this county, and the re- 



PITT TOWNSHIP. 



903 



markable progress made in its social and material interests is well illustrat- 
ed when the present condition of the township is compared with the follow- 
ing list of the taxable inhabitants, and the number of acres of land owned 
by each, in the year 1845. 



OWNERS OF EEAL ESTATE. 



Bruen, Matthias, 852 acres. 
Benjamin, Herrick, 80 acres. 
Bowen, Ozias, 160 acres. 
Corey, David J., 2,235 acres. 
Cresap, Eusibius, 58 acres. 
Davids, John E., 20 acres. 
Fowler,* Stephen, 1,874 acres. 
Fowler, Findley, 50 acres. 
Garrett, Tira, 115 acres. 
Green, Jemima, 162 acres. 
Hunt, Nancy, 50 acres. 
Hunt, William, 209 acres. 
Hunt, Snowden, 145 acres. 
Holderman, John, 70 acres. 
Hill, William, 80 acres. 
Horr, Jacob, 238 acres. 
Hughes & Harpster, 33 acres. 
Hammond, Michael, 160 acres. 
Hardy, Elisha, 80 acres. 
Hughes, Barnett, 153 acres. 
Harpster, David, 85 acres. 
Keen, Aaron, 2 acres. 



Larvill, Jabez B., 58 acres. 
Moody, David, 30 acres. 
McLean, David, 225 acres. 
Mead, Matthew, 75 acres. 
Montee, A., 49 acres. 
Miller, David, 861 acres. 
0£6cer, Thomas, 42 acres. 
Proctor, Robert, 10 acres. 
Rappe, John S., 59 acres. 
Rowse, Zalmou, 60 acres. 
Renick, Ivy, 81 acres. 
Swayze, Caroline, 160 acres. 
Swayze, Bescherer, 158 acres. 
Swishart, Ezekiel, 80 acres. 
Straw, David, 76 acres. 
State of Ohio. 316 acres. 
Worth, Guy C, 240 acres. 
Wheeler, H. N., 120 acres. 
Wilson, John, 80 acres. 
Wilson, Daniel, 169 acres. 
Hughes, Barnett, 86 acres. 
Hunt, Nancy, 60 acres. 



TOWN OF LITTLE SANDUSKY. 

Banning, Anthony, owner of Inlot No. 105. 

Barnes, Peter, owner of twenty-one inlots. 

Fowler, Stephen, owner of twenty-eight inlots. 

Fouke, Joseph E. , owner of Inlot No. 49. 

Gorman, John, owner of four inlots. 

Montee, A., merchant, also owner of twenty-two inlots. 

Proctor, Robert, owner of Inlot No. 35. 

Rappe, John S., owner of three inlots. 

Moore, William, owner of six inlots. 

Shorb, Joseph, owner of six inlots. 

State of Ohio, owner of seven inlots. 

Rowse, Zalmon, owner of Inlot No. 104. 

Taylor, John, owner of Lot No. 45. 

Wilmoth, Joseph, owner of Lots 39 and 60. 

Wilson, George, owner of Lot No. 100. 

Worth, Samuel M. , owner of storehouse and Lot No. 57. 

Wilson, John, owner of thirty-five lots. 

Wilson, Daniel, owner of Lots 25 and 26. 

Stokely, William, owner of Lot No. 50. 

TOWN or BOWSHEKVILLE. 

State of Ohio, owner of Inlots from 1 to 34 inclusive. 

* One of the first County Commissioners. 



904 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

OWNERS OF PERSONAL PROPERTY. 

Alexander Armstrong, Henry Aughenbaugh, Paris C. Brewer, Elihu 
Bowen, Ruth Benjamin, Samuel Bird, George Bowsher, Purdy Butler, Ja- 
cob Brewer, Hannah Brewer, Cornelius Brewer, Thomas Coon, William J. 
Clugston, John Clayton, Corey & Pettit, Lorenzo H. Cook, James Clark, 
"Walter Coulton, John Coon, Eusebius Cresap, Dr. James H. Drum,* James 
Duley, George Duddleson, William Fulks, Joseph E. Fouke, Dr. Stephen 
Fowler,* Findley F. Fowler, C. R. Fowler, Amos Green, Joseph Gillett, 
David Hall, Alpheus Hill, Samuel Harmon, John Hickman, Margaret Har- 
mon, William H. Harris, Nehemiah Harris, John Holloway, Nancy Hunt, 
John Hunt, Snowden Hunt, William H. Hunt, Hiram Holdridge, Burnett 
Hughes, Chester Holland, Jacob Horr, James Holdcraft, William Hill, Da- 
vid Harpster, James G. Harvey, John Johnson, Riser & Shirley (merchants), 
Belah King, John Kinney, Aaron Keam, Jacob Lantz, John S. Leach, John 
Lynch, James McWherter, George and James Mears, Luther McEwell, Dr. 
James B. McGill,* Thomas McLean, David O. Miller, Abel Martin, Nathan- 
iel C. Manley, Jacob Mutchler, Abraham McLean, James McLean, A. Mon- 
tee, Henry N. McEltish, William Martin, Rebecca McLean, David Miller, 
David Mears, William Miller, Priscilla Moody, William Nutler, Thomas 
Officer, George Preston, John Preston, .fohn Pryor, David Pettit, Leonard 
Plants, Robert Reed, Azariah Root, John N. Reed, Samuel Riggens, John 
S. Rappe (a merchant), George W. Reed, Cyrus Ramsey, Isaac Robinson, 
John Raney, Renick & Hunt (merchants), Isaac Smalley, David Straw, Da- 
vid Straw, Jr., Joel Straw, Henry Seiger, John Smith, Clark Shepard, 
Bescherer Sweezy, Vance Stewart, Ezekiel Swihart, Benjamin Smith, Jo- 
Shorb (a merchant), Milton Swigart, John Tinkey, Robert Tygart, Edward 
Thompson, Israel Tarpenning, Widow Ward, Samuel M. Worth (a merchant), 
John L. Woodcock, Curtis Warner, John Williams, David Williams, Guy 
C. Worth, Joseph Wilmoth, Benjamin Winslow and James Wilson. 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

GEORGE W. BALDWIN was born in Hardy County, Va., March 20, 
1826. He came to Ohio in 1856, and located in this county, working by 
the month and farming rented land till 1860. He was married, December 
25, 1860, to Elmira Hunt, daughter of Snowden Hunt (see sketch of A. C. 
Hunt), she being a native of this county, born August 5, 1835. Mr. and 
Mrs. Baldwin have three children- -Cannia (wife of Henry Smith), Ambrose 
and Horace. Mrs. Baldwin inherited sixty acres from her father's estate, 
the same being in good repair and their present home. Mr. Baldwin is a 
Republican; he served in the late war in the 100-day call, receiving an 
honorable discharge. Himself and family are well-respected and good 
citizens. 

CHRISTIAN BARTH, son of Christian and Elizabeth (Hurny) Barth, 
was born in Canton Berne, Switzerland, January 3, 1825. His mother died 
March 3, 1837, and he emigrated to America in 1844, his father and the re- 
mainder coming the following year. They located in Tuscarawas County 
till 1858, when they removed to Wyandot. The father died Jaly 2, 1864. 
Our subject worked at the carpenter's trade in Tuscarawas County till 1852. 
when he came to Wyandot, and purchased forty acres of his present home, 
to which he has added by subsequent purchases till he now owns 153 acres. 
In 1871-72, he built his large frame house, valued at $800, and in 1875 his 

♦Practicing physicians. 



PITT TOWNSHIP. 905 

" bank " barn, at a cost of $800. He has worked forty years at the carpen- 
ter's trade, usually employing from two to four assistants during summers. 
Mr. Barth was married, May 11, 1848, to Margaret, daughter of Benedict 
and Ann (Moser) Struchen, also natives of Switzerland. They emigrated in 
1840. Mr. and Mrs. Barth have ten children living — Oliver T., C. Henry, 
David F., John W., Daniel B., Eli, Louis E., Albert E., Mary A. (wife of 
John Lawrence) and Sophia C. The deceased are Rosanna, Daniel and an 
infant. Mrs. Barth was born July 2, 1825. Mr. Barth is a Democrat, and 
has served two years as Trustee. Both are members of the Reformed Church. 

JACOB BENDER was born in Richland County, Ohio, January 2, 
1844. He is a son of Joseph and Catharine (Bush) Bender, natives of 
Pennsylvania. They came to Ohio in 1835, their children being as follows: 
Sarah, Mary A., Daniel, Elizabeth, John, Jacob, Catharine, Joseph, George, 
Margaret and Lydia. The mother died February 14, 1880, aged sixty-four 
years, the father is still living, in his seventy-ninth year. Jacob Bender 
came to this county in 1866. He engaged in various occupations till 1871, 
when he purchased his present farm of eighty acres, paying $3,000 for the 
same. He now owns sixty acres, valued at $75 per acre. He was mar- 
ried, March 14, 1872, to Miss Sarah Smith, daughter of Jacob and Rebecca 
(Foucht) Smith, and this union has been blessed by five children — Harry F. , 
born July 4, 1873; Minnie A., April 10, 1875; Alton W., May 18, 1877; 
Grace V., September 15, 1880; an infant is deceased. Their mother was 
born February 12, 1845; she is a member of the Reformed Church. Mr. Ben- 
der is a Democrat. 

D. W. BOWLBY was born in Stark County, Ohio, July 4, 1846. 
Emanuel and Sarah (Stall) Bowlby, his parents, were natives of Pennsyl- 
vania and of German ancestry. They came to Stark County when childi-en, 
were married there, and came to this county in 1851. Their children were 
Samantha, Rachel, David W,, Hester, Lydia, Willington, Nelson, Marshall, 
Alice, Sherman, William J. and an infant. Our subject obtained a fair 
education; at twenty-one, began work at daily wages, continuing two years; 
engaged in the stave business three years, and purchased his present farm 
in 1871, paying $2,650. In 1872, he erected a neat residence, costing 
$1,000. Sir. Bowlby was married, May 30, 1872, to Adaline Kriechbaum, 
daughter of David and Eliza (Mosky) Kriechbaum, natives of Pennsylva- 
nia and early settlers of this county, residing in Antrim Township. Po- 
litically, Mr. Bowlby is a Republican. 

THOMAS M. BOWMAN was born in Huntington County, Penn., 
August 18, 1819. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania. His father, 
Samuel Bowman, was of German descent. His mother's maiden name was 
Elizabeth Moreland. Her ancestors came from Ireland. His parents had 
eight children, four sons and four daughters, of whom Thomas was the 
third son. At the age of eighteen, he removed with his parents to Ohio, 
locating in Crawford County, where they remained two years, after which 
time they removed to Wood County in 1837, where his parents purchased a 
farm and spent the remainder of their lives. During the summer months, 
Thomas worked on the farm and attended school in the winter until he be- 
came competent to teach, after which he continued teaching for a number 
of years. He practiced economy, laying aside all he could of his earnings 
for the purpose of purchasing a home. By the spring of 1846, he was able 
to purchase at the Government land sales eighty acres of land in Wyandot 
County, then a wild, thinly inhabited section of country. Mr. Bowman 
was married, May 26, 1846, to Eliza J, Gibson, daughter of George and 



906 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Hannah (Buchanan) Gibson, and a cousin of President James Buchanan, 
natives of Pennsylvania and of Scotch-Irish descent. They removed to 
their new home in 1848, where they continue to reside. By industry, they 
have added by subsequent purchases, until their home consists of 256 acres, 
highly improved in every respect. Mr. and Mrs. Bowman are the parents 
of seven children — Elizabeth, George G. , Samuel, William, Isaac N. , Mat- 
tie and Ellie. In addition to their own family they have an adopted daugh- 
ter, Clementine. Mr. and Mrs. Bowman united with the Presbyterian 
Church in early life, and are now members of the Presbyterian Church of 
Upper Sandusky. 

DAVID S. BKETZ was born in Marion County, Ohio, December 30, 
1837. He is a son of Samuel and Catharine (Bibler) Brefcz, natives of 
Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively. His grandfather Bretz was drafted 
in the war of 1812, his son John taking his place as a substitute. His 
parents settled in Marion County in 1828, purchasing 320 acres of school 
land, afterward increasing this number to 5()0. .Their children were Anna, 
Andrew D., Elizabeth B., Fanny M., Rebecca V., David S., Mahala, 
Amanda and Mary P., the two latter deceased. The father died in 1875, 
aged seventy-five years; the mother still living on the homestead in her 
eightieth year. David S. Bretz resided with his parents till twenty-two 
years of age; he then began dealing in stock, and has since engaged quite 
extensively in that business. In 1862, he purchased his first farm of 147 
acres in Antrim Township, selling this a few years later and purchasing 
403 acres on the Sandusky River, where he resided four years. Later, he 
disposed of this farm, and resided two years in Upper Sandusky, purchas- 
ing his present faim of 356 acres soon after, and adding to this till he now 
owns 531 acres, valued at $75 per acre. Mr. Bretz was married, September 
1, 1859, to Jane A. Coon, daughter of Jacob and Susanna (Harmon) Coon, 
early settlers of this county. Four children have been born to this union 
— Fannie J., Stanton E., Cora B. and Sarah E. Mr. Bretz is a Republican; 
he was the first Mayor of Little Sandusky, and, with his wife is a member 
of the Free- Will Baptist Church. 

JACOB A. BREWER is a native of York State, born January 21, 1814; 
his parents, Jacob A. and Hannah (Stall) Brewer, were natives of the same 
State, and of German descent. They emigrated to Ohio in 1817, and lo- 
cated in Union County, where they resided seven years, removing to Little 
Sandusky in 1824, entering eighty acres of land. Their remaining chil- 
dren are Anna, Catharine, Jacob A., Cornelius, Peter, William and Hester 
J. Eliza, Lucinda and Mary C. are deceased. The father died about 1835; 
the mother about 1841. Jacob Brewer, our subject, spent the early part of 
his life with his parents; he was married at the age of twenty-one to Susan 
Eyman, daughter of Jacob and Hannah Eyman, early settlers of Marion 
County, from Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Brewer have six children living 
— John, Hannah (wife of John Racy), Coi'nelius, Oscar, Mary J. (wife of 
William Lumberson") and James. The deceased are: W. H. Harrison, killed 
in late war; Jacob A., died of disease contracted in the war, and Oscar. Mr. 
Brewer leased a portion of his present farm of the Indians six years, and 
continued on the same after their departure, purchasing sixty acres, which 
number he has since increased tenfold; he began married life with $50, but 
has always been a hard worker, and now owns one of the best farms in the 
township. In politics, Mr. Brewer is a Republican; he has served three 
years as Trustee, and is highly esteemed as a citizen; his wife is a member 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 



PITT TOWNSHIP. 907 

RICHAED CARTER was born in Wellsville, Ohio, June 9, 1850, son 
of John A. and Mary D. (Connel) Carter, natives of Pennsylvania and Vir- 
ginia respectively; his parents settled in Marion County in 1852, rearing a 
family of six children, our subject being the eldest; he obtained a good edu- 
cation in the district schools, and graduated at the Pittsburgh Commercial Col- 
lege in 1871; he was engaged five years as a commercial traveler, and, in 1876 
came to Ohio, where he was married January 25, 1877, to Miss Kate Bryant, 
daughter of Isaac and Maria (Fisher) Bryant, and distant relative of the 
poet; her parents were natives of New Jersey and New York respectively; 
came to Ohio where they were married about 1844. They came to tbis 
county in 1848, and entered land where Mr. Carter now resides, at the time 
of Mr. Bryant's death owning 2,300 acres; his children now living are Catha- 
rine, John Q., Charles and Jennie (twins), and Frank B. The deceased are 
Isaac, Frederick, Ann and Maria. Mr. and Mrs. Carter have one child — 
May B., born November 27, 1877. Mrs. Carter was born January 10, 1851. 
She inherited her present home of 320 acres, which her husband has now 
well stocked. Mr. Carter is a Republican, and both himself and wife are 
members of the Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Bryant, mother of Mrs. Carter, 
was left a widow with six children, whom she reared and educated. She is 
now a resident of Bucyrus; her brother, John A. Fisher, was a Mexican 
soldier; also a soldier of the late war during the entire struggle, lying in 
Libby Prison about eighteen months; he is now a resident of Kansas, nearly 
blind, having lost an eye hv a gunshot during the last of his service. 

JOHN CASTANIEN was born in Perry County, Ohio, June 11, 1825. 
His parents, Alexander and Marelius (King) Castanien, were natives of 
Prussia and Switzerland respectively, the former crossing the ocean to 
escape military service, the latter emigrating at the age of four years. They 
were married in Perry County, where they passed their entire lives, he a 
farmer and teacher of German schools. He died in his sixtieth year, his 
wife about the same age. Their children were John, Serenus, Jacob and 
David. John Castanien remained at home till his twenty-fifth year, obtain- 
ing the rudiments of an education and working upon the farm. In 1848, 
he came to this county, his father having entered his present farm of 100 
acres, then covered with timber, which our subject has since removed. He 
is now the owner of 440 acres; his "bank" barn is the largest in the town- 
ship, and his dwelling was erected in 1863-64 at a cost of $2,000. Mr. 
Castanien was married in the autumn of 1848, to Christina Alspach, five 
children resulting — Mahala, Caroline (wife of Emmet Bachtel), Frank, Da- 
vid and Amos E. Mrs. Castanien's demise occurred in 1861, at the age of 
thirty- five, and Mr. C. was married, November 25, 1863, to Miss Sophia 
Alspach (sister of first wife), daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Runkle) 
Alspach, natives of Pennsylvania, residents of Perry County, Ohio. She 
was born April 15, 1837. Their children were William H. and Allen B. 
In politics, Mr. C. is an independent Democrat. He and his family are 
all members of the German Reformed Church, of which he was many years 
a Deacon. 

FRANK P. CASTANIEN, son of John and Christina Castanien, was 
born January 27, 1853. He obtained a good education, attending the Nor- 
mal School at Ada, Ohio, three terms, subsequently establishing a grocery 
store at that place, continuing the business several months. In 1876, he 
purchased his present farm of eighty aci'es. and has since engaged in agri- 
cultural pursuits. He was married, March 15, 1877, to Miss Emma Har- 
lan, daughter of William and Catharine Harlan, residents of Logan County, 



908 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Ohio. Her parents had two children — John and Emma, The mother died 
in 1860. Mr. and Mrs. Castanien have four children — Emmet P., born May 
10, 1880; Kitty B. , June 1, 188'2; Joseph and Esther are deceased. Mrs. 
C. was born October 4, 1856. Mr. Castanien is a Democrat, Master of 
Grange No. 503, and, with his wife, member of the Reformed Church; he 
was several years Superintendent of Sabbath school. 

DAVID CASTANIEN, son of John and Christina (Alspach) Cas- 
tanien, was born July 16, 1855. He is a native of Pitt Township, 
where he was educated, and remained on the farm with his parents till 
1878, when he moved to his present farm, which he purchased one year 
later, paying $50 per acre, the farm containing eighty acres. It is now well 
improved, stocked with varieties of the best grade. Mr. Castanien was mar- 
ried, January 1, 1880, to Miss Jennie McBeth, daughter of John and Jen- 
nie (Swaze) McBeth, residents of Antrim Township. In politics, Mr. Cas- 
tanien is a Democi'at. He is a member of the Reformed and his wife of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

L. HOPKINS COOK, deceased, was born in Addison County, Vt. . A.pril 2, 
1810. His parents dying when he was young, he resided with a sister, Mrs. 
Fisher, till about 1831, when he came to Ohio, and was married two years 
later to Eliza Cudworth, who died soon after. November 15, 1838, he was 
married to Sabina Adams, daughter of John and Rachel (Cookson) Adams, 
natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. Her parents came to Ohio 
in 1835, settling in Richland County, where they reared a family of ten 
children. Mr. and Mrs. Cook are the parents of live children — Mary (wife 
of Jessie McCracken), Stephen R., William D. , George H. and Caroline, the 
latter deceased. In 1846, the family came to this county and purchased 420 
acres of school land, where Mrs. Cook now resides. Mr. Cook was a strong 
Republican. He died April 8, 1874, leaving his widow in comfortable cir- 
cumstances. She was born June 11, 1821. 

STEPHEN R, COOK, son of L. H. and Sabina (Adams) Cook, was born 
February 8, 1841. He resided with his parents till he joined the army in 
1862, enlisting in Company F, One Hundred and Twenty-third Regiment 
Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Enlisting as private, he was soon promoted to 
Orderly, participating in the battles of Winchester, New Market, Piedmont, 
Lynchburg, Snicker's Gap, Berryville, Opequan, Fisher's Hill, Cedar 
Creek, Petersburg and Hatcher's Run. Being wounded at Cedar Creek, he 
was compelled to lie in a hospital six months, after which he was honorably 
discharged, having served three years. Returning home, he was married, 
June 17, 1869, to Miss Ann E. Bowman, daughter of T. N. and Eliza (Gib- 
son) Bowman (see sketch), and two children have been born to them — 
George B., May 23, 1875, and Helen E., March 29, 1878. Mrs. Cook was 
born January 26, 1847. He inherited twenty acres of his present farm, to 
which he has since added twenty, all valued at $70 per acre. Mr. Cook is 
a strong Republican. His wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church at 
Upper Sandusky. 

DANIEL COONS was born in Fulton County, N. Y., in 1820. His 
parents, Thomas and Susan (Brower) Coons, were natives of the same State, 
and of German parentage. His paternal ancestor was a soldier of the Rev- 
olution, serving entirely through it. His parents came by wagon to Ohio 
in 1856, and located in this county one year later. Their children were 
Daniel, Sarah R., Mary, Thomas, Elizabeth, Reuda M. and Joseph; James, 
John and Henry are deceased. The parents are still living, the father in 
his eighty- fourth year, the mother in her eighty-third. Our subject entered 



PITT TOWNSHIP. ■ 909 

24 acres, and purchased 44 acres of his present farm of the Government, 
now owning 220 acres of bottom land valued at $80 per acre. He is an ex- 
pert at pigeon trapping, having realized not less than $2,500 from his sales. 
He traveled one year with Van Amburgh's show.' Mr. Coons was married. 
December 11, 1849, to Lydia Dahmer, daughter of James and Sarah Dah- 
mer, her death occurring in 1865, leaving three children — Sarah, Flora and 
Laura. March 19, 1866, he married Miss Caroline Wilt, daughter of 
Henry and Mary (Star) Wilt, this union resulting in five children — Emory, 
Clara A., Eugene, Louis B. and Robert N. Mr. Coon has been a Democrat 
since the nomination of McClellan for the Presidency. He is an industrious 
citizen, and held in high esteem by his community. 

HENRY H. DAHMER was born in Pendleton County, Va., April 15, 
1836; his parents were Martin and Sarah (Herner) Dahmer, natives of Vir- 
ginia, and of German ancestry. His maternal grandfather was a soldier in 
the war of 1812, The parents were farmers; the father dying in Virginia, 
the mother is still living. Their children were John, Mary, George, Reu- 
ben, Henry H., Martha, William, Sampson, Adam, Jemima and Sarah, the 
latter deceased. Henry Dahmer worked on the farm for his father till 
twenty-one years of age, obtaining but a limited education; he came to 
this county in 1856, and engaged in ordinary labor, principally for J. S. 
Rappe, about seven years. In 1862, he purchased forty acres on the river 
near Little Sandusky; he increased this amount to seventy-one by subsequent 
purchases, and sold the whole in 1872, and purchased his present home of 100 
acres on which he erected a fine residence at a cost of $2,000 in 1881; he 
makes a specialty of raising blooded Merino sheep, some of which cost him 
$1,000. Mr. Dahmer was married, November 8, 1863, to Ann M. Kellar, 
daughter of Jacob and Maria (Warren) Kellar, natives of Pennsylvania 
and Delaware respectively. They were brought to Ohio when children, and 
spent most of their days in Franklin and Wyandot Counties. They had 
nine children of whom Mrs. Dahmer is the youngest. In politics, Mr. D. 
is a Democrat; he served as Trustee foiu' terms and as Treasurer two terms, 
refusing to hold the office longer. 

CHARLES FEICHTER is a native of this township, born July 27, 
1853, to John and A. Barbara (Baser) Feichter, natives of Switzerland; his 
parents were married in 1848, and settled in this township where our sub- 
ject now resides, having removed from Stark County with their parents in 
1845. Their living children are Charles, Mary, Louisa, John, Albert and Eliz- 
abeth; the deceased are John, John H, Frederick, George, Eddie and an 
infant. The father died in 1876, aged lifty-three years. Mrs. Feichter 
still resides on the old homestead in her fifty-fourth year, a member of the 
German Reformed Church, to which Mr. F. also belonged; he left an estate of 
$10,000. Charles Feichter, the subject of this sketch, was married Octo- 
ber 24, 1878, to Miss Mary A. Bower, daughter of Emanuel and Sarah J. 
(Swartz) Bower, of German parentage. Their children are Charles, O. S., 
Winifred and John T. An infant is deceased. Since his marriage Mr. 
Feichter has been tilling his mother's farm. He recently purchased forty 
acres in Illinois, and is about to take his departure for that State. 

C. RUSH FOWLER. This prominent citizen was born in Bradford 
County, Penn., December 31, 1821. His parents, Stephen and Leefe (Ste- 
vens) Fowler, were natives of Vermont and Pennsylvania respectively, and 
of Scotch-Irish lineage. His father was a surgeon in the war of 1812, and 
for many years a prominent physician in this section of the State, and the 
only one available, being frequently called to the various seats of the ad- 



910 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

joining counties on professional business. He was at one time a member of 
the State Legislature, and served his term with credit to himself and satis- 
faction to his constituents. His wife, Leefe, whose mother's name was Lee, 
was a cousin to Gen. R. E. Lee, of Confederate fame, and is still living, a 
resident of Upper Sandusky, in the full possession of her faculties, and in 
excellent health. They came to this county in 1827, and located in this 
township, where Mr. Fowler purchased 600 acres, adding by subsequent 
purchases, till he owned 3,100 acres. They were- the parents of eight chil- 
dren, and among the most estimable citizens of the county. He died in 
1847, aged fifty-seven years. C. R. Fowler, the subject of this notice, was 
educated in the common schools and by the fireside at home, instructed 
chiefly by his father. He remained at home and assisted in conducting the 
farm till twenty-three years of age. He inherited $3,000 and a farm of 125 
acres from his father's possessions, and in 1845 purchased a farm in Mifflin 
Township, consisting of 740 acres. In 1850, he purchased 200 acres near 
Little Sandusky, and to this he has added at intervals till he now owns, in this 
and Antrim Townships, 3,000 acres. He has dealt largely in stock, making a 
specialty of sheep and wool growing, though his success is mainly due to 
his industry and perseverance. In 1875, he erected his elegant two-story 
brick mansion at a cost of $17,000, it being, perhaps, as good a rural resi- 
dence as there is in the county. Mr. Fowler was married, February 20, 
1845. to Miss Catharine Nesbit, daughter of Abraham and Catharine (Wal- 
lace) Nesbit, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Irish ancestry, parents of live 
children — James, Elizabeth, Catharine and two deceased. Mr. and Mrs. 
Fowler are the parents of seven children, of whom but three are living, viz., 
Hiram, Dwight, and Myrta, wife of Albert Boyd, of London, Ohio; the 
deceased are Olive, Sarah, Charles and an infant. Mr. Fowler has always 
been a Democrat, and strong in the faith. He served as Commissioner six 
years, and is among the most influential of the citizens of the county. 

SCOTT M. FOWLER was born at the old homestead of Dr. Stephen 
Fowler, in Pitt To vvnship, February 16, 1835, being the youngest son of the 
same. He resided with his parents on the farm till fourteen years of age, 
when his father died. He had been chosen by his father as the one son who 
should succeed him in the medical profession ; but the death of the latter 
during our subject's early years frustrated these plans. At the age of six- 
teen, he entered the Union School at Upper Sandusky, and in Prof. Thayer, 
the Superintendent, he found an earnest friend and adviser, who fanned to 
a flame his ardent desire to enter college and prepare himself for a profes- 
sion. But his friends who were most influential in their advice under the 
circumstances deemed it unwise to turn the boy loose upon his own respon- 
sibilities to the "demoralizing influences of college life." It was decided, 
therefore, that he should take charge of his property, the homestead, and at 
the age of seventeen his dream of professional life and higher education 
vanished, his disappointment was "pocketed," and he began work upon the 
farm, where he continued without interruption till 1865. During the sum- 
mer of 1858, he made the acquaintance of Miss Ada Bryant, of Frederick- 
town, Knox Co., Ohio, who was spending the summer with the family of her 
uncle, Rev. E. R. Wood, and this acquaintance resulted in their marriage 
at her home on the 29th of December of the same year. In 1865, Mr. Fow- 
ler removed to Nashville, Tenn., to engage in Government stock speculations, 
and soon after embarked in the lumber business, in which his fortune was 
wrecked. He remained five years in Tennessee, when, with health greatly 
impaired by hard labor, and with a desire to educate his children, he re- 



PITT TOWNSHIP. 911 

turned to this county and again took up the pursuits of the farm. He sub- 
sequently engaged in the dry goods and grocery business for a short time 
at Upper Sandusky and Morral, but soon returned to the farm, and in 1884 
purchased land in Western Kansas, where he now resides. By the aid of his 
mother his three eldest daughters became graduates of the Upper Sandusky 
Union Schools, and by their own efforts were enabled to take a course of 
instruction in the Oberlin College. Mr. Fowler is a man of the strictest in- 
tegrity of character, and through all the years of his misfortune and self- 
sacritice he has worn " the white flower of a blameless life " as a citizen, a 
husband and a father. His children are Nora A., born October 15, 1859; 
Cora H, March 27, 1861; Erin Maud, October 9, 1864; Etna Adale, June 
2, 1867; Leefe F., February 9, 1870; Stephen Bryant, December 3, 1873; 
Enid Marie, May 26, 1879. 

STEPHEN P. FOWLER was born in Bradford County, Penn., Septem- 
ber 1, 1826. He is a son of Dr. Stephen and Leefe Fowler, early and prom- 
inent settlers of this county (see Medical chapter). He obtained a fair 
education in the common district schools of his time, assisted by his parents, 
with whom he remained on the farm till 1854. At the age of twenty-one 
he obtained 13,000 from his father, from whom he also inherited about 
ninety acres of land. This amount be has since largely increased and now 
owns one of the finest farms in the southern part of the county, consisting 
of " ridge " and " valley " land, provided with four to five miles of tile 
draihage, and stocked with the best grades of stock. In 1877, he built his 
elegant and commodious residence, provided with all the modern improve- 
ments, including gas and bathing facilities. The structure is one of the 
most imposing, as well as convenient farmhouses in the county, and was 
erected at a cost of $0,000. Mr. Fowler was married, December 18, 1878, 
to Miss Frances Flago, daughter of Charles and Mary (Hubble) Flago, 
natives of New Jersey and Connecticut respectively. Her parents came to 
Ohio when young, and settled in Champaign County, where they reared a 
family of seven children, Mrs. Fowler being the youngest. Her father was 
a tailor by trade, and an influential citizen of Urbaoa, at one time Mayor 
of that city. He died in 1857; his widow (since the wife and now the 
widow of S. T. Hedges,) is still living, a resident of Springfield, Ohio. In 
politics, Mr. Fowler is a Democrat, having grown up in the faith. He is 
one of the leading farmers and stock-dealers of the county, by whose citi- 
zens himself and family are held in high esteem. 

WILLIAM H. FRATER is a native of Harrison County, Ohio, born 
May 23, 1850. His parents were Thomas and Isabel (Taylor) Frater, 
natives of Ohio and Virginia respectively, and of Scotch ancestry. The 
father was born in 1820, and died in 1862; the mother in 1818, and still 
living, a resident of Iberia, Ohio. They had five children — George, John 
T., William H., Archibald and Thomas, the latter deceased. William, our 
subject, was educated in the district schools, subsequently spending two 
years in the Iberia Academy, and teaching one successful term. In 1873, 
he engaged as shepherd for David Harpster, and continued in his employ 
four years. In 1877, he erected his tile works at Fowler, and also assumed 
charge of the warehouse at that place, conducting the latter business three 
years, and still engaging extensively in the t.ile manufacture. In 1877, he 
purchased three lots on which his tile yard is located, and in 1882 pur- 
chased the celebrated stallion "Brilliant," imported from France in 1875. 
Mr. Frater was married, June 10, 1879, to Rebecca Swartz, daughter of 
Daniel and Elizabeth Swartz, of this county. She was born January 15, 



912 HISTORY OF AVYANDOT COUNTY. 

1857, and died January 13, 1884, leaving one son, George Earle. born 
December 25, 1883. Mr. F. is an active Republican, and highly esteemed 
as a citizen. He served as Assessor tw^o terms, and has acquired a reason- 
able property b} industry and economy. 

SAMUEL HARMAN was born in Berkeley County, Va., March 9, 1808. 
He is a son of Michael and Margaret Harman, natives of Virginia, and of 
German extraction. His maternal grandfather was a soldier in the Revolu- 
tionary war. His parents were married in 1792, and settled in Pickaway 
County in 1812, coming to this county in 1821, and, entering eighty acres 
where he now resides, built the first hewed-log cabin in this county, in 
which the first sermon heard by our "subject in this locality was preached by 
Rev. J. B. Finley. They purchased eighty acres soon after, and this tract 
of 160 acres the father tilled till his death in 1828, aged sixty-two years; 
the mother died in 1859, aged eighty-two. Samuel Harman, our subject, 
remained at home with his mother and the younger children till 1826, and 
aided in supporting them. He was a strong and supple young man, always 
a hard worker, having cut with a sickle, bound and shocked fifty dozen of 
wheat in one day. He was married, September 19, 1833, to Rebecca J. 
Church, who died exactly one year later. He was married July 31, 1838, 
to Lovina Armstrong, daughter of Job Armstrong, this wife dying five 
months later. His third marriage was to Matilda Simpson, April 6, 1842, 
her death occurring in 1877. Mr. Harman has no childien. He inherited 
fifty-three acres from his father, and now owns 354 acres, well improved. 
He served two years as Trustee; was formerly a Whig, but now a Republican; 
was active during the late war, sending money, clothes and provisions to 
army friends. He is one of the oldest and most worthy citizens of his 
community. 

DAVID HARPSTER, one of the most successful farmers in the State, is 
a native of Mifflin County, Penn., born December 28, 1816. His parents 
were George and Catharine (Thomas) Harpster, natives of Pennsylvania, and 
of German ancestry. His grandfather Harpster came to America and was a 
soldier in the Revolutionary war. His father died when David was but 
eight years of age, and he removed with his mother to Wayne County, Ohio, 
two years later. He attended school but fifteen months, but has since ac- 
quired a good business education. After two years farming with his brother 
in the above county, he came to this locality in 1828 or 1829, and the fol- 
lowing year accepted a clerkship in Bowsher & Green's store at Bowsher- 
ville, this township, where he was employed three years. He then became 
a member of the firm, and continued the business till 1836, when he sold 
his interest and engaged in the cattle biisiness with Barnet and Thomas 
Hughes and James Murdock two years with excellent success. From 1838 
to 1840, he drove cattle to Detroit, but in the latter year he formed a part- 
nership with David Miller, their object being to fatten cattle in Illinois and 
drive them to Eastern markets, which business they conducted six years, Mr. 
Harpster continuing the business four years on his own responsibility. In 
1845, he purchased 700 acres at the Government land sales, and to this he 
has subsequently added till he now owns in this township 3,100 acres, and 
in Mifflin Township, 1,300; besides these tracts he has eighty acres in Van 
Wert County, 600 acres in Nebraska, 240 acres in Iowa, and in the coun- 
ties of Ford. Campaign and McLean, 111., 2,240 acres, all more or less im- 
proved and under fence. In 1850, Mr. Harpster settled on his present "farm, 
and has since engaged largely in the sheep business, shearing 900 the first 
year, and increasing that number annually till he had clipped as many as 



PITT TOWNSHIP. 913 

8,200 in a single year. His usual flock numbered about 7,000, but he is 
now disposing of his sheep, and stocking his lands with cattle. In 1871, 
he erected his handsome and commodious mansion one-half mile north of 
Fowler, at a cost of $15,000, and is still actively engaged in superintend- 
ing his large possessions. His marriage to Rachel S. Hall occurred April 
6, 1847. She was a daughter of James Hall, a soldier in the war of 1812, 
and an early settler in Pickaway County, Ohio. Three children were born 
to them, two yet living — Sarah A., wife of Col. Cyrus Sears, and Ivy, wife 
of William L. Bones, a wholesale dry goods merchant of New York City, 
with residence on Staten Island. In September, 1867, Mrs. Harvester's 
death occurred, and Mr. H. was married, in 1877, to Miss Jane Maxwell, 
daughter of John Maxwell, and grand-daughter of William Maxwell, who 
edited and published the first newspaper of Cincinnati, his wife setting a 
portion of the type. Mrs. Harpster is a refined and accomplished lady, and a 
member of the Baptist Missionary Church. In politics, Mr. H. is a strong 
Republican without political aspirations. In selling lots for Fowler City, 
he has a clause inserted in each deed stipulating that intoxicating liquors 
shall not be sold thereon. He is one of the most highly respected citizens 
of the county, and has an extensive acquaintance throughout the State. He 
began life a poor boy, and under very unfavorable circumstances; but by 
his energy, perseverance and business tact, has amassed a fortune not ex- 
ceeded by that of any one in the county, owning at the present time 7, 520 
acres of land, and a large amount of other stock of various kinds. Besides 
attending to his personal business affairs, Mr. Harpster has given some at- 
tention and contributed from his means to public enterprises, in all of 
which he has shown the same energy, and his efforts have been crowned 
with the same success. The C, H. V. & T. R. R., which has brought into 
the county many valued conveniences, had no firmer friend nor warmer sup- 
porter during its contemplated and constructive period than Mr. Harpster, 
and the people of this community owe more thanks to him than to any other 
one man, for the location and construction of that road. At the time of one 
of the first surveys, the line from Marion to Sandusky passed through Pitt 
Township, some distance east of where the road is now located. This was 
something of a disappointment to those living in the western part of the 
township, and as Mr. Harpster and others came home from visiting the sur- 
veyors on said east line, while passing along the Little Sandusky and Bow- 
sherville road, and as it happened within the present limits of the C. , H. V. 
&. T. right-of-way, one of the party asked Mr. Harpster what he would give 
to have the railroad pass at that point. He replied, the right-of-way three 
and one-half miles, and a wool clip. And he proved as good as his word, 
for when the road was built he gave the offered right-of-way and took 
$10,000 stock, which he increased by purchases, until when the road changed 
hands, he received about $23,000 for his interest. He was the founder of 
Fowler City, named in honor of Mr. C. R. Fowler, and has encouraged and 
supported the business interests of that village. He gave generously toward 
the construction of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Fowler. 

SILAS S. HART, a native of Wayne County, Ohio, was born November 
26, 1845, to Elijah and Catharine (Henning) Hart, natives of Pennsylvania, 
and of German and Irish lineage. His parents came to Wayne County in 
1838, and to this county in 1848. Their children were Eva A., Mary, 
William, Israel, Joanna, Samuel, Nancy, Silas, Samilda and Hiram. Eva 
A. and Elizabeth are deceased. The mother died July 15, 1881; the father 
is still living, in his seventy-eighth year. Silas S., oui* subject, obtained a 



914 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

good education, having attended the Upper Sandusky High School two 
terms, and the Greensbnrg Seminary the same length of time. He began 
teaching at twenty-one, and is now teaching his twenty-second term, en- 
gaged at Little Sandusky. During summers he usually clerks in store, sells 
farm implements or books. Mr. Hart was married, March 5, 1874, to Eliza- 
beth Healy, the daughter of Jacob Healy, four children having resulted 
from this union — Alphonso J., born December 21, 1874; Irene G., Julv 15, 
1878; Louis G., October 8, 1881; and Ora S., July 8, 1883. Mr. Hart is 
a Republican, and both he and Mrs. Hart are members of the German Re- 
formeded Church. 

HENRY HERRING, a native of Canton Basel, Switzerland, was born 
August 25, 1826. He came to the United States with his parents in the 
spring of 1845, and settled in New Baltimore, Fairfield Co., Ohio. He 
stayed there until the fall of the same year, when he moved to Wyandot 
County, Ohio, and " worked around " several years, until finally he could 
buy a small piece of land. In June, 1855, he was married to Miss Mary 
M. Snyder, of Hancock County, Ohio, born May 18, 1835. To them were 
born five children — Louisa M., Anna E., Henry, John and Rosa B. Henry 
died the 27th of June, 1873, at the age of ten years. The others are all 
about grown. Some years ago Mr. Herring built a substantial brick dwell- 
ing, and now owns 500 acres of land of fair quality, and, should his life be 
spared, he can live on what he acquired in his younger years. 

BARNET HUGHES (deceased) was born in Greene County, Penn., 
September 16, 1808. His parents were Thomas and Sarah (Swan) Hughes, 
pioneers, of Irish nationality. Barnet came to Ohio in 1827, having previ- 
ously married Sarah AValton, who, dying, left him three children — Thomas, 
Sarah and Simeon, the latter deceased. He was married, April 27, 1845, 
to Catharine E. Woodcock, daughter of John L. and Margaret (Coons) 
Woodcock, natives of New York, and of English and German extraction. 
Her parents came to this county in 1837, settling near the site of Fowler, 
Their children were ten in number, Mrs. Hughes being the third. Mr. and 
Mrs. Hughes were the parents of eleven children, eight living — Maria (wife 
of Orren Straw), Iva (wife of B. W. Martin), Augustus, John C. F., Catha- 
rine B. (wife of W. S. Harvey), James L., Samuel H. and William S. The 
deceased were John L., Mary M. and Louis S. Mr. Hughes began in stock 
dealing quite young, and continued the business till his death, at which 
time he owned 1,000 acres of land in one tract. He was an expert 
hunter and an admirer of fast horses, of which he reared and sold many. 
He was a Republican, and served as Trustee several terms. He died No- 
vember 26, 1873, leaving an estate of $60,000. His widow still resides on 
the old homestead of 326 acres, which is tilled by her sons Samuel and 
William. She is now, in her fifty-eighth year, strong and healthful. 

JAMES LINDSEY HUGHES, son of Barnet and Catharine E. (Wood- 
cock) Hughes, was born June 9, 1860. He is a native of Pitt Township, and 
was educated in the district schools, remaining at home till his marriage to 
Miss Belle Young, February 9, 1882. She was a daughter of Edward and 
Sarah (Kerr) Young; she was born June 24, 1861; was educated in the 
common district school, and commenced teaching school when she was six- 
teen years old, and taught until she was married. Mr. and Mrs. Hughes 
have one child, Jamie B., born January 12, 1883. Mr. Hughes inherited 
seventy acres of land from his father's estate, and erected a comfortable 
residence in 1883. He is a Republican, and a substantial, hard-working 
citizen. 



PITT TOWNSHIP. 915 

AMBKOSE C. HUNT is a native of this township, born October 10, 
1841; his parents are Snowden and Lydia (Updegraff) Hunt, natives of 
Virginia and Pennsylvania respectively, the latter of German ancestry. They 
came to this county soon after their marriage in 1827, and settled on the 
present homestead, purchasing first eighty acres, and adding to this till his 
possessions embraced 505 acres. Their children were Ambrose C, William 
S., Elvira, Nancy and Elmira. The father died in 1851, aged thirty-siz 
years, the mother in 1878, aged sixty-two. At her husband's death she 
was left with five children (the oldest less than thirteen years) which 
she reared, and in the mean lime paid for one hundred acres of land. Am- 
brose Hunt remained on the homestead, farming and dealing in stock till his 
marriage, May 6, 1877, to Miss Jennie, daughter of David and Elizabeth 
(Stillwagoner) Swartz, born November 11, 1846. They have one child — 
Iva A., born April 1, 1879. In 1878, Mr. Hunt purchased the hotel 
property at Fowler, which he conducted four years, disposing of the 
same October 1, 1883, and engaging in the stock business; he inherited 102 
acres from his father's estate, all in good condition, valued at $100 per 
acre; he was a member of Company H, One Hundred and Forty-fourth 
Regiment Ohio National Guards, and participated in the action at Berry- 
ville, being discharged at the close of the 100-day service. Mr. Hunt is a 
strong Republican and good citizen. Mrs. Hunt is a member of the Ger- 
man Reformed Chui'ch. 

WILLIAM S. HUNT was born in this township November 18, 1850; he 
is a son of Snowden and Lydia (Updegraff) Hunt, old residents of this county. 
(See sketch of A. C. Hunt.) He was educated in the common schools, aban- 
doning his studies at the age of twenty; he remained at home assisting 
about the farm, of which he assumed full charge for a number of years; on 
his mother's decease, he inherited 102^ acres of land, valued at |75 per 
acre, and which he has largely improved; he owns the old homestead, the 
residence having been erected in 1869, at a cost of $1,500. Mr. Hunt 
is a Republican and unmarried; he has two sisters — Elvira and Nancy 
Hunt, the former born March 9, 1844, the latter August 22. 1846. They 
received the education afforded by the district schools, and remained at home 
with their parents till the latter's death, at which time they each came into 
possession of 102|^ acres of land, which has since received their attention. 
The farms are valued at $75 and $50 per acre respectively, and tilled by 
renters or tenants. In 1883, they erected on the farm of the latter a hand- 
some residence, costing $1,700, and in which they will henceforth abide. 
They are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and highly- 
esteemed as ladies of keen business tact, good judgment and character. 

GEORGE L HOKE is a native of Crawford County, Ohio, born Sep- 
tember 20, 1853; son of William and Henrietta (Smith) Hoke, natives of 
Germany, who came to America in 1834, settling in Crawford County, 
Ohio, where he established a cabinet shop, and did an extensive business; 
he was an expert in the art of inlaying bone, brass, ivory, etc., and brought 
with him from Germany an outfit of tools presented to him by his employer 
at the close of his apprenticeship for the mastery of his trade; he spent 
many years in Strasburg, his handiwork being among some of the finest in 
Europe; he died in 1873, aged fifty seven years. The mother died in 1863. 
George Hoke, the subject of this sketch, was given a common school educa- 
tion, and at sixteen began work in a sash and door factory, subsequently 
with J. Stoll & Co., entering the carriage shops of Seider &, Beidler, of 
Upper Sandusky, in whose employ he remained six years. In 1879, he 



916 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

formed a partnership with M. B. Myers in the manufacture of wagons, 
buggies, etc., at Fowler, where they are doing a flourishing business. Mr. 
Holie was married, March 12, 1874, to Mary Fought, daughter of Aaron 
Fought, and three children have been born to them — William F., Martha 
E. and Rolley. In politics, Mr. Hoke is a strong temperance Democrat; 
as a citizen he is highly esteemed. 

CHARLES HORNBY was born in Lancashire, England, August 5, 
1830, soj] of Joseph and Elizabeth (Cottam) Hornby, parents of eight chil 
dren, the father a butcher by trade. He began the tailor's trade as an 
apprentice at the age of eleven, serving nine years, and emigrated to the 
United States in 1856. He came directly to Little Sandusky, having a 
cash capital of 40 cents, and engaged as a farm laborer for S. M. Fowler, by 
whom he was employed seven years. In 1863, he rented a small shop in 
the burg, and gradually established his now thriving merchant tailoring 
business. His first bill of goods was purchased at a cost of $200; he now 
carries a stock of $3,000 in ready-made and piece goods, notions, etc. Mr. 
Hornby was married, July 18, 1856, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas 
Bradley, and four children were born to them — Alice (wife of Hiram 
Fowler), Delia (wife of Frank Stoneburner), Ernest and Maud. Mrs. 
Hornby died in 1869, aged thirty-three years, and Mr. H. was married 
April 12, 1871, to Mary Martin, daughter of C. S. Martin. (See sketch of 
B. W. Martin.) This latter marriage has resulted in the birth of four 
children, viz., Roy, Floy, Edward and a babe unchristened. Mr. and Mrs. 
Hornby are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the former being 
Steward of the same and Superintendent of the Sunday school, both well 
respected throughout their community. 

HENRY C. JURY is a native of this county, born in Antrim Township 
November 15, 1837. His parents were Abner and Priscilla (Winslow) Jury, 
natives of Virginia and New York respectively. They were married in this 
county in 1836, having come to Ohio with their parents a number of years 
before, settling in this county. They purchased a farm of 160 acres, and 
were the parents of seven children — Henry C. , John R. , Sarah J., Margaret, 
Samuel W., Olive and Cyrus (the latter deceased). The father died in 
1851, aged forty years; the mother is still living, a resident of this county, 
in her sixty-aixth year. After the death of his father, Mr. Jury assisted 
in maintaining the family till his twenty-sixth year. He farmed rented 
land one year; bought and sold stock one year, and in 1866 removed to 
Missouri, where he purchased 180 acres in Henry County, where he resided 
eleven years. In 1877, he returned to this county; resided one year at 
Nevada, dealing in stock, and then engaged in farming on the old home- 
stead, whei'e he remained till October, 1883. when he purchased his present 
hotel property and engaged in that business. Mr. Jury was married, August 
25, 1863, to Julia A. Roseberry, daughter of John and Amanda (Garrett) 
Roseberry, early settlers of Crawford County, and eight children have been 
born to them — Howard J., C. Edward, Clara A., Mary E., Olive J., Minnie G., 
John B. and Anna. Mr. Jury is a thorough Democrat, and a member of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Jury is a member of the Presby- 
terian Church, and both are highly respected as citizens. 

JOHNSTON KERR, deceased, born March 11, 1810, in Pennsylvania, 
is a son of James Kei'r, who came to Knox County, Ohio, with his family 
in 1812. Early in life our subject learned the blacksmith's trade, which he 
plied twelve years, his wife working in the shop with him, "blowing and 
striking." He married Miss Celinda Moore March 11, 1833, she being the 



PITT TOWNSHIP. 917 

daughter of John and Mary Moore, and by this marriage the children were 
Lorenzo, Caroline (wife of J. C. Lynch), Orville, Eli, Oregon and La 
Fayette; four others are deceased. He removed to Marion County, and 
entered 160 acres, on which he resided twenty years, dealing extensively in 
stock. In 1856, he sold his possessions in Marion County, and removed to 
this, purchasing 400 acres, and owning 900 at the time of his death. He 
still engaged in stock-dealing, and at his death left an estate of $85,000 to 
$90,000. He died August 20, 1873. His widow still resides in Little San- 
dusky. She was born June 14, 1813. 

MICHAEL KOTTERMAN was born in Northumberland County, Penn., 
July 5, 1807 ; his parents were Michael and Catharine (Hettrick) Kotter- 
man, natives of same State, and of German descent. His father spent six 
months in the war of 1812. Our subject attended school nine months, 
farmed till his twentieth year, and then learned the blacksmith's trade, 
which he engaged in twenty-one years. In 1848, he purchased his present 
home, first consisting of 80 acres, now 187, valued at $75 per acre. He 
was married, April 30, 1831, to Miss Sarah King, daughter of Peter and 
Mary (Witmore) King, natives of Germany and Pennsylvania respectively, 
and early settlers of Perry County, Ohio, coming to that locality about 
1810, and rearing a family of fourteen children. Mr. and Mrs. Kotterman 
are parents of nine children — Caroline, wife of Edward Montee ; Susan S., 
wife of James S. Sankey ; Solomon, Noah, David, and Ellen, wife of Levi 
Swinehart. The deceased are Mary, an infant, and Levi, killed in the bat- 
tle of Bull Run, second. They began life with meager means, but have 
amassed a fortune of $15,000. Mr. Kotterman is a Democrat ; both himself 
and wife members of the United Brethren Church at Little Sandusky. 

SOLOMON KOTTERMAN, son of Michael and Saloma (King) Kotterman, 
was born in Perry County, Ohio, February 22, 1839. The early part of his life 
was passed at home, and in work for his immediate neighbors. He was 
married, September 28, 1862, to Miss Matilda Foucht, daughter of Christian 
and Elizabeth (Weimer) Foucht, and six children were born to them — 
Leefee B., May 14, 1864; Adella C, November 9, 1866; Elizabeth E.. 
May 13, 1871 ; Charles A., June 30, 1874; Nevin T., March 16, 1880, and 
H. Franklin, born January 18, 1881, died March 5, 1881. Mr. Kotterman 
purchased his present farm of 107 acres, paying $45 per acre. He erected 
his comfortable residence at a cost of $1,500 in 1880, and now values his farm 
at $80 per acre. Politically, Mr. Kotterman is a Democrat; he is serving his 
fourth year as Trustee ; was two years Constable, twice elected Assessor, is 
a member of the Board of Agriculture, and, with his wife, of the German 
Reformed Church, of which he has been a Deacon for the past sixteen vears. 

GEORGE KRAMER, son of John and Elizabeth (Orsendorf) Ki'amer, 
is a native of Pennsylvania, born March 3, 1820. His parents were of 
German descent. His father was drafted (did not serve) in the war of 1812. 
Their children living are John, Samuel and George ; the deceased are Hen- 
ry, Michael, Elizabeth, Catharine and Jacob. The father died in his sev- 
enty-eighth, the mother in her seventieth year. At seventeen, our subject 
began to learn the carpenter's trade, which he followed thirty years. He 
came to Ohio and located in Wayne County in 1842, to Ashland County in 
1846, and to this county in 1852. He first purchased 80 acres, but has 
added to this till he now owns 155. He has cleared 120 acres and made 
many other improvements, erecting a comfortable residence, at a cost of 
$1,200, in 1869-70. Mr. Kramer was married in 1844 to Miss Anna C. 
Thorn, daughter of Frederick Thorn. They had eight children — John H., 

42 



918 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

William T., George D. , Samuel D., Margaret, Elizabeth, Sarah A. and 
Lodema. Mrs. Kramer was born February 5, 1821. In politics. Mr. Kra- 
mer is a Democrat ; both himself and wife are members of the German 
Reformed Church, of which he was botli Deacon and Elder many years. 

SUMNEE E. LEWIS, born in this township December 19, 1856, is a 
son of Stanton J. and Wealtha M. (Stanton) Lewis. (See sketch.) He 
assisted about his father's farm and attended the district school, closing his 
studies in the high school of Upper Sandusky at the age of twenty. He 
was married in 1877, to Miss Sylvia Boyer, daughter of Jacob and 
Mary A. (Miller) Boyer, her father dying when she was but one year of age. 
They have two children — Ora S., born January 13, 1878, and Stanton J., 
May 18, 1880. Mrs. Lewis was born October 13, 1860. Mr. Lewis inher- 
ited 120 acres from his father's estate, and this he has improved in various 
ways. He built a neat cottage in 1878, and a fine barn in 1883. He is a 
Republican in politics, and well respected socially. 

MILES S. LEWIS was born in this township January 3, 1849. He is 
a son of Stanton J. and Wealtha M. (Stanton) Lewis, natives of New York, 
and of English descent. His father was employed in a carding mill in 
Genesee County, N. Y., before marriage, which occurred in 1844, migrating 
to Ohio the same year. He settled in Marion County, where he engaged in 
farming and school teaching. In 1847, he entered 160 acres, where his 
widow now resides. Their children were Miles S. and S. Everett, living, and 
Minerva C. , Julia C. and William S. Mr. Lewis was highly respected, 
serving as Clei'k and Trustee of his township several years. He died Jan- 
uary 12, 1880, aged sixty-three years ; his widow still survives, she was 
born April 19, 1818. Miles Lewis, the subject of this sketch, received a 
good education in the common branches, taught one term, and tilled the 
"home farm" till his father's decease, when he inherited and purchased 
160 acres, which he has well stocked and improved. He was married, June 
22, 1871, to Miss Kate Stoneburner, daughter of Noah and Magdalena 
(Hite) Stoneburner, and two children have been born to them — Clara M., 
born June 22, 1872, and Princess M., October 7, 1875. Mrs. Lewis was 
born February 14, 1855. Politically, Mr. Lewis is a Republican ; himself 
and wife are highly esteemed in their community. 

GODFRED LININGER was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, August 
22, 1843, son of John and Mary (Struan) Lininger, who emigrated from 
Germany about 1814, locating in Upper Sandusky. The father died 
December 11, 1871; the mother still survives. Godfred resided with his 
pai'ents for twenty-five years, farming and operating a threshing machine. 
His first wife, Addie, died August 1, 1879, leaving five children — Frank W., 
born May 23, 1869; Mary M., born April 9, 1873: Harry D., March 1, 
1876; Carrie V., October 29, 1878; Elnora M. is deceased. Mr. Lininger 
was again married, February 19, 1880, to Arinda C. Eakin, born March 29, 
1856, daughter of James and Mary E. (Weatherby) Eakin, three children 
resulting— Thomas B., born December 2, 1880; Bertha E., March 31, 1882, 
and Godfred, July 26, 1883. Mr. Lininger rented his father's farm one 
year, then purchased forty acres of the James farm, where he resided two 
years, and purchased his present farm of forty acres in 1874. He has made 
many improvements, building a fine bank barn in 1883. He is a Democrat 
in politics, and himself and wife both church members. 

B. W. MARTIN was born in Little Sandusky, Ohio, December 25, 
1848. He is a son of Caleb S. and Elizabeth (Coons) Martin, natives of 
Maryland and New York respectively. They came to this locality in 1835, 



PITT TOWNSHIP. 919 

the father, a shoe-maker by trade, still a resident of the above village. 
Their children were Burke W., Mary P., Alice L. , Charles R. and Minerva, 
the two latter deceased. The mother is also still livinj:^. B. W., the sub- 
ject of this sketch, was engaged in daily and monthly labor and in clerking 
till twenty-one years of age, obtaining a fair education in the meantime. 
He then purchased the grocery stock of J. F. Myers, and has since engaged 
in mercantile business, first independently, then with William Montee, next 
with J. L. Lewis, the present firm of Martin & Whittker being established 
in 1874. They do a thriving business, dealing in all kinds of country prod- 
uce. Mr. Martin was married, October 4, 1871, to Miss Ivy E. Hughes, 
daughter of Barnet and Catharine E. Hughes. They have four children — 
Luella M., Alice B. , Charles S. and Sidney W. Besides their stock in store, 
the firm also owns 150 acres of land in good repair, valued at $65 per acre. 
In politics, Mr. Marti d is a Democrat. 

JOHN MAWER is a native of Lincolnshire, England, born February 
2, 1833, son of Thompson and Mary (Boxter) Mawer. He obtained a 
limited education; began " working out" at the age of ten at 6 cents per 
day: began life for himself at the age of fifteen at $1 per month, and 
sailed for America in 1861. He located in Marion County, worked the first 
year by the month, afterward reiiting, and still later buying forty acres 
(1863) for $250. He bought and sold several different farms, purchasing 
his present homestead of 146 acres in 1878. Mr. Mawer was married, July 
31, 1863, to Agnes A. Lane, widow of James Lane, by whom she had two 
children — Betsey T. and L. Jane, the latter deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Mawer 
have three children — Francis O., born May 7, 1864; Sherman D., August 
17, 1865, and MarcellusG., October 10, 1870. Mr. Mawer is a Republican, 
himself and wife being members of the church. 

THOMAS McCLAIN, son of David and Martha (Swan) McClain, was 
born in Greene County, Penn. , February 29, 1816. His parents were of 
Scotch ancestry, his great-grandfather coming from Scotland. His grand- 
father, Abijah McClain, was a Revolutionary soldier and his father a soldier 
of the war of 1812, helping to build the fort at Upper Sandusky, and wit- 
nessing the treaty of peace with the Wyandots. His father migrated to 
Ohio in 1835, and settled at Bowsherville, buying 400 acres of land with 
Barnet Hughes. He was the father of thirteen children — three by his first 
wife, Martha Swan, and ten by his second, Rebecca West. He died in 1852; 
his first wife's death occurred in 1820. Thomas McClain obtained a limited 
education in subscription schools, and worked upon the farm of his father, 
coming to this county with the family. He was married, January 26, 1837, 
to Rosanna Bowsher, daughter of Anthony Bowsher, from whom the village 
was named. She died in 1852, ag6d thirty-two years, leaving eight chil- 
dren — David, Leefee, Susan and Thomas (all deceased), Martha, Anthony, 
Samuel, Zelinda and Ann. In 1853, Mr. McClain was married to Miss 
Mary Kipfer, daughter of John and Elizabeth Kipfer, three children result- 
ing from this union — Rozilla (wife of Henry Swisher), James and Charles. 
He purchased his first land, 134 acres, at the Government sales, and this 
number he has increased to 432 acres, 248 in Mifflin Township, all well 
stocked and improved. In 1872, he erected a fine brick residence. In pol- 
itics, Mr. McClain is Independent; he has served as Trustee of the town- 
ship, and was elected Commissioner of the county three successive terms, 
always by large majorities. 

CLAY MILLER was born in Pitt Township February 20, 1846. His 
parents were William and Sophia (Karr) Miller, natives of Kentucky and 



920 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Ohio respectively, and of German and Scotch-Irish descent. His maternal 
great-grandfather was a Revolutionary soldier. AVilliam Miller came to 
Ohio in 1833, locating lirst in Marion County, but later leasing land of the 
Indians and purchasing at the Government land sales 720 acres, to which 
he added till at his death he owned 1,000 acres. He was an extensive 
stock-dealer, and served as Justice of the Peace about twenty years. His 
nine children were Gilford D., Rebecca, America, Jordan, Elizabeth, George, 
Charles, Ellen and Clay. George is deceased. The first four children 
were borne by Mr. Miller's first wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth 
Gordon. The father died in 1864, aged sixty- six, the mother, February 18, 
1881, aged seventy-three. Clay Miller, the subject of this sketch, was edu- 
cated in the district schools, worked upon the farm and at eighteen enlisted 
in Company H, One Hundred and Forty- fourth Regiment Ohio National 
Guard, participating in one skirmish, and retiring at the close of his " 100- 
day " service. At his father's death he inherited 100 acres, now owning 
490, one of the best farms in the township. He makes a specialty of sheep- 
raising, now owning 1,200 head. His residence was consumed by fire April 
14,1883, and he is now erecting a fine new dwellimg with all the modern 
improvements. Mr. Miller was married, October 27, 1870, to Miss Mary 
Kerr, daughter of James and Jane (Ellis) Kerr, and four children have 
been born to them — William Mc, born August 28, 1871; Maggie, March 
30, 1873; James D., January 10, 1876; Harry C, February 24, 1883. Mr. 
Miller is a Republican and at present Trustee. Mrs. Miller was eight years 
a teacher in the public schools. 

WILLIAM MOUSER is a native of Pickaway County, Ohio, born March 
3, 1808. His parents, James and Polly (Potts) Mouser, were natives of Vir- 
ginia and of German and Irish descent. Hispatei-nal grandfather, a soldier 
of the French and Indian war, was captured by the savages and condemned 
to be burned at the stake, but a heavy rain occurring on the night before his 
execution loosened the thongs by which he was bound, and he escaped to the 
fort, which, after falling into a pool of water and being shot at several times 
by the guards, who mistook him for a spy, he succeeded in entering. Mr. 
Moiiser's maternal grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. His 
parents came to Ohio in an early day and reared a family of twelve children. 
William is the fourth son and was educated in the common schools, residing 
with his parents till his marriage, which occurred January 2, 1834; his 
marriage to Elizabeth S. Anderson was blest with six childi-en. She died 
June 30, 1869, leaving three sons — Decatur, Mason and David, the three 
daughters having died young. He was married March 17, 1872, to Miss 
Henrietta Webb, born October 6, 1832, daughter of Elisha and Mary (Faulk- 
ner) Webb. Their only offspring — George W., was born March 1, 1875. 
Mr. Mouser rented land about eight years, purchasing his present farm in 
1847, being compelled to clear the timber from the site on which to erect 
his cabin. He has always been a hard worker and an enterprising citizen. 
He is a Democrat and has served as Trustee of his township about seven 
years. 

DAVID D. MOUSER, son of William and Elizabeth S. (Anderson) 
Mouser, was born in Pitt Township July 18, 1852. He was educated 
in the common schools and has always resided on the old homestead. 
He was married, June 2, 1879, to JMiss Sarah Evens, a native of Pennsyl- 
vania, and two children have blessed their union — Paul, born July 5, 1880, 
and Myna, born August 8, 1882. Mrs. Mouser was born Aiigust 16, 1862. 
Mr. Mouser is an industrious and enterprising farmer, giving most of his 



PITT TOWNSHIP. 921 

attention to the cultivation of cereals of various kinds; he has kept a minute 
account of his daily proceedings for the past sixteen years, now writing his 
fifth volume. In politics, Mr. Mouser is a Democrat. He is a member of 
Old-School Baptist Church at " Rocky Fork," having united with that sect 
in 1875. 

M. BAKER MYERS, of the firm of Hoke & Myers, was born at the In- 
dian mills near Upper Sandusky, November 2, 1855. He is a son of George 
and Elizabeth Myers, who came from Cumberland County, Penn., in 1848, 
and purchased the old mill referred to. Mr. Myers obtained a fair educa- 
tion in the union schools at Upper Sandusky, abandoning his studies at the 
age of sixteen, and entering the shops of Seider & Beidler, where he en- 
gaged in the blacksmith's trade, and worked about seven years for that firm. 
In 1879, he formed a partnership with G. I. Hoke, in blacksmithing and 
wagon manufacturing at Fowler, where they have built up an extensive and 
lucrative business, having as large a trade as any establishment of the size 
in the county. Mr. Myers is a strong advocate of temperance, and is an 
industrious and enterprising young man of good character. 

CHRISTIAN NIEDERHAUSER is a native of Switzerland, born in 
Canton Berne, January 8, 1822; his parents, David and Elizabeth (Eausey) 
Niederhauser, were natives of the same country, and emigrated in 1832, 
settling in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, rearing a family of nine chil- 
dren, two living — David and Christian; John, Frederick, Samuel, Eliz- 
abeth, Ann and two infants are deceased. Our siibject obtained the 
rudiments of an education, and September 2, 1847, married Miss 
Elizabeth Knaus, daughter of Thomas and Susanna (Richman) Knaus. 
born May 29, 1820; her parents were natives of Pennsylvania and 
Maryland respectively. Mr. N.'s grandfather served in the Revolutionary 
war. Mr. and Mrs. N. have but three children living — Elizabeth (wife of 
John Brant), John and Susan. The deceased are David, Edward, Benja- 
min F. and two infants. Mr. Niederhauser purchased his present farm in 
1846, then 83 acres, now 123, much of which was forest land cleared by 
himself and wife. He erected a "bank" barn costing $700 in 1868, a 
brick house costing $1,000 in 1870, and a fine windmill in 1883. Mrs. N. 
received a stroke of paralysis in 1874, and has since been an invalid, hav- 
ing lost the entire use of her limbs. Mr. N. is a Democrat in politics, and 
both are members of the Reformed Church. 

JOHN NIEDERHAUSER, son of the above, was born December 3, 1852; 
he made his home with his parents till his marriage to Miss Rosanna E. Sig- 
ler, January 27, 1876. Her parents are William and Rosanna (Mitchel) 
Sigler, natives of Pennsylvania and residents of Eden Township. Mr. 
and Mrs. Niederhauser are parents of four children — Nevon O. , born July 
6, 1878; Emma B., March 20, 1881; Christian E., August 26, 1883, and an 
infant deceased. Mrs. N. was born July 6, 1849. Since his marriage, IVIr. 
N. has tilled his father's farm. He purchased sixty-six acres near this in 
1882, and dui-ing the past five years has operated a Huber thresher. He is 
a Democrat, and both he and his wife are members of the German Reformed 
Church. 

ISAAC NUTTER, son of Christopher and Elizabeth (Mclntire) Nutter, 
was born in Harrison County, Va., May 1, 1826. His parents were natives 
of Virginia, and lived and died in the "Old Dominion." His father was 
a soldier in the war of 1812, and reared a family of fifteen children, our 
subject being the youngest. Not having the advantages of free schools, his 
education is limited. He came to Ohio in 1853, and located in this county. 



922 HISTORY OF AVYANDOT COUNTY. 

October 29, 1862, he enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Twenty- 
third Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, but was engaged only at Win- 
chester, being wounded before having an opportunity to tire bis gun. Being 
wounded in the arm, amputation of the member was necessary, as a result 
of which he receives a pension of $30 per month. Mr. Nutter was married, 
December 11, 1848, to Margaret E., daughter of Isaac and Edith (Sivel) 
Duff, natives of Virginia, and of Irish descent. Eight children have been 
born to this union — John A., Edith (wife of Cornelius Brewer), William, 
Almedia (wife of John Miller), Laura B. (wife of Samuel Smith, deceased), 
Margaret (wife of Samuel Miller) and Isaac N. , the two latter deceased. 
The mother was born November 28, 1829. Mr. Nutter purchased his little 
farm in 1865. He is a strong Republican. 

WILLIAM PARKER, son of Thomas and Eliza (Smith) Parker, was 
born in Lincolnshire, England, May 22, 1839. He worked several years in 
his native country at 8 cents to 16 cents per day, and emigrated to America 
in 1857; he made his home with his uncle, Mr. Plum, and did daily labor 
two years, when he began farming for himself; he was married December 
17, 1861, to Elizabeth, daughter of Christopher Wise. They had three . 
children, two living — AVilliam H. and John E. ; Mary E. is deceased. Mrs, 
Parker died April 27, 1866, aged twenty-six years, and Mr. Parker was mar- 
ried October 8, 1868, to Miss Eliza Marsh, daughter of Mahlon Marsh. 
In 1870, he purchased a farm of forty acres, valued at $80 per acre, and in 
1876 added twelve acres near Fowler, erecting a fine residence, costing 
$2,000, in 1878. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church, he being a Republican in politics. 

WALTER R. ROWSE was born in Bucyrus, Ohio, July 29, 1852, to 
Quincy A. and Rebecca E. (Sweney) Rpwse, natives of Ohio, and of German 
lineage. His grandfather Rowse was an early settler of Ci'awford County, 
helping to lay out the town of Bucyrus, serving as Justice of the Peace 
many years, and also as Clerk of court. The children of the family are 
Walter R., Lincoln R., Lucy T., Robert, Henry, Silas, William H. , Edwin 
R. and Clarence, the four latter deceased. The mother died in 1860; the 
father was married three times and died February 19, 1878. His father's 
aunt carried a musket in the war of 1812, dressed in male attire, acting as 
a spy. Walter Rowse was educated in the public schools of Bucyrus, re- 
moving to the farm with his parents in 1869. He was married, January 4, 
1876, to Miss Cornelia Straw, born December 5, 1859, daughter of David 
and Rebecca (Williams) Straw. The children from this marriage are 
Quincy A., born October 1, 1876; Frank N., August 4, 1878; Arthur C, 
December 17, 1880; Racy M., September 18, 1882. Mrs. Rowse inherited 
363 acres from her father's estate, and the same is well stocked and im- 
proved. Mx\ and Mrs. Rowse are located in a pleasant home and highly 
esteemed as citizens. 

JOHN T. SCHUG, born in Prussia September 20, 1826, is a son of 
Nicholas and Catharine (Ranch) Schug. Being too low in stature to be- 
come a member of the German Army, he came to America in 1849, and in 
1858 came to Little Sandusky, residing with his mother-in-law two years, 
farming and smithing. Prior to this, he was engaged several yeai's travel- 
ing and repairing all kinds of machinery, and in the spring of 1851 opened 
a blacksmith shop at Canal Dover, where he conducted a successful business 
seven years. In 1860, Mr. Schug moved to the village of Little Sandusky, 
and where he has built up a good trade. He was married in the autumn of 
1851 to Barbara Manerer, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Manerer, na- 



PITT TOWNSHIP. 923 

tives of Switzerland, this union being followed by six children, of whom 
but one, Frederick J., is now living. Mrs. Schug died August 27, 1879, 
and Mr. S. was married, October 14, 1880, to Mrs. Sarah J. Bower, daughter 
of John and Susan Swartz. Her children by her lirst husband were Mary, 
wife of Charles Fichter; Susan and David H. Mr. Schug is doing a good 
business, havias: the leading shop in town, in connection with which his 
step- son, David Bower, conducts a wagon shop. In politics, Mr. Schug is 
a Democrat; he is a member of the German Reformed, and his wife of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 

COL. CYRUS SEARS is a native of Delhi Township, Delaware Co., 
N. Y. , born March 10, 1832. His parents were Elkanah and Desiar 
(Phelps) Sears, whose history is elsewhere detailed. (See sketch of J. D. 
Sears). Cyrus Sears, the subject of this sketch, removed with his parents 
to a farm near Bucyrus, Crawford Co., Ohio, in 1836, where he resided 
till about 1852, attending the district schools during winters in the mean- 
time. He afterward attended the Union Schools of Bucyrus one year; 
taught one term; took a course in book-keeping, and while waiting for a 
business opening, learned the art of telegraphy. He was employed one 
year by T. Stout & Co., of Upper Sandusky, as book-keeper, and in the 
spring of 1855 began the study of law with his brother J. D. Sears at 
Upper Sandusky, subsequently entering the Cincinnati Law School, where 
he graduated at the close of the first term, but attended a second course of 
lectures as a more thorough preparation for his work. After spending 
about one year in the employ of Messrs. Ferguson & Long, he located in 
Bucyrus one year and then formed a partnership with his brother, J. D. 
Sears, with whom he remained till 1861. Mr. Sears then removed to Cin- 
cinnati and engaged in the practice of his profession, but soon joined the 
Burnet Rifle Company, of which ex- President Hayes was first Captain, and 
ex-Gov. Noyes and many other since distinguished men were privates. In 
July, 1861, Mr. Sears began recruiting the Eleventh Ohio Independent 
Battery, and August 12, of the same year, was mustered into it as private, 
serving till March 22, 1866. He was commissioned First Lieutenant of 
said Battery October 12, 1861, and for gallant and meritorious conduct, was 
promoted to Lieutenant Colonel of the Eleventh Regiment Louisiana Vol- 
unteers, soon after known as the Forty-ninth Regiment United States 
Colored Infantry. Owing to the absence or disability of the Colonel, Mr. 
Sears was in command of this regiment during twenty- seven of the thirty- 
five months of its service, and as evidence of his efficiency Gen. Rosecrans 
indorsed, in his own hand, the order of his brigade commander, sending 
him home on recruiting service after the battle of luka, and recommended 
that he should be permitted to go, on account of gallant conduct. This 
order was also indorsed favorably by Gen. U. S. Grant, who, also, in his 
own hand, recommended him for promotion for gallant conduct. His pi'o- 
motion was also recommended and his general good conduct commended by 
several more of the most prominent officers in the service by letters and 
orders, which he now has in his possession, but which are too numerous 
and extended for insertion in this sketch. That portion of Gen. Rose- 
crans' order referring to the action of the Eleventh Ohio Battery, under 
Col. Sears, in the above battle is as follows: " The Eleventh Ohio Battery 
under Lieut. Sears was served with unequal ed bravery under circumstances 
of danger and exposure such as rarely, perhaps never, have fallen to the lot 
of a single batteiy during the war." Col. Sears was severely wounded in 
this battle by a musket ball. On May 27, 1865, he was married to Sarah 



924 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

A. Harpster, daughter of David and Rachel (Hall) Harpster. (See sketch.) 
He took his bride to Vicksburg, Miss., from whence he was soon placed in 
command of the District of Yazoo City, where they spent the summer of 1865. 
At the close of the war, our subject returned to Upper Sandusky and resumed 
his legal profession, in the course of which he made the argument credited 
to J. D- and C Sears, in the case of Shaffer vs. McKee in the 19th Ohio 
State Report, which argument received the compliment of the court (see 
report), and attests the ability of its author. During the summer and fall 
of 1867, he was engaged in reporting the proceedings of the Louisiana 
Senate at New Orleans, and while there, reported the celebrated Pinchback 
speech so extensively circulated. By rigid economy , Mr. Sears was enabled 
to save about $6,000 of his military wages, and this with $1,000 more, was 
totally lost in an attempt to raise a crop of cotton near Vicksburg im- 
mediately after the close of the war. Hoping to more speedily retrieve his 
broken fortune, he abandoned the legal profession and purchased a half- 
interest in the machine works of Upper Sandusky, where for several years 
a profitable business was conducted under the hrm name of Stevenson & 
Sears. This firm being dissolved, he established himself in the mercantile 
business in the new village of Fowler in 1876, where he is still engaged 
and where he has erected one of the finest homes in the county. He has 
four children — Horace H. , aged seventeen; Iva R. , fourteen; Fanny E., 
eleven, and Laura J. , the latter but ten months old. During his attendance 
at the law school, Mr. Sears boarded himself as a necessary economic 
measure, living so plainly as to reduce his expenses to less than $1 per 
week, but notwithstanding this he was one of the most athletic in the school, 
being one of the few chosen from about 1,500 members of the Young Men's 
Gymnasium, to take part in their public exhibitions, and, at his present 
age, is a man of remarkable physical health, strength and activity, who bids 
fair to reach threescore and ten years in a good stage of preservation. 

DAVID SMITH (deceased), son of Daniel and Mary E. (Duddleson) 
Smith, was born in this county March 9, 1829. His parents were of En- 
glish parentage, natives of New York. He obtained a fair education, and 
October 13, 1851, was united in marriage with Miss Rebecca Blackburn, 
daughter of William and Mary (Blackburn) Blackburn, natives of West- 
moreland County, Penn. She was born June 19, 1829. Her parents came 
to this county in 1836, and purchased land in Tyraochtee Township. Their 
ten children are all living, viz., Sarah A., Thomas, Ruth, Rebecca, Moses, 
John, Ellen, Isaac, Page and Elizabeth. The father died April 14, 1854; 
the mother is still living, in her eighty-fourth year, residing with her 
daughter Rebecca. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith — 
Zachariah, Mary E., Augustus and William, the latter deceased. Mr. Smith 
inherited the farm where Mrs. Smith now resides, and made most of the 
improvements thereon. He died August 24, 1861 (killed by a log rolling 
iTpon him), leaving his widow with three children, which she has carefully 
reared. She has a life lease of the estate, 280 acres, her son Augustus 
and daughter Mary residing with her. 

ZACHARIAH T. SMITH, son of David and Rebecca (Blackburn) 
Smith, was born in this county September 10, 1851. His father dying 
while his son was yet young, the latter obtained but a limited education. 
He tilled the farm under the direction of his mother till he was twenty-one 
years of age, at which time he inherited about ninety-five acres, which he 
has since since cultivated, living at the old home. He makes a specialty 
of Poland-China hogs. Merino sheep and Plymouth Rock chickens. He 



PITT TOWNSHIP. 925 

was married, October 5, 1875, to Miss Sarah E. McLain, daughter of Abra- 
ham and Catharine A. (Berlein) McLain, and two children have been born 
to them — Jennette, August ] 1, 1876, and Paul, born November 8, 1880. 
Mrs. Smith was born October 30, 1857. Mr. Smith is a Republican, and has 
served as Justice for the past six years. He is Master of the County Grange 
(of which Mrs Smith is also a member) and Statistician of this county for 
the Agricultural Department at Washington, D. C. He is an enterprising 
young farmer and a good citizen. 

JOHN H. SMITH, born in Richland County, Ohio, November 13, 1817, 
is a son of John H. and Elizabeth (Kiefer) Smith, natives of Maryland, and 
of German descent. His parents were married in Harrison County, and 
moved directly to Richland about 1815, entering 160 acres. Their children 
were John H. , Henry, Elizabeth, Solomon, Margaret, Maria, Sarah and Ja- 
cob. The family removed in 1865 to Wood County, where the father died 
in 1875, aged eighty-six years; the mother in 1866, aged seventy-four. Mr. 
Smith rented land several years, coming in 1849 to this county, where he 
purchased his present farm in 1851. This farm contains 160 acres, all 
well- improved, provided with a good residence erected in 1859, at a cost of 
$1,000. He also owns ninety-one acres in Wood County. He was married, 
April 22, 1841, to Miss Sarah Wirick, daughter of Henry and Catharine 
(Spade) Wirick, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German ancestry. Her 
parents settled in Richland County in 1821. Her father died January 7, 
1879, aged ninety years; he was a soldier in the war of 1812, fighting in 
the battle of Fort McHenry. Her mother died January 9, 1878, aged sev- 
enty-seven. Mr. and Mrs. Smith had five children — Mary E. (wife of Will- 
iam B. Wolsey), Franklin H., Lodemie (wife of S. P. Balliet), Samantha 
(wife of Samuel Suder, deceased), Almarine A. (wife of Samuel Bowman). 
Mrs. Smith was born March 18, 1822. In politics, Mr. Smith is a Demo- 
crat, voting first for Van Buren. 

JOHN W. SNYDER, born December 17, 1837, is a native of Richland 
County, Ohio. His parents were Vatchel and Mary A. (Hull) Snyder, 
natives of Pennsylvania, and of Irish and German nativity. His great- 
grandfather came from Ireland, and was a soldier in the Revolution. His 
parents came to Ohio when his father was but a lad of ten or twelve years. 
They settled in Mansfield, and reared a family of five children— Nancy, 
Drusilla, Mary A., John W. and Rebecca M. The father died, aged 
seventy-five years; the mother passed away in 1869. Mr. John Sny- 
der, our subject, remained at home with his parents till twenty-four years 
of age, farming and learning the carpenter's trade. His marriage to Eliza 
A. Snyder occurred April 24, 1862, she being a daughter of Jacob and 
Catharine (Willhelem) Snyder, natives of Pennsylvania. The children by 
this marriage are Mary E., born June 4, 1863; John W., Jr., September 20, 
1864; Edward V., March 1, 1866; Jonas V., April 25, 1867; Ida M.. Octo- 
bor 20, 1868; William H., November 19, 1882. Mrs. Snyder was born 
February 3, 1844. After marriage, Mr. Snyder worked at his trade a few 
years; engaged in saw milling four years: farmed rented land afterward 
till purchasing his present farm in 1875. During the past six years he has 
paid some attention to grapes and other small fruits, doing a very profitable 
business. In politics, Mr. Snyder is a Democrat. 

HIRAM STALTER was born in Frederick County, Md., December 6, 
1808. He is a son of Henry and Rachel (Moler) Stalter, the former born at 
sea, the latter in Maryland. His father was a soldier of the Revolution. 
In 1818, his parents came to Perry County, where they spent the remainder 



926 HISTORY OF AVYANDOT COUNTY. 

of their days. Of their fourteen children, but three are living — William, 
Julia A. and Hiram. The father died in 1840, aged sixty-four years; the 
mother in 1S60, aged eighty-three years. Hiram Stalter, our subject, re- 
ceived but a limited education, and at sixteen learned the carpenter's trade, 
whicli he pursued many years. He rented land a few years, purchased a 
saw mill about 1834. and, three years later, traded the mill for 200 acres in 
Allen Coianty. This farm he sold in 1845, and purchased 120 acres where 
he now resides, his entire farm consisting of 305 acres, valued at $65 per 
acre. Mr. Stalter was married, September 24, 1828, to Anna Teler, who 
died tifteen years later. Their children were David, John, Julia A., Malin- 
da, Mary M. ; Hiram and Lydia A. are deceased. Mr. Stalter married 
Louisa Dennison March 14, 1844, and she dying October 29, 1851, left one 
child living, Ann L., and three deceased — Victoria E., Emaline and Har- 
riet. January 1, 1852, Mr. Stalter was married to Miss Catharine Brant, 
daughter of Christina and Anna (Ellenberger) Brant, who emigrated from 
Switzerland in 1845. Three children were born of this union — Mary E., 
Hiram T. and William B. Their mother was born September 17, 1832. In 
politics, Mr. Stalter is a Democrat. Himself and wife are both members of 
the German Reformed Church. 

NOAH STONEBURNER was born in Fairtield County, Ohio, March 2, 
1823. He Is a son of John and Catharine (Bretz) Stoneburner, natives of 
Virginia and Pennsylvania respectively, and of German and French 
descent. His paternal grandfather was a soldier of the Revolution. His 
father came to Ohio at the age of eighteen, and was married in Fairlield 
County in 1822. Their children were Noah, Elizabeth and Levi, all living, 
and Christina, Mary A., Catharine, Samuel, John, Melinda and Ellen, de- 
ceased. The father died in 1860, aged sixty years; the mother is still a 
resident of this township, in her eighty -first year. Noah Stoneburner 
remained at home till twenty-three. He was married, February 20, 1848, 
to Magdalene Hite, daughter of David Hite. She died in 1859, having 
borne three children — E. Agatha (wife of J. M. Purky), Frank E., Catharine 
(wife of Miles Lewis). He was married, September 12, 1862, to Mrs. 
Mary A. Boyer (widow of Jacob Boyer), daughter of W. B. and Mary 
(Burns) Miller. She has five children, one Sylvia (now the wife of S. E. 
Lewis), by her first husband; the others are Miller, Charley A., Mary M. 
and Minnie E. Mrs. S. was born December 8, 1837. Mr. S. purchased his 
first farm of eighty acres in Antrim Township, later adding eighty acres 
more, all forest land, where he resided most of the time till 1867. He pur- 
chased his present farm of 174 acres in 1878; built his "bank" barn in 
1874; erected his large frame house in 1881, and is one of the substantial 
citizens of the township. In politics, Mr. Stoneburner is a Democrat. 

LEWIS STRAW is a native of Vermont, born May 16, 1817. He is a 
son of David and Mary (Cady) Straw, natives of Maine and Connecticut 
respectively, and of Welsh descent. His parents came to Ohio in 1831, 
and located near Bowsherville, where his father became the owner of 195 
acres of land; they had a family of nine children — Lewis, Elizabeth, Sam- 
uel C, Israel, David, Joel, Jason, Sally and Polly. The father died, aged 
eighty- two years; the mother, aged seventy-five. The children are all 
deceased but Lewis and Elizabeth. Lewis Sti-aw remained at home till 
twenty-one, and was then apprenticed as a cabinet-maker and painter. He 
began dealing in stock very early in life, and has conducted the business on 
a small scale ever since. He inherited and bought the old homestead of 
195 acres, to which he has added till he now owns 1,000 acres in this county 



PITT TOWNSHIP. 927 

and 150 acres in Indiana. He was married, in 1S47, to Caroline Moody 
(daughter of David Moody), her death occurring three years later, leaving 
one child, Dudley, also deceased. In 1851, he married Rebecca Miller, 
daughter of William Miller, and eight children were born to them — Caro- 
line, Eugene, Leander, Edith, Cannie and Kit. Lenora and Elmora 
(twins) are deceased. Mr. Straw began life with little help financially, and 
among the Indians; but by energy, industry and good management he has 
amassed a handsome fortune. He is a Republican, and has served as 
Trustee of his township near twenty years in succession. 

JEREMIAH J. SWIHART was born in Stark County November 28, 
1835. He is a son of Ezekiel and Rhoda (Miller) Swihart, natives of 
Pennsylvania and of German descent. They were married in Pennsylvania, 
and came to Ohio in 1835, settling near Canton, Stark County, Ohio, 
remaining there about two years, then moving to this county, near Carey, 
buying lOO acres of land, on which they resided till about 184:0, when they 
removed near Little Sandusky. They had two children — Jeremiah J. and 
Peter M. The father died in 1862, aged forty-nine years; the mother is 
still living, a resident of this township, in her seventy-sixth year. At the 
age of nineteen, Mr. Swihart was apprenticed to learn the blacksmith trade, 
which he has since engaged in. He located in Little Sandusky in 1856, 
and operated a threshing-machine and huller twenty-five seasons, having 
the first thresher in the township about 1848. He was married, April 19, 
1858, to Sophia Vroman, daughter of David and Sally Vroman, of this 
county, the latter still living. Their children were Randolph, David, 
Francis, Launa, Peter, Henry, Bessie, Hancock and Clistia. Mr. Swihart 
is a Democrat; has served four years as Constable and one year as Town- 
ship Clerk. 

PETER M. SWIHART was born near Carey, Ohio, February 20, 1840, 
son of Ezekiel and Rhoda (Miller) Swihart (see sketch of J. J. Swihart). 
He resided at the home of his parents till his marriage to Miss Winnie 
Fitzgerald, November 4, 1869. Her parents, Garret and Mary (Miniharr) 
Fitzgerald, were natives of Ireland, coming to America about 1849, and 
settling in Marion County, where the father died in 1855; his widow was 
afterward married to Dennis Hogan, and are now residents of this town- 
ship. Mrs. Swihart was born June 1, 1850. By her marriage to Mr. S., 
she has had seven children — Cyrus E., Mettie G., Emma C, IvieM., Nellie 
B., Miner R. and Millard Y. , an infant. Mr. Swihart resides on the old 
homestead, where his parents located in 1855. The farm contains ninety- 
two acres, and was once the camping ground of the Wyandot Indians. In 
politics, Mr. Swihart is a Democrat, and has served several years as Trustee 
of the township. 

JACOB SWINEHART was born in Perry County, Ohio, August 30, 
1814. He is a son of John and Christina Swinehart, natives of Virginia 
and of German ancestry. The latter's grandfather Kelly, a soldier in the 
Revolutionary war, and the former's father a soldier in the war of 1812. 
Jacob Swinehart remained, till he arrived at his majority, with his parents, 
and returned to assist his mother after the death of his father. He learned 
the carpenter's trade with his brother, and engaged in that business several 
years. He was married, August 30, 1838, to Mary A. Kelly, daughter of 
Joseph and Elizabeth (Longwell) Kelly, natives of Ohio and of Irish ex- 
traction, and nine children were born to this union — Mary A. (wife of 
Aaron Cooperridei'), Sarah (wife of J. A. Smith). Joseph P., Christina A. 
(wife of Peter Mustachler), Emma (wife of John Wiest), John H., Eliza- 



928 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

beth A., Eliza J. and Lydia E. Mrs. Swinehart was boro March 1, 1816. 
Mr. S. located on his present farm in 1848. He owns ninety acres, all in 
good state of cultivation. He erected a comfortable dwelling in 1875, since 
which time his health has been rapidly failing. He is a Democrat; himself 
and wife both members of the German Reformed Church. 

JOSEPH P. SWINEHART was born in this township January 13, 
1852. He is a son of Jacob and Mary A. (Kelly) Swinehart, with whom he 
remained upon the farm till his marriage, March 6, 1879, to Miss Margaret 
Heininger, daughter of John and Mary (Wilt) Heininger, residents of this 
township also. The children born to this union are Myrtie A., January 4, 
1881, and Joseph H., Januar}^ 21, 1883. Mrs. Swinehart was born January 
1, 1863. Since his marriage, Mr. Swinehart has been tilling his father's 
farm of ninety acres, with very gratifying success. He is a Democrat; him- 
self and wife members of the German Reformed Church, and very industrious 
and well-respected citizens. 

CHRISTIAN STURY was born in Canton Berne, Switzerland, January 
15, 1828. His parents wore John and Susanna (Ringgenberg) Stury, who 
both died in Switzerland. Their children were Susanna, John, Christian 
and Riadolph. Christian Stury emigrated in 1849, and located in this 
county in 1850. He was married, August 23, 1852, to Magdalene Kipfer, 
daughter of John and Elizabeth (Ellenberger) Kipfer, natives of Switzer- 
land, who came to America in 1833, locating in Holmes County till 1846, 
when they removed to this township. Both are now deceased. Mr. and 
Mrs. Stury have had eight children — Henry (deceased), Susanna (wife of 
William Lougwell), Rosanna (wife of David Barth), Frederick William 
(deceased), Magdalene, Emma C. and Charles. In 1864, Mr. Stury en- 
listed in Company C, Thirty-seventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, 
and fought in the battles at Goldsboro, Sylvania, Raleigh and in many 
skirmishes, receiving his discharge June 5, 1865. From 1864 to 1867, Mr. 
Stury rented land, purchasing his present farm at the latter date. It is 
well improved and in a high state of cultivation. Mr. Stury is a Democrat; 
both himself and wife members of the Reformed Church, of which he has 
been Trustee and Deacon. 

HENRY TROUP is a native of Perry County, Ohio, born January 31, 
1840. His parents, Samuel and Eye (Foucht) Troup, were natives of the 
same county, where they resided till 1840, when they removed to Sandusky 
County, residing there thirteen years, coming to Wayndot in 1853, and set- 
tling where our subject now resides, and where the mother died in 1861, 
aged about thirty-nine years. The father is now, in his sixty-eighth year, 
a resident of Allen County, Ohio. Their children were Henry, Samuel, 
Adam and Levi, living; and Emaline, Aaron, Jacob and Matilda, deceased. 
Henry, our subject, remained with his parents till his marriage to Drusilla 
Lawrence, November 20, 1859. She was a daughter of Jacob and Judah 
(Swinehart) Lawrence, natives of Perry County, and early settlers of this 
township. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Troup are Christian J., 
Almeda A., William W., Charles P., Samuel O. and Iva E. Franklin E. is 
deceased. During the first seventeen years of married life, Mr. Troup rent- 
ed land, purchasing his present farm of thirty-two acres in 1876. It is a 
pleasant home, in good repair, valued at $80 per acre. Both himself and 
wife are members of the Reformed Church, of which he was formerly Dea- 
con and now Trustee. 

JAMES WHITTAKER, a native of Great Britain, was born May 29, 
1831. His parents were James and Mary (Lancastei*) Whittaker, the 



PITT TOWNSHIP. 929 

former a machinist of considerable note, who was accidentally killed in a 
large cotton factory in which he was engaged. His father's death occurred 
when our subject was but three years old. His mother gave him a practical 
education, and at twelve he entei-ed the cotton factory, where he was en- 
gaged nine years. At twenty-one, he sailed for America, and subsequently 
learned the trade of carpenter, which he followed till 1874, when he formed 
a partnership with B. W. Mai-tin, of Little Sandusky, and has done a flour- 
ishing business in the dry goods and grocery trade. Mr. Whittaker was 
married, March 27, 1881, to Mrs. A. A. Barth, widow of Dr. Barth, of Mil- 
waukee, Wis., a noted physician of that place. Mr. Whittaker is a strong 
advocate of Prohibition principles. He is a member of the United Breth- 
ren Church, and a highly respected and useful citizen. 

CHRISTOPHER WIEST was born in Baden, Germany, March 26, 
1824, son of Christopher and Magdalene (Schrote) Wiest. He came with 
his parents in 1839, and located in Marion County till 1870, the cliildren of 
the family being Christopher, Philip, John, Christian, Caroline and Barbara. 
Christian, Samuel and the father are deceased, the latter dying in 1875, aged 
seventy-live years; the mother is still living. Our subject worked by the month 
a number of years, chiefly engaged in stage driving. In 1850, he purchased 
forty acres in Marion County, where he resided twenty years. In 1870, he 
pm'chased his present home of 202 acres, paying $8,900. He owned atone 
time 500 acres, but has given 300 acres to his children. He was married, 
May 29, 1850, to Mary Wilt, daughter of Henry and Mary Wilt, natives of 
Alsace, Germany, residents of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Wiest have been 
the parents of twelve children — Louise (wife of William Burbach), Barbara 
(wife of Samuel Burbach), John, Samuel, Lena (wife of Frank Montee), 
Caroline, Christina, Christopher, Jr., Margaret and Charles. Mr. Wiest is 
a Democrat; he served as Trustee in Richland Township, Marion County, 
two terms, and in Pitt three terms. Himself and wife are members of the 
Reformed Chui'ch, and prominent citizens of the township. 

BENJAMIN WILLIAMS was born in Ashford, Windom Co., Conn., 
September 17, 1819, and is the son of Raymond and Eunice (Eastman) 
Williams, natives of Connecticut, and of English and French parentage re- 
spectively—his father a lineal descendant of Roger Williams, of Puritan 
fame. His father was also a commissioned officer in the war of 1812; 
was married December 16, 1818; migrated to Ohio in 1838; pur- 
chased 160 acres at the land sales in this county in 1845, and in 
1852 removed to Lake County, Ind., where he died December 80, 
1876, aged eighty years. There were ten children of the family, six 
living — Benjamin, John, Esther, Oliver, Scott and George. The deceased 
are Lucinda, Fielder, Frank and Hiram. The mother died in 1845, aged 
forty-eight years. Benjamin Williams, onr subject, remained with his par- 
ents till twenty-three years of age: operated the Indian Saw Mill in this 
county in 1840-41 ; went East, and was married, June 1, 1843, to Miss 
Elizabeth Hitchcock, daughter of John and Mary (Hosner) Hitchcock; rent- 
ed land in Marion County from 1844 to 1847, purchasing his present home- 
stead in the latter year. He now owns 245 acres, highly cultivated. He 
is the father of seven children, five living— Mary, Ann, Volney, John and 
Frank. The deceased are Frank and William. Mr. Williams has been a 
hard worker, having cleared 100 acres of forest land. He served as Trustee 
two years; as Coroner of county four terms; as Director of Agricultural 
Society ten years, and Vice President four years; and as School Director 
twenty-nine out of thirty-two years. 



930 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

JOHN WOOD was born in Clark County, Ohio, December 7, 1818; his 
parents were Isaac and Sarah Wood, natives of New Jersey, removing to 
Ohio about 1815, settling in Clark County. They came to Marion County 
in 1821, entered 260 acres and at one time owned l.GOO. They were the 
parents of fourteen children, three girls. The mother died in 1818; the 
father in 18G1, aged sixty-six. John Wood resided with his father till 
twenty-two years of age; he then rented land three years and purchased 160 
acres east of Scott Town. He has since increased his possessions to 900 
acres, valued at |100 per acre. In 1877, he erected a fine brick residence 
at a cost of $4,000, one of the best houses in the township. Mr. Wood has 
always been a hard worker, often reaping, .binding and shocking forty 
dozen of wheat with a sickle, mowing two acres per day, with a scythe, and 
cradling 160 dozen of wheat, and helping to shock it in the same length of 
time; twenty tons of hay were pitched, and fifty shocks of corn were cut by 
him in two respective days. Mr. Wood is a " hopper from Hopperville," 
hopping in three successive hops forty-eight and one-half feet at the raising 
of the Union Church at Big Island in 1871. He was married, April 25, 
1853, to Catharine Marsh, daughter of Mahlon and Mary A. Marsh, early 
settlers of Clark County, Ohio; her father was a soldier in the war of 1812, 
and came to Marion County in 1825. Mr. and Mrs. Wood are the parents 
of five children, two living — Sarah and Effie; he was first a Whig and since 
a Republican, of the temperance persuasion; and has served as Trustee one 
term; both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
at Fowler, to the support of which he donates generously, and the church 
owes much to him for its present prosperity; he advocated the building of 
the C, H. V. & T. Railroad, and was one of the original stockholders. 

' REUBEN WOOD, deceased, was born in New Jersey October 15, 1817; 
he is a son of Isaac and Sarah (Moss) Wood. (See sketch of John Wood.) 
He resided with his father till he reached his majority, at which time he, 
with his brother, Hampton, purchased 156 acres in Big Island Township, 
where he resided till he purchased his present home in 1845; he was mar- 
ried. May 26, 1841, to Miss Diantha Bay, daughter of Thomas and Mary 
(Lapham) Bay, who settled in Marion County in 1826. They were the 
parents of nine children, three living — Diantha, Amos and Abbey; the de- 
ceased were Marcy D., Ruth, Matilda, Jane, Laura and Thomas S. The 
father died in 1858, aged forty-five years; the mother is still residing in 
Marion in her eighty-third year. Mr. and Mrs. Wood are the parents of 
ten children, three living — Isaac, John and Reuben. The deceased are 
Thomas, Ruth, Mary, Iva, Eudora and Cora (twins), and Rudolph D. Mr 
Wood died in 1861, aged forty-five, leaving an estate of $25,000; his widow 
still survives, and resides on the old homestead. She was born October 
18, 1823. 

JOHN WOOD, Jk., son of Reuben and Diantha (Bay) Wood, was born 
September 20, 1852; he attended the common schools of his native town- 
ship, and dwelt under the maternal roof till 1876, when he migrated to 
Utah, where he remained about fourteen months for the benefit of his 
health; returning home, he was married, November 20, 1878, to Miss Belle 
Kirk, of Lucas County, Ohio. She was a daughter of James and Lovina 
(Wood) Kirk, and was born July 28, 1858; her father, as a blacksmith, 
passed entirely through the late war, in which he contracted a disease of 
which he died January 1, 1866. He was the father of eight children, 
three living — John A., Ella L. and Belle. The deceased are Alfred, Lib- 
bie, Maria, James and an infant. The mother is still a resident of this 



PITT TOWNSHIP. 931 

county. Mr. and Mrs. Wood have two children — Leo A., born September 
3, 1S79, and Ross E., February 20, 1882. Mr. Wood inherited forty-five 
acres from his father's estate, and has since added forty-two acres by i:)ur- 
chase, all in good condition, valued at $75 per acre. In political senti- 
ments, Mr. Wood is a Republican. 

REUBEN S. WOOD, son of Reuben and Diantha (Bay) Wood, is a 
native of this township, born January 20, 1858. He obtained a good edu- 
cation, and remained at home till his marriage to Miss Leefee McLain, 
which event occurred April 8, 1879. Mrs. W'ood is a daughter of Abraham 
and Catharine (Berlein) McLain, and was born February 28, 1862. The 
children born of this marriage are Grace A., born October 22, 1879, and 
Walter S., January 6, 1882. At the age of twenty-one, Mr. Wood received 
as his portion of his father's estate forty-seven acres, to which he has added 
by subsequent purchases till he now owns 117 acres of choice land, well- 
improved and valued at $80 per acre. Mr. Wood is a Republican, and an 
industrious, enterprising young farmer. 

JACOB G. VVORLEY is a native of Somerset County, N. J., born No- 
vember 2, 1833. His parents were C. V. D. and Mary A. (Gulick) Worley, 
natives of New Jersey, his forefathers coming from Holland. His paternal 
great-grandfather was also a native of that country, and his maternal great- 
grandfather, Cornelius Van Dyke, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, 
one of Washington's body guards. He died aged ninety-one years. His 
grandmother's brother, Cornelius Van Dyke, Jr., was a soldier in the war 
of 1812. His parents came to Ohio in 1840, settling in Holmes County, 
removing to Wyandot in 1846, locating in Little Sandusky, where his 
father engaged in blacksmithing till 1865. Their children were Jane, Jacob 
G., Henry C, Martin N., Kate D., Sarah G. , Peter (killed in the late war), 
Samuel A. and John S. The father died July 13, 1877, aged sixty- eight 
years, having been a soldier in the late war, with four of his sons. The 
mother is still living, a resident of Fulton County, in her seventy -second 
year. Jacob G. Worley began teaching at the age of twenty-one,^which he 
continued at intervals ten years, later turning his entix-e attention to farming. 
He was married, May 10, 1863, to Cemantha V. Mount, daughter of Thomaa 
B. and Margaret (Thompson) Mount, natives of New Jersey, and of Ger- 
man parentage. Her parents came to this county about 1820, the father a. 
mason by trade. He died in his ninety-first year, and his wife in the fifty- 
seventh year of her age. Their four living children are Mary F., Thomp- 
son, Lydia D. and Mrs. Worley, the latter born September 10, 1840. The 
deceased are Joseph C. , George W. and Elizabeth W. Their parents both 
died in their ninety-first year. Mr. and Mrs. Worley are parents of three 
children— Mary G., born August 1], 1866; Lula A., April 18, 1868; and 
Margaret V. D., January 2, 1870. Mr. Worley came with his grandfather 
to this township in 1854, with whom he resided until the death of the lat- 
ter, April 26, 1876, and from whom he inherited eighty-foar acres of land. 
He purchased eighty acres in Henry County in 1873, and the same amount 
in this county in 1881. Himself, wife and daughter Mary are members of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he has been four years a Class- 
Leader. 



932 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 



CHAPTER IX. 
RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 

Origin OF the Name of the Township— Organization— Boundaries, Etc. 
— Early Settlers — First Things— Owners of Real and Personal Es- 
tate IN 1845— Schools and Churches— Miscellaneous— Officials since 
1865— Biographical Sketches. 

THIS township, as may be readily conjectured, derives its name, " Rich- 
land," from the general fecundity of its soil, a soil rich, not in the 
sense of abounding in material possessions, but in being bountifully pro- 
vided with those nutritive qualities that yield to the diligent and prudent 
tiller of the land a rich and generous return for his labors, and the name 
suggested was in this wise: On April 4, 1835, two pioneers, Conrad Wick- 
iser and Charles Smith, were out " logging " in the northwest quarter of 
Section 21, when the chain used in the work happened to break, and becom- 
ing entangled in a spice bush, tore it up by the roots, disclosing to their 
views a soil rich and promising. Thereupon the two men resolved that the 
newly created township should receive the name by which it has since been 
known. This occurred, as already stated, in 1835, nearly half a century 
ago, in which year the township was organized. 

Richland is bounded on the north, for three miles from east to west, by 
Ridge Township, and for the I'emaining two miles by Hancock County; on 
the east by Salem Township; on the south for four miles from east to west 
by Jackson Township, for the remaining mile by Hardin County; on the 
west by Hancock County. Having already spoken of the alimental proper- 
ties of the soil, it can be safely further said of Richland that it ranks among 
the foremost townships of Wyandot County as an agricultural section, and 
as a tield for stock-raising purposes it is not a whit behind. The township 
is studded with prosperous farms, well drained (for the drains or ditches 
here are most extensive, some of them spreading completely across the 
township), incumbered with but little timber, and inhabited by a wide- 
awake, thriving and contented people. 

natural features, etc. 
The streams in this township are not many, nor of any degree of magni- 
tude, and their rarity is not to be complained of as the soil is sufficiently 
saturated with moisture to be independent of any such outside sustentation. 
There are only two roads in Richland that run in a direction other than on 
the section or Congressional lines, or parallel with them. Of these two 
roads, one leaves the southern line of Section 15, about a quarter mile west 
of Whartonsburg, cuts off a corner of that section, and leads northwest 
through Sections 16 and 17, into Hancock County; the other, the Burling- 
ton & Mount Blanchard road, laid out in March, 1835, dashes through Sec- 
tion 32 from Hardin County into Hancock County. The highways leading 
from north to south are: One on Hancock Township line as far as Section 
11, where it unites with the road lirst mentioned; one intersecting Sections 



RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 933 

4, 9 and 16 as far as first mentioned road; another intersects Sections 3, 10 
and 15, terminating at Whartonsburg; a fourth enters tiie township between 
Sections 1 and 2, leading to a mile north of Jackson Township; and a fifth 
runs along the entire dividing line of Richland and Salem Townships. Of 
those leading from east to west, there is one along the entire north line, the 
first regularly laid out road in the township (1S35); a second, a mile further 
south, runs the entire width of the township; a third, another mile south- 
ward, to within a mile and a half of Hancock County; a fourth, another 
mile further south, reaches into Hancock County; another mile, and a 
road is found traversing to a point half a mile east of Hancock County; the 
sixth and seventh roads, exactly a mile apart (and the sixth a mile from the 
fifth) lead through through the entire township. In addition to these are 
several short, what might be termed " accommodation " roads. 

The Cincinnati, Sandusky & Cleveland runs completely through the 
township in a direction almost due northeast to southwest. Entering from 
Ridge Township, it passes through Sections 1, 11, 14, 15, 22, 28 and 32, 
when it enters Hardin County. There is a station at Whartonsburg, about 
the center of the township, and the next nearest on that railway at Forest, 
Hardin County, and Carey, in Crawford Township, this county. 

EARLY SETTLERS. 

"I hear the tread of pioneers, 

Of nations yet to be, 
. The first low wash of waves, where soon 

Shall roll a human sea." — Whittier. 

The following brief mention is made of a few of the early settlers who 
located in the township' immediately prior to or within nine or ten years 
after its organization. 

Dr. Samuel Pickett was born in Athens County, Ohio, September 10, 
1820. In 1830, his parents, Samuel and Charity Pickett, natives of Mary- 
land and Virginia respectively, came to and settled in what is now Rich- 
land Township, then part of Hancock County. The Doctor was a leading 
citizen and a celebrated hunter and trapper. Nathan Benjamin came in 
1832, and settled on Section 20. 

In 1833, Philip Cole settled on Section 17, Joshua Cole on Section 2, 
and Charles Smith on Section 17. 

William M. Benjamin was born in Washington County, Ohio, June 1, 
1804, son of Nathan and Mai-y Benjamin. In 1834, he came to Wyandot 
County and settled in Richland Township, where he purchased 160 acres 
of land in Section 28. He married, in 1823, and had eight children. For 
thirty years he was a local minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
and was prominently connected with it. 

Conrad Wickiser, a native of Germany, came to Ohio with his family in 
1810, settling in Perry County: from there removed to Delaware County, 
and in 1834 to Richland Township, this county, where he entered 120 
acres of land. He was married to Lydia Wicks, and had eleven children. 
His son, Albert Wickiser, who was born February 24, 1808, lives in this 
township, near the spot on which the father first settled. 

About the same period came Charles Smith from Delaware, who built a 
cabin on Section 17. Beers Roberts came from same county and located on 
Section 17; then Ira Bristoll, on Section 17; John James, on Section 1; 
Silas Burson, on Section 1; James Cole, on Section 2; Abraham Cole on 
Section 8; Harvey Chilson, on Section 13; Simeon Buell, on Section 32. 

43 



934 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

In 1835 came Joshua Cole ou Section 2; Henry Southward, on Section 
13; James Duddleson, on Section 4; Robert Reynolds, on Section 1; John 
Ward, on Section 1 ; James McConnell, on Section 2 ; John Quin, on Sec- 
tion 1; Albert Wickiser, on Section 21. 

Jacob Wentz moved from Pennsylvania to Ohio in 1837, and settled in 
Richland Township, entering eighty acres of land in Section 12. He mar- 
ried Elizabeth Capenheffer and had nine children. James Crites, born in 
Stark County, Ohio, November 9, 1816, came and settlpd in Richland Town- 
ship in 1836, entering 400 acres of land. Some of those who came about 
that period or a little later are David Anway, Joseph McClurg, John and 
Alexander Crider, John Derringer, Henry Williams, David Armstrong, 
George Stansel, Benjamin Carey, Dr. Adams, Jacob Striker, Robert Gibson 
and Isaac Burk. 

In 1841, Solomon Spoon came from near McCutchenville, this county, 
and settled in this township. He was born in Perry County, Penn., 
April 28, 1802. Removing to New York State he remained there until he 
emigrated westward, coming to Ohio, a distance of 500 miles with an ox 
team. After remaining one year near Cleveland, he moved to this county. 

Isaiah Liles, a native of Chillicothe, Ohio, born in 1818, bought in 
1839 eighty acres of land where he now resides, but did not move on it till 
1842. Among other settlers may be named George James, W. W. Duffield, 
David Morrison, Andrew and George W. Reynolds. 

FIRST EVENTS. 

Among the first settlers the first wedding which took place in this town- 
ship was in December, 1834, celebrated at the residence of Conrad Wickiser 
(Section 21), the contracting parties being John Roberts and A.bigail 
Wickiser; the first birth was that of Maria James, daughter of John and 
Elizabeth (Miller) James, on the 1st day of March, 1835, in the northeast 
quarter of Section 1; and the first death was that of Elijah Benjamin, 
a child aged four years, who was killed December 25, 1834, by a tree, in 
the northwest quarter of Section 28; he is buried in the Stradley Grave- 
yard, Delaware Township, Hancock County. 

In the fall of 1838, James P. Ward created no little sensation by bring- 
ing into the township the first buggy. The first grist mill was built in 
1855, by John and George Sterling at Whartonsburg; they also erected the 
first saw mill in 1858. There are now two saw mills in Martinsburg, one 
owned by John Sterling, an dthe other by William Bristoll. The first and 
only store was opened by James E. James in Whartonsburg. Previous to this 
store coming into existence, settlers had to go for their supplies, those in 
the southern part of the township to Burlington, now Marseilles, or Mt. 
Blanchard, and those in the more northern part to Big Spring and Old 
Tymochtee. The first election was held April 6, 1835, in the northeast 
quarter of Section 4, at the house of James Duddleson. There were then 
elected: Justices of the Peace, Silas Burson and Charles Smith (both 
Whigs); Constables, John Wickiser (Democrat) and James McCormack, 
(Whig); Trustees, Coni-ad Wickiser (Democrat), Ira Bristoll (Democrat) and 
James Duddleson (Whig); Treasurer, Abijah Smith (Whig); Clerk, John 
W. Cole, (Whig); Fence Viewers, Robert Reynolds (Whig), Silas Burson, 
(Whig), and William Benjamin (Democrat); Overseers of Poor, Conrad 
Wickiser (Democrat), Robert Reynolds (Whig) and John James (Whig); 
Supei'visors, Joshua Cole and Charles Smith (both Whigs). On this occa- 
sion there were thirteen votes polled, and several of the voters had not been 



RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 935 

in this State one year. The iirst blacksmith shop was erected in 1835, in 
the northeast quarter of Section 1, by Robert Reynolds, and the first house 
was built in January, 1832, by Hescot Pickett; it was of round logs, and 
16x18 feet in dimensions. 

Following Were the owners of real and personal estate in Richland 
Township in the year 1845: 

OWNERS OF REAL ESTATE. 

David Adams, David Adams, Jr., David Anaway, Joseph Bumthacker, 
Jacob Barnard, Aarou F. Burson, Ira Bristol, Silas Burson, Thomas Bur- 
son, Nathan Brown, Joshua Browa, Peter O. Brown, Obed Browu, William 
Benjamin, George E. Brown, Elijah Brown, Jacob Bowman, Jacob Bowman, 
Lindell Brown, James Bowman, Oliver Batchelor, Lovina Beaver, William 
Bennett, Daniel Bennett, John Barnhart, Elijah Barna, Margaret Batter- 
son, John Case, William D. Carlin, Philip Cole, Abijah Cole, Joshua Cole, 
Abraham Cole, David Cole, Aaron Cole, William Corbin, William Crites, 
Jonas Crites, George Crites, Lydia Crites,jWilliam Crites, Harvey Chilson, 
James Clark, Benjamin Covey, Juda Chase, Charles C. Crandall, Daniel 
Daringer, James Duddleson, Joshua M. Drake, Samuel Dunlap, Charles 
Ely, Harvey Eldridge, Minerva Eastman, Bailey Fritter, Hiram Fuller, 
James Fisher, Samuel Frahem, Abraham Fry, William Fort, Robert Gib- 
son, David Gaskill, Israel Hulse, David Hagerman, David Harrington, Har- 
riet Hendricks, Thomas Hershberger, Peter Hines, John Hines, George 
James, Simon Jennings, James Kelly, David Kimball, Adam Kaln, John 
Krider, David Kimmell, John Knisely, Joseph Kimmell, Alexander Krider, 
George Long, Joseph H. Luce, David Moe, Peter Mikesell, Joseph Mc- 
Clurg, Jacob Mucher, James McCormick, Mary Murray, John A. Morrison, 
Edward Miller, James Mitchell, William Mansfield, Aaron Moore, Chris- 
tian Motz, Henry Neible, Patrick O'Neil, Albert Pangburn, James M. 
Phillips, Erastus Pratt, Lowman Pratt, Abraham Parsell, John Pogg, John 
Quinn, Moss Quinn, Robert Reynolds, Margaret Rutlidge, Joseph Rich- 
ardson, State of Ohio, Charles Smith, Paul S|^ber, Henry Suthard, George 
Stansil, George Stansil, Jr., Michael Schwab, Jonathan Swihart, John 
Shall, John Sager, Charles Steward, Morgan Savage, Joseph Stewart, Eli 
B. Sprague, William Sutherland, Solomon Spoon, John Steward, Hezi- 
kiah Shaffer, George Stansil, Peggy Thompson, James Thompson, Tarr & 
Kaln, Isaac B. Turner, Martin Vocht. Jacob Wentz, Conrad Wickiser, 
James Ward, Benjamin Ward, Jacob Wickiser, Albert Wickiser, Joseph H. 
Warner, J. P. AVard, Edward Warner, John H. Yambert, Adam Yambert, 
John Yambert, John Yoving, Conrad Yarian, Joseph Yam. 

In lots from 13 to 24 inclusive of Jamestown were then owned by the 
State. 

OWNERS OF PERSONAL PROPERTY. 

Dr. David Adams (a practicing physician), David Anaway, David 
Armstrong, William Benjamin, David Baird, William Barker, Irwin Barn- 
hart, Henry Broughf, Daniel Baughman, Ira Bristol!, Silas Burson, Daniel 
M. Brown, Benjamin Carey, David Cole. James Cole, Joshua Cole, Abra- 
ham Cole, Dam't Cole, William Corbin, Henx-y Crites, George Crites, Jo- 
nas Crites, William Crites, John Case, James Duddleson, Robert Gipson, 
David Hagerman, Isaac Hahn, George James, Alexander Krider, Benjamin 
Koch, Joseph Kimmell, Michael Kimmell, John Krider, Isaiah Liles, Jacob 
B. Mansfield, James McCune, Joseph McClurg, Samuel Mann, John A. 
Morrison, C. D. Murray, Erastus Pratt, Hezekiah G, Phelps, James Petty, 



936 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Moses A. Quinn, Eobert Reynolds, George Stansell, Henry Southard, 
Daniel Snowfer, Solomon Spoon, Jacob Stryker, Albert Wickiser, Henry 
Willard, Jacob Wentz, Benjamin Wai'd, Benjamin W. Ward, James P. 
Ward, Jesse A. Ward, John Ward, Jacob W. Wickiser, Coleman Woodward. 

SCHOOLS. 

The first schoolhouse in Richland Township was built in 1835, and the 
first school was held therein. The building stood in the southwest quarter 
of Section 17, a 16x20-feet structure of round logs, having a roof made of 
clapboards held on by poles, a puncheon floor, and a door made of split 
boards, hung on wooden hinges. The windows were holes cut through the 
logs and covered with oiled paper. The chimney, which shivered in winter 
on the outside of the institution, vpas composed of sticks and mud. 

A second educational establishment was erected in 1839, on the north- 
east quarter of Section 2, similar in construction to its predecessor, except- 
ing that it was 20x40 feet in size, and had the distinguished addition of an 
upper floor of round logs, having the cracks filled with leaves and mud. 

Charles Smith was the first dominie in the township, and taught in the 
schoolhouse first built, during the winters of 1835, 1836 and 1837, the at- 
tendance averaging about twenty scholars. Abraham Cole was the first 
teacher in the schoolhouse built in 1839, and his duties were limited 
to wrestling with some twenty tyros, in their dee]) researches into the mys- 
teries of Lindley Murray, etc. There are now ten school buildings in 
this township, located one on each of Sections 1, 9, 11, 21, 23, 32, 34 and 
36, and two in Whartonsburg, all brick structures, excepting one of the two 
in Wharton. 

CHUKOHES, ETC. 

The first sermon preached in Richland Township was June 28, 1835, 
in the house of Joshua Cole, in the northwest quarter of Section 2, on 
which occasion the expounder, James Peters (an Old School Baptist) took for 
his text the entire twenty-fifth chapter of St. Matthew's Gospel. Shakes- 
peare has said: "Brevity is the soul of wit," and he might have added 
"of some sermons," but, perhaps, in Brother Peters' case, what may have 
appeared superfluous in the length of the sermon (as judging by the length 
of his text), was conscientiously deducted from the dejith of the same. 

The Methodist Episcopal denomination has the credit of having erected 
the first church building in Richland Township. It was built in 1852, in 
the northwest quarter of Section 28, constructed of hewn logs, and 24x30 
feet in size. 

Star Bethel Church of God. — This society held its first meeting in the 
fall of 1854, in the Morrison Schoolhouse, by Moses Coats and J. W. West, 
and was organized about the same time, in the same schoolhouse and by 
the same parties. The membership then numbered eleven souls, as follows: 
Solomon Spoon, Hannah Spoon, Jacob Wentling, Sarah Wentling, John 
Yambert, Elizabeth Yambert, Mrs. Hersberger, N. B. Coates, Mary A. 
Coates and Mr. and Mrs. Dowed. Their first church building in this town- 
ship was erected in 1876, on the northeast quarter of Section 13. It was 
of wood, 30x40 feet, and cost $1,200. The pastors have been: 1876, J. V. 
Updyke; 1877, J. H. McKee; 1878, G. W. Wilson; 1879-80, T. Koogle; 
1881-82. M. C. Mowen; 1883, J. P. Heppard; 1884, J. H. McNut. The 
present membership is about sixty; Eldei's are, G. W. Kear and John Wentz; 
Deacons, Theodore Wagers and B. Green. The church was much revived 
and built up by the labor of Revs. J. V. Updyke and T. Koogle. The 



RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 937 

present incumbent, Rev. J. H. McNut, is also doing good work. There is 
an excellent Sunday school in connection with this church, which now meets 
nine months in the year. 

Beech Grove United Brethren Church. — This society meets for worship in 
a frame built house, 30x40 feet, erected at a cost of $600. The present 
membership numbers twenty- four, and the existing officers are H. B. Pratt, 
George James, P. Hibens, E. S. AVells and P. Davis. 

St. Mary' s, Kirbij Precinct. — The organization of St. Mary's Church, 
Kirby,this county, dates from the year 1861. Among the first settlers were Nic 
Noel, John Brimeyer, Ensminger, Stephen Pfeifer, John Wagner, Nic Kar- 
icher, Stephen Brucher, Reinhart Donnersbach, Anthony Molter, Charles 
Neimerscury, George Klaus, Paul Molter, Math Muller, George Thiel, Nic 
Gadert, Andrew Deatrich, John Puri. Rev. Mr. Patrich was the first priest 
to visit the Catholics of Kix'by. Mass was read in private dwellings, espe- 
cially in the spacious store rooms of H. Ensminger. The first impulse, how- 
ever, to the building of a church was a donation of one and a half acres of 
land for this pui'pose by Mr. Freas. In 1863, by the united efforts of all 
the heads of families, especially Nic Noel, John Brimeyer and H. Ensmin- 
ger, who formed the first coiancil, a frame church was begun and inclosed. 
On account of financial difficulties it could not be finished until the ensu- 
ing year, when George Thiel, an active member, was elected Councilman, 
who pressed the matter, and made many a sacrifice in traversing the neigh- 
boring towns, collecting for this church. The church is situated on Main 
street, is 50x35, and cost $2,000. 

In the year 1877, a sacristy, 20x15, was annexed, likewise a tower, which 
adds considerable to the beauty of the church. In 1874-75, a pastoral resi- 
dence was built at a cost of about $1,000. A school was necessary, and again 
Rev. Mr. Rosenberg made many an appeal, until his efforts were crowned with 
success. It was commenced in 1879, under his supervision, and finished 
by the present pastor, John G. Mizer. At present it is in charge of a lay 
teacher, and attended by about sixty children. A small piece of ground 
next to the church was used as a cemetery. However, this being within the 
corporation and not a suitable place, a piece of land containing two and 
three-fourth acres was purchased for a cemetery in the year 1881. 

Rev. Mr. Patrich was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Henry. It was theu attended 
successively by Revs. G. Spearings, 1863-66; Joseph Reinhart, 1866-68; A. 
Girardin, George Peter, 1868-73; Charles Braschler, D. Zinsmeyer, 1873-75. 
Rev. Joseph Rosenberg was the first resident priest, who also attended Craw- 
fordsville from Kirby, 1875-80. He was succeeded by the present pastor, 
Rev. John G. Mizer, July 18, 1880. The congregation numbers between 
fifty-five and sixty families, mostly all farmers, and Luxemburgers. The 
present church officers are George Thiel, Nic Muller, Joseph Rail and 
Mike Weber. The principal missions were held in 1871, by Redemptox'ists 
and, in 1877, by Franciscan Fathers. 

There are now seven church buildings in Richland Township, distribut- 
ed as follows: Two Methodist Episcopal Churches, one in Section 28 and 
one in Whartonsburg; three United Brethren Churches, one in each of 
Sections 1, 2 and 9; one Church of God, in Section 13, and one Dunkard, 
in Section 33. 

Of the burial places in this township, one is located in Section 2, one in 
Section 12, one in Section 21 and one in Section 35, besides some private 
grounds. There is an old Indian burying ground on an island in Potato 
Creek Swamp, where quite a number are buried. 



938 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

"Lo! the pool" Indian," has left behind, in Richland Township, some 
souvenirs of the days when he was " great in the field and foremost in the 
chase.'' Flint arrow-heads have been found in all sections of the township, 
and in the northwest quarter of Section 14 there exists an ancient mound, 
and another in the northeast quarter of Section 23. 

The State election returns for 1879 and 1880 showed the following re- 
sult: For Governor (1879), Charles Foster, 13'2; Thomas Ewing, 193; 
Gideon T. Stewart, 1; A. Sanders Piatt, none; total vote, 307; for Secre- 
tary of State (1880), Charles Townsend, 146; William Lang, 192; Charles 
A. Lloyd, none; William H. Doan, none; total vote, 340; for President 
(1880), James A. Garfield, 152; Winfield S. Hancock, 195; James B. 
Weaver, none; Neal Dow, 1; total vote, 349. 

The town of Whartonsburg was laid out in 1848 by Samuel Rathbun; 
the first house was built by N. De Pew, and the first store by James E. 
James, who was the first Postmaster. The Cincinnati, Sandusky & Cleve- 
land Railway passes through the village. 

The population of the township, including the town of Whartonsburg, 
in 1880, was 1,676, an increase of 405 in the decade from 1870. 

TOAVNSHIP OFFICIALS SINCE 1865. 

Trustees, 1865, G. W. Reynolds, John Rummel, Hiram Taft. 

1866— G. W. Reynolds, John Rummel, John S. Shaner. 

1867— G. W. Reynolds, John S. Shaner, W. L. Rummel. 

1868 —Jacob Bott, Hiram Cole, Robert Gibson. 

1869— W. W. Duffield, George Eatherton, Hiram Cole. 

1870— W. W. Duffield, George Eatherton, John S. Shaner. 

1871— John Plott, William Swearingin, Lewis Baughman. 

1872 — John H. Plott, William Jenkins, A. J. Shellhouse. 

1873— Jacob C. Wentz, J. P. Ward, A.J. Shannon. 

1874— Jacob C. Wentz, W. W. Duffield, R. Bennett. 

1875 — Z. G. Murry, George Eatherton, William Swearingin. 

1876 — Z. G. Murry, Loran Bartlett, George Eatherton. 

1877 — Simon Kachelv, R. Bennett, J. D. Wickiser. 

1878— Simon Kachely, W. B. Murry, J. D. Wickiser. 

1879— J. A. Bell, AV. B. Murry, W. H. Worley. 

1880— J. C. Wentz, J. A. Petty, A. J. Shanon. 

1881— J. C. Wentz, Isaac Cole, John Phelps. 

1882— J. C. Wentz, Isaac Cole, J. H. Sterling. 

1883— M. A. Ridenour, AVilliam Plott, W. W. Duffield. 

Clerks— 1865, John Sterling: 1866-68, J. C. Waltermire; 1869, Francis 
Wood; 1870-72, Isaac Cole; 1873-74, R. B. Bell; 1875, J. A. Petty; 1876, 
S. R. Coates; 1877, R. B. Bell; 1878, R. V. Rummel; 1879-80, R. B. 
Bell; 1880-83, John McClelland. 

Treasurers— 1865-68, Z. G. Murry; 1869, William Bristoll; 1871-71, 
Hiram Cole; 1872-73, H. P. Marshall: 1874-76, William McClelland; 
1877-80, J. S. Shaner; 1881-82, L. W. Ranchler (or Renshler); 1883, 
W. A. Bristoll. 

Justices of the Peace- 1865, Z. G. Murry: 1868, James Southward; 
1870, William Bristoll; 1873, William Bristoll; 1874, James Southward; 
1877, James Southward; 1879, William Bristoll; 1880, Jehu Baker; 1881, 
William Swearingin; 1882, Jehu Baker; 1883, David Kauble. 



RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 939 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

SAMUEL AHLEFELD was born near Mansfield, Ohio, February 28, 
1849. He is a son of John and Catharine (Fetzer) Ahlefeld, natives of 
Germany. They came to this country before their marriage, but after that 
event settled in the above locality, w^here they both died. The father oper- 
ated a grist mill near Mansfield, and died in 1853 ; the mother died in 
1880, aged seventy-four years. Of their eight children, but five are living. 
Samuel, the youngest, was left an orphan at four years of age. He obtained 
a common school education, and subsequently spent ten years at the paint- 
er's trade. He married Miss Emma C. Jones, May 9, 1871, her parents 
being Henry and Catherine (Smith) Jones, natives of Ohio and of English 
birth. Her parents were early settlers in this county, her father having 
been a merchant, first at Carey and later at Tymochtee. He became wealthy 
and reared a family of fifteen children — eight now living. The mother 
died in 1866, aged forty ; the father in 1870, aged forty-nine years. Mr. 
and Mrs. Ahlefeld have three children — Leroy A., born April 18, 1872 ; 
Albert H, September 12, 1873 ; Myrtle R., September 7, 1875 ; Mrs A. was 
born June 29, 1853. Mr. Ahlefeld resided two years after his marriage in 
Upper Sandusky, and then moved to his present farm, now of seventy acres, 
well stocked and improved, valued at $100 per acre. He erected a fine 
frame residence, at a cost of $1,500, in 1883, and has made many other im- 
provements in clearing, draining, fencing, etc. In politics, Mr. Ahlefeld 
is a Democrat. 

JUSTIN ALLIS was born in Hampshire County, Mass., June 16, 1825. 
His parents, Lemuel and Lydia (Beels) AUis, wex'e natives of Maryland, 
and of English ancestry. His grandfather served entirely through the 
Revolutionary war. His parents came to Ohio in 1833, purchasing 300 
acres in Medina County, and owning at one time, with a partner, a tract 
five miles long and a mile wide. Their children were Lucius, Roxanna, 
Rhoda and Rebecca, by first wife; Justin, Sarah, Elisha, Caroline, Per- 
thenia, Wells, Alonzo, Marilla, Hiram and Amanda, by second wife. The 
father died in 185-1, aged seventy-two years ; the mother is still a resident 
of Medina County, in her eightieth year. Mr. Allis resided with his par- 
ents till twenty-one years of age. He then purchased sixty-six acres near 
his father's farm, where he resided seventeen years. In 1863, he sold this 
property, moved to Chatham and Dover, Ohio, three years, and in 1867 
came to this county and purchased his present farm of 160 acres. He was 
married, September 15, 1857, to Miss Jeanett E. Blake, daughter of Orrin 
Blake (see sketch), and born February 27, 1831. They have one child — 
Burton W., an exemplary young man, the owner of 125 acres of land. Mr. 
Allis is a strong Republican, and has always been an industrious and well 
respected citizen. Mrs. Allis is a member of the United Brethren Church. 

J. R ALTER was born in Westmoreland County, Penn., October 24, 
1839. His parents were Samuel and Ann (Stotler) Alter, natives of Penn- 
sylvania and of German pai'entage, the parents of eight children — David, 
Emanuel, J. R., Jacob, Elizabeth, Mary E., Samuel L. and Joseph H. 
The father died in 1882, aged seventy-six years ; the mother still a resident 
of Pennsylvania, in her seventy-second year. Our subject began the black- 
smith's trade at thirteen, and continued in this occupation several years. 
He was married, September 8, 1864, to Miss Jane S. Morrison, daughter of 
William and Rebecca (Walker) Morrison, who died when their daughter 
was a mere child. Being adopted by John Steel, she resided with him till 



940 HISTORY OF WYAxXDOT COUNTY. 

her marriage, and he now resides at her home. Mr. and Mrs. Alter are 
parents of seven children — Maggie A., born December 21, 1865 ; Clara V., 
December 13, 1867; Elizabeth E., August 3, 1869; Harry F., June 9, 
1871 ; EarlG., November 14, 1874 ; M. Dale, October 27, 1878 ; Samuel W., 
November 4, 1881. Mrs. Alter was born December 16, 1843. Mr. Alter 
rented land a number of years, but came to this coanty in 1872, and pur- 
chased his present farm of eighty acres, which he has thoroughly improved. 
He is a Republican, and member of the I. O. O. F.; both he and wife are 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Forest, Ohio. He has a 
comfortable home, and is highly esteemed as a citizen. 

JACOB BAKER, son of Peter and Leah (Martsell) Baker, was born in 
Cumberland County, Penn. , October 19, 1816. He remained at home till 
his marriage, March 1, 1838, to Mary A. Ramp, daughter of Samuel and 
Elizabeth (Worst) Ramp. They had three children — Ann M. (deceased), 
\Yilliam and David — the two boys both soldiers in the late war. Mr. Baker 
rented land for many years, but in 1852 he came by wagons to Ohio, with 
three children — Ann M. dying on the way. They buried her in Wayne 
County, Ohio. He located near Bucyrus, where they resided until 1860, 
when they purchased their present farm of eighty acres, paying $750. This 
farm they have cleared and improved by good buildings, etc., and now valued 
at $75 per acre. Mr. Baker has been a hard working, temperate man. He 
is a Republican and member of the Church of God. Mi's. Baker has acted 
well her part, for many years spinning flax and wool to make clothes for the 
family. 

DAVID L. BAKER was born in Cumberland County, Penn., April 3, 
1843, son of Jacob and Mai-y Baker. (See sketch.) He was employed on 
the farm at home till 1862, when he enlisted in Company A, One Hundred 
and Twenty -third Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and entered the war. 
He was engaged at Winchester (two battles), Martinsburg, Berryville, 
Snicker's Gap, New Market, Cedar Creek, Fisher's Hill, Hatcher's Run and 
High Bridge. He was captured at Winchester in June, 1863, and confined 
one month at Libby Prison and Belle Isle He was also captured at the 
latter place, but was released three days later on account of Lee's surrender, 
receiving his discharge June 12, 1865. Returning home he was married, 
December 25, 1865, to Emaline F. Coates, daughter of Norris B. and 
Mary A. Coates; she died October 16, 1880, leaving live children — 
Florence B., Elma E., Nellie M., Minnie I., Wilbur R. and Wilson R. 
— the latter deceased. Mr. Baker was again married, May 9, 1882, 
to Sarah J. Kitzmiller, widow of James Kitzmiller, and daughter of 
Jacob Guise. They have one child — Mary E. Mr. Baker purchased his 
present farm of forty acres in 1866; he erected a large barn in 1883, and 
has made many other improvements, now valuing his farm at $3,500. In 
politics, Mr. Baker is a Republican. He is a member of the Grange and 
Secretary of the Building Association at Wharton; also a member of the 
Church of God. 

WILLIAM BAKER, son of Jacob Baker, was born in Cumberland 
County, Penn., November 29, 1840. He remained at home till 1864, when 
he enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-fifth Ohio Volunteer 
Infantry, and took part in the battle of Franklin, Tenn., subsequently be- 
ing engaged in garrison duty, receiving his discharge in July, 1865. He 
was married, December 27, 1866, to Miss Malinda Starr, daughter of John 
and Eva (Bryner) Starr, natives of Virginia. They came to this county in 
1835, and entered land in Ridge Township, their children being Malinda, 



RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 941 

Sarah A., Mary A. and Martha J., Malinda being the only surviving mem- 
ber of the family. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Baker are Minerva 
J., September 23, 1867; Alvin E., July 20, 1869; Harrison S., March 9, 
1875; Ida M., April 29, 1877; Charles F., October 14, 1879. Mr. Baker 
rented land till Mrs. Baker inherited 120 acres (to which they have added 
forty), where they now reside. They also own 160 acres in Ridge To\ynship, 
120 of which were inherited. Their farm is in good condition, well stocked 
and provided with good buildings. Mr. Baker is a Republican; he served 
as Clerk of Ridge Township two years; is a member of the Grange and 
Trustee of the Building Association at Wharton, both he and Mrs. Baker 
being members of the Church of God, with which he was formerly officially 
connected. 

DANIEL BAUGHMAN was born in Pennsylvania May 13, 1797, son 
of David and Catharine Baughman, of German descent. Mr. Baughman 
had no advantages of schools, being compelled to stay at home to labor from 
his childhood. At twenty-five he married Elizabeth Wyner. They had 
nine children (all deceased but Louis and John). Mr. Baughman came to 
Ohio when a child and to this county in 1830, entering 167 acres in Salem 
Township, himself, John Nichols, John Mann and A. B. Inman then being 
the only settlers in the township. Having lost his first wife by death 
Mr. Baughman married Rachel Brown in 1835, she afterward becoming 
an invalid and passing away. For the past seven years he has resided with 
his granddaughter, Mrs. Sarah M. Kauble, who cares for him without com- 
pensation. Mr. Baughman was a farmer and hunter; is now the oldest man 
in the township, and one of the oldest settlers in the county. 

SAMUEL BECHTEL, son of Benjamin and Rebecca (Myers) Bechtel, 
was born in Bucks County, Penn., November 2, 1825. His parents were 
natives of Pennsylvania and of German ancestry, emigrating to Ohio in 
1829, and to Wayne County in 1852, then moving to Whiteside County, 111., 
where they both died. Their children were Samuel, Ephraim, Solomon, 
Helena, Catharine, Mary, Nancy, and three others deceased. The father 
died abovit 1855, aged fifty-nine, the mother in 1861, aged seventy -three 
years. Samuel Bechtel was brought up on the farm, where he was engaged 
till his marriage to Margaret Long, June 24, 1847. He then left his 
father's home and rented land in Wayne County for several years, moving 
to Illinois in 1855, to receive an inheritance of 120 acres of land. His 
father dying without making a will to this effect, he returned to Ohio in 
1858, a wiser and a poorer man. In 1860, he purchased forty acres of his 
present farm, and has since added forty more, besides assisting his son 
Orren to forty acres. The farm is in a good state of cultivation, valued at 
$75 per acre. Mrs. Bechtel was a daughter of Joseph and Barbara (Rutter) 
Long, natives of Maryland and of English extraction. Her grandfather was 
a Revolutionary soldier, suffering much privation during his term of service. 
Her parents are both deceased, and but three of their eleven children are 
living, viz. : John, W^ashington and Margaret. Mi', and Mrs. Bechtel are 
parents of seven children — John, Samuel T., Orren M. and Arilla J. (twins), 
Barbara, Elmer E., John and Alvin, the two latter deceased. In politics, 
Mr. Bechtel is a Democrat, and both are members of the Baptist Church. 

ORREN M. BECHTEL, son of the above, was born in Marion County, 
Ohio, April 9, 1853. He was educated in the district schools, and remained 
at home with his parents till his marriage, December 25, 1882, to Miss 
Emarilla Southward, daughter of James and Maria Southward. He pur- 
chased forty acres of land from his father in 1877, paying |1,700 for the 



942 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

same, adding twenty acres more in 1S83. In 1882, he erected a good two- 
story frame house at a cost of $500. His farm is well -improved and stocked 
with good grades. Mr. Bechtel is a Democrat and an industrious young 
farmer. Mrs. B. is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

PERRY BRASHARES is a native of Seneca County, Ohio, born July 
19, 1841. He is a son of Truman and Elizabeth (Karns) Brashares, na- 
tives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively, and of German descent. His 
parents were married in Fairfield County, Ohio, and soon after located in 
Seneca County, where the father died in 1850, aged fifty-seven years; the 
mother in 1869, aged sixty-three years. Perry Brashares worked upon a 
farm in his native county and in Illinois till 1861, enlisting in September 
of that year in Company K, Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and en- 
tering the service. He participated in the engagement at Pittsburg 
Landing, Corinth, Stone River, Liberty Gap and Chickamauga. He was 
taken prisoner at the latter place and confined at Libby Prison six weeks, 
Danville four months, Andersonville six months, suffering untold hardships 
— then to Florence, S. C, where he was exchanged February, 1865. He 
was married, March 12,1867, to Miss Olive Mullholand, daughter of Hugh 
and Mary (Young) Mullholand, early settlers of this county. She was born 
September 8, 1847. Mr. and Mrs. Brashares are pai-ents of four children 
—Delia, Mary, Hugh and June. For several years Mr. Brashares rented 
land. He purchased seventy acres in Crawford Township, where he resided 
six years, disposing of his farm in 1879. In 1881, he procured his present 
farm of forty-five acres, paying $2,150 — now valuing it at $75 per acre. 
Mr. Brashares is a Democrat, and a worthy and industrious citizen. 

WILLIAM BRISTOLL, banker and merchant, Wharton, was born in 
Richland Township March 8, 1837. His parents, Ira and Sarah (Smith) 
Bristol], were natives of New York and Pennsylvania respectively. They 
removed to Ohio and in 1832-33, settled in Richland Township, this county, 
where Mr. Bristoll entered eighty acres of land. This original purchase 
he increased to 220 acx*es of valuable land. He was a prominent and influ- 
ential citizen. His death took place in 1873, at the age of eighty years. 
Mrs. B. is also deceased. To their union nine children were born: Margeiy, 
Silas S. , Huldah M., Polly, Chester, Charlotte, David, William and Harriet. 
Mr. Bristoll, the subject of this sketch, was reared in his native place and 
educated in the common schools. At the age of seventeen, he began as a 
clerk in his father's store, and became identified with his father's extensive 
trade. In 1862, he started a small store for himself near the railroad, and 
kept a small stock of dry goods, groceries, etc. One year later, he erected a 
store room, in which he continued in business with unusual success for five 
years. About 1870, he resumed the dry goods business and now has the largest 
establishment in the'village. In 1875, he established the Richland Deposit 
Bank in connection with his store. He has a large deposit patronage, and 
enjoys the confidence and respect of the people. Mr. Bristoll is a part 
owner in the "Bristoll Block," containing three store rooms, which was 
erected at a cost of $8,000 or $9,000. Mr. Bristoll owns the stoi-e room he 
occupies and a half interest in the one occupied by W. A. Bristol. Some 
years ago, he built the Wharton Warehouse, which he conducted several 
years. He also owns a farm of 215 acres, a saw and planing mill, besides 
other village property. Mr. Bristoll began in business with the small sum 
of $150, but has by energy and good business management acquired large 
wealth. He is a gentleman of public and private enterprise, and every legiti- 
mate movement that is intended to benefit or enrich the county always receives 



RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 943 

his cordial support. He is a prominent Republican and has been called upon 
to till various offices of his township. He served as Justice of the Peace 
nine years, Township Clerk and Treasurer each one year; member of the 
School Board and Town Council and other offices. January 1, ISGO, he 
was united in marriage to Miss Hannah, daughter of Peter and Charlotte 
Lockwood. To this union ten children have been born; of these seven are 
living — Ira P., Burl B., William S., Mary F., Ettie B., Josie F. and an 
infant; Lillie, Jasper and an infant are deceased. Mr. Bristoll and family 
are earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

JOHN N. BROWN, son of Abraham and Francis (Coon) Brown, is a 
native of this county, born May 8, 183(3. His parents were natives of 
Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively, and of mixed and German nationality. 
His paternal grandfather was captured by the Indians in the war of 1812, 
and never returned. His maternal grandfather was in the same war. Mr. 
Brown's father came to Ohio in 1826, stopping in Marion County two years, 
then moving to this county, entering eighty acres of land — owning at one time 
160. The children of the family were Henry, Elizabeth, Sarah, John, 
Esther A., William, Jacob, Catharine, Letitia, Mary F. and Susan — three 
latter deceased. The mother died in 1870. aged sixty-five; the father Jan- 
uary 26, 1880, aged seventy-six; he was for several years a member of the 
United Brethren Church. Mr. Brown was reared on a farm and engaged 
in the work of the same until he grew to manhood. October 22, 1857, he 
married Miss Lydia Beery, daughter of Jonathan and Magdaline (Coefman) 
Beery, early settlers in this county, the latter still a resident at McCutchen 
ville. Three children resulted from this marriage — Austin M., Laura E. 
and Eliza A. After his marriage, Mi". Brown rented land several yeai's and 
then purchased a farm of 100 acres in Mifflin Township, where he resided 
ten years. He then disposed of his first purchase and bought his present 
farm of 120 acres, paying $6,00(\ His farm is in good repair, valued at 
$65 per acre. Mr. Brown has been a hard laborer all his life. January 1, 
1850, he claims to have split 774 oak rails. He is a Republican and mem- 
ber of the United Brethren Church. Mrs. Brown is a member of the 
Evangelical Church. 

S. L. CLARK, M. D., was born in Carroll County, Ohio, February 13, 
1827. His parents, Andrew and Catharine (Cole) Clark, were natives of 
New Jersey and of Holland descent. His grandparents came from Holland 
many years ago. His parents removed from Washington County, Penn., to 
Carroll County, Ohio, in 1821. They had a family of nine children, of 
whom Dr. Clark is the youngest. Mr. Clark Avas for three months a sol- 
dier in the war of 1812; he died at the age of eighty -nine years, and his 
wife eighty seven years. Dr. Clark had one brother, Andi-ew H., who be- 
came an eminent physician and died in Huron County, Ohio, in 1832, of 
the cholera. Dr. Clark received his education principally at an academy 
at CarroUton. At the age of eighteen he began the study of medicine un- 
der Dr. C. V. McMillen. and graduated at the Cleveland Regular Medical Col- 
lege in 1853; he established himself first at Patterson, Hardin County, and 
two years later removed to Mt. Blanchard, Ohio, remaining there until 
May, 1877, when he came to Whartonsburg. The Doctor has established a 
lucrative practice, and enjoys the confidence and respect of the people; he 
is a well-read and successful physician. In early days, when milk sickness 
was so prevalent, he had an extensive practice in the treatment of that dis- 
ease. So successful was his medical treatment of that disea.se that his 
counsel was sought by physicians over a large portion of Central Ohio. In 



944 HISTORr OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

1879-80, he visited the Territories of Wyoming, Utah, Montana and Idaho. 
He was appointed and served six months as physician at the " Crovv Indian 
Agency." In 1881, he opened a drug store where he now resides, and en- 
joys a prosperous business. May 4, 1852, he was married to Miss Mary C 
Burson, daughter of Dr. A. F. Burson, of Mt. Blanchard, Ohio. One son 
was born to this union Charles F., now in attendance at the Cincinnati 
College of Medicine. Mrs. Clark died May 5, 1879. Dr. Clark married 
Mrs. Rachel Cole, widow of Abraham Cole. Mrs. Clark had three children 
by her former husband — Frank, Rufus and Sherman. Dr. Clark owns, be- 
sides his property here, the largest store room in Mt. Blanchard, Ohio. He 
began life with few means, and by close application to his profession has 
acquired a handsome competence. He is an honorable and highly respect- 
ed citizen. 

SYLVANUS R. COATES, Postmaster and hardware merchant, Whar- 
ton, was born in Portage County, Ohio, July 17, 1844; he is a son of U. B. 
and Mary A. (Randolph) Coates, both natives of Ohio and of English an- 
cestry. They removed from Portage to Wyandot County in 1848. They 
had three children — Sylvanus R. , Moses G. and Emaline F. Mr. Coates 
now resides at Mansfield, Ohio. Mrs. C. died in 1873, aged forty-nine. 
Our subject obtained his education in the common schools. He remained 
at home till of age, when he began renting land and followed it until about 
1869. September 24, 1864, he was married to Miss Sarah Starr, daughter 
of John and Eve (Shade) Starr, natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. 
Coates have no children. Mrs. Coates departed this life in 1868, at the age 
of twenty-four years. Mr. C. again married, December 29, 1869, to Miss 
Minerva Matteson, daughter of Job and Hannah (Messenger) Matteson, by 
whom he has had five children, viz.: Wheeler H. , born October 16, 1871; 
Hannah, February 1, 1874; Norris M., August 17, 1875; Oliver G., De- 
cember 21, 1879; Jesse S., May 3, 1883. Hannah died February 7, 1874, 
aged six days. In 1869, Mr. Coates purchased property in Wharton, and 
the same year erected a frame store. He was engaged in the grocery and 
provision trade for nine years, and in 1878 formed a partnership with Mr. 
Wallace under the firm name of Coates & Wallace. This firm keeps a 
large and well-selected stock of hardware, stoves, etc., and enjoys a large 
and successful trade. Since 1869, Mr. Coates has filled the office of Post- 
master and with credit to himself. He owns two lots, and is now erecting 
a fine residence that will cost $2,500. Mr. Coates is an active business man 
and an enterprising and highly respected citizen. He is a Republican in 
politics, and although in a strong Democratic township, he has held vari- 
ous local offices, 

ISAAC H. COLE was born in Hardin County, Ohio, November 25, 
1839, He is a son of William, Sr. , and Mary A. (Shupe) Cole, natives of 
Penn83dvania and Ohio respectively, and of German descent. They were 
married in Fairfield County and soon after removed to Hardin County, 
where they resided about ten 3'ears, coming to this county in 1847, locating 
in Richland Township, where they owned at one time 240 acres. Of their 
twelve children ten are living — Hiram, Louis A., Isaac H., Lydia A., Will- 
iam, Phillip, Mary M., Dora and Elnora. Jemelia and Lorena are de- 
ceased. The mother died in 1881, aged sixty-six years; the father in 1882, 
aged seventy-eight. Isaac Cole, the subject of this sketch, was fairly edu- 
cated and remained with his parents till March 4, 1862, when he enlisted 
in Company K, Eighty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and entered the 
war, taking part in the engagements at McDowell, Strasburg, Cross Keys, 



RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 945 

Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Mission Ridge and many minor actions, serv- 
ing three years, lying in hospital nine months, traveling 3,000 miles and 
being honorably discharged April 2, 1865. Returning home, Mr. Cole was 
married, April 2, 1S6S, to Miss Nancy J. McKenzie, daughter of Alexander 
and Nancy (Lamb) McKenzie, natives of Massachusetts and New York re- 
spectively, coming to Ohio in 1860, locating where Mr. Cole now resides. 
Their two children were Nancy J. and Fayette. Mr. McKenzie died in 
1872, aged seventy, and his wife in 1875, aged sixty nine. Mrs. Cole's 
grandfather McKenzie was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, fighting 
with the British, having left Scotland for that purpose. Being captured 
by the xlmericans, he never returned to his native country. Mr. and Mrs. 
Cole have six children — Lam-a A., Adie A., Wilda M., Ella L., Wheeler 
W., Clara B. Mi's. Cole inherited forty acres, and Mr. Cole purchased 
forty acres in 1878. He built a neat cottage, costing $900, in 1873, and a 
large barn, costing $1,200, in 1880. He is a stanch Democrat; served as 
Trustee two years, as Clerk three years. Both he and Mrs. Cole are mem- 
bers of the Church of God. 

LEWIS A. COLE, son of William and Mary A. (Shupe) Cole, was 
born in Fairfield County, Ohio, December 29, 1837. He resided with his 
parents, going to school and working on the farm till twenty-one, when he 
began life for himself. In 1861, he purchased forty acres of his present 
farm, which now comprises 120 acres, most of which he has cleared and 
improved, and which he now values at $100 per acre. In 1864, Mr. Cole 
enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-fifth Regiment Ohio Vol- 
unteer Infantry, and participated in the battle at Franklin, Tenn. , after- 
ward doing guard duty, spending six months in hospital at Camp Dennison, 
receiving his discharge June 4, 1865. Mr. Cole was married, April 7, 
1864, to Miss Susanna Crites, daughter of Jonas and Mary Crites (see 
sketch), and nine children were born to them — Mary E., October 25, 1866; 
Harrison S., July 16, 1868; Elida J., August 13, 1870; Amanda L., Sep- 
tember 7, 1872; Harmon A.. September 24, 1874; Volumina C, December 
3. 1876; JohnH., October 13, 1880; Harlan F., April 24, 1883; William 
I., February 3, 1865; the latter is deceased, his death having occurred July 
28, 1868. Mr. Cole is a thorough farmer, and a strong Democrat. He 
and Mrs. Cole are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. 
Cole was born January 27, 1844, and is an agreeable lady. 

JONAS CRITES was born in Stark County, Ohio, November 9, 1816. 
His parents, William and Elizabeth (Wilhelm) Crites, came to this county 
in 1836, and entered 400 acres of land in this township, where they lived 
many years, dying in Sandusky County, Ohio. Of eight children, three are 
living — Sarah, George and Jonas. Jonas, our subject, began life for him- 
self at twenty-two, working for wages several years, until his marriage, 
July 5, 1842, to Miss Maiy Walter, of Lebanon County, Penn. , daughter 
of Peter and Barbara Walter, born February 13, 1814. They had four 
children — Susan, wife of L. A. Cole; Amanda, wife of Isaac Moore; Eliza- 
beth, wife of William Corbin; Simon P., who died in his eleventh year. 
Mr. Crites inherited 120 acres, 80 of which now comprise his present farm, 
on which he has resided thirty-six years, having made all the improvements, 
always being an industrious citizen. He was formerly a Whig, but now a 
Republican. He was formerly a member of the Evangelical Church, but he 
and Mrs. Crites are now both members of the United Brethren Charch. 

W. W. DUFFIELD, a native of Washington Township, Licking Co., 
Ohio, was born August 5, 1825. His parents, Samuel and Nancy (Gill- 



946 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

breath) Duffield, were natives of Pennsylvania, and of Irish-English and 
Scotch ancestry. They removed to Licking County, Ohio, about ISOS, where 
Mr. Duflfield died in 1829; his widow survived him until January 6, 1S57, 
when she died at the age of seventy-two years. To their union nine chil- 
dren were born, viz., Loisa, Robert. George, Hannah, John, Maria, Samuel 
G., W. W. and Kesiah. Mrs. Duffield had three uncles who were soldiers 
in the Revolutionary war. Mr. Duffield, the subject of this notice, was 
reared to manhood in his native place. His father dying when he was a 
boy, he was obliged to support his mother, which he did by working by the 
month and day. November 18, 1846, he was married to Mary A. Collins, 
daughter of John and Mary (Morrisson) Collins, natives of New Jersey, 
who moved to Licking County, Ohio, in 1836. Mr. and Mrs. Duffield have 
two children — Margaret J. (wife of W. L. Rummel) and John L. In Octo- 
ber, 1861, Mr. Duffield removed to Wyandot County, and located on his 
present farm, which contains 120 acres. This farm Mr. Duffield has cleared 
and well improved. He is engaged in keeping Spanish Merino sheep and 
Durham cattle. His farm, with the commodious buildings which he has 
erected, is valued at $125 per acre. He began life with but $200, and by 
his perseverance and energy has acquired property to the amount of $16,- 
000. Mr. Duffield served as Trustee of the township ten years, and is now 
filling that office. He is Treasurer of the Richland Grange, No. 72, and is 
also identified with the I. O. O. F. 

ABRAHAM FULK, son of John and Sarah (Curtz) Fulk, was born in 
Tuscarawas County, Ohio, January 22, 1832. His parents were natives of 
Pennsylvania, and of German descent, early settlers of Ohio, living and 
dying in the above county. His father was twice married, and had twenty- 
one children, seven living. His mother died in 1850; his father in 1876, 
aged seventy-two years. Mr. Fulk walked four miles to attend school in a 
log schoolhouse; vvoi'ked on the farm till twenty yeai's of age; worked at 
the carpenter's ti'ade two years, and in 1855 purchased his present farm of 
forty acres, which he has since cleared and improved, now valuing it at $75 
per acre. In 1861, Mr. Fulk enlisted in Company F, Fifty-fifth Regiment 
Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and fought in the battles at Franklin, Strasburg, 
Cross Keys, Cedar Mountain, Manassas Junction, Bull Run (second), Chan- 
cellorsville, Gettysburg and others. He was wounded quite severely at Get- 
tysburg, and slightly wounded at Chancellorsville. Having served three 
years, he was honorably discharged October 15, 1864, and now receives a 
pension of $30 per month. Mr. Fulk was married August 25, 1S55, to 
Miss Anna Shell, daughter of George and Elizabeth (Leigly; Shell, natives 
of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. His maternal grandfather was a 
German soldier. Mr. and Mrs. Fulk are parents of four children — John, 
Jacob, Frank and Joseph. Mrs. Fulk was born December 18, 1831. Both 
she and Mr. Fulk are members of the United Brethren Church, he being a 
Republican in politics. 

ALEXANDER J. GREEK, of the firm of Kime & Greek, was born in 
Ridge Township May 20, 1850. He is a son of George and Rebecca (Har- 
rison) Greek, who were natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively. 
They removed to Fairfield County, Ohio; thence to Ridge Township, this 
county, in 1832. Mr. Greek entered 160 acres of land, to which he added 
by subsequent purchases till he owned at one time 294 acres. He is the 
father of thirteen children, viz., Martha, Hannah, Jonathan, Harrison, 
Eliza, Jacob, William, George, Delilah, Mary A. J., Sarah and an infant. 
Mr. Greek resides on the old homestead, in the seventy-seventh year of his 



RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 947 

age; Mrs. Greek is now seventy- three years of age. Alexander was reared 
to manhood on the farm, and educated in the common schools. He spent 
two years teaching school, after which he learned and followed the carpen- 
ter trade uutil 1877. After farming two years, he returned to his trade, 
and formed a partnership with A. L. Kime, engaging in the furniture busi- 
ness. Mr. Greek, besides his interest in the firm, owns a house and lot 
on Main street valued at $1,800. He is a Democrat in politics, and a mem- 
ber of the School Board. December 22, 1878, he was united in marriage 
to Miss Ella, daughter of Henry and Sarah Kime. Mrs. Greek was born 
December 20, 1853. Mr. and Mrs. Greek have three children, viz. : Grace, 
born September 22, 1879; Asa F., born May 17, 1881; and Wheeler C, 
born September 7, 1883. 

Z. W. HARRIS was born July 9, 1810. He is a native of New York, 
and son of Z. W. and Abagail (Madison) Han-is, natives of Rhode Island, 
and of English and Welsh ancestry. His grandfather Harris was a Com- 
missary in the Revolution, and his father a soldier of 1812. His parents 
came to Ohio in 1824, and settled in Huron County. Their children were 
Daniel, Andrew, James, William, Z. W., Sarah, Almira and Mary. The 
father died, aged sixty-three; and the mother in 1867. Mr. Harris 
obtained some education, and at the age of twelve was employed by a mer- 
chant of New Haven, Ohio, with whom he I'emained eight years. Return- 
ing home, he worked on the farm with his father till thirty-three. He 
married Miss Angeline Eastlick January 8, 1847, she being the daughter of 
John and Elizabeth (Striker) Eastlick, natives of New York, and of English 
and German ancestry. Her grandfather Eastlick served seven years in the 
Revolutionary war. Her parents settled in Crawford County, Ohio, in 1840. 
Mr. and Mrs. Harris have had thirteen children, ten living — Rosilla; Eliza, 
wife of James Young; Anna, wife of John Ludick; Sarah, wife of Edward 
Gilland (deceased); Catharine, wife of Byron McLaughlin; Angeline, 
William, John, Frank and Eva. The deceased are Mary E., Alice A. and 
James. Mr. Harris came to his present farm in 1852. He made all the 
improvements; built a good house in 18S0 and another in 1883, the first 
having burned September 25. 1882; has cleared about 200 acres of forest 
land, now owning eighty acres, valued at $65 per acre. Mr. Harris is a 
Democrat, old in the cause, and a respected citizen. For the past sixteen 
years he has been losing the use of his lower limbs. 

CHARLES ^\. HOSTLER, a native of York County, Penn., was born 
May 28, 1832. His parents, John and Sarah (Waltermire) Hostler, were 
natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. They came to Hancock 
County, Ohio, in 1838, and settled on a farm, where Mr. Hostler now resides, 
in the eightieth year of his age. Mrs. H. departed this life in 1841. They 
were the parents of twelve children; of these, five are living. Mr. Hostler, 
our subject, remained at home until eighteen yeai's of age, and assisted in 
clearing up the homestead. March 30, 1854, he was married to Miss Mary 
J. Sterling, daughter of Jacob and Jane (Grimes) Sterling, who were early 
settlers in Hancock County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Hostler are the parents of 
six children, two of whom are living — Sarah E. , wife of George Rinebarger; 
and Theodore. The deceased are Jacob F., Harlan L. and William A. 
Mr. Hostler followed jobbing and clearing until 1878, and during that time 
cleared 250 acres of heavy forest land. In September', 1883, he leased the 
hotel in Wharton, which he still conducts. He owns a house and lot on 
Franklin street, valued at $800. He and wife are members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and are respected people. 



948 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

J. D. JOHNSON, M. D. , was born in Greene County, Penn., December 
20, 1850. His parents, Nicholas and Susan J. (Frost) Johnson, were re- 
spectively natives of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and of Irish and 
English ancestry. His grandfather Johnson was a soldier in the war of 
1812, and a pioneer in Greene County. His father was a leading merchant 
at what was called " Johnson's Cross Koads," and where he died in 1852, 
at the age of thirtj^-seven years. He was twice married; by his first wife 
he had three children, and by his last five. Of the latter family, Dr. John- 
son is the fourth child. He was reared in his native place, and at the age 
of nineteen entered upon a course in Waynesburg College, Pennsylvania. 
After graduating in the scientific course, in 1871, he went to Winterset, 
Iowa, where he spent some time teaching and farming. September 12, 
1873, he was married to Miss Naomia Bell, a daughter of James and Caro- 
line (Rose) Bell, formerly residents of Hancock County, Ohio, and also 
early settlers of Madison County, Iowa, but now residents of Mount Blanch- 
ard, Ohio. Soon after marriage, Dr. Johnson returned to Ohio, and lo- 
cated at Mount Blanch ard, where he took up the study of medicine under 
Dr. J. A. Grove, with whom he prosecuted his studies until 1876. He took 
a course of lectures in the Cincinnati Eclectic Medical College, and gradu- 
ated in January, 1876. He immediately located at Kirby, Ohio, where he 
enjoyed a large and successful practice until 1881 ho removed to Wharton, 
where he still resides in the successful practice of his profession. Mrs. 
Johnson is the eldest of eight children. She was born November 26, 1853, 
Dr. Johnson and wife have had four children, viz.: Nellie J., born February 
16, 1875; Hettie C, born January 17, 1877; Joseph B. , born February 16, 
1879; and James H., born July 5, 1881. Dr. Johnson is a member of the 
I. O. O. F., and of the Northwestern Eclectic Medical Association. In 
politics, he is a Democrat. 

DAVID KAUBLE was born in Marion County, Ohio, April 2, 1840. 
He is a son of Samuel and Mary (Trutt) Kauble, natives of Pennsylvania, 
and of German ancestry. His great-grandfather Trutt was a Revolution- 
ary soldiei". His parents settled in Marion County in 1833, removing to 
this county in 1850 Of eight children only David and Henry survive. 
The father died in 1865, aged fifty-five; the mother is now in her seventy- 
ninth year. Our subject resided with his parents till he attained his ma- 
jority, and in the meantime obtained the rudiments of an education. He 
was married, June 2, 1861, to Sarah M. Nichols, daughter of John and 
Margaret Nichols, and nine childi-en were born to them — Miranda A., 
Daniel, David, Ella, William, Peter, Asa B., J. Nettie and Mary. David 
is deceased. In 1864, Mr. Kauble enlisted in Company G, Fifty-fourth 
Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and participated in the battles of SugaV Island, 
Snicker's Gap, Buzzard's Roost, Kenesaw Mountain, Millers Mill, Atlanta, 
and many minor engagements. He was taken prisoner at Atlanta, and de- 
tained at Andersonville ten weeks; thence to Florence, S. C. , two months, 
after which he was paroled under general order to parole 12,000 sick and 
wounded. He received his discharge August 15, 1865. In 1868, Mr. 
Kauble sold his farm and engaged in the dry goods business two years, sub- 
sequently renting and milling two years, purchasing his present farm in 
1875. He now owns ninety acres valued $6,000. Mr. Kauble is a Demo- 
crat; he is serving his second term as Justice, and has served as Constable 
several years. He is a member of the G. A. R. at Wharton, also of the I. 
O. O. F.' 



RICHLAND TOAVNSHIP. 949 

HENRY KIME (deceased) was born in Seneca County, Ohio, March 3, 1832. 
His parents, Daniel and Rosanna (McConnell) Kime, were natives of Vir- 
ginia and of German and Irish descent. They removed to Seneca County, Ohio, 
about 1820. Of eleven children born to them Mr. Kime, our subject, is 
the sixth. He remained at home attending the common schools until his 
sixteenth year, when he started out in life for himself, working for a term 
of years by the day and month. July 2, 1849, he was married to Miss 
Sarah, daughter of John and Susan (Brown) Barnhiser, natives of Mary- 
land and of German-Irish extraction. They settled in Seneca County, Ohio, 
in 1837, where they reared a family of children. Mrs. Kime is the third 
of nine children and was born October 18, 1833. Mr. Barnhiser died Au- 
gust 20, 1877, at the age of seventy-five years. To Mr. and Mrs. Kime have 
been born six children, viz.: Laura E. (deceased); Mary E., wife of A. J. 
Greek; Alfred and Albert (twins), Walter and Amanda L., wife of Ellis 
Shellhouse. In 1855, Mr. Kime purchased a small farm in Williams County, 
upon which he resided twelve years. In 1862, Mr. Kime enlisted to serve 
in Company K, Sixty-eighth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He par- 
ticipated in the engagement at Champion Hills, where he was mortally 
wounded, dying a month later. He was a worthy citizen. He left a widow 
and five children, the eldest of whom was eleven years of age. Mrs. Kime 
sold the farm in 1864, and removed to Carey, and a year later to Ridge 
Township, purchasing there forty acres of land. In 1882, she sold and 
removed to Wharton, where she still resides, and with her sons bought the 
tile yard east of the village, paying $4,000. Her sons, Alfred and Albert, 
conduct the tile yard and do a large business. Alfred owns a half interest 
in Greek & Kime's furniture store. Mrs. Kime is a highly respected lady. 
Her grandfather, John Barnhiser, served seven years in the Revolutionary 
army, and died at the advanced age of one hundred and six years. 

JOSEPH KIMMEL, a well-known pioneer of this county, was born in 
Westmoreland County, Penn., May 5, 1819. His parents, David aud Su- 
sanna (Welker) Kimmel, were of German descent and came to Ohio in 1819, 
settling in Stark County, where they both died. Mr. Kimmel is the eldest 
of seven children. He grew up a farmer by occupation and was married, 
March 21, 1844, to Miss Sarah Silver, who died October 9, 1879, leaving 
four living children — Alpheus, David, Leroy and Andrew. William (sol- 
dier in the late war) and Martha J. are deceased. Mr. Kimmel was married, 
June 30, 1881, to Miss Margaret Park, daughter of Robert and Elizabeth 
(Norris) Park, who came to Hancock County from Pennsylvania in 1840. 
The former died in 1876, aged seventy-six; the latter residing with Mr. 
Kimmel, in her eighty-sixth year. Mr. Kimmel moved to this county 
in 1844, and purchased forty acres of his present farm. He now owns one 
hundred and sixty acres well- improved, with good buildings, fences, etc., 
valued at $100 per acre. For eight years Mr. Kimmel manufactured sorghum, 
doing a good business. He was formerly a Whig but now a Republican; he 
served as Trustee one term; is a member of the Wharton Grange and Build- 
ing Association, and also of the M. P. Church, with which he was formerly 
officially connected. 

ISAIAH LILES was born in 1818, a native of Chillicothe, Ohio, son of 
Lemuel and Hannah Liles, natives of South Carolina and Pennsylvania i-e- 
spectively. and of German descent. His great-grandfather Liles was a 
Lieutenant in the Revolutionary war. His father was a soldier in the war 
of 1812, also a Lieutenant. His parents were married in Pennsylvania and 
in March, 1814, moved to Chillicothe, where they resided till the spring of 

44 



950 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

1828, and moved to Logan County, Ohio, the father dying there in 1876, in 
his ninety-eighth year, the mother in her sixty-fifth. Isaiah Liles, the sub- 
ject of this sketch, I'esided with his parents till twenty-one years of age, 
and after that time was variously employed till 1(S42, when he removed to 
his farm of eighty acres, purchased in 1839, and where he still resides. He 
owned 700 acres in this same locality at one time, and now owns 335 acres. He 
has been a large contractor, having furnished ties for the Fort Wayne Rail- 
road for many miles of its construction. He was once Land Agent for this 
district and disposed of 3,000 acres in Richland and Jackson Townships; 
dealt extensively in stock ten or twelve years; made brick and dug wells for 
twenty years, always having been a hard worker. He was married, Novem- 
ber 25, 1842, to Catharine Young, of Wayne County, Ohio, and seven chil- 
dren were born to them — Samuel G., Second Lieutenant in the late war; 
Joseph A., soldier; J. J.; Mai-garet, wife of Henry Shriver; Elvira and Char- 
lotte, both deceased, and Lemuel J. Mr. Liles is a Republican; he has 
served as Clerk of the Board of Education twenty-five years; was formerly a 
member of the M. E. Church, but now, with his wife, of the Christian 
Church. 

DAVID McClelland, one of the pioneers of Richland Township, 
was born in Westmoreland County, Penn., September 1, 1808. He is a son 

of John and Elizabeth (Riddle) McClelland, and a grandson of 

McClelland, who emigrated to this country from Ireland. His father 
was a First Lieutenant in the war of 1812. At the age of eighteen, 
our subject came to Ohio with his uncle, William McClelland, who was a 
blacksmith, and with whom he learned the trade, serving an apprenticeship 
of three years. At the expiration of that time, he returned to Pennsylvania: 
after plying his trade there three years, returned to Fairfield County, Ohio, 
where he continued to follow his trade. He then followed teaming on the 
Columbus (Ohio) & Baltimore (Md.) pike, and from Zanesville to Maysville, 
Ky., pike, for about three years. In 1843, he married and settled in Ross 
County, where he continued to reside till 1849, when he came to Ridge 
Township and purchased a farm of sixty acres. About 1864, he removed to 
this township, and buying eighty acres of land, paying therefor $2,100. 
He has improved his farm, till it is now valued at $75 per acre. He re- 
moved to Wharton in 1880, and has since lived retired. His marriage took 
place March 19, 1843, with Miss Martha A. Greek, daughter of Jacob and 
Martha (Miller) Greek, of German ancestry. Mr. and Mrs. McClelland 
have been blest with seven children, viz. : Margaret A., wife of Adam Snook; 
William, Jacob, Geoi'ge and John. Sarah E. and an infant are deceased. 
Mr. McClelland embarked in life with few means, but by his untiring 
industry and perseverance, he has acquired property to the value of $10,000. 
He has always affiliated with the Democratic party, having cast his first vote 
for Gen. Jackson. Mr. McClelland and wife are highly respected pioneers 
in the community in which they reside. 

WILLIAM McClelland was bom near Chillicothe, Ohio, August 
31, 1845. His parents were David and Martha (Greek) McClelland. Our sub- 
ject was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools; when nineteen 
yeai's of age, he began and served an apprenticeship at the blacksmith trade 
at Patterson, Hardin County. He then entered a blacksmith shop on his 
father's farm in Richland Township, where he plied his trade for a short 
time, after which he came to Wharton. He worked for P. R. Moore for 
three years, since which time he has pursued his trade alone. The spring 
of 1882, he admitted W. K. Voegel, and the firm of McClelland & Voegel 



RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 951 

do a thriving business in the blacksmith trade and manufacturing of 
wagons. Ml'. McClelland owns a house and two vacant lots, besides other 
property. September 26, 1869, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary 
C. Barnhisel, daughter of Henry and Sarah Barnhisel, who w^re early set- 
tlers in this county. Mr. and Mrs. McClelland are the parents of three 
children; two of these are living, viz.: Oren O. and I. Pearl; Wheeler is 
deceased. He is a Democrat, and has served as Treasurer of the township 
for six years, and of the village since its incorporation. 

ISAAC MOHR is a native of Wayne County, Ohio, born November 13, 
1845. His parents, Jesse and Catharine (Barnett) Mohr, were natives of 
Pennsylvania and of German parentage. They came to Ohio in 1842-43, and 
located in Wayne County, residing there eighteen years; then to Ashland 
County, stopping eight years, and finally to this coiinty, settling where our 
subject now resides. Six children of the eleven are at this date living — 
Catharine, Cecilia, Harry, Isaac, Lyman and Anna M. The father died in 
1878, in his seventieth year; the mother is still living in her seventy-first 
year. Mr. Mohr remained with his paren's, and worked on the farm till 
twenty-three. He was married, March 19, 1868, to Miss Amanda Crites 
(see sketch of Jonas Crites), and their children ai'e Ardellus L. , March 23, 
1870; John N., May 31, 1871; Alice L., bora November 20, 1872; Ida M., 
September 12, 1874; Catharine M., November 3, 1877; Jessie J., August 14, 
1878; Clara B., March 5, 1880; Walter H., November 10, 1881. Mrs. 
Mohr was born June 22, 1848. After his marriage, Mr. Mohr rented 
several years and then purchased his present farm of eighty acres, his brother 
Henry owning one-half. It is in good repair and provided with a comfort- 
able frame dwelling, costing $900, in 1880. Mr. Mohr is a Republican, 
his wife a member of the United Brethren Church. 

JOSEPH MUSGRAVE is a native of Coshocton County, Ohio, born in 
the " stormy days " of 1812, April 21. His parents, Moses and Elsie (Rob- 
erts) Musgrave, were natives of Virginia and Maryland i*espectively, and of 
German descent, his father having been a soldier in the war of 1812. The 
children now living are Elijah, William, Joseph, Hiram and- Mary. Three 
are deceased. The father died at the advanced age of ninety-six years; the 
mother at sixty- three. Our subject began life for himself at eighteen; he 
learned the cooper's trade, which he pursued in Coshocton fifteen years. In 
1845, he moved to McCutchenville, and after several subsequent removals 
located on their present farm in 1858. This farm contains 120 acres in 
excellent condition, provided with all the modern conveniences, including 
a neat brick residence built in 1883. Mr. Musgrave was married, January 
3, 1830, to Miss Polly Jaqua, daughter of Richard and Elizabeth (Wilcey) 
Jaqua, natives of Canada and of English extracticm, coming to New York 
in 1820. Mr. and Mrs. Musgrave are the parents of thirteen children — Ed- 
ward A.; Eliza, wife of Joseph Picket; Nancy, wife of J. Baker; Harriet, 
wife of John Long, and Robert Covitt, both deceased; Melissa, wife of Hen- 
ry Edwards; Richard Q. ; Susan, wife of David Sheldon, and J. Frank; the 
deceased are Mary E., Margaret J., Alice, deceased wife of Robert Wood; 
Judge, and an infant. Their mother was born in June 20, 1814. Mr. Mus- 
grave beganlife poor, but by industry and good management he has amassed 
an estate of $25,(300. He was formerly a Whig, but now a strong Repub- 
lican. Mrs. Musgrave is still strong and healthful, and has borne a full share 
in the hardships of pioneer life. 

J. ODENBAUGH, M. D., a native of Washington County, Penn., was 
born May 24, 1849. His parents, Thomas J. and Susan (Craig) Odenbaugh, 



952 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

were natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania reapectively. His grandfather, 
Von Odenbangh, a titled nobleman, iiumigrated with his family from Ger- 
many and located at Baltimore, Md. Thomas J. was born soon after their 
arrival in this country. When a young man, he came to Washington, 
Penn., where he engaged in the mercantile trade, and subsequently mar- 
ried; he was very successful in business, and amassed large wealth. He 
served as Postmaster under Presidents Jackson and Lincoln. He was the 
parent of nine children, of whom Dr. Odenbaugh is the youngest. Mr. 
Odenbaugh died in 1S76, at the age of sixty-five years. Mrs. O. resides at 
Urbana, Ohio, in the seventy-seventh year of her age. Dr. Odenbaugh ac- 
quired his education in the Union Schools of Washington, Penn., and 
Bethany and Vermillion Colleges, attending the latter three years. He 
then went to Goshen, Ind., where he entered a book stoi'e with his brother- 
in-law, C. J. Madden. He then took up the study of medicine, and in 1873 
returned to Ohio and prosecuted his medical studies under Dr. J. A. Stansell, 
of Forest. He graduated at the Miami Medical College of Cincinnati in 
March, 1880, and soon after came to Wharton, where he has established a 
good practice. October 12, 1870, he was united in marriage to Miss Jen- 
nie L. Mansfield, daughter of Dr. B. and Mary (Shafer) Mansfield, of Mt. 
Blanchard, Ohio. Mrs. Odenbaugh is the eldest of a family of three chil- 
dren. To Dr. Odenbaugh and wife three children have been born — Ed- 
ward U. , born August 8, 1871; Lena G., born July 29, 1874, and died at 
the age of twenty months; and Alfred C, born May 26, 1882. Dr. O. is 
a member of the I. O. O. F. and Masonic fraternities, and Ohio State Med- 
ical Society; he owns a fine residence opposite the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and is an influential citizen. Mrs. O. is a member of the Presby- 
terian Church. 

DR. SAMUEL PICKETT was born in Athens County, Ohio, September 
10, 1820. He is a son of Samuel and Charity (Young) Pickett, natives of 
Maryland and Virginia respectively: his father was a cousin to Gen. 
Pickett, of confederate fame. His parents located in Athens County about 
1805, removing to Coshocton County in 1827, and to this county in 1830. 
They located in this township, being the first settlers, naming the township 
from the quality of the soil. Five of the seven chidren are now living — • 
William, Hethcot, Temperance, James and Samuel. The father died in 
1856, aged seventy-five years; the mother in 1825, aged thirty. Dr. Pickett 
obtained but three months' schooling, his youth being spent on the farm 
and in the woods. He was personally acquainted with many of the noted 
Indians, having slept in their houses and dined at their tables. His health 
failing at eighteen, he studied medicine four years with Dr. Stephens, of 
Mt. Blanchard, and has practiced more or less since that time, though not 
as a professional. He was married, October 13, 1844, to Miss Clarissa Ster- 
ling, who died in 1852, leaving one child — Harrison. Mr. Pickett was again 
married, July 31, 1854, to Miss Clarissa Smith, daughter of Benjamin and 
Martha Smith and a native of Bristol. England. Of seven children born to 
this union but four are now living — Louisa (wife of John P. Tanner), The- 
ressa A., Sink, Lilly and Abraham L. The deceased were infants. Mr. 
Pickett now owns 150 acres, all earned by hard labor; he was formerly a 
Whig, but now a strong Republican; member of the Universalist Church. 
Mrs. Pickett is a member of the Presbyterian Church at Mt. Blanchard. 

A. S. REYNOLDS was born in Westmoreland County, Penn., February 
16, 1831. His parents were Robert and Elizabeth (Schall) Reynolds, 
natives of Pennsylvania. His father was a soldier of the war of 1812, and 



RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 953 

two of his grandfather's brothers were killed in the Revolutionary war. 
His grandfather was also a soldier in the latter war. His great- grand- 
mother came to Pennsylvania from Ireland, with William Penn, when she 
was four years of age, and died at the advanced age of one hundred and 
six years. Mr. Reynolds' parents came to Ohio in 183-i, and to this county 
March 9, 1835. His father entered 400 acres of land, and was a prominent 
farmer, also a gunsmith and blacksmith. He died August 9, 1848. Five 
of eleven children are now living — George W. , John M., A. S., Eliza and 
Maria. Their mother resides in Hancock County, in her eighty-lil'th year. 
Our subject obtaiued a good education, attending the Findlay Academy 
two years, and graduating at the Cleveland Mercantile College, in 1856. 
He began teaching at the age of sixteen, and continued at intervals till 1882 
— in all 101 terms. In 1860, he was elected County Surveyor and re- 
elected in 1863, but tendered his resignation, refusing to serve. He was 
married. May 28, 1858, to Hannah J. Morison, daughter of John A. and 
Nancy J. (Murry) Morison, early settlers of this county. Her father was 
probably the first Postmaster of Upper Sandusky and the first Recorder, 
serving three terms. He was also a school teacher thirty years. Mr. and 
Mrs. Reynolds have two children — Orion E., born January 5, 1860, and 
an infant who died September 17, 1868. Mrs. Reynolds was born April 7, 
1837, in Seneca County, Ohio. Mr. Reynolds purchased his present farm 
in 1858, and erected a comfortable residence in 1877, costing $1,600. He 
is an independent voter, and well respected as a citizen. 

REV. L. D. ROGERS was born in Luzerne County, Penn., May 9, 
1827. His parents, Almanza and Malinda (Fuller) Rogers were natives of 
Pennsylvania, and of English ancestry. His mother died when he was 
seven years of age, and in 1839, he removed with his father to Ohio, and 
settled near Shelby, Richland County. Mr. Rogers was the parent of ten 
children, of whom L. D. was one of the younger. He was born July 23, 
1794, and died in 1875. Mrs. Rogers was born July 28, 1793. Mr. 
Rogers was a local minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church for many 
years, and was prominent in the early history of Methodism in Central Ohio. 
Rev. L. D. Rogers, the subject of this notice, passed his early life on a 
farm, and acquired his education in the Seminary of Norwalk, Ohio, Alle- 
gheny College, Pennsylvania, where he attended two years, and subsequently 
at the Ohio Wee ley an University, of Delaware, Ohio. From the latter 
place he entered the North Ohio Conference of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, in August, 1851. In 1853, was ordained Deacon by Bishop Mor- 
ris, at Mt. Vernon, Ohio. In 1855, was ordained Elder by Bishop Scott, 
at Sandusky City, Ohio; and served on the following charges: Gallon, Plym- 
outh, Sylvania, Perrysburg, Shannon, Forest, Little Sandusky, Bettsville 
and at Sylvania a second time. He was superannuated in 1867, on account 
of failing health, and removed to his farm in this township. September 1, 
1853, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Mower, daughter of George and 
Mary (Crider) Mower, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and of German 
extraction. They removed and settled near Mansfield, Ohio, in 1834, and were 
the parents of eight children, of whom Mrs. Rogers is next to the youngest. 
Mr. Mower departed this life April 24, 1853, at the age of sixty-eight 
years. Mrs. Mower died January 24, 1883, aged ninety-one years. Of 
three children born to Mr. and Mrs. Rogers, one is living, namely, Iva D. 
Mr. Rogers is a member of the Central Ohio Conference, although debarred 
by ill health from active ministerial service he takes an active interest in 
the success and welfare of the church. 



954 HISTORY OF AVYANDOT COUNTY. 

A. F. EOSENBURY was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, October 
19, 1834:. He is a son of William Rosenbury, a native of Virginia, born 
in 1800, passing most of his life in Tuscarawas Cou.nty, Ohio, and dying 
in 1876. A. F. Rosenbury, the subject of this sketch, was reared by his 
gi'andfather, John Frederick, who gave him a fair education. He was mar 
ried, June 20, 1858, to Miss Margaret A. Forney, daughter of John and 
Mary (Shroy) Forney, residents of Tuscarawas County. Her death occurred 
December 20, 1880. The children by this marriage were Alice R., born 
May 31, 1860; Fremont J. C, March 31, 1863; Florence B., October 19, 
1866; William E., February 16, 1870; Elmira J., March 14, 1873; Harry 
G., October 11, 1875. Mr. Rosenbury was married November 13, 1883, to 
Mrs. S. A. Doll, widow of Charles L. Doll, and daughter of Solomon and 
Anna (Metz) Swihart, natives of Stark County, Ohio. Her ancestors were 
among the early settlers of Maryland; her great-grandfather Fombaugh was 
a soldier under Col. Crawford. Her marriage to Mr. Doll occurred Novem- 
ber 17, 1868, three children resulting — Anna E. (deceased); Arthur, born 
September 27, 1870; Ida M., October 23, 1880. Mr. Doll was a machinist. 
He met his death by falling from the roof of a burning building February 
22, 1880. Mr. Rosenbury rented five years, purchasing his present farm in 
1864. It consists of eighty acres, and is well improved and cultivated, 
valued at $70 per acre. In politics, Mr. R. is a Republican. He is a 
prominent member of the United Brethren Church, having been Trustee of 
the same many years, also Superintendent of the Sunday school at present. 

RINER V. RUMMELL was born near the " Old Indian Mill," Decem- 
ber 24, 1842. His parents, John and Henrietta (Nichols) Rummell, were 
natives of Maryland, and of German and English descent respectively. 
They came to Ohio in 1828 in wagons, and stopped for awhile at Tiffin, then 
came and settled near the " Old Indian Mill," in this county. Mr. Rum- 
mell was a miller by occupation, and operated this mill for a term of years. 
He was the father of fourteen children, viz., Sidney A., James, Josiah, 
William, Wesley, Ezekiel, Riner V., Elizabeth, Mary, Eliza, Rinaldo, Almy, 
Alfred H. and Lola M. Mr. Rummell departed this life in 1870, aged sixty- 
two years. Our subject remained on the farm until of age, when July 22, 
1862, he enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Twenty-third Regiment 
Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was engaged in a number of skirmishes, and 
in the battle at Winchester, where he was wounded June 13, 1863. Two 
days later, he was taken prisoner and conveyed to Richmond, thence to ' ' Old 
Tobacco House," Belle Isle, where he was confined two months. From there 
he was transfered to Libby Prison, where from i*ough treatment he had an 
arm broken. After two months' confinement in that rebel prison, he was 
paroled and exchanged. January 4, 1864, he again joined his regiment, 
and by an accident had the same arm broken again. March 22, 1864, 
he entered the hospital at Frederick City, and subsequently was removed to 
the Marine Hospital at Cincinnati. He was honorably discharged July 9, 
1864. He returned home, and February 2, 1865, he was iinited in marriage 
with Miss Augusta C. , daughter of Charles and Mary Passet. To them five 
children have been born, viz., Luella L., Herschell, George G., Walter and 
Frank. In 1872, Mr. Rummell moved to Wharton, aad purchased a grocery, 
which he conducted until 1876. The following year, he bought a drug 
store, and continued in business one year. Since his retirement from the 
drug business, he has occupied the position of ticket and freight agent of 
the Indiana, Bloomington & Western Railroad. He owns a farm of 120 
acres, beside village property. Politically he is a Democrat, He served as 



RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 955 

Township Clerk one year, and as Notary Public since 1877, He is a mem- 
ber of the I. O. O. F. , and is a worthy and respected citizen. 

ALBERT J. SHELLHOUSE was born in this county June 9, 1837. 
He is a son of George and Sarah (Wayman) Shellhouse, who settled in this 
county in 1825. His grandfather had his thumb blown off in acting as can- 
non "'thumbsman" in the war of 1812. The children of this family are all 
living, namely, Albert J,, John, George W., Charles A., Edward, William, 
Emily J., Frank M., Lucius M. and Smith. Their father died in 1865, 
aged fifty-three. Their mother is still a resident of Tymochetee Township. 
Albert J. resided with his parents and worked by month and job work till 
his marriage, which occurred September 30, 1858. He married Miss Lydia 
A. Cole, daughter of William, Sr., and Anna Cole, thi-ee children being born 
to them— Ellis M., born June 10. 1859; Perry T., January 16, 1861 ; Corral 
M., January 18, 1863. Mr. Shellhouse rented land several years, purchas- 
ing forty acres in 1865. In 1875, he bought his present home of forty 
acres, which he has cleared and improved. He has also dealt somewhat in 
lumber and live stock since 1865. In 1864, Mr. Shellhouse enlisted in 
Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer In- 
fantry, participating in no engagements, doing special duty till his dis- 
charge in 1865. Mr. Shellhouse is a Democrat, and served as Trustee in 
Richland Township. 

JOHN STERLING, a native of Can-oil County, Ohio, was born Janu- 
ary 14. 1823. He is a son of Jacob and Jane (Grimes) Sterling, natives of 
Ohio, and of Irish parents, who came fi'om Ireland at an early day. Mr. 
Sterling, the father of our subject, was born in 1802, and Mrs. S. in the 
year 1800. They were the parents of seven children, viz., Clarissa, John, 
George, Samuel, Mary J., James and Solomon. Mr. Sterling departed this 
life in 1845, and his widow in 1880. John Sterling removed with his par- 
ents to Hancock County in 1839, and there spent the remainder of his early 
life. He assisted to build the first schoolhouse in the district where his 
parents settled. At the age of twenty-one, he learned the carpenter's 
trade, which he followed until his removal to Wharton in 1855. He then 
engaged as workman in a saw mill, and in 1858, in partnership with his 
brother George, purchased a steam saw mill, which they ran successfully for 
two or three years, when his brother withdrew from the firm and he contin- 
ued in the business till 1865, at which time his mill property was destroyed 
by fire. He immediately rebuilt at a cost of ^2,500, adding a grist mill 
department, with two run of buhrs. In 1876, he sold this prof)erty, and 
three years later purchased the saw and planing mill which he now owns 
and conducts. He first purchased land near Wharton in 1857. To this 
purchase, which consisted of eighty acres, he made additions till he owned 
200 acres. Of this tract he now owns 79 acres. In 1880, he erected his 
residence in the village at a cost of $1,500. Mr. Sterling began life a poor 
man, but by untiring energy and perseverance he has accumulated the hand- 
some competence of $10,()00. He is an honorable and upright citizen, and 
fully merits the esteem in which he is held. March 23, 1843, he was united 
in marriage to Miss Sarah Waltermire, daughter of George and Mahalia 
(Edgell) Waltermire. Of nine children born to this union, three are living, 
viz., John H., Clarissa C. and S. A. Douglas. The deceased are Francis M., 
who died in a Southern prison during the war; James W., who died from a 
disease contracted while in the war; Rebecca J. and three infants. Mr. 
Sterling is a Democrat in politics. He served as Trustee several years; 
Clerk and Treasurer of the township each one term; Justice of the Peace 



956 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

two terms; and at present Mayor of the village. Mr. and Mrs. Sterling are 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is acting in the 
capacity of Class Leader. 

SOLOMON SPOON is a native of Perry County, Penn., born April 28, 
]802, to Melcher and Christina Spoon, of German parentage. When a 
young man, he went to New York State, stopping six years; came to Ohio 
in 1835, and came to this county in 1841, settling near Wharton, where he 
purchased forty acres and entered forty more. Having no home, he slept 
under a hickory tree one night with the wolves howling about him — then 
having a family of eight children. His marriage to Hannah Cooney oc- 
curred in 1825, and resulted in the birth of thirteen — Abraham, George W. 
(deceased), Daniel, David F. , Solomon, Samuel (deceased), William. Re- 
becca, Jacob, Mary A., Levi and Elizabeth (both deceased) and Reuben. 
Mrs. Spoon died February 25, 1859, aged fifty-four years, and our subject 
was married in November, 1861, to Mrs. Mary A. Case, widow of David 
Case (formerly widow of William Bennett), and daughter of Abraham Cole. 
She was born January 29, 1813, in Fairfield County, Ohio, her parents 
coming to Richland Township in 1835, and entering over two sections of 
land. Her father died in 1844. Her first marriage was celebrated 
in 1846; they resided in Delaware County, Ohio, and had five chil- 
dren — Sarah E.. Ransom, Verninda, Jerusha and William R. , the latter 
deceased. Mr. Bennett was killed by a falling tree October 25, 1845. Her 
marriage to Mr. Case occurred in 1851, two children resulting — Luellen 
and Elnora M., both deceased. Mr. Case died of consumption in 1857, 
aged fifty-five years. Mrs. Spoon inherited eighty acres of her father's 
estate and a dowry from her first husband. Mr. S. has disposed of his 
farm, and purchased town property in Wharton, where he now resides. He 
is an " old-time " Democrat, the oldest resident in the village and among 
the oldest in the township. He is a member of the Church of God; his 
wife of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

DANIEL SPOON was born in Cumberland County, Penn., January 
10, 1830, son of Solomon and Hannah Spoon (see sketch). Mr. Spoon 
worked for his parents as usually done till twenty-one years of age. He 
was married, March 13, 1853, to Miss Barbara Bernheisel, daughter of Henry 
and Susanna Bernheisel, six children resulting from their union: Francis 
L., who died aged nine months; Emmil A.; Henrietta, wife of Harlow 
Smith; Lucretia, wife of Thomas Shepherd; Emory and Wheeler. Mrs. 
Spoon was born June 12, 1833. In 1852, Mr. Spoon purchased forty-seven 
acres near Wharton, where he resided six years. He subsequently sold out, 
and bought eighty-two acres near Carey, which he also disposed of, purchas- 
ing 120 acres of his present farm in 1863. To this he has added till he now 
owns 340 acres — the largest in the township — provided with a magnificent 
residence, costing $8,000 in 1882, and a fine " bank " barn, costing $1,500 
in 1880. In 1864, Mr. Spoon enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and 
Seventy-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, participating in the battle at Frank- 
lin, Tenn. , and doing garrison duty during the remainder of his term of 
service, receiving his discharge in 1865. He is a Democrat in politics; 
both he and wife being members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

DAVID F. SPOON, son of Solomon Spoon, was born in this township 
November 15, 1834. He purchased eighty acres of land in 1856, residing 
on the same in Crusoe style three years. He was married August 25, 1859, 
to Mary A. Rineberger, daughter of Michael and Susan (Miller) Rineberger, 
natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. Her parents settled in 



RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 957 

Richland County in an early clay ; her mother is now deceased ; her father 
resides at her home in his eighty-second year. Mr. and Mi's. Spoon have 
six children, five living — Elmer E., born September 25, 1861 ; George L., 
February 19, 1868; Rosilla J., October U, 1864; Melvin E., March 21, 
1867 ; Olive E., March 20, 1865 ; Essa L., December 26, 1876. Rosilla J. 
was accidentally burned to death December 14, 1879. Mrs. Spoon was born 
May 7, 1838. Mr. Spoon has alwuys been a hard worker, having cleared 
not less than 120 acres of land. He now owns 65 acres of valuable land, 
besides lots and residences in Upper Sandusky, Forest and Kirby. He is 
now (1883) erecting a neat dwelling at a cost of $1,650. In 1864, Mr. 
Spoon enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-fifth Regiment 
Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and took part in the battles at Nashville, Spring 
Hill, Columbia, and others. He was confined in the hospital at Nashville 
seven days, receiving his discharge in July, 1865. Mr. Spoon is a Dem- 
ocrat, and, with his wife, a member of the Church of God, of which he 
was formerly a Deacon and Class Leader. 

HIRAM TAFT, one of the pioneers of this county, was born in Scho- 
hai'ie County, N. Y., February 18, 1806. He is a son of Cruff and Rhoda 
(Crowell) Taft, natives of Rhode Island and New York respectively, prob- 
ably of Welsh ancestry — a family tradition averring that three brothers came 
from Wales in an early day. His parents are both deceased. At the age 
of sixteen, Mr. Taft began life for himself, learning the carpenter's trade, 
which he followed about forty-five years. In 1844, he came to Ohio with 
his family, and located on his present farm, then 120 acres, now 167. 
This farm was then a forest — the camping ground for wolves and wild cats, 
but is now in a high state of cultivation and improvement, valued at $75 
per acre. His dwelling, built by himself in 1847, was the first frame build- 
ing in the township. Mr. Taft was married, January 10, 1830, to Miss Polly 
Quackenbush, daughter of Cornelius and Rhoda (Carley) Quackenbush, of 
Holland descent. Her parents were among the first settlers of New 
York, her father being a soldier in the war of 1812. Mrs. Taft is the 
eldest of nine children, being born February 14, 1811. Mr. and Mrs. Taft 
are the parents of five children — Elizabeth J., deceased wife of Benjamin 
Ward ; M. Adelia, wife of Jonathan Bailey ; Rhoda, deceased wife of John 
W. Wenner ; Marian C, wife of Edwin Claflin ; Alta E., wife of William 
Kirkland. Mr. Taft has been a hard laborer, has cleared much land, and 
constructed many buildings in this and other counties. He is a Democrat, 
and was formerly a member of the I. O. O. F. Mrs. Taft is a member of 
the Presbyterian Church at Forest. 

EZRA H. VAN BUREN, a native of Albany County, N. Y., was born 
March 10, 1843. His parents, Daniel and Catherine (Chesebrough) Van 
Buren, were natives of New Y^ork, and of English and German ancestors, 
and distant relatives of President Van Buren. Mr. Van Buren's father died 
and his mother was left with eight children, and came to Ohio with five of 
them in 1859. The names of the children are Saxton, Martin, William H., 
Mary J., Sarah, Huldah, Ezra and Hannah. Of these, Saxton, Martin and 
Ezra are living. Mrs. Van Buren departed this life in 1879, at the ripe 
age of seventy-six years. Ezra was brought up on a farm, and educated in 
the district schools. In 1862, he enlisted to serve in Company A, One 
Hundred and Twenty-third Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He partic- 
ipated in the battles of Winchester, Strasburg, Fisher's Hill, New Market, 
and a number of other engagements, during which time he served under 
Gens. Millroy, Hunter, Siegel and Sheridan. He was taken a prisoner at 



958 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

the engagement at Winchester, and after a month's confinement at Rich- 
mond was released. He was again captured at High Bridge, and paroled 
at the surrender of Lee, and was honorably discharged in June, 1865. 
November, 1865, he married Miss Clarinda, daughter of Jacob and Rebecca 
Jackson, who were natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Van Buren have 
one son, Henry J., born October 5, 1866. Mrs. Van Buren died in 1867, 
and two years later Mr. Van Buren married Miss Elizabeth Hendrickson, 
daughter of Thomas Hendrickson. Mr. Van Buren purchased, in 1866, a 
farm of thirty-seven acres near Forest, Ohio, and resided there until 1871, 
when he removed to his present farm, which contains 232 acres, valued at 
$70 per acre. He and wife ai'e members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
with which he is prominently identified. He is a successful farmer, and 
an active and esteemed citizen. 

MARTIN VAN BUREN, born in Otsego County, N. Y., January 18, 
1836, is a son of Daniel and Catharine (Cbesebrough) Van Buren, and, 
being thrown upon his own resources at an early age, received but a limited 
education. He worked for a number of years by day and month, engaging 
to some extent, while yet a young man, in the lumber business in Canada. 
In 1865, he married Miss Dianna Funk, daughter of Abraham and Mary 
(Rosenberger) Funk, this wife dying in 1873, leaving one child, Mary A. , 
born December 9, 1868. Mr. Van Buren then married, in 1875, Maria M. 
Alter, daughter of Joseph and Margaret C. (Dinsmore) Alter, natives of 
Pennsylvania, and of Scotch-Irish descent. The children by this marriage 
are: R. Carl, born September 15, 1876; H. Kent, May 18, 1879; M. Ethel, 
December 6, 1881; Hattie E., April 30, 1883. Mrs. Van Buren was born 
August. 2, 1848. Mr. Van Buren rented land a few years, and then pur- 
chased land in Richland Township. He subsequently disposed of this and 
purchased forty acres in Hancock County, later adding ten acres. In 1882, 
he again sold out, and purchased his present farm of 163^ acres for 111,000. 
He is a good farmer, and makes a specialty of fine stock and Poland-China 
hogs. lu political faith, Mr. Van Buren is an Independent. He and his 
wife are both members of the Congregational Church at Findlay, Ohio. 

JAMES P. WARD (deceased) was born at Akron, Ohio, in 1808. His 
parents, Benjamin and Elizabeth (Beech) Ward, were natives of Virginia, 
and of English and Irish extraction, respectively. They settled at Akron 
soon after their marriage, Mr. Ward being engaged in the Iron Mills at 
that place. James P., our subject, obtained a good education, and engaged 
in teaching several terms. He also worked as molder in the foundry for 
some time, and later was employed as Captain of a canal boat plying be- 
tween Cleveland and Cincinnati. He came to this county in 1840, and pur- 
chased forty acres, at the time of his death owning 160. Mr. Ward was 
married, March 19, 1843, to Olive J. Baker, daughter of Christopher and 
Rachel (Berry) Baker, who settled in this county in 1824. They were 
natives of Virginia, Mrs. Baker's father having been an English Colonel in 
the Revolutionary war, her husband a soldier in the war of 1812. Mrs. 
Ward's father was a prominent farmer after and a miller before coming to 
this county. He was the father of eleven children, five of whom are now 
living. He died in 1848, aged sixty-three; the mother in 1875, aged eighty- 
one years. Mr. and Mrs. Wai'd were the parents of twelve children, eight 
living — Elizabeth E., wife of J. D. AVickiser; Alphonzo C, La Fayette B., 
Spencer O., Howard O., Carl B., Emma E. and Roscoe P. The deceased 
are Cleopatra R. , Walter S., Alice and an infant. Their mother was born 
May 4, 1826. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Ward came to his widow's pres- 



RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. ■ 959 

ent fai'm, which he subsequently developed to a remarkable extent, building 
fine barn and brick residence in 1879. He was highly esteemed as a citi- 
zen; served as Trustee many years; began life poor, but left an estate oE 
120.000. He died November 25, 1880. Mrs. Ward still resides on the 
homestead with her three youngest children. 

JOHN WENTZ was born in this county December 18, 1839. His par- 
ents, Jacob and Elizabeth (Copenheflfer) Wentz, were natives of Pennsylva- 
nia, and of German desceot. They came to Ohio in 1837, and entered 
eighty acres of land, where our subject now resides. They had eight chil- 
dren — Andrew, Jacob, Louisa, Levi, John, Jesse, William and Henry, the 
two latter deceased. The father was a weaver by trade; he died in 1854, 
aged fifty-eight years; the mother in 1883, aged eighty-five years. Mr. 
Wentz obtained a good education, and worked upon the farm and railroad 
till he enlisted in the army, August 18, 1862. He joined Company A, One 
Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was engaged at 
Winchester, Martinsburg, Berryville, Snicker's Gap, Cedar Creek, Hatcher's 
Run, High Bridge and many skirmishes, serving two years and nine months. 
He was wounded in the engagement at High Bridge, and was detained at 
the hospital at Philadelphia two months, after which he was discharged. 
He married Savilla Cowdry February 24, 1866, she being the daughter of 
William and Mary (Bruce) Cowdry, then residents of Michigan, both now 
deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Wentz are parents of three children — Olive, born 
February 17, 1868; Edith, November 9, 1870; Walter V., April 24, 1881. 
Mr. Wentz inherited twenty-five acres of the homestead, where he now 
resides, having added to his inheritance till he now owns eighty-nine acres, 
well-stocked and improved, valued at $80 per acre. His dwelling cost 
$1,200 in 1880, and his barn $500 in 1872. He is a Republican, and mem- 
ber of the Church of God; Elder at present. On account of wounds 
received in the war, he receives a pension of $8 per month. 

J. D. WICKISER was born in Richland Township April 28, 1843, and 
is a son of Albert and Sabrina (McKay) Wickiser. He passed his early life 
upon a farm, and received his education in the common schools. In 1864, 
he enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-fifth Regiment Ohio 
Volunteer Infantry. He participated in the battles of Columbia, Franklin 
and Nashville, Tenn., and was honorably discharged July 14, 1865. Here- 
turned home, and, October 11, 1866, was married to Miss Ellen Ward, 
daughter of J. P. and Olive J. (Baker) Ward, who settled in this township 
in 1843. They were the parents of seven children, viz., Stella F., Wini- 
fred O., Bertha, John Nelson and Cecil M. Edith and Agnes are deceased. 
Mrs, Wickiser was born January 7, 1844. Mr. Wickiser owns a farm of 
eighty-four acres, well improved and highly cultivated. In 1877, he 
erected a residence at a cost of $1,200. His farm, with its improvements, 
is one of the best in the township. In 1883, he and A. C. Kirby erected a 
fine brick block in Wharton, Mr. W. occupying the east room with a stock of 
groceries and provisions. He was previously engaged in undertaking and 
the furniture business. He is an active, enterprising citizen, and well 
known in the county as a veterinary surgeon. He is a member of the I. O. 
O. F. and G. A. R., and also of the Grange. He served as Township Trus- 
tee four years, and as Land Appraiser in 1880. Politically, he is Demo- 
cratic. 

ALBERT WICKISER. This worthy pioneer was born in Luzerne 
County, Penn., February 24, 1808. His parents were Conrad and Lydia 
(Wicks) Wickiser, natives of Germany and Pennsylvania respectively, and 



960 * HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

of German and English descent. They came to Perry Coanty, Ohio, in 
1810, soon after removing to Delaware County, and to this county in 1834. 
They entered 120 acres, and had eleven children, four now living. Mr. 
Wickiser obtained a limited education. He worked for daily wages till his 
marriage to Miss Sabrina McKay, September 15, 1833. Her parents were 
Charles and Hannah (Butler) McKay, natives of New York and New Hamp- 
shire respectively. They settled in Brown County in 1823, and in 1841 re- 
moved to Illinois, where they both died. Mr. and Mrs. Wickiser are the 
parents of fifteen children — Mary E., Irena, Charles W., Jacob AV., John 
D., William M. B., Daniel W., Rhoda J., Sarah M., MarindaN., Hester A., 
Milton D. L. , Albert H., Ossian E. and Phillip E. Their mother was born 
in York State May 11, 1818, In 1835, Mr. W. entered forty acres of land 
in this township, he and his wife being now the only ones living of his date 
of settlement. He being disabled many years, Mrs. W. supported the fam- 
ily by weaving. Both are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and 
have been Christians fifty years. In politics, Mr. W. is a Jacksonian Dem- 
ocrat. 

D. B. WILLIAMS, son of John and Rebecca (Cope) Williams, was born 
in Columbiana County, Ohio, June 2, 1830. His parents wei'e natives of 
Ohio and Virginia, and were married in Columbiana County, where they 
resided most of their lives. He was a brick-layer by trade, and the father 
of eight children, the living — John T., Caroline, D. B. and Elizabeth. He 
died in 1839, aged thirty-eight years; his wife in 1872, aged sixty-eight. 
D. B., our subject, obtained but a limited log schoolhouse education, be- 
ginning life for himself at sixteen. He worked by the day and month un- 
til married to Martha W. Morlan September 26, 1850. She was a daughter 
of Isaac and Martha (Wright) Morlan, natives of Virginia. This marriage 
was blessed by nine children, five of whom are living— Viola, wife of A. B. 
Wise; Silas M., Elwood E., Clara B. , Hattie M. The deceased are Alice 
A., Mary H. and Emma, an infant. After several years in various kinds of 
work, and after several trades in stock and real estate, Mr. Williams pur- 
chased his present farm of eighty acres in 1872, paying $1,600. He has 
made many improvements, having built a comfortable dwelling in 1878, 
costing $1,500. Mr. Williams voted first for Van Buren, but has since been 
a Republican. He served as Constable in Hancock County many years. He 
and Mrs. Williams are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and 
highly esteemed as citizens. 

JACOB WISE, son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Ensminger) Wise, was 
born in Cumberland County, Penn., January 23, 1810. His great-grand- 
parents came from Germany; his grandfather Wise avoided going into the 
Revolutionary war by " cutting his leg with tobacco." His father served as 
Justice of this township from his twenty-first to his forty-eighth year. Our 
subject began work when a child at $1. 50 per month, and continued to work 
for himself with advanced wages for many years. In 1842, he came to Ohio, 
working three years in the cabinet business in Stark County. In Novem- 
ber, 1847, he located in this county, purchasing thirty acres of his present 
farm, to which he has added till he now owns 219 acres, valued at $100 per 
acre. Mr. Wise was married, in 1843, to Miss Mary Price, of Lancaster, 
Ohio. She died September 6, 1882, leaving three children — Aaron B., Je- 
rome O., Caroline, wife of G. E. Rice, of Kansas. The deceased are Mary 
A. and Fianna. Mr. Wise is an old-time Jackson Democrat; member of 
the Lutheran Church. 



RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 961 

JEROME WISE, son of the above, was born in this township May 
1, 1852. He remained at home farming and attending school till his 
marriage to Miss Serena Clark August 26, 1875. She was a daugh- 
ter of George W. and Martha Clark, and died February 20, 1876, leaving 
one child — Ivy M. , who also died a few months later. Mr. Wise was again 
married, March 3, 1881, to Miss Mary Hartman, daughter of Henry and 
Catharine (Bishop) Hartman, natives of Germany, coming to this country 
soon after their marriage. Mr. Hartman is deceased; his wife is a resident 
of Jackson Township. Mr. and Mrs. Wise have one child — Minnie B., 
born January 26, 1882. Mr. Wise purchased twenty-two acres in 1881, 
j)aying $965. The farm is in excellent repair, and is valued at $75 per 
acre. He has been tilling the homestead with his father all his days, and 
is regarded as one of the best of farmers in the county. In politics, Mr. 
Wise is a liberal Democrat. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. at Whar- 
ton, having passed all the chairs of that lodge. 

GEORGE W. YOUNG is a native of this county, born April 1, 1841, 
to Louis and Christina (Dennis) Young, natives of Ohio and of German and 
Irish descent — his grandfather Young coming from Ireland, and his grand- 
mother from Germany. His parents located in this county in 1836, rearing 
a family of twelve children — Cornelius D., George W., Eliza, John R. and 
Robert L. being the only ones living. The father died in 1869, aged lifty- 
five year; the mother in 1871, at the same age. Mr. Young obtained a lim- 
ited education, being compelled to stay at home clearing land. At 
twenty-one he married Sylvania Bernheisel, the date of the event being 
June 8, 1862. She was a daughter of Henry and Susanna (Snider) Bern- 
heisel, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. They settled in 
Richland County in 1845, and in this county about two years later. They 
were farmers, and parents of twelve children. The mother resides in this 
township in her seventieth year. Mr. and Mrs. Young are the parents of 
live children — Lawrence R. , born May 6, 1863; Floi^ence A., July 1, 1865; 
Harriet A., September 15, 1867; Orrin O., June 8, 1871; Dessie C, July 
28, 1881. Mrs. Young was born March 25, 1847. After his mar- 
riage, Mr. Young rented land for several years, purchasing his present 
farm in 1872. It then consisted of forty acres, but now comprises 130. In 
1880, he erected a fine barn at $900, and in 1882 an elegant frame house 
at $2,000. His farm is in a tine state of cultivation and well drained. Mr. 
Young is a Democrat. He and his wife are both members of the United 
Brethren Church, of which he is Trustee. 




962 " HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 



CHAPTER X. 
EIDGE TOWNSHIP. 

The Township as Organized— Its Physical Characteristics— Nabies of 
ALL THE Owners of Real and Personal Estate in 1845— Early Set- 
tlers—Schools AND Churches— biographical sketches. 

AT the organization of this county in 1845, the portion now known as 
Ridge Township was existing under the title of Amanda, in Hancock 
County. It is a fractional township containing but fifteen sections, and was 
annexed to this county at the above date, deriving its name from the high 
limestone ridge which extends across its northern part. It is bounded on 
the east by Crawford Township, on the south by Richland, and on the west 
and north by Hancock County. The southern portion of the township is 
comparatively low, and was once covered with a heavy growth of timber — 
beech, sugar, ash and walnut — much of which still remains, though the 
work of improvement is going on rapidly. With the present drainage, 
large crops of wheat are being harvested from these lands, that at one time 
were supposed to be adapted to corn-raising only. The northern part is of 
an entirely different make-up, both as to soil and surface feature. It is con- 
siderably elevated above the south half of the township, the soil consisting 
of a sandy loam, with clay base (white and yellow), and is especially 
adapted to the raising of wheat, an interest closely looked after by its in- 
habitants. Here the general improvements are much in advance of those 
of the southern part, most of the earlier settlers having located in this 
vicinity, George Greek, Casper Updegraff and William Hunter being a few 
of the exceptions. 

The following were the owners of real and personal estate in Ridge 
Township in 1845: 

OWNERS OF REAL ESTATE. 

John Allman, Henry Amarine, Jacob Bowers, John Bowers, Jacob 
Baker, George Cross, Amos Brown, Elijah Brown, Daniel Beck, Sarah 
Beck, Samuel Brown, Henry Beck, Henry Bacon, William Bennett, Frede- 
rick Baugher, William Brown, Silas Brown, George Bucher, Jacob Barnd, 
Jacob Bucher, Elijah Barnd, Joshua Cole, Aaron Corbin, Charles Cross, 
Amos W. Grain, Henry Christy, William Carothers, R. and S. Dunbar, 
David Entley, John Fisher, John Fenstemaker, Benjamin Fickle, Sarah 
Greek, George Greek, Samuel Greek, Samuel Grindle, Jacob Grindle, Green 
& Reid, Shadrack Highland, William Hancock, Philip Hall, Philip Huber, 
John Hershberger, Philip Hall, James A. Hunter, Thomas Iliff, Jacob 
Jackson, Abraham Karn, Adam Kellar, Adam Killinger, Abraham Karn, 
William Keller, Francis Keenan, James Kelly, George Long, Christian 
Leitner, John Long, Aaron Moore, William McDonald, James McGill, 
David Myers, Frisby Nye, John Patterson, Jesse Price, Jacob Putnam, 
Lemuel Roberts, Michael Richardson, Philip Richardson, Joseph Richard- 
son, Robert Reynolds, John Smith, Rebecca Saeyards, Jonathan Swihart, 
David Spade, 'Thomas N. Shepard, John Starr, George Smith, Ohio, 



RIDGE TOWNSHIP. 963 

William Swick, Joseph Shiill, Andrew W. Scott, Duncan Scott, John 
Scott, Nicholas Shull, George Spangler, Joseph Sherman, Charles Thomas, 
John Thompson, George W. Tong, Hill Tolleston, Ira Taft, James Un- 
derwood, Casper Updegraflf, Abraham Worley, James Wingate, George 
^Vorley, Isaac Wohlgemuth, Michael Yeager. 

OWNERS OF PERSONAL PROPERTY. 

John Allman, Henry Amarine, Jacob Blinger, Solomon Baugherd, 
George Baugherd, Jackson Bavigherd, Jacob Boucher, Henry Beck, Jacob 
Bowers, Henry Blosser, William Cheesebro, Abraham Carothers, William 
Carothers, George Cross, Thomas Cole, Nicodemus Corbin, Boyd Dunbar, 
Kobert Dunbar, Daniel Findlay, John Free, John Fisher, Benjamin Fickel, 
Samuel Grindle, Jacob Grindle, Samuel Greek, George Greek, David 
Graham, John Hershberger, Arthur Hazen, Philip Hall, William Hancock, 
Jacob Jackson, Adam Killinger, Adam Keller, Samuel Keller, Isaac William 
Kern, John Long, Joseph Leitner, Thomas McHorter, John Miller (German), 
John Miller (English), Amos R. Moore, Gideon Nye, Frisby Nye, John Pat- 
terson, Peter Putnam, Jacob Putnam, Jacob Putnam, Jr., Michael Richard- 
son, Elizabeth Richardson, Hyatt Roberts, Lemuel Roberts, Joseph Stahl, 
Daniel Spade, John Starr, Daniel Stahl, John Smith, Thomas Shepard, 
George Spangler, William Swick, Jacob Thomas, George W. Tong, John 
Thompson, Casper Updegrali', James Underwood, Isaac Wohlgamuth, Dr. 
Noah Wilson, a practicing physician. 

TOWN OF RIDGEVILLE. 

Of the twenty-four lots in this plat. Lemuel Roberts owned eighteen; 
Amos Moore, three; Daniel Miller, one; Jacob Plummer, one, and John 
Ragon, one. 

TOWN OF JAMESTOWN. 

Of the twenty-four lots in this plat, twelve — Nos. 1 to 12 inclusive — were 
situated in Ridge Township, and twelve lots — Nos. 13 to 24 inclusive — were 
located in Richland Township, all of which were owned by the State in 
1845. 

EARLY SETTLERS. 

As nearly as can be ascertained, the first white man who " blazed " his 
way in and out of the sylvan wilds of this township was William Homan, 
who located here with a wife and five children in 1832-33. He was fol- 
lowed soon after by Andrew Bates, with a wife and three children. In 
1834, Jacob Jackson appeared upon the scene. He was born in Berks 
County, Penn., July 26, 1812, and was a son of Heniy and Hannah (Hough) 
Jackson, with whom he came to Ohio in 1822. He came to this county as 
above stated, and has ever since resided on the farm which he then entered. 
He is still living. George Greek, one of the few struggling pioneers in 
1836, is a native of Lancaster County, Penn., son of Jacob and Martha 
(Miller) Greek, and was born December 27, 1806. He moved with bis 
parents to Lancaster, Ohio, in 1816, where he grew to manhood. He 
subsequently spent two years in Baltimore, one 'year in Cincinnati, then 
came to this county, and settled on his present farm. He is still an active 
old man, notwithstanding his many years of toil and pioneer hardships. 
James Hunter came to this county with his parents, William and Elizabeth 
Hunter, in 1836. He is a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, his parents be- 
ing natives of Pennsylvania and Delaware respectively. Ho has resided on 



964 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

his present farm since 1845, and is still hale, hearty and happy, an exem- 
plary and jovial pioneer. Casper XJpdegraff was one of the early settlers, 
and located in the township about 1840. He was a native of Northumber- 
land County, Penn., and was regarded as one of the sturdiest settlers. He 
was a man of great physical power and endurance, and in his lifetime did 
much hard labor. He was born in 1801, and died in 1870. One of the old- 
est of the venerable pioneers yet living is Benjamin Fickle, who located in 
this township in 1841. He is a native of Monongahela, Penn., and 
was born February 29, 1808. He was employed thirteen years on the Ohio 
Canal, and then moved to his present farm, entered in 1834. He is now 
quite feeble with age, and broken down by hard labor. Solomon Bocher, 
son of Frederick Bocher, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, November 2, 
1821, and settled in this township in 1844, having since resided on his 
present farm, which was entered by his father at a previous date. One of 
the prominent pioneers of the township is Isaac Wohlgamuth, who was born 
in York County, Penn., January 3, 1806. He came to Ohio with his par- 
ents in 1815, and afterward to this township in 1843. In 1846, he was 
elected County Commissioner, serving two terms. He has been Justice of 
the Peace over thirty-three years. Jonas Wohlgamuth settled in the town- 
ship in 1846. He is brother to Isaac W., and was born in the same local- 
ity in 1810. He is i-egarded as one of the most successful of the pioneer 
farmers. Joel Chesebrough, one of the wealthiest of the early settlers, Id- 
eated here in 1844. He was born in Albany (Jounty, N. Y., January 1, 
1810, and resided in that State several years, but has remaiiied in this town- 
ship since his first settlement here. He now owns 360 acres of valuable 
land, all earned by hard labor. Henry Brown settled in this township in 
1845. He was born in Otsego County, N. Y., September 7, 1809. 

In the first settlement of the township there were, of course, no estab- 
lished roads, and this was the cause of much inconvenience to the settlers. 
The first regular road constructed was what is called the Mount Blanchard 
road, as designated by the Commissioners' report. Supplies were obtained 
from Upper Sandusky, Findlay and Sandusky City, and the thoroughfares 
leading to these points constituted the chief lines of regular travel till the 
sectional roads were legally established. The only grist mill, or at least 
the first one, was located on Section 14, and was operated by Isaac Wohlga- 
muth. The motive power was supplied by a horse, and, although it was in 
fact a grist mill, it was usually denominated a "horse mill," the animal 
doing the grinding instead of being ground. This mill was established in 
1848, but is now " closed for repairs." The first saw mill was erected by 
John Long about 1836. It was run by water, and was constructed on the 
old " uj^right " plan. It was in fact an "old-timer" for various reasons, 
chief of which was that it usually required about two hours to saw through 
an ordinary log. This, however, afforded leisure for literary improvement, 
and it was no uncommon occurrence for the sawyer in charge to digest the 
contents of a whole dime novel while the " old haggler" was working its 
way through the log at the rapid rate of about five strokes to the minute. 
Progress and competition have rendered both the mill and its founder use- 
less, and they have ceased operations. At present, there are two saw mills 
in operation in the township, one owned by Michael Youngpeter, and the 
other by F. Williams. The mercantile interests of Ridge Township have 
not been prominently brought to the front. The first store was established 
by Eli Kagon, at the would-have-been village of Ridgeville, many years 
ago, but was never exceedingly profitable, and was at length abandoned. 



RIDGE TOWNSHIP. 965 

Its proprietor was born on the eastern shore of Maryland July 30, 1777, 
and died in Warren County, 111., April 9, 1856. At present, there are no 
mercantile establishraents in the township. 

The first schools of the township were held in the dwellings of the early 
settlers, one of these being that of George Greek, the kraut barrel being 
a valued attendant, as some of the pupils who are yet living aver. Deby 
Martin has the honor of being the first instructor of the then future citizens 
of the township, though John Long, the hero of the " upright" saw mill, is 
said by some to be the original agent in teaching "the young idea how to 
shoot." When the log schoolhouse near the present site of Mr. Greek's 
residence was erected, among the first to honor it was J. N. Free, then a 
brilliant young collegiate, now known as the "Immortal J. N." Other 
early teachers were Benjamin Burnapp, Samuel Updegraff and Isabel 
Thompson. There are now five school districts in the township, with sub- 
stantial and comfortable buildings. 

RELIGIOUS. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church seems to have been the first to call its 
members together to consider the spiritual interest of the township. The 
first meetings were held in dwelling-houses and later in a log schoolhouse 
west of the cemetery, near which the present church building is located. 
The first organization was effected prior to 1834, probably by Rev. John 
Conaway, with the following list of members: John Long, John Smith, 
William Reynolds, T. N. Shepherd, Thomas Thompson, Thomas Huff, and 
many of their wives whose given names are not remembered. In 1835-36, 
a log church building was erected west of the present structure, at a cost 
of about $150, and this was in use about twenty-five years. In 1859-60, 
the present frame Bethel was built at a cost of $1,200, since which time all 
the pleasures of a neat and comfortable place of worship have been enjoyed. 
So far as determined, the list of pastors who served in the parish is as fol- 
lows: Revs. John Conaway, James Wilson, Samuel Allen, Biggs, Hustis, 
Kimber, Wilson, Wilcox, Pounds, Lee, Thatcher, Graham, Wikes, Lance, 
Bowers, Good, Frisby, Lindsey, Jagger, Tibbies, Ferris, Miller and Camp. 
There are now forty members in the society. The first Trustees were John 
Long, John Smith, David Smith, William Chesebrough, William Carothers, 
Jacob Jackson and Henry Curtz. The present Trustees are Samuel and 
Saxton Chesebrough, La Fayette Weaver, Saxton Shoup and Michael 
Spangler; Stewards — Samuel Smith and William Jackson; Class Leaders — 
Saxton Chesebrough and Michael Spangler. Among the first revivals were 
those conducted by John Conaway, and these were followed by Revs. Tib- 
bies, Miller, Graham, Lindsey and Joseph Good, all attended by greater 
or less success, those of Conaway and Tibbies being quite successful; these 
were succeeded by many others of less importance. 

The Methodist Protestant Church in this township was first organized 
in 1866-67, by Rev. Evans, who had, for a time previous, conducted relig- 
ious services in the "Greek" Schoolhouse. Here it was, in fact, that the 
organization was effected, there being at that time about thirty members 
enrolled, bearing names as follows: George, Rebecca, Simon, John, Henry 
and Elizabeth Greek, Henry and Hannah Hagerman, Martha Montague, N. 
L. Updegraff, Isabel Updegraff, Isaac and Elizabeth Wohlgamuth, Winfield 
and Mary Tong, Jacob Bocher, Emily Hysington, John and Catharine Rib- 
ley, Jerry Snook, William Snook and wife, Louisa Updegi'aff, William 
Davis and wife, John Starr, William Baker and wife, Robert and Louisa 

45 



966 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Warner, Elizabeth Hines and perhaps a few others. In 3868 and 1869^ 
the present church building was enacted at a cost of $1,100, and was 
designated "Grace Chapel." It is a frame building 36x45 feet in 
dimensions and was erected by the Methodist Protestant society, with 
some assistance from the United Brethren organization, on the south- 
west quarter of Section 25. Kev. Evans labored as pastor in this ap- 
pointment five years; Rev. Baker, two years; Kev. Frailkill and Rev. Ra- 
venscraugh perhaps two years, and Rev. Overhultz about four years. The 
present officers are Henry Hagerman, Gecjrge Greek and Isaac Wohlgamuth, 
Trustees, but owing to dissensions and indifference on the part of members 
the organization has recently been abandoned. Rev. Evans conducted the 
first revival, which resulted in about thirty conversions and as many addi- 
tions to the membership of the church, and several others followed, but 
were only revivals, no further additions to the membership being secured. 
The building is now unused and, considering the causes which have led to 
abandonment, almost any other title than "Grace Chapel " would be more 
appropriate. 

The English Lutheran Church was organized in this township in 1838 
and 1839, and a log building was erected and afterward weather- boarded. 
The members of the Reformed Church assisted in the enterprise and the 
house was consequently divided against itself, from which state of afi'airs 
trouble soon ai'ose, which it is unnecessary to detail here. Rev. Hufifman 
was the first pastor in charge, and the names of the original members so far 
as known were as follows: John Hill, Peter Kiser, Peter Stahl, Adam 
Keller, Frederick Shuman, Henry Shuman, Charles Kaley, Daniel Stahl, 
John Buchanan and perhaps some of their wives. The ministers, other 
than Rev. Huffman, who have labored at this point are Rev. Wolf, Rev. 
Livinggood, Rev. Howard, Rev. Fi^oukenmiller and Rev. Dustman. The 
present building was erected by the Reform society in 1862-63 at a cost of 
$1,600. It is a frame structure, 32x46 feet in size, and well furnished. The 
present number of members is about twenty-five. 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

EBENEZER BAUGHMAN is a native of Muskingum County, Ohio, 
and was born June 13, 1824. He is a son of Jacob and Rachel (Wymer) 
Baughman, natives of Pennsylvania, his father born August 23, 1794, his 
mother about 1796. His parents came with their parents to Muskingum 
County when children, and to this county in 1836. Their children were 
George, David, Ebenezer. Hannah, Rachel, Jacob, James, Susanna, Lucy 
A. and Notchy. The mother died in 1860, the father December 2, 1873. 
Ebenezer, the subject of this sketch, resided with his parents till his twenty- 
eighth year. In 1845, he inherited eighty acres from his father's estate in 
Salem Township, where he resided till March, 1866, when he purchased his 
present farm of eighty acres, where he has since been engaged in agricult- 
ural pursuits. Mr. Baughman was married, July 4, 1850, to Mary Werner, 
who was born in Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Henry and Julia A. 
(Kirtzer) Werner. Ten children have been born to this union, namely: 
Cornelius, September 30, 1851; George, May 18, 1853; Elizabeth, July 16, 
1855; Rachel A., November 1, 1856; Malinda J., September 20, 1858; 
Emanuel A., August 7, 1860; Emma M., July 8, 1862; Levi B., February 
6, 1865; Phoebe, April 27, 1867; Matilda E., September 6, 1868. Two of 
the above are deceased, namely, Elizabeth E., who died September 14, 1856, 



RIDGE TOWNSHIP. 967 

and Malinda J., September 27, 1S61. Mr. Baughman is an old settler, 
and well respected. He served one term as Trustee of the township, and 
has held other positions of trust. He is a man of gene^rous impulses and 
good character generally. 

JACOB BLOOM was born in Bavaria April 7, 1831. He is a son of 
Philip and Mary (Gammer) Bloom, who were bora in Germany in 1801 and 
1811 respectively. His father was a farmer and blacksmith in Germany, 
and emigrated to America in 1852, settling in Tiffin, Ohio, moving later to 
Big Springs Township, where he died in March, and his wife in May, 1869. 
Their children were Philip, Charles, Caroline, Charlotte, Mary, Dora and 
Jacob. The latter came to America with his parents, and engaged in 
blacksmithing in Seneca County about twenty two years. In 1878, he lo- 
cated on his present farm of 100 acres, which he values at |i75 per acre. 
Mr. Bloom was married, October 7, 1856, to Catharine Drumm, who was 
born in Bavaria February 16, 1837. Her parents were Jacob and Catharine 
(Harbaugh) Drumm, who were both natives of and died in Germany—her 
father in 1844, her mother in 1837. Mr. and Mrs. Bloom have six children, 
namely: Albert, born February 13, 1858; William, May 31, 1859; Marv 
C, November 25, 1861; Caroline, April 25, 1864; Charles, November 23, 
1866; and Catharine, November 7, 1869. In politics, Mr. Bloom is a Dem- 
ocrat; he and his wife both being members of the Reformed Church. 

JOHN GREEK, son of Samuel and Sarah (Welshhammer) Greek, was 
born on the homestead where he now resides November 5, 1844. He was em- 
ployed at home on the farm till December 28,1863, at which date he enlisted in 
Company A, Forty-ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. 
Hartsough, going dii'ect to Chatville, where his regiment encamped one 
week, then joining the main army at Chattanooga and started on the At- 
lanta campaign. He participated in all the battles of this campaign, re- 
turning and taking part in the battle against Hood at Nashville; thence 
to Greenville, in camp there when Lincoln was assassinated; thence to 
Nashville, in camp two months; thence via Johnstonville and Indianola to 
Green Lake, in camp one month; thence via San Antonio, Richmond and 
Galveston to Louisville, Ky. ; thence to Columbus, Ohio, where he was dis- 
charged after a service of two years, without a scratch. Returning home, 
Mr. Greek resumed work on the farm, and, with the exception of one year 
in the saw mill business at Carey, has since been engaged on the homestead 
farm of 200 acres, where he was born and reared. He was married to Miss 
Jemima A. Crawford, November 15, 1866, their children being Samuel, 
Eva C, Mary E., Myron M., John M., Tilden, Walter W. and Edith E. 
Mrs. Greek is a native of Hancock County, Ohio, and was born January 
31, 1845, her parents being Samuel and Phoebe (McPherson) Crawford. In 
politics, Mr. Greek is a Democrat. He is a man of good character, and is 
well respected in his community. 

GEORGE GREEK. This pioneer of W^yandot was born in Lancaster 
County, Penn., December 27, 1806. He is a son of Jacob and Martha 
(Miller) Greek, who were also natives of Pennsylvania, the former born near 
Philadelphia, the latter in Dauphin County. His parents moved to Lan- 
caster, Ohio, about 1816, and resided in that vicinity till they were quite 
old; they subsequently came to this county and resided among their chil- 
dren till the dates of their respective deaths, 1877 and 1876. Their chil- 
dren were George, Catharine, Samuel, Jacob, Martha, Mary A. and Will- 
iam, all living but Catharine. George Greek was employed at home till 
twenty-one years of age. He then went to Baltimore with a drove of hogs 



968 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

and remained there two years, after which time he returned home, worked 
with parents one year, and then went to Cincinnati, where he was employed 
one year in the butchering business. Following this, he spent three years 
on the canal and other work, locating on his present farm in 1836. He 
fii'st entei'ed 160 acres, to which he added till he owned 300 acres. By the 
aid of his sons he cleared most of his land, to which in the befirinninsf he 
was compelled to cut roads near two miles through the dense forest. Mr. 
Greek was married January 23, 1831, to Rebecca Harrison, who was born in 
Fairlield County, Ohio, January 5, 1811. She was a daughter of James 
and Hannah (Crumley) Harrison, hpr father having been a celebrated 
weaver of England; her mother a native of South Carolina. Their chil- 
dren were John, James, William, Amos, Henry J., Delilah, Eliza and Re- 
becca. Mr. and Mrs. Greek have had twelve children, namely: Martha A., 
born June 3, 1832; Hannah, August 20, 1833; Jonathan, July 20, 1835; 
Harrison. December 13, 1836; Eliza, July 31, 1838; Jacob, February 13, 
1840; William, November 4, 1841 ; George W., December 5, 1843; Delilah 
J., December 17, 1845; Mary C, August 22, 1847; Alexander, May 20, 
1850; Sarah R., November 17, 1852. Of these Jonathan died January 16, 
1843; Sarah, at the age of eighteen months; George died at Douglas Hos- 
pital, Washington, 1863; and Harrison died in Utah, en route to California, 
in the fall of 1880. Mr. Greek is a Democrat in politics, and is recognized 
as one of the most worthy of Wyandot's revered pioneers. His son, 

WILLIAM GREEK,'reraained with his parents till "of age." In the 
spring of 1863, he went to the mining districts of Idaho, where he remained 
four years engaged in the mining districts. He returned in 1867, and in 1873 
purchased forty acres in Hancock County, selling the same two years later 
and purchasing his present farm of eighty acres, where he has since resided. 
He was married, January 6, 1871, to Sarah Alspach, who was born in Han- 
cock County. Ohio, August 31, 1851. She is a daughter of David and 
Rosilla (Ewing) Alspach, natives of Fairfield County, Ohio, the former born 
January 6, 1821, the latter August 20, 1829. Her parents came to Han- 
cock County in an early day and still reside there. Their children are 
Rebecca J., Sarah, John W., Laura L. and Emma A., the latter deceased. 
Mr. and Mrs. Greek have no children. They are thrifty farmers and are 
highly esteemed as citizens. In politics, Mr. Greek is a Democrat. 

JAMES A. HUNTER, one of the pioneers of this township, was born 
in Fairfield County, Ohio, December 21, 1817. His parents were William 
aad Elizabeth (Reed) Hunter, the former born in Pennsylvania January 14, 
1790; the latter in Delaware February 3, 1798. They were married in 
Pickaway County, but resided in Fairfield County about twenty years, mov- 
ing to this locality in 1834. His father died June 30, 1860; his mother 
May 14, 1858. Their children are Mary B., James A., Elizabeth T., Ze- 
linda M., Lydia J., Esther A., John W., Amelia R., Mahala M., Isabel B., 
Martha M. , Margaret A, and Thomas T. The deceased are Zeliudaand Mar- 
garet. James A., the subject of this notice, resided with his parents till 
about eighteen, and was then employed by the month at home till his twenty- 
eighth year. He then purchased forty acres of his present farm, and located 
on the same in 1846, since being engaged in clearing it of its heavy growth 
of timber, making other improvements and adding to its area. He now owns 
173 acres, all of which has been obtained by the " sweat of the brow." Mr. 
Hunter was married in 1846 to Lydia Sudds, daughter of James and Mary 
(Rush) Sudds, the former born in October, 1801, the latter November 11, 
1797. Their deaths occurred December 9, 1826, and December 21, 1844, 



RIDGE TOWNSHIP. 969 

respectively. Mrs. Hunter was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, September 
15, 1(S25. She died January 28, 1849, leavincr one child — Albert, born 
April 30, 1848. Mr. Hunter was married, July 9, 1850, to Sarah J. Upde- 
graff, who was born in Carroll County, Ohio, February 19, 1880, and the 
children by this wife were Granville, born March 3, 1851; Cyrus S. , March 
22, 1855; William and Elizabeth, August 31, 1859; Otis, January 26, 1862; 
Amelia A., October 12, 1863; Martha, February 27, 1868, all deceased but 
Granville and Cyrus. In politics, Mr. Hunter is a Republican. He has 
always been a hard worker and has undergone much of the perplexities and 
hardships incident to pioneer life. 

. JACOB JACKSON, one of the worthy pioneers of this township, was 
born in Berks County, Penn., July 26, 1812. His parents, Henry and 
Hannah (Hough) Jackson, were also natives of Pennsylvania. His pater- 
nal grandfather, John Jackson, was of a family of two brothers, who were 
separated when young, and met while participating in the war of 1812. 
They were of Irish parentage; probably of Irish nativity. His parents came 
to Ohio about 1822, and located in Wayne County, where his father died 
about 1850, his mother about 1853. Six of their children are living — 
Samuel (by his first wife), Jacob, Catharine, William, Peter and Sarah. 
The deceased are Isaac, Elizabeth, Mary, Henry, Andrew, Daniel and Annie. 
Mr. Jackson resided with his parents till bis twenty-first year. In 1834, he 
came to this county and entered 120 acres, on which he still resides, proba- 
bly the only farmer in the township who holds the land he first entered. 
He now owns 235 acres, valued at $75 to $100 per acre. He was married, 
November 15, 1832, to Rebecca Amrine, who was born in Jefferson County, 
Ohio, December 23, 1811, daughter of Henry and Margaret (Lybarger) 
Amrine, natives of Pennsylvania; her father died in Richland County, 
Ohio, in 1816; her mother in this county, March 27, 1847. Mr. Jackson 
was a Democrat till Scott's defeat, but since a Republican; he and Mrs. 
Jackson are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and highly es- 
teemed in their community. 

JOHN W. KRABILL is a native of Seneca County, Ohio, and was born 
November 29, 1846; he is a son of David and Jemima (Boden) Krabill, na- 
tives of Stark County, Ohio, and Cumberland County, Penn., the former 
born November 3, 1806, the latter December 22, 1812; his parents were 
married in Stark County, and one year later moved to Seneca, where they 
resided forty-nine years. They are now residents of Hancock County, 
Their children are Augustus, Jacob, Davis, Sarah, Ann E., John W., Sam- 
uel D., Harriet E., Hiram B. and Irene G. Our subject, John W., resided 
with his parents till his twenty-fifth year, and then purchased 102 acres in 
Seneca County, selling the same one year later and moving to his present 
farm in 1872. He first purchased eighty acres, adding fifty-one more in the 
winter of 1882. He is a neat farmer and has a comfortable and pleasant 
home. Mr. Krabill was mai'ried, January 5, 1871, to Miss Elvina Plott, 
who was born in Stark County, Ohio, and daughter of Christian and Ma- 
tilda Plott, natives of Lebanon County, Penn. Her parents were married 
in Pennsylvania, moved to Stark County in 1839, and to this county in 1852. 
Their children were Isabel, George W. and William M. (twins), Samantha, 
John H., Jackson, Elvina M., Clarissa, Alice, Pierce, Napoleon B. and So- 
phronia. The father died October 6, 1875; the mother still a resident of 
this township. Mr. and Mrs. Krabill have one child — Alma A., born April 
3, 1876. Mrs. Krabill was educated in the public schools of Carey and sub- 
sequently taught thirteen terms in this county. She is a member of the 



970 HISTORY OF AVYANDOT COUNTY. 

German Baptist Church. Mr. KrabiU is well respected as a citizen, and in 
politics favors Republicanism. 

SAMUEL SHOUP, one of the most prominent farmers of this township, 
was born in Wayne County, Ohio, July 10, 1826. His parent?, Henry and 
Mary (Secrist) Shoup, were natives of Pennsylvania and Germany respect- 
ively. They located in Wayne County, Ohio, soon after their marriasfe, 
and resided there till 1848, when they moved to this county, where the 
father died in 1867; the mother in 1872. Their children were Mary, Eliza- 
beth, John, Catharine and Samuel — John and Elizabeth being now deceased. 
Samuel, the subject of this sketch, came to this county with his parents, 
with whom he was associated till his twenty-first year, at which time he 
began business on his own responsibilities, purchasing eighty acres in this 
township. To his first purchase, by his success, Mr. Shoup was enabled 
to increase his possessions very largely, owning at one time 300 acres. He 
still retains 260 acres, valued at |80 to 185 per acre. He was married, 
August 2, 1851, to Hulda Chesebrough, native of New York, daughter of 
Saxton and Mary (Young) Chesebrough, who located in this township in 
1846. Her grandfather Chesebrough was a wealthy New Englander, and 
her grandfather Y^oung was a Tory during the war of 1812. Her father 
died in this county in December, 1861; her mother died in York State in 
June, 1844. Their children were Mathew Y., Samuel Y. , Hannah, Mercy, 
Hulda, Silas, William, Catharine, Sarah, George W. and Mary A., the lat- 
ter six all deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Shoup have but one child — Saxton C. , 
who was born September 12, 1854. In politics, Mr. Shoup is a Democrat. 
He is recognized as one of the most successful and siibstantial farmers of 
of the township, and is well respected as a neighbor and citizen. 

SAXTON C. SHOUP, son of Samuel Shoup, was brought up on the 
farm, and attended the district schools of his community. He was employed 
at home till he attained his majority, when he began operations on his own 
resources, being quite successful in his undertakings. His attention is 
turned chiefly to fai-ming and stock-raising. lu 1878, he invented an 
automatic gate, which he has obtained a patent upon, and which he has 
handled to good advantage, having realized $2,500 to $3,000 on the article 
since its invention. Mr Shoup was married, April 21, 1875, to Miss Ettie 
Heck, a native of Hancock County, Ohio, born September 27, 1857, and 
daughter of John and Lydia (Sheseick) Heck, who were natives of Penn- 
sylvania and Wayne County, Ohio, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Shoup have 
one child — Blanche E., born February 1. 1876. In politics, Mr. Shoup 
adheres to the faith of his fathers. Ho is one of the representative young 
farmers of his township, and is possessed of good character. He and Mrs. 
S. are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

JOHN M. SMITH, born in Ridge Township August 20, 1849, is a son 
of John and Rebecca (Moor) Smith, natives of Maryland and West Virginia 
respectively. His parents married here, and had six children, viz., Eliza- 
beth A., Jerome, George, Sarah L., John M. and Josephine R. His mother 
died August 22, 1880; his father is still living. John M., our subject, was 
reared on a farm, and engaged in that occupation till 1869, when he 
embarked in the tin and hardware business in Mount Blanchard, where he 
was thus engaged till 1875, when he again returned to the farm. Mr. 
Smith owns seventy-eight acres, the old homestead of his wife's parents, and 
is one of the most successful farmers in the township. He was married, 
November 19, 1874, to Elizabeth A. Grindle, who was born in this town- 
ship July 23, 1850. She is a daughter of Jacob and Catharine (Harbaugh) 



RIDGE TOWNSHIP. 971 

Orindle, who were born and reared in Pennsylvania. They settled in this 
county about 1832, their children being Kebecca, Margaret, Lydia, Susan, 
Maiy, Amanda, Catharine, John J., Jacob S., William H. , Daniel H., 
Simon P. and Elizabeth A. The father died April 15, 1877; the mother is 
still living in her eighty-first year, under the care of Mrs. Smith. The chil- 
dren born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith are Carol. August 31, 1875, died October 
26, 1875; Lycurgus E., born August 30, 1876; Wheden P., July 22, 1877; 
Merril, December 6, 1878; Owen E., December 21, 1880; and Orange J., 
April 3, 1883. In politics, Mr. Smith is a Republican; he is recognized as 
one of the progressive farmers of the county, conducting his agricultural 
pursuits on a scientific basis. Mrs. Smith is an artist of no ordinary skill, 
and has received instructions in portrait and landscape painting from one 
of the best artists of Cincinnati. Several excellent pieces of her work now 
adorn the walls of her comfortable home. 

ANN E. UPDEGRAFF, daughter of Jeremiah and Phoebe (Jones) 
Trego, was born in Lycomiag County, Penn., November 16, 1807. 
Her parents were natives of Honey Brook, Chester County, Penn.; her 
father born July 30, 1771, her mother August 21, 1772. They were of 
English descent, and lived and died in Pennsylvania. They were farmers, 
and reared a large family of children — Nancy, born in 1790; Sarah, July 
4, 1793; Hannah, October 16, 1795; Joseph, in May, 1796; Benjamin, 
May, 1798; Phoebe, 1801; Polly, 1803; Samuel, October 1, 1805; Ann E., 
November 16, 1807; Smith, February 7, 1809; Mary, February 16, 1811; 
Washington, 1813. The mother died in 1826, the father about 1835 or 
earlier, perhaps. Mrs. Updegraff resided with her parents till her mar- 
riage, in 1827, to Casper Updegraff, a native of Pennsylvania, born July 
13, 1801. He was a son of Isaac and Mary (Snyder) Updegraff, and with 
him, after tive or six years spent in Carroll County, Ohio, they came to this 
county and located on the farm where she now resides. Her trials and hard- 
ships endured in building up a home in this wild woodland cannot be even 
faintly portrayed. The howling of the wolves and the yells of the Indians were 
the terrors that have since given place to the lowing herds that graze upon the 
disrobed fields. Mr. and Mrs. Updegraff had fourteen children, viz.: Sam- 
uel J., Sarah J., Lydia, Mary A., Ner L., Hannah, Tamzen, Samantha, 
Lott, Polly and Phoebe (twins), Ann E., Louisa and John M. The father 
died November 3, 1870. He was a man of great endurance and strength, 
and in his lifetime did much hard labor. He was a member of the Lu- 
theran Church, and held in high esteem by those who knew him. Mrs. 
Updegi'aff is now in her seventy -seventh year, and in comparatively good 
health for one who has spent so many days in the labors of clearing the har- 
vest field and the home. She joined the German Baptist Church in her six- 
tieth year, and still holds a membership. 

NER L. UPDEGRAFF, son of Casper and Ann E. Updegraff, was born 
in Carroll County, Ohio, January 26, 1835. He resided with his parents till 
thirty- three years of age, and has been a resident of this township about 
forty years, spending the greater pai't of this time on the homestead where 
his mother now resides. He has always engaged in farming and stock- 
raising, and has been fairly successful. He inherited a small portion of land 
and has since purchased eighty acres, also some property in Carey. Mr. 
Updegraff was married, August 20, 1868, to Miss Isabel Plott, who died 
May 12, 1880. She was born in Pennsylvania October 20, 1837, her par- 
ents being Christian and Matilda (Widle) Plott, natives of Pennsylvania. 
In politics, Mr. Updegraff is a Democrat. He holds the offices of Trustee 



972 HISTORY OF AVYANDOT COUNTY, 

and Justice of the Peace, and has served in others. He was a member of 
the Methodist Protestant Church several years, but of late affiliates with 
the Christian, known better as the Campbellite Church. 

JOHN M. UPDEGRAFF, youngest son of Casper and Ann E. (Trego) 
Updegraff, was born iu the home where he now resides June 20, 1851. He 
was educated in the district schools, and at the age of ten began dealing 
somewhat for himself. At the age of fifteen he commenced farming on his 
own responsibility, and since that time he has been thus engaged. He ob- 
tained a portion of the homestead and has since purchased other lands till 
he now owns 160 acres. He resides with his aged mother and does a good 
farming business, keeping good stock, doing more or less trading, buying, 
selling, etc. He is a thorough farmer, a good citizen and a Democrat in 
politics. He also makes a specialty of breeding Merino sheep and Almont 
and Hambletonian horses. 

ISAAC WOHLGAMUTH, one of the notable pioneers of this town- 
ship, was born in York County, Penn., January 3. 1806. He is a son of 
Jacob and brother of Jonas Wohlgamuth (see sketch), and has been a resi- 
dent of this county since 1843; he resided with his parents in Wayne 
County till twenty two years of age, and then acquired the carpenter's trade, 
which he pursued about ten years. He then purchased thirty acres in 
Wayne Covmty and engaged in farming eight years in that locality, pur- 
chasing 160 acres in Putnam County two years later. In 1843, he sold the 
Putnam property and purchased 150 acres, of which his present farm of 
110 acres forms a part, forty acres having been given to his son. On this 
farm Mr. Wohlgamuth has since resided, doing a general farming business, 
and in the main being very successful. He was married, October 25, 1880, 
to Miss Mary Putnam, who was a native of Somerset County, Penn., and 
daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Gross) Putnam, also natives of Pennsyl- 
vania. The children born to this marriage were: Solomon, Elizabeth, Isaac, 
Phoebe, Jonas, Jeremiah and James, living; and Jacob, Catharine A., Da- 
vid, Susanna, Sarah and Mary A., deceased. Their mother passed away 
May 8, 1875. Mr. Wohlgamuth has been identified with the interests of 
the township since its organization, and has done much to elevate it to its 
present standing. He is a supporter of the Democratic principles, and was 
twice elected to the office of County Commissioner — first in 1846 — faith- 
fully discharging his official duties. He has served as Justice of the Peace 
thirty-three yea,rs, and still holds that office. Mr. Wohlgamuth was a mem 
ber of the Methodist Protestant Church in this township till the date of its 
dissension and downfall, and is one of the most worthy of Wyandot's pio- 
neers. 

JONAS WOHLGAMUTH, one of the most prominent farmers of this 
township, was born in York County, Penn., December 13, 1810; he is a son 
of Jacob and Elizabeth (Bisel) Wohlgamuth, natives of Lancaster and York 
Counties, Penn., respectively; his parents were married in Pennsylvania and 
moved to Obio in 1815, locating in Wayne County, where they resided for 
many years, his father's decease occurring there in 1847; his mother died 
in this county in 1849, Their children were Jacob, Isaac, Joseph, Eliza- 
beth, Jonas and Emanuel, the deceased being Jacob, Emanuel and Joseph. 
Jonas, the subject of this sketch, came to this county with his mother in 
1846. In August of that year, he obtained thirty acres of land as an in- 
heritance, and this by subsequent purchases has been increased to 290 — six 
acres being appropriated by the railroad company. Mr. Wohlgamuth has 
labored under great difficulties, having settled on his farm when the coun- 



RIDGE TOWNSHIP. 



973 



try was wholly unimproved. By diligent and persevering efforts, be has 
succeeded in carving out from the rugged forest land a home such as few 
could have procured under similar circumstances, though the toil and trials 
of pioneer life have left their imprint on his brow. He has accumulated 
all his property by hard labor, and though he has had many reverses has 
generally been fortunate and successful. Mr. Wohlgamuth was married 
March 22, 1833, to Susanna Aker, who was born in Pennsylvania October 
8, 1811. She was a daughter of Joseph and Catharine (Walls) Aker, and 
to her three children were born, namely: Sarah, born March 16, 1834; Ke- 
ziah, January 15, 1836, and Solomon. December 23, 1841. The latter was 
accidentally killed by a runaway team June 22, 1876; Keziah died Jan- 
uary 28, 1867, and Mrs. Wohlgamuth passed away Decemb*- 28, 1866. Mr. 
Wohlgamuth is a member of the German Baptist Church, and one of the 
most honorable and respected citizens of this township; he is one of its most 
successful farmers, and has done much for the general improvement of his 
community. 




974 HISTORY OF AVYANDOT COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XI. 
SALEM TOWNSHIP. 

Location and Boundakies— Okigin of the Xame— First Settlers— Own- 
ers OF Real and Personal Estate in the Township in 1845— Officers 
from 1845 to 1884 Inclusive— Schools and Churches— Village of 
LovELL— Biographical Sketches. 

THIS part of the county was named from Salem, a small town in Mas- 
sachusetts, and received its title from Job Mattson, the first Jus- 
tice of the Peace to sex've under its organization, which took place in 1845. 

The township) is located in a fertile region of the county, having Crane 
Township for its eastern boundary, Mifflin for its southern, Richland for 
its western and Crawford for its northern. Through its center, the beauti- 
ful and storied Tymochtee traverses its entire length from north to south in 
a zigzag course, paralleled almost by its principal tributary, the Little 
Tymochtee, on the east, while Lick Run, Baughraan Run and streams of 
lesser importance drain its western fields. Its farms are small, for the 
most part, but the owners are prosperous, and the work of improvement is 
rapidly going on. 

first settlers. 

Ezra Stewart is said to be the earliest settler in this township, having 
located on the southwest quarter of Section 5, in October, 1831. He was 
a married man with three children, a native of Connecticut. Henry Stew- 
art located in Section 6 in 1834; John Nichols located in Section 19 in 
1835; Arnold B. Inman began oj^erations in Section 17 in the latter year; 
Daniel Baugbman in Section 19 in 1836. 

John Mann was one of the first settlers. He was born in New Jersey, but 
moved to Pennsylvania when about seventeen years of age. He married at 
twenty-one, obtained a horse and bull by hard work, and with this novel turn- 
out did teaming in Armstrong County, Penn., for some time, subsequently 
purchasing a farm in Mercer County, Penn., where he constructed a flouring 
mill. He located in this township July 6, 1834; pitched his tent under a 
large sugar tree, and proceeded to build his cabin, which occupied twelve 
days in its construction. He had entered one hundred acres of land, and 
his chattels comprised one yoke of oxen, four cows, a barrel of flour and a 
few articles of furniture. At that time the nearest settlements were those 
of Judge Brown, west of Carey, Judge Carey on Tymochtee Creek and 
Huston's west of Forest, Hardin County. Other early settlers of the town- 
ship were Elisha Burson, Warwick Miller, Jacob Baughman, Milton Kear, 
Duane Bland, Abner Suber, William Davidson, George Davidson, Henry 
Houk, Henry Davis, A. J. Failor, George Michaels, T. P. Taylor, Ezekiel 
Bogart, Daniel White and George Cordery. 

In the early settlement of this township, as well as that of others in the 
county, the Indians were often a source of great annoyance. In the fall of 
1837, an old Seneca Indian of the original tribe appeared at the cabin of 
Arnold Inman, and the parents being absent, he demanded of the children 



SALEM TOWNSHIP. 975 

something to eat. On being informed that there was nothing about the 
house to supply his wants, he was very wroth and drew from his scabbard 
at his side a long, wicked-looking butcher's knife, which he brandished 
furiously about him, threatening in the most savage manner to take the 
lives of the whole group of terrified children unless he was provided with 
what he desired. To add to the terror of the scene, he drew from beneath 
his blanket the dried skin of an infant babe in which he carried his tobacco 
and began tilling his pipe, telling his amazed listeners at the time that he 
obtained the babe's skin at the battle of Buffalo in 1813. He stated that 
there his squaw was shot while attempting to swim the river, and was drowned 
as a result. He had sat down to smoke, but having finished his broken 
speech he arose, went to a shelf in the cabin, and took from beneath a tin 
pan a good-sized Johnny-cake. He then resumed his seat by the fire, and 
wliile thus seated his observing eye discovered a pile of ashes in one corner 
of the tire-place. True to his native instincts, he began to make investiga- 
tions by probing the ashes with the ever-present fire-poker of those days, 
and soon resurrected the smoking potatoes which the children were prepar- 
ing for their evening meal. He pi'oceeded to deposit these with the Johnny- 
cake in his blanket, when seeing themselves in a fair way to lose their 
supper, the eldest of the children, Arwin, prepared to resist the intruder. 
He went out of the cabin and unloosed the old watch dog, took possession 
of the old red-skin's gun which he had left standing outside the door, and 
ordered him to return his trophies and depart. Again the old savage bran- 
dished his tomahawk and knife in the air, and threatened death to the 
brave youth, who stood his ground firmly, and compelled the old Seneca to 
move away, the boy pitching the gun over the brush fence after him as he 
made his departure. 

From the year 1837, Salem Township increased rapidly in the number 
of its settlers, who had come to make this then unsubdued forest land their 
home, till at the organization of the county in 1845. 

The owners of real and personal estate in the township were as follows: 

OWNERS OF REAL ESTATE. 

Anderson, John, Section 6. 40 acres. 

Brown, Jacob, Section 18, 120 acres. 

Baker, George G., Section 29, 101 acres. 

Bowton, Timothy, Section 13. 133 acres. 

Baughman, Jacob, Sections 8 and 17, 152 acres. 

Baughman, Ebenezer, Section 7, 80 acres. 

Baughman, David, Section 18, 80 acres. 

Baughman, Daniel, Section 19, 167 acres. ' 

Buckley. Daniel, Section 6, 40 aci'es. 

Crandall, John, Section 6, 40 acres. 

Chaffee, Sydney L., Section 24, 117 aci'es. 

Ely, Charles, Section 31, 323 acres. 

Erlick, Charles E., Section 18, 40 acres. 

Fisher, James, Section 19, 80 acres. 

Figley, William, Section 20, 147 acres. 

Gardner, Isaac, Section 8, 48 acres. 

Hurd, Jarvis O., heirs. Section 30, 80 acres. 

Houck, Paul, Section 5, 28 acres. 

Haume, Nicholas, Section 7, 44 acres. 

Hattle, Jacob, Section 30, 40 acres. 



976 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Ingraliam, Edward, Section 21, 40 acres. 

Inman, Arnold B., Section 17, 96 acres. 

Kurtz, Michael, Section 5, 20 acres. 

Laravill, Jabez B., Section 30, 123 acres. 

Leslie, Alexander, Section 18, 40 acres. 

Layton, Christian, Section 7, 8 and 30, 339 acres. 

Machan, Stephen C, Section 19, 83 acres. 

Myers, Samuel, Section 18, 83 acres. 

Morrow, David, Section 6, 80 acres. 

Mann, John B., Sections 29 and 30, 140 acres. 

Morris, Isaac, Section 18, 84 acres. 

Miller, Warick, Section 6, 132 acres. 

Merritt, Tygart S., Section 31, 40 acres. 

Nicholas, John, Section 19, 80 acres, 

O'Neil, Patrick, Section 30, 123. 

Orr, Smith, Section 7, 40 acres. 

Putnam, Jacob, Section 5, 106 acres. 

Potter, Horace, Section 18, 80 acres. 

Perkins, Thomas S., Sections 31 and 32, 261 acres. 

Preston, John, Section 6, 80 acres. 

Stoll, George F., Section 30, 40 acres. 

Saffle, John, Section 30, 40 acres. 

Stewart, Henry, Section — , 20 acres. 

Sturgess, Thaddeus, Section 32, 101 acres. 

Stewart Ezra, Section 5, 49 acres. 

State of Ohio, Sections 16, 18, 20, 97 acres. 

Suber, Abner, Section 7, 216 acres. 

Trager, Abraham, Section 6, 10 acres. 

Taylor, John, Section 6, 94. 

Starkweather, Elisha L. , Section 19, 83 acres. 

Whitacre, Moses, Section 18, 86 acres. 

Yambert, John H., Sections 7 and 18, 251 acres. 

OWNERS OF PERSONAL PROPERTY. 

Elijah Burson, Jacob Baughman, David Baughman, Robert Brace, 
George Belote, Andrew Cordray, Isaac Davis, Henry Davis, Edward Erlick, 
Isaac Edgington, James Gibson, William Gibson, Isaac Gardner, Elias 
Hill, James P. Hastings, Paul Houck, Edward Ingram, Arnold B. Inman, 
John Justice, William Johnson, Alexander Leslie, John B. Mann, John 
Mann, Job Mattison, Job Mattison, Jr., Warick Miller, George Michael, 
John Preston, Alvin P. Russell, Paul Suber, Ezra Stewart, Daniel White, 
Jesse Wilson and George Wright. 

FIRST LICKS. 

In October, 1831, the first abode of the progressive white man lifted its 
humble head in the territory now comprised in this township, and from about 
the door of this primitive cabin rang out the first glad peals of laughter 
from the children of civilization. This unpretentious edifice was erected on 
the southwest quarter of Section 5, by Ezra Stewart. It was constructed of 
round logs, 12x16 feet in size, a marvel of simplicity and inelegance, but 
yet a home. In 1834, the smoke ascended from the cabin chimneys of Henry 
Stewart and John Manu. In 1835, John Nichols and A. B. Inman had 
pitched their tents preparatory to the struggle for existence that was sure to 
follow the morning dawn of pioneer life. 



SALEM TOWNSHIP. 977 

Roads in this township, were things unknown till 1837, except the trails 
worn by the feet of the Indians. Over the prairie land teamsters might 
drive in any direction they chose, the only obstacles being, perhaps, an occa- 
sional marsh, in whose grassy confines crouched the rosy cranberry, so ago- 
nizingly delicious. In the year above mentioned, the first regular road was 
constructed, beginning at the northeast quai'ter of Section 19, and extend- 
ing north on the section line. Others followed as necessity required, many 
of the individual land owners cutting their own way through the timbered 
I'egions. Indeed the greater part of the original thoroughfares of the town- 
ship were made in this way, or by the united labors of settlers mutually in- 
terested. Bridges across the larger streams were difficult to construct, and 
fording was necessitated, this, during the rainy seasons, often being a dan- 
gerous, if not an impossible feat. At the organization of the county, the sec- 
tional lines of travel were, of course, regularly and generally established. 
In 1852, the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Kailroad was constructed, 
passing at a southern angle through the southern tier of sections, and in 1876 
the Columbus, Hocking Valley & Toledo line was put in operation, running 
diagonally across the northeast quarter of the township, passing thi'ough 
Sections 2, 11, 13, and 24 respectively, also cutting the southwest corne 
of Section 12, near the County Infirmary. 

The early settlers of Salem usually went to Bucyrus, Fort Ball, now 
Tiffin, or Sandusky City for their supplies, especially to obtain flour and the 
heavier lines of sumptuary goods. The latter town was the principal milling 
point for many years. " Home manufactures " were found to be a necessity 
and as early as 1836, John Mann, while engaged in hay-making, found a 
bowlder, from which he constructed a run of buhrs, and set up a mill in one 
end of his cabin, the mill being run by hand, Mrs Mann often performing 
the labor of turning the stone. Mr. Mann afterward built a horse-power 
mill, using first two horses, but subsequently increasing the number to 
eight, making the capacity of the mill about seventy-five bushels per day. * 
He was engaged in the milling business near twenty years, doing work for 
the settlers of a large scope of country, extending his patronage into the ad- 
joining counties. He also constructed a saw mill, run by water-power, and 
dug a ditch one and one-half miles in length to obtain water necessary to its 
operation, the supply being drawn from Potato Creek Swamp. Many of the 
original frame buildings of Upper Sandusky were constructed from 
lumber cut at this mill, to which Mr. Mann added a stream lathe about 1854. 
As a mechanic he could do alroost any kind of work required by the times. 
He was the miller, the blacksmith, the carpenter, the gunsmith and the shoe- 
maker for the whole neighborhood. He died in 1857, from injuries received 
by falling between the cars in attempting to board a train at Upper San- 
dusky. The only mill now in operation in the township is a saw mill on 
Section 28, owned and operated by George Barkley. 

Even in the rude environment peculiar to frontier life and pioneer days 
we find persons of both sexes who were not proof against the iofluence of 
the "tender sentiment." In June, 1845, George Right and Catharine 
Michaels were united in the holy bonds, by J. Mattson, Justice of the 
Peace, at the residence of George Michaels. This, we believe, is the first 
wedding recorded from Salem Township, though in the forty years that 
have since intervened many are the vows that have been plighted in this 
locality, in the hope of finding the royal road to happiness. In May, 1885, 
Ezra Stewart first saw the light of this world. He was a son of Heniy and 

*The mill was located on Section 29. 



978 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Charlotte Stewart, and is said to be the first white child born in the town- 
ship. Mary Jones, who died October 7, 1889, was the first who here closed 
her earthly career. She was laid to rest in the Inman Graveyard, on the 
southwest quarter of Section 7. The first election of the township was 
held at the Nichols Schoolhouse, April 7, 1845, and the result of this and 
the succeedinor elections up to 1883 are shown in the following:* 

Trustees — 1845, James P. Hastings, Robert Bruce, William Gibson. 

1846 — Robert Bruce, James P. Hastings, Isaac Gardner. 

1847 — Elias Hill, Lewis S. Hixen, Isaac Gardner. 

1848 — Ezekiel Bogard, Timothy ^Moody, Alvin J. Russell. 

1849 — Ezekiel Bogard, Alvin J. Russell, Timothy Moody. 

1850 — Thomas Wolverton, James P. Hastings, Milton Morral. 

1851— James P. Hastings, Thomas Wolverton, Milton Morral. 

1852 — James Headington, Timothy Moody, George Roads. 

1853 — Timothy Moody, James Headington, George Jioads. 

1854 — Timothy Moody, James Headington, George Roads. 

1855 — A. J. Failor, Milton Morral, Hiram Caldwell. 

1856— Milton Morral, Hiram Caldwell, John L. Ogg. 

1857 — John L. Ogg, John Caldwell, Heni-y Gottfreid. 

1858 — Henry Gottfreid, John Caldwell, James Headington. 

1859 — George Michaels, Milton Morral, Ebenezer Bavighman. 

1860 — Ebenezer Baughman, Henry Gottfreid, Jacob Smith. 

1861 — Geoi'ge H. Davidson, Samuel Kauble, Henry Gottfreid. 

1862 — Samuel Kauble, Frederick Nagel, George H. Davidson. 

1863 — Ezekiel Bogard, Jacob Moser, Frederick Nagel. 

1864 — Ezekiel Bogard, Jacob Moser, Henry Gottfreid. 

1865 — John Long, Frederick Nagel, Sheridan Cox. 

1866 — John Long, Frederick Nagel, Sheridan Cox. 

1867 — George H. Davidson, Benjamin F. Draper, Henry G. Murphy. 

1868 — John Long, Joseph Brown, Henry G. Murphy. 

1869 — Henry Gottfreid, Joseph Brown, John Long. 

1870 — Henry G. Murphy, Henry Gottfreid, Leonard Weaver. 

1871 — Leonard Weaver, Henry G. Murphy, Benjamin H. Draper. 

1872 — Henry Gottfreid, Benjamin H. Draper, Daniel W. Nichols. 

1873— Henry Gottfreid, Daniel W. Nichols, Henry Eberle. 

1874 — Leonard Weaver, Henry Eberle, George Michaels. 

1875 — Leonard Weaver, Peter Pfeifar, Fred Altvater. 

1876— Peter Pfeifer, Fred Altvater, William Davidson. 

1877 — Henry G. Murphy, John Binau, Joseph Reisterer. 

1878 — Henry G. Murphy, John Binau, Joseph Reisterer. 

1879 — William Nagel, Nicholas Hoerr, Sebastian Brooks. 

1880 — William Nagel, Sebastian Brooks, Nicholas Hoerr. 

1881 — Fred Altvater, John Binau, John Long. 

1882— John Binau, Fred Altvater, John L. Ogg. 

1883 — John L. Ogg, John Binau, Henry Eberle. 

Clerks— 1845, Alvin J. Russell; 1846, 'Paul F. Suber; 1847-54, Clark 
Glenn; 1855, William Marlow: 1856, Moses O. Kear; 1857-58, Jacob 
Gottier; 1859, Moses O. Kear; 1860-61, Hughey D. Michaels; 1862, Moses 
O. Kear; 1863, H. D. Michaels; 1864-65, John Caldwell; 1866-67, Will- 
iam Nagel; 1868-69, Peter Trachsel, Jr.: 1870-72, William Nagel; 187 3-74 

* At the first election of tlie township, Alvin J. Kussell was elected Clerk and Assessor; John Mann and 
•Tohn Preston were elected Constables ; Andrew Cordrey, A. B. Inman and Bobert Brvice Supervisors., 
The Judges of Election were Elias Hill, Ezra Stewart and Robert Bruce; Clerk, A. J.Russell and A. P. Gard- 
ner. Politics — Whigs and Democrats. 



SALEM TOWNSHIP. 979 

Hughey D. Michaels; 1875-77, George A. Draper; 1878-79, George W» 
Bogard; 1880, Samuel W. Ewing; 1881, George W. Bogard;* 1882-83. 
Emil Schlup (resigned); George W. Bogard, appointed. 

Treasurers — 1845-48, Jesse Wilson; 1849-55, Ezekiel Bogard; 1856, 
Milton Kear; 1857-58, William Marlow; 1859-60, Jacob Gottier; 1861-63, 
William Hopkins; 1864-65, Jacob Gottier; 1866, Ezekiel Bogard and Ed- 
ward McLaughlin; 1867-69, Edward McLaughlin; 1870-72, Peter Trach- 
sel, Jr.; 1873, Leonard Weaver; 1874-75, Daniel W. Nichols; 1876-77, 
William Nagel; 1878-79, D. W. Nichols-, 1880-81, Peter Trachsel, Jr.; 
1882-83, William Nagel. 

Justices of the Peace — 1845, James P. Hastings, f Job Mattson, Jr.; 
1847, James P. Hastings, Job Mattson; 1850, Christopher Baker, Job Matt- 
son; 1852, Thomas Wolverton; 1853, William Marlow; 1855, David C. 
Murry; 1856, William Marlow; 1858, David C. Murry; 1859, Edward 
McLaughlin; 1861, Edward Ewing; 1862, Edward McLaughlin; 1864, Moses 
O. Kear; 1865, Jacob Moser; 1867, Moses O.Kear; 1868, Jacob Moser; 1870, 
Peter Trachsel, Jr. ; 1872, Hughev D. Michaels; 1873, Peter Trachsel, Jr. ; 
1875, Hughey D. Michaels; 1876, Peter Trachsel, Jr.; 1878, D. W. Nichols; 
1879, Peter Trachsel, Jr.; 1881, Daniel W. Nichols; 1883, Peter Trachsel. 

SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES. 

No schoolhouses were erected in this township prior to 1838. In that 
year the first edifice of the kind was founded on the northeast corner of 
Section 19. Here the work of intellectual improvement began, and from 
this point it has radiated to the " uttermost parts " of the township, which 
is now supplied with nine of these temples of knowledge. They are situ- 
ated on sections as follows: District No. 1, Section 12; No. 2, Section 3; 
No. 3, Section 5; No. 4, Section 17; No. 5, Section 15; No. 6, Section 23; 
No. 7, Section 36; No. 8, Section 33; No. 9, Section 32. The primitive log 
house at length gave way to the neat and comfortable frame structure, and 
many of these are succeeded by substantial and commodious brick build- 
ings, all well furnished with comfortable seats and the other necessary means 
of instruction. Among the pioneers of the art of teaching we find the 
name of Israel Hulse, who wielded the rod in 1842; James Ward, in 1844, 
and Jacob Slrickler in 1845. 

The strong devotional sentiment of the settlers of Salem Township first 
found expression in the erection of a church by the "Bible Christians" on 
the northwest quarter of Section 17, in the year 1849. Three others are 
now established in the township — the St. Peter's Catholic Church, the 
Methodist Episcopal, the Church of God, and the German Evangelical 
Protestant Church. The latter society held its first meetings at the resi- 
dence of Nicholas Baumgartner, under the administration of Rev. Heckelei- 
ber, in the spring of 1848. The society was organized at the same resi- 
dence in 1850, Rev. Dollmatsch officiating. The original members were 
Nicholas Baumgartner and family, Mr. Pfiefl'er and family, Peter Binau 
and family, George Binau and family, Philip Karg and family, George 
Stephan and family, Andrew Gottfried and family, Henry Ulrick and family, 
Jacob Ulrick and family, John Ulrick and family, Charles Steiner and 
family, John Horn and family, Mr. Kleindinst and family, George Mall 
and family, Stephen Shlup and Henry Epley. The first officers were Peter 

* Appointed in place of Samuel W. Ewing, resigned. 

fXhe first case at law tried in Salem Township was that of John Rummel vs. William Johnson, the 
hearing taking place before James P. Hastings, April 12, 1845. 



980 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Binau and Andrew Gottfried, who served as Elders, and Philip Karg and 
George Stephan, who served as Deacons. 

In 1850, the society purchased three-fourths of an acre as a site 
and cemetery in Section 15, and, in 1855, by volunteer work principally, 
a log church, 24x32 feet, was erected at a cost of $200. The present sub- 
stantial brick church building which occupies the site of the old log 
structure was erected in 1872. It is 32x46 feet in dimensions, comfortably 
furnished, and cost $2,500. In 1874, a fine bell weighing 550 J pounds was 
added at a cost of |300. In 1882, the cemetery was drained by tile, costing 
$200, and, in 1883, the church was supplied with a splendid organ, which 
was purchased for $100. The pastors in the order in which they served are 
as follows: Revs. Heckeleiber, a missionary, Dollmatsch, August Winder, 
John Betcler, Christian Wolf, A. Hotdorf, A. Allert, George Schlader- 
mund, Valentine Klein, Charles Werule, A. Kanetcke, A. Duhill and John 
G- Ruhl. The membership now comprises about thirty-live and their fami- 
liez, making in the aggregate near 200. The present officers of the society 
are George Binau and John Bery, Elders; John Binau and John M. Ulrick, 
Deacons; Konrad Bery, Clerk; John Landenshlager, Treasurer; Jacob 
Pfieffer, Julius Cahn and Michael Shwabel, Trustees. The church sustains 
a Sunday school during the summer seasons, having an average attendance 
of fifty. Instructions are given in both German and English. . 



The town of Lovell, situated in Section 2, on the C, H. V. & T. Rail- 
road, was laid out by Lovell B. Harris, from whom it was named two years 
after that road was constructed. The post office was established at the same 
time. The village has one store, one church, one blacksmith shop, a shoe 
shop and a flouring mill. The latter was built in 1877 by Daniel and Will- 
iam A. Walborn, at a cost of $6,500. The building is a two-story frame 
structure, 26x40 feet. The mill was put in operation by the Walborn firm, 
which has since conducted it. It has two runs of buhrs, with a capacity of 
twenty barrels per day. A saw mill is run in connection, requiring the aid 
of four workmen. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church at Lovell was erected in 1877. The 
building is 30x40 feet in size, and cost about $2,000. The society was 
formerly a part of the church at Crawford Post Office. 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

FREDERICK ALTVATER was born in Otterberg, Bavaria, October 
15, 1837. He is a son of Theobald and Barbara (Lanie) Altvater, natives 
of Bavaria and who emigrated to America in 1842, and located at Mansfield, 
Ohio. There were five in the family — Peter, Michael, Louie, Frederick 
and an infant which died at birth. The mother died in 1847, and Mr. Alt- 
vater was married in 1848, to Mary Umstatt, a resident of Mansfield and a 
native of Germany, having been in America but one year. Three children 
have resulted from this marriage — Margaret, Mary and George — the second 
deceased. The father of these removed to this township in April, 1855, 
and pui'chased land on which he resided till his death, which occurred Feb- 
ruary 15. 1862. Frederick Altvater, the subject of this sketch, resided 
with his father, clearing and farming, till twenty-four years of age, when 
he purchased seventy-six acres of his father's woodland, which he has since 
cleared and improved and now values at $80 per acre. He was married, 
June 26, 1862, to Anna M. Stephen, a resident of this township and native 



SALEM TOWNSHIP. 981 

of Bavaria, having emigrated to this country in 1846. Ten children were 
born to them, namely: Mary E., Elizabeth, Margaret, George, Caroline, 
Emma, Matilda E., Susanna C, Frederick L. and Alma A. — all living but 
George, who died in infancy. Mr. Altvater is a Democrat in politics, and 
has served one term as Constable, one term as Assessor, five terms as Trus- 
tee and seventeen terms as School Director. He and his family are mem- 
bers of the German Reformed Church. 

ELIAS ARNOLD was born in Knox County, Ohio, July 24, 1820. His 
parents, Elias and Rachel (Pain) Arnold, were natives of Maryland, and 
settled in Knox County in 1815. Being driven out by the Indians about 
two years later, they returned in 1819 and purchased land, rearing a family 
of fourteen children. Elias, the second son, was married May 31, 1850, to 
Ann Laugsdon, of Knox County, native of Maryland, and ten children re- 
sulted from this union, namely: Sarah C, William, Leo, Romaous, Mary 
E., Anna, Alphonses L., Augusta, John F. and James B. Sarah C, Leo 
and Mary E. are deceased. In October, 1856, Mr. Arnold settled in Salem 
Township, where he purchased eighty acres of land at about $8 per acre; 
cleared and improved this and now values it at $70 per acre. He raises 
various kinds of farm products, always keeping the best grades of stock. 
In politics, Mr. Arnold is a Democrat; himself and wife are members of the 
Catholic Church. 

WILLIAM BERTSCH is a native of Baden, Germany, born December 
3, 1818. He emigrated to America in 1846, settling in Boston, where he 
resided eleven years. In 1856, he removed to this county and purchased 
the farm of 112 acres on which he now resides, and which he has largely 
improved, having erected a line brick house in 1871. He was married in 
Boston December 18, 1849, to Catharine Becker, native of Baden, Germany, 
and two children were born to them — WilheJmina (deceased wife of D. W. 
Nichols) and Catharine C. (wife of Louis F. Long). While in Boston Mr. 
Bertsch was employed as clerk in a drug store, but since coming to this 
county has been engaged in farming exclusively, having his farm well stocked 
and improved. In politics, Mr. Bertsch is a liberal Democrat, and, with 
his wife, is a member of the Lutheran Church. 

JOHN BINAU was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, October 28, 
1840. He is a son of Peter and Barbara (Marquost) Binau, who emigrated 
to the United States with their family of nine children in 1847, settling in 
this township. The parents died in 1879, and the farm of eighty acres 
was disposed of, John Binaw, our subject, purchasing the entire farm. He 
was married, March 22, 1863, to Mary E. Berg, and twelve children, all liv- 
ing, have been born to them — John A., Mary M. , Elizabeth M., Anna L., 
Frederick J., Jacob P., George E. , Katie, Amelia K., Susanna R., Carrie L. , 
and William C. Mr. Binau engages in agricultural pursuits, being a suc- 
cessful and enterprising farmer. He is now serving his fourth term as 
Trustee of Salem Township, a Democrat in politics. He and family hold 
a membership in the German Lutheran Church. 

PETER BINAU, Jr., son of Genrge and Elizabeth Binau, was born in 
this township September 25, 1851. He was married in Richland County, 
Ohio, September 27, 1876, to Miss Elizabeth Schmunk, and one son and 
one daughter have been born to them — Harry, born September 18, 1879, and 
Edith, born July 11, 1882. Mr. Binau has forty acres of good farming 
land in Salem Township, valued at $75 per acre. He was educated in the 
common schools, and has spent his entire life in the rural districts, engaged 
in agricultural pursuits. He is a Democrat in political sentiment, and has 

46 



982 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

served one term as Constable. Mr. Binau and his wife are both members of 
the Evangelical Lutheran Church. 

JOSEPH BROWN, born March 12, 1834, is a native of Richland Coun- 
ty, Ohio, and the eldest son of Martin and Cicilia (Simon) Brown, who 
were natives of France, and emigrated to America in 1882, settling in 
Richland County, where they both died in March, 1882. Their children were 
Mary A., Joseph, Ambrose, Ferdinand, Samuel, Cleopha and John. Joseph, 
our subject, was married September 25, 1860, to Miss Rimlinger, a resident 
of Crawford County, and a native of France, daughter of Martin and Barbara 
Rimlinger. This union was blessed by ten children — Mary C, John, 
Cleopha, Roseanna, Emeline, Francis S. , Joseph F., Charlie M., Clara and 
Annie. Mary and John are deceased. Mr. Brown purchased sixty acres of 
land in this township in 1863, adding twenty acres more in 1872. Upon 
this he now resides, having it well improved and stocked. He is a prom- 
inent citizen in his township, a Democrat in politics, and with his family, 
is a member of the Catholic Church. 

SAMUEL EWING, Sr., whose portrait appears in this work, was born 
March 15, 1809, and is the oldest living son of Samuel and Nancy (Cotton) 
Ewing, natives of Ireland and Pennsylvania respectively. His parents were 
married in the latter State, and resided there many years, closing their lives 
in Beaver County, where their remains now repose. Our subject was 
brought up on a farm, and educated in the common schools of Pennsylvania, 
the log schoolhouse and puncheon Hoor then being in vogue. At the age 
of twenty, he learned the tailor's trade, which he pursued till 1829, when he 
abandoned it for the farm. He was thereafter engaged in agricultural pur- 
suits till 1881, when he disposed of his chattels and has since lived a re- 
tired life, making his home with his son-in-law, L. C. Moody, his wife hav- 
ing passed away January 1, 1876. Mr. Ewing was married in Beaver 
County, Penn., March 18, 1835, to Christina Mason, also a native of Penn- 
sylvania, and to this union were born four sons and six daughters, namely: 
Nancy, John M., Mary, Martin, Amos, Lucretia, Martha J., Alice, Melissa 
and George W., all living but Melissa. In October, 1851, Mr. Ewing re- 
moved with his family to Upper Sandusky, where he resided several months, 
then removing to his farm of 124 acres, purchased three years previous; this 
farm is valued at $100 per acre. In 1851, Mr. Ewing also purchased 160 
acres in Salem Township, which is valued at $75 per acre. He has always 
been an indiTstrious and thorough- going citizen, and has been a faithful 
member of the United Presbyterian Church for many years. He is highly 
esteemed by his circle of acquaintances, and one of the most substantial 
and respected citizens of the township in which he resides. 

JOHN M. EWING, son of Samuel and Christina (Mason) Ewing, was 
born in Beaver County, Penn., April 26, 1839. He came with his parents 
to this county in 1851, and located in Crane Township, where his father 
purchased 280 acres, on which he (John) resided till his enlistment in the 
late war, April 22, 1861. He was a member of Company I, Fifteenth Ohio 
Volunteer Infantry, and enlisted for three months' service, but subsequently 
re-enlisted for three years in Company D, Fifteenth Ohio Veteran Volunteer 
Infantry, participating in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Stone River, Chick- 
amauga, Mission Ridge and a number of others, receiving his discharge 
at Chattanooga at the expiration of his term, September 24, 1864. Mr. 
Ewing was married, Ajwil 13, 1865, to Jennie Hunter, of Beaver County, 
Penn., and her death occurring in March, 1866, he was re-married, Septem- 
ber 6, 1870, to Celia Gump, of Upper Sandusky. They have five children — 



SALEM TOWNSHIP. 983 

Maude A., Edith B., Ralph C, Carrie M. and Emma E. Mr. Evving has 
always been an agriculturist and stock-raiser, managing his father's farm 
of 100 acres. He is a member of the Knights of Honor, G. A. R. , and, 
with his wife, of the Presbyterian Church, with which he is officially con- 
nected. 

ABNER E. ENDERS was born in Dauphin County. Penn., March 12, 
1848. He is a son of Peter and Amanda (Detric) Enders, natives of Penn- 
sylvania, where they still reside. The family consisted of thirteen chil- 
dren — Francis W., David P., Sarah E., Mary M., Augustus Z., Clara E., 
Amanda M. , Agnes L., Peter E., John E., Emeline and Zacharia E. Abner, 
our subject, left his father's home for this county January 27, 1870. In 
1874, he came to Salem Township and engaged as assistant at the County 
Infirmary, where he still remains. He was married, November 0, 1876, to 
Anna Stine, two sons blessing their union — Chauncy B. and Carlos E. 
From 1877 to 1882, Mr. Enders was employed by G. W. Berry, of Crane 
Township. Being appointed to the Superintendency of the Infirmary in 
the latter year, he has since taken up his abode at that place. He is the 
owner of eighty acres of land in Jackson Township, besides other property. 
He is a Democrat in politics, and is condiicting the institution of which he 
has charge in a manner which speaks well for his judgment, and is entirely 
satisfactory to the authorities. 

THOMAS J. GAMEL was born in this township May 22, 1851. His 
parents, Henry and Susan (Davis) Game), were natives of Ohio. Mr. Gamel 
was educated in the district schools of his native township, in which he 
was married to Margaret Echerlich September 20, 1878. They have two 
children — Sylvester, born September 20, 1879; and Cyrus A., born August 
25, 1881. Mr. Gamel has been a farmer all his life, and by industry and 
business tact has accumulated a handsome property, owning 124 acres of 
land, which he values at $100 per acre, located two and one- half miles north 
of Upper Sandusky, on the Carey road. 

GEORGE W. GANTZ was born in Richland County, Penn., June 31, 
1848. His parents, David and Mary (Laninger) Gantz, had six children 
— Rebecca, Harriet, George "VV. and William F. Hiram and Sarah are de- 
ceased. George W. was married, November 14, 1870, to Mary E. Demler, 
a native of Germany, and five children resulted from this marriage — George 
S. , William F., Henry A., Harriet E. and Lizzie D. Mr. Gantz purchased 
eighty acres of land in Salem Township and moved upon the same in 1876. 
He has since tilled this farm, doing a profitable business, raising various 
kinds of grain and improved grades of stock. Mr. Gantz is a Democrat, 
his wife being a member of the German Lutheran Church. She emigrated 
to America at the age of three years. Hiram Gantz, brother of our subject, 
was a soldier of the Fifty-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and 
passed through many battles, dying of measles at Grafton, Va., March 13, 
1862. His remains were brought home and interred in the Mission Ceme- 
tery at Upper Sandusky. 

JACOB GOTTIER was born in Canton Berne, Switzerland, November 26, 
1820. He is a son of Jacob and Magdalene Gottier, natives of the same 
locality. They emigrated to America and settled in Holmes County, Ohio, 
August 15, 1833, remaining until 1846, when they removed to this township 
and purchased 100 acres, where they resided during the remainder of their 
lives. The father died in October. 1850, and the mother November 23, 
1851. Jacob Gottier, Jr., was educated in Switzei'land. After locating in 
this county in 1846 he purchased a farm on which he resided till 1860. 



984 . HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

He then removed to Upper Sandusky, where he remained two years, after 
which he purchased forty acres in Salem Township where he now resides. 
He values his farm at $75 to $80 per acre. Mr. Gottier was married 
to Elizabeth Nussbaum, of this township, a native of Switzerland. 
Their children are George A., born January 29, 1852; Mary C, April 5, 
1854; Caroline, January 25, 1857; Anna, December 27, 1858; Charles W., 
December 12, 1862, and Elizabeth, March 7, 1866. Mr. Gottier is a Dem- 
ocrat. He has served the township as Constable, Assessor, Clerk and 
Treasui'er — discharging his duties creditably. 

JAMES HIBBINS is a native of this county, born July 5, 1823. His 
parents, James and Mary (James) Hibbins, settled in Crawford Township 
about 1823. James and Nancy were their only children. The former was 
reared by his grandfather, John James, Sr., and was married March 1, 
1849, to Sarah I. James, daughter of John James, Jr., and the children of 
this family are: Mary E., Martha E., Henrietta A., Laura B., Edwin F., 
Nettie M. and Jessie R. Edwin F. died in infancy. Mr. Hibbins purchased 
forty-four acres of land in 1852, and to this he has added by subsequent 
purchase till he now owns 174 acres, valued at $80 per acre. Upon his 
home farm is a fine flowing well, which adds materially to the value of the 
premises. Mr. Hibbins enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Forty- 
fourth Ohio National Guards, under Capt. Brayton, May 2, 1864, and served 
till September 2, 1864, being on duty at Snicker's Gap, Harper's Ferry, 
Hall Town Camp, Winchester and Berryville, being captured by Mosby's 
forces at the latter place. He subsequently returned to Winchester and 
from thence home. Mr. Hibbins was the first white child born in Wyandot 
County. He is an industrious farmer and well respected as a citizen. He 
entertains Republican views of political questions; his family is associated 
with the United Brethren Church. 

HARKLESS K. INMAN was born in Willoughby, Lake County, Ohio, 
November 18, 1833. He is a son of Arnold B. and Serenda (Johns) In- 
man, natives of Rhode Island and Connecticut respectively. They located 
in Lake County in July, 1824, removed to Bucyrus in 1834, and December 
3, 1835, came to this county, where they purchased ninety-five acres of land. 
They were the parents of eleven children, namely: Julia A., Welcome, 
Arwin, George E., Harkless K., Daniel H., Thomas M., Doctor M., Albert 
P., Sarah E. and Henry M. The mother died March 26, 1879, and the 
father December 26, 1880. H. K. Inmau, our subject, was educated in the 
puncheon-floor, clap-board-roof, log schoolhouse of early days. He was 
married June 28, 1860, to Mary J. Crowell, of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, 
daughter of Sanders and Rebecca Crowell, natives of New York State. Six 
children were born of this union — Alice B., Ida M., Cora E., Delbert D., 
Myrtle E. and Ray G. They are all living, the daughters devoting some 
attention to instrumental music. Mr. Inman enlisted in Company F, 
Ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, under Capt. Joseph McCutchen, 
Oct(>ber 23, 1863, and passed through many engagements uninjured, save 
that which he received by the falling of his horse while his regiment was 
on di-ess parade. He was discharged and returned home June 23, 1865. 
Mr. Inman owns twenty- three acres of excellent land, valued at $75 per 
aci-e, on which he is comfortably located. He is a Republican in politics, 
and a member of the G. A. R. 

HENRY KEAR, son of Moses and Jemima (Nathan) Kear, natives of 
New York and Ohio respectively, was born May 10, 1831. Of a family of 
nine sons, eight are still living — Nathan, James, Milton, Moses O., Henry, 



SALEM TOWNSHIP. 985 

Doctor, George W. and Setli. Peter, the second son, died May 28, 1831. 
The family removed to this county in 1821. Mr. Kear obtained a fair 
education in common schools, supplementing this by attending the Ohio 
Wesley an University, from March, 1852, to August, 1853. He obtained his 
lirst certificate to teach at the age of eighteen, and subsequently taught nine- 
teen terms. He was married, November 24, 1858, to Susan E. Gibbs, of 
New Jersey, and four children have been born to them — John C. August 
23, 1859- Laura M., August 27, I860; Mary L., August 26, 1862; Seth S., 
October 25, 1864. Mr. Kear has eighty acres of land, which he values at 
$100 per acre, besides considerable live-stock. He served one term as 
Justice of the Peace in Tymochtee Township, and is a prominent member 
of his community. He is a Republican, and, with his wife, a member of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church at Upper Sandusky. 

JAMES KEAR, son of Moses and Jemima (Nathan) Kear, was born in 
Tymochtee Township, this county, November 12, 1824. He was married, 
August 6, 1848, to Margaret S. Long, of Tymochtee Township, native of 
Pennsylvania. He settled in Salem Township, on a farm purchased 
about two years previous. It was then forest land, and much labor 
has been necessary to place it in its present high state of cultivation. Mr. 
and Mrs. Kear have two sons, Wilson H. and Ernest E., the former having 
married Miss Rosetta Larcomb, and now resides in Richland Township. 
Mr. Kear was among the early settlers of this county. He was educated in 
the common schools, and has made the best use of his knowledge thus 
acquired. His father being a gunsmith, he was largely patronized by the 
Indians, many of whom our subject was quite familiar with. In politics, 
Mr. Kear is a Republican. 

MILTON KEAR was born in this county September 25, 1826. He is 
a son of Moses and Jemima (Nathan) Kear, natives of New York and Ohio 
respectively, and was married January 13, 1848, to Miss Harriet Long, a 
native of Pennsylvania. Their (ihildren are Alvin I. and Alice I. (twins), 
Henry A., Doctor F. and William G. At the age of twenty-three, Mr. Kear 
removed to Crawford Township, where he i*emained till 1854, when he 
located on his present farm in this township. He is a successful and enter- 
prising farmer, and has made many improvements on his premises. In 
1875, he erected a tine, lai'ge brick residence. Mr. Kear was an old-tirne 
Whig, and now affiliates with the Republican party, having served one term 
as Township Treasurer. He keeps his farm well stocked with horses, cattle, 
sheep and hogs, and commands the respect of his entire community. 

MOSES KEAR is a native of this township, born November 28, 1853. 
He is a son of M. O. and Laura (Hulse) Kear, also natives of this county, 
their children being Moses, Rosetta and John R. Mrs. Kear died Novem- 
ber 2, 1857, and Mr. Kear was again married March 4, 1860, to Miss Lydia 
C. Petty, and three children have been born to them — George W., Thomas 
B. and Effie L. Moses Kear obtained a good education, attending the 
Upper Sandusky Union School three terms in 1871. He obtained his first 
certificate to teach at the age of eighteen, beginning his work in the Lovell 
School, teaching three winter terms. He was married, March 23, 1875, to 
Hannah L. Wagel, who inherited sixty- eight acres of land, on which they 
located in 1876. In 1878, they removed to Kansas, residing one year, 
returning to his farm in 1879, since which he has engaged in agricultural 
pursuits. His only child is Leona Maud, born December 31, 1875. ?»lr, 
Kear is a Republican, himself and Mrs. Kear members of the Church of God, 



986 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

NATHAN KEAR, son of Moses and Gemima (Nathan) Kear, was born 
April 14, 1821. He resided with his parents till his marriage to Susan 
Turner, January 1, 1845. Her parents, Samuel and Lucy Turner, were 
natives of New York State. Mr. and Mrs. Kear had two children, daughters 
— both married — Cornelia, now the wife of William K. Nye, and Florence, 
wife of Robert Caldwell. Mrs. Nye has two children — Stella May and 
William E.; and Mrs. Caldwell has one — Ella M. Mr. Kear was educated 
in the common schools, and settled on his present farm in Salem Township, 
February 25, 1848. This farm was purchased two years previous, and has 
been cleared of its timber and otherwise improved by Mr. Kear, who now 
values it at $80 per acre. He has b^en a farmer from his youth up, believes 
in the doctrine of Universalism, and is a liberal Republican politically. 

JOHN A. KOONTZ, deceased, was born near Hagerstown, Md., July 9, 
1836. He is a son of Michael and Elizabeth (Monday) Koontz, natives of 
Pennsylvania. His pai'euts moved to Richland Couuty in 1843, and from 
there to this county in 1847, settling in Salem Township, where they 
entered eighty acres of land near what is now the village of Lovell, and 
where they both died August 30, 1877. They reared a family of eleven 
children, five of whom are i-esiding in this county, three deceased. John A., 
the subject of this sketch, resided with his parents till in his twenty-eighth, 
year. He was married, October 10, 1863, to Catharine Ludwig, a native 
of this county, and two daughters — Dulcie A. and Katie M. — were born to 
them. Mrs. Koontz departed this life in 1865, and Mr. Koontz was married, 
October 20, 1874, to Louisa Shellhouse, of Tymochtee Township, and four 
children blessed this marriage, viz., Harris H., Geneva G., Claud C. and 
Orland O. Mr. Koontz followed farming up to 1863, when, losing his 
sight, he engaged in peddling and grocery business several years, accumu- 
lating a good home and other property by his industry. He died in Lovel, 
February 1, 1884, after four months' sickness, being in full possession of 
his mind till the last, giving full directions for his funeral and naming the 
day and the hour of its occurrence two days before his death. 

JAMES LONG was born in Adams County, Penn., May 18, 1820. His 
parents were Jacob and Lydia (Eyler) Long, who were both natives of 
Pennsylvania, and emigrated to this county in 1835. James Long was 
engaged in shoe-making up to the year 1859, when he purchased land in 
this township, and engaged till the year 1865 in agricultural pursuits. He 
was married, in 1856, to Sarah J. Freet, of Tymochtee Township, and two 
sons were born to them, viz., Franklin and Scott. In 1865, Mrs. Long died, 
and Mr. L., disposing of his farm and chattels, spent three years in "roam- 
ing," marrying his second wife, Diantha Crow, December 6, 1868. Their 
only child, Mary Alice, died at the age of nine months. In 1870, Mr. 
Long again purchased land (forty-nine acres) in this township, and since 
that time has been actively employed in improving the same, now valuing the 
farm at $65 per acre. Mr. Long cast his first vote for Harrison, and is yet 
a stanch Republican. 

JOHN R. LONG was born in Northumberland County, Penn. , June 5, 
1833. His parents, Joseph and Barbara (Rutter) Long, were natives of 
Pennsylvania and Maryland respectively, coming to W^ayne County, Ohio, in 
1836, and to this countv in 1847, settling in Salem Township, where the 
father died November 3, 1863; the mother, May 21, 1883. John Long, 
the subject of this sketch, was married, April 10, 1856, to Hannah Snyder, 
of Marion, Ohio, where they resided four years, removing to this township 
in 1860. Mr. and Mrs. Long have four children— Mary J., George B,, 



SALEM TOWNSHIP. 987 

William H. and Cora A., the latter possessing considerable skill as a 
musician. Mr. Long worked at his trade as carpenter till his marriage, 
but has since engaged in farming. He owns sixty-iive acres of land, which, 
by improvement, he has made worth $75 per acre. Mr. Long is a Democrat, 
and has served as Township Trustee four terms. 

JOHN MANN, son of John and Hannah (Willard) Mann, was born in 
Armstrong County, Penn., November 20, 1820. His parents were natives 
of New Jersey and Pennsylvania respectively, and located in 1834 in this 
township, purchasing land, on which they reared a family of seven children, 
namely: Samuel, John, Margaret A., Isaac, William, George and Willard — 
all living, the oldest in his sixty-fifth year; the youngest in his foi'ty- ninth. 
John Mann, the subject of this sketch, was married April 27, 1844, to Miss 
Susanna Madison, a resident of this township and native of New York. 
Their children were William U., Job, Job G., Barten S., Isaac E., Malinda 
H., Jennie S., Unis L., Mary E. and John F. Job, Unis L. and Malinda 
H. are deceased. In 1846, Mr. Mann purchased forty acres of Govei-nment 
land, which he sold six years later, purchasing 160 acres near Kirby where 
he resided till 1872, when he located in the village three years, purchasing 
his present farm in 1874. He has been a resident of the county many 
years, and witnessed the shooting of the Indian murdei-er in the Sandusky 
bottom. He is a Republican; himself and family are members of the 
Church of God. 

JOB MATTESON was born in Genesee County, N. Y., January 4, 1815. 
He is a son of Job and Malinda Matteson, who were natives of Mas- 
sachusetts and removed to Marion County, Ohio, in 1814, his mother's 
death occurring one year later. He was married at the age of twenty-one 
to Miss Hannah Messenger, of Marion County, and moved to this locality 
in 1841, purchasing the land on which he now resides. His first wife's 
death occurred May 18, 1870, and he was again married November 20, 1870, 
to Mrs. Sarah Scott, their two sons being Franklin J. and Ira T. By his 
first wife Mr. Matteson had eleven children. He owns 170 acres of land 
and makes farming and stock-raising his sole business. He was elected 
Justice of the Peace in 1845, being the first officer to fill that position in 
Salem Township, and served over fifteen successive years. Mr. Matteson 
was formerly a Whig, but now a Eepu.blican. Himself and wife are mem- 
bers of the Church of God — officially connected. 

LYMAN C. MOODY, son of Timothy and Susan (Bowsier) Moody, 
was born in De Kalb County, Ind. , November 22, 1842. His parents were 
natives of Vermont and Pickaway Count);, Ohio, respectively, having settled 
in this county in 1845. They reared a family of eleven children, the 
mother dying July 29, 1879. Lyman was married March 14. 1867, to Miss 
Lucretia Ewing, daughter of Samuel Ewing, then a resident of Crane 
Township. .Their children are Georgia B., Frank D. and Susan M. Mr. 
Moody gave up his schooling in 1863, and enlisted in the army, acting part 
of his time as Sergeant. He returned home in August, 1865, and has since 
devoted his time to farming. Mr. Moody is a Republican, himself and 
wife both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and both strongly 
in favor of Prohibition. 

WILLIAM NAGEL was born January 14, 1842. His parents, Fred- 
erick and Eliza (Fallbright) Nagel, were natives of Philadelphia, Penn., 
and of foreign descent, and settled in this locality about 1844. He was 
married, August 31, 1865, to Rebecca Grantz. Their children ai-e Ida May, 
Cora Ellen, Henry Charles, Nettie Rena, William Frederick and Stella 



988 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Mabel. By his industry and economy, Mr. Nagel has acquired 182 acres of 
excellent land on which he now resides. He is a stanch Democrat and has 
served four years as Township Clerk, four terms as Treasurer, Constable and 
Trustee. He is a member of the Church of God. Henry C. Nagel was 
bora in Pennsylvania May 17, J 843. He enlisted at Upper Sandusky Sep- 
tember 4, 1863, in Company D, Fifteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, 
under Capt. S. S. Pettit, and was killed at the battle of Kenesaw Mountain, 
Ga., on the 23d of June, 1864. His remains now repose with the heroic 
dead on the battle-field he fought so gallantly to win. His grave is 
unmarked, the board which designated the spot having long since disap- 
peared. His age was twenty-one years one month and six days. 

DANIEL W. NICHOLS is a native of Salem Township, born on the 
farm where he now resides June 16, 1839. His parents, John and Kachel 
(Baughman) Nichols, were natives of Baden, Germany, and Ohio respect- 
ively, and entered this same land in 1834. Their three children were Daniel, 
John and 'Sarah M. The mother died in 1844; the father in 1848. Return- 
ing fi-om Pickaway County, Ohio, to Salem at the age of twenty- one, Mr, 
Nichols purchased his father's farm, which had been sold under foreclosure, 
after which he engaged in carpenter's work about three years, spending 
some time in improving his premises. In the autumn oE 1862, he enlisted 
in Company A, One Hundred and Twenty- third Regiment Ohio Volunteer 
Infantry, under Capt. J. W. Chamberlain, of Carey, and participated first 
iu the battle of Winchester, where he was wounded by a gunshot and after- 
ward taken prisoner and carried to Richmond, being exchanged May 18, 
1864, after having lost 103 jjounds during his imprisonment — the result 
of semi-starvation. He subsequently took part in the engagement at Mary- 
land Heights, Snicker's Ford, Winchester, Martinsburg, Berry vi lie, Cedar 
Creek, Hatcher's Run, High Bridge, and others repeated at some of these 
points. Being captured at High Bridge, he was held till Lee's surrender, 
receiving his dischai-ge June 13, 1865. Returning home, Mr. Nichols 
resumed his trade and farming business, later devoting his entire attention 
to the latter. He was married, June 20, 1869, to Wilhelmina Bertsch, and 
three children were born to them — William B., Daniel W. and Catharine 
F. Mrs. Nichols' death occurred December 24, 1878. Mr. Nichols still 
resides on the farm, being one of the stanch Democrats of the township. 
He served as Trustee and Treasurer each two terms, and has been Justice 
of the Peace since 1878. He is a member of the G. A. R., at present 
Quartermaster of the order. 

JOSEPH RIESTERER was born in Baden, Germany, November 25, 
1836. He is a son of Anthony and Frances (Celler) Riesterer, natives of 
Germany, where the latter died in 1846. The former emigrated with his 
entire family in 1853, and settled in this township, the children being 
Joseph, Elizabeth, Mary, Anthony, Harmon, Francis and Rose— all now 
being deceased but the two former. Joseph Riesterer was married October 
18, 1860, to Miss Elizabeth Shoemaker, a resident of Salem Township and 
native of Maryland. They had ten children, viz., William, Rose, Ann, 
John H., Mary, Frank, Francis, Edward and Emma. Henry is deceased. 
Mr. Riesterer was left a poor boy, on his own resoui'ces, at the age of six- 
teen, and by his industry he has acquired a good farm of fifty- four acres, 
purchased in 1864, and valued at $70 per acre. He has served in several 
township offices, and was at one time First Lieutenant of the Home Militia, 
which was called out in 1863, remaining ten days in Camp Wayne, Wooster, 
Ohio. In politics, Mr. Riesterer is a Democrat; himself and family mem- 
bers of the Catholic Church. 



SALEM TOWNSHIP. 989 

FOSTER W. SAVIDGE, son of Reuben and Jane (Clawson) Savidge, 
is a native of Somerset County, N. J., born September 7, 181G. His 
parents were natives of the same State, and migrated to Ohio in 1824, set- 
tling in Muskingum County, removing to this county in 1834. His father 
died in 1855, sixty-six years of age; his mother in 1862, seventy-five years 
of age. Of their sixteen children but two are living — Lewis C. and Foster 
S. The latter, who is the subject of this notice, at the age of twenty-one 
went to Zanesville, where he engaged in milling three years. Returning 
home he was married, January 16, 1845, to Miss Julia A. Kirts, of Marion, 
Ohio, a native of Maryland. Their children are Laura L., George W., 
William, Charles F., Sarah, Jane, Elizabeth A., Michael K. and Daniel W. 
The latter, also Charles F. , is deceased. After his marriage, Mr. Savidge 
removed to the cranberry marsh in this county, where he resided five years, 
gathering as many as 8,100 baskets of this fruit in one season. In 1853, 
he purchased land in this township, where he now resides, owning 100 
acres, which he values at $100 per acre. He also owns 130 acres in Marion 
County, and has been a farmer for the past forty years. In politics, Mr. 
Savidge is a Republican. 

JAMES B. SCOTT, son of Thomas and Mary (Hannah) Scott, was born 
February 9, 1827. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland 
respectively, and settled in this county in 1835. Their children were ten 
in number, James B. having been born in Wayne County, Ohio. The 
father died in April, 1851, the mother in the same month, 1852. James B. 
remained with his parents till January 27, 1847, at which date he was mar- 
ried to Mary J. Armstrong, native of Ireland, daughter of David and Sarah 
Armstrong. Their children are Olive J., Celiuda F. , David T. , Orville M., 
Clarinda R. , Robin.son A., Clara B. , Rosa A., John B. and Sarah E. The 
deceased are Clarinda R. and Robinson A. Mr. Scott resided in Jackson 
Township till the death of his wife April 21, 1878; soon after he removed to 
Salem, where he was married, January 14, 1882, to Miss Lucy A. McCrary, 
widow of John McCrary, who died February 21, 1880. She was a resident 
of this township, native of Ohio, and daughter of Ursin and Sarah (Kent- 
field) Godman. Her first husband lived and died in Hardin County, and 
by him she had one child — Aaetta M., now four years of age. Mr. Scott 
owns fourteen and a half acres of land and some town property in Lovell, 
where he now resides. He has served in several township otfices; a Pro- 
hibitionist in politics. He and his wife are members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church at Lovell. 

ISAAC SHAFFER is a native of Northumberland County, Penn. . born 
January 8, 1836. His parents, Jacob and Elizabeth (Kauble) Shatter, 
were natives of Pennsylvania and of German parentage. Isaac removed to 
this county in 1862, and engaged in various kinds of work on the farm till 
his marriage, July 6, 1882, to Elizabeth Laudenschlager, occurred in this 
township, where Mr. Shaffer owns 160 acres of good land in a high state of 
cultivation, valued at $75 to $80 per acre. He is a thorough and prosper- 
ous farmer, and has devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits the prin- 
cipal part of his life. In political sentiments, Mr. Shaffer is a Republican. 

PERRY M. SHELLHOUSE was born in Butler County, Ohio, August 
2, 1844. He is a son of Edwai'd S. and Mary (Willis) Shellhouse, natives 
of New Jersey and Ohio respectively. His grandparents came to Butler 
County in 1808; moved to Connersville in 1811, and to this county in 1819. 
Their children were Katie, Edward S., Sallie, Lydia and George. Edward 
S. returned to Butler County, and was married, Mai'ch 17, 1831, to Mary 



990 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Willis. After several removals, they located permanently in this county, 
where Mr. Shellhouse died Mai'ch 3, 1873, in his sixty- eighth year. His 
vfite died in Lovell, Ohio, January 3, 1884, in her seventieth year. Their 
family consisted of seven sons and four daughters — Sarah A., Edward S. , 
Lydia, Conrad H . George AV., Chandler W.. Perry M., Louisa, Francis M., 
Mary E. and Amasa. Perry M., the subject of this sketch, obtained a good 
education, graduating at the Carey High School in 1865, since which time 
he has engaged to a considerable extent in teaching in this and adjoining 
counties. He spent several years in selling goods over the counter and by 
wagon, returning to Lovell in 1879, where he still resides, now engaged in 
the poultry business. He owns some town property, and is an industrious 
and enterprising citizen. A Democrat politically. 

JOSEPH SHOEMAKER was born September 28, 1844. He is a native 
of Mansfield, Ohio, son of John and Magdalene (Everly) Shoemaker, who 
settled in this county in 1847. He was married, October 9, 1872, to Mary 
Fleck, of this township, and six children — four sons and two daughters — 
were born to them: William, Franklin, Nora C. , Louis E., Joseph and 
Elizabeth. In 1884, Mr. Shoemaker purchased eighty acres of land, on 
which he now resides, following agricultural pursuits and stock-raising. 
For about nineteen seasons he has operated a threshing machine. In poli- 
tics, Mr. Shoemaker is a Democrat. He and his wife are members of the 
Catholic Church, and are intelligent and resjjectable citizens. 

JOHN H. ULRICH was born in Baden, Germany, May 22, 1839. His 
parents, John and Wilhelmina (Rouch) Ulrich, were natives of the same 
place, and emigrated to America in June, 1854, and settled in this county. 
They had five children — Henry, Elizabeth, John H. , Eva M. and Jacob, the 
second having died in 1860. Our subject worked by the day and month for 
some time after his arrival in this country, and July 4, 1862, married Chris- 
tina F. Boyer, who emigrated from Wurtemberg, Germany, May 15, 1857. 
This marriage has been followed by five children — Anna C, Mary H., Rosa 
M. , Sarah A. and Lizzie M. Anna is deceased. In the third year of his 
marriage. Mr. Ulrich purchased forty acres of land, which he has improved 
and to which he has added by subsequent purchase till he now owns ninety- 
seven acres. A fine barn with all its contents was destroyed by lightning 
September 2, 1878. Mr. Ulrich is a prominent Democrat in his township. 
He is a member of the Evangelical Church, as is his wife also, and his 
daughters are associated with the English Methodist Church. 

JONATHAN Z. WALBORN is a native of Berks County, Penn. , born 
February 4, 1837. His parents were Daniel D. and Lydia (Zerbe) Walborn, 
natives of Pennsylvania, who located in this county m 1855, purchasing 
240 acres of land. They had seven children — Jonathan, Henry, Salesa, 
William A., Daniel, Emeline E. and Franklin L. Mrs. Walborn died May 
13, 1872, and Mr. W. was married, in the winter of 1874, to Mrs. Catha- 
rine Seltzer, of Schuylkill County, Penn. He subsequently migrated to 
Kansas, purchasing 160 acres in Montgomery County of that State. Jona- 
than Z. Walborn resided with his parents till June 22, 1858, when he married 
Maria C. Berry, of this county, daughter of Jehu and Rebecca Berry, and 
seven children blessed their union — Edward P., Ella S., Lydia J., William 
A., Olive R., Emma M. and Anna M., twins. William A. and Olive R. are 
deceased. Mr. Walborn has cleared near forty acres of timber land, and 
has always been a man of energy and prominence in his community, having 
filled various offices of trust, and done much for the development of the 
town of Lovell. He served as Postmaster six years, took an active part in 



SALEM TOWNSHIP. 991 

securing the right of way of the C. , H. V. & T. Railway, and was one of 
the chief movers in laying out the town. In politics, Mr. Walborn is a 
Democrat; he and wife members of the Lutheran Church. 

DANIEL WHITE was born in Delaware County, N. Y., January 4, 
1808. His parents, Ebenezer and Catharine (Cable) White, were natives of 
Connecticut. They settled first in New York, moved to Ross County, Ohio, 
in 1812, to this county in 1828, and to Sandusky County in 1832. Daniel 
White remained in this locality, and was married, March 16, 1833, to Eliza 
Gibson, daughter of Robert and Amelia Gibson, and five children were 
born to them— James G., May 19, 1836; William G., November 1, 1838; 
George G., January 16, 1841; Benjamin G., October 19, 1856; Emily G., 
born May 19, 1847, died May 2, 1881. Mr. White obtained a fair knowl- 
edge of the common branches in the district schools, and has been engaged 
in agricultural pursuits and stock-raising all his life. In political faith, 
Mr. AYhite is a Democrat. 

CATHARINE WRIGHT was born in Frederick County, Md., March 
30, 1823. She is a daughter of James and Rebecca Grimes, natives of 
Maryland. Her parents moved to Seneca County, Ohio, in 1833, and there 
reared a family of twelve children, Mrs. Wright being the seventh. She 
was married, August 18, 1840, to William Wright, of Seneca County, a 
native of Virginia, and ten children were born to them — Sophia M. , James 
W., John E., Rebecca L., Joseph H., Susan E., Mary E., Jacob H., George 
W. and Martha J. The deceased are Mary E. , Jacob H. , James W. and Sophia 
M, Mr. Wright departed this life July 27, 1863, having been a resident of 
the township from 1846. His widow and family still reside on the old 
farm, Mrs. Wright has undergone many hardships, having been a widow 
twenty years. 




992 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XII. 
SYCAMORE TOWNSHIP. 

Its Organization— Physical Features— Early Settlers— Inhabitants 
AND Owners of Real and Personal Estate in 1845— First Things — 
Roads, Etc.— Schools, Churches, Etc.— Sycamore Village— Its Church- 
es AND Secret Societies— Officers of the Township Since Its Organ- 
ization—Biographical Sketches. 

THIS township formerly belonged to Crawford County, and was origi- 
nally included in that county in 1821. It is what is known as a 
fractional township and comprises Township 1 south, Kange 15 east. It 
derives its name from Sycamore Creek, the nearest approach to a river that 
courses through its midst, and this creek, no doubt, obtained its title from 
the many so-called "sycamore" trees that grew in that neighborhood, in 
reality the plane-tree or buttonwood, the sycamore proper (Sykamoros, lig- 
mulbei-ry), being indigenous only to Egypt, Syria and neighboring districts. 
This township lies in the extreme northeast of Wyandot County. It is 
bounded on the north by Seneca County, on the east by Crawford County, 
on the south by Eden Township, and on the west by Tymochtee Township, 
It is six miles in length from north to south and four in breadth from east 
to west. Being one of the earliest settled townships in this part of the 
county, the timber has been well cleared off, and thereby it has a decided 
advantage over some of the other townships, as the farms are more numer- 
ous and better developed, and altogether show evidence of a more advanced 
state. 

Of the streams in Sycamore Township (which all flow east or northeast), 
the creek that gave it its name is the most notable. Sycamore Creek takes 
its rise partly in Crawford County and partly in Sections 22 and 27, this 
township. It flows nearly due northwest and " glideth at his own sweet 
will" through Sections 21, 16, 17, 18, 7 and a small portion of 6, when it 
enters Tymochtee Township and finally pours its waters into the Sandusky 
River near Mexico, in the latter township. Mile Creek, the most northerly 
stream, which finds its source in Crawford County, flows in a northwesterly 
direction through Sections 10, 3, 4, 5 and northeast corner of 6, where it 
enters Seneca County by the farm of Peter Pennington, ultimately finding 
its way to the Sandusky River. A stream, which enjoys the oleaginous 
and euphonious title, Greasy Creek, contributes its measure to Sycamore 
Creek; it rises in Crawford County, although one of its tributaries has its 
birth in Section 16, this township, and passes through Sections 15, 10, 16, 
9, 17 and 8, uniting with Sycamore Creek in the northwest quarter of Sec- 
tion 7. Taylor Creek has its main springs in Section 34, and after flowing 
through 33, 27 and 30, penetrates Tymochtee Township by the farm of J. 
Lease, and falls into the Sandusky River about a mile west of the township 
line. Its smallest tributary rises in Section 28, courses through Section 29 
and conjoins with Taylor Creek on Section 30, and a larger tributary rises 
in Section 34, traversing Sections 33, 32 and 31, entering Tymochtee Town- 
ship by the farm of P. Smith and flows into Taylor Creek on Section 14, 



SYCAMORE TOWNSHIP. 993 

latter township. There are to be found some other smaller creeks in vari- 
ous parts of the township. The Wyandot Reservation line runs from 
Tymochtee Township eastward through the northern part of Sections 31, 
32, 33 and 34 for a quarter of a mile, thence south into Eden. 

FIRST SETTLEMENTS. 

The first white settler in Sycamore Township was Samuel Harper, who, 
with his wife and seven children, four sons, William, James, Samuel and 
George, and three daughters, moved into the township March 1. 1821, 
where he entered 160 acres in Section 18, and another 160 acres in Section 

6. He settled on Section 18, and resided there till his death, which oc- 
curred October 18, 1821. He was a native of Ireland, born in 1748, and 
came to America previous to the Revolutionary war, toward the commence- 
ment of which he enlisted. At the battle of Bunker Hill, he received a gun- 
shot wound in the left arm, which was broken below the elbow. This dis- 
abling him, be was discharged and he then settled in Northumberland 
County, Penn. , having been married, in Chester County, Penn., to Catharine 
Grimes. In the fall of 1818, he moved to Ross County, Ohio, and March 1, 
1821, to Sycamore Township. He died in October of that year. Mrs. 
Harper lived on the homestead until 1834, and then moved to Sycamore 
Village, where she died in 1848, having reared all her children to maturity. 
Alexander Morrow came with Samuel Harper from Ross County, Ohio, 
March 1, 1821, and lived with the Harper family for a time; he afterward 
bought land on Section 7. 

Peter Baum, Sr., came about fifteen days after Samuel Harper, accom- 
panied by Daniel Walters, who afterward married Susanna Baum, daughter 
of Peter Baum, Sr. He entered ten acres of land on Section 18, and died 
there. Ichabod Myron and Rufus Merriman, came about the same period. 
John Eyestone came from Ross County, entered 160 acres of land in Section 

7, where he settled. 

In 1822 came George Kisor ; he entered eighty acres of land, where he 
died some fifteen or twenty years after. William Lupton succeeded Kisor. com- 
ing in the early part of 1823. He settled on Section 17, where he entered 160 
acres of land, and there died about 1848. He had three sons and one 
daughter; John, Samuel, Lewis and Massy, all of whom died in Sycamore 
Township, excepting Lewis, who died in Eden Township. About the same 
period came to this township the following: Peter Betzer, William Griffith, 
Michael Van Gundy, Jeptha Brown, Andrew Cliogman, David Ford, the 
Crawfords and Starkeys, James Milligan, Jesse Ingerson, William Good- 
man, James and Lorin Pease, and Conrad Betz. 

Between 1823 and 1826, Jacob Hersbberger and family, Solomon Pon- 
tius and family, William Griffith and family, Samuel and Bribner Hudson 
and their families, Abram and Samuel Bair and their families, Ben- 
jamin Van Gundy and family, William Goodman and family. William and 
Samuel Caughey and families, Jacob Combs and his family, from Virginia; 
Gershom Cunningham and family. 

From 1826 to 1830, Levi Pennington and family came from Virginia; 
Hampton Ford and family of three sons and one daughter, Benjamin Knapp 
and family, William Betzer and family, Adam Coon and family and 
Abram Brown and family. Following is a list of those who were assessed 
for the payment of taxes in the township of Sycamore in 1845, showing also 
the kinds of property owned, and (when real estate) upon what sections 
located : 



994 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

OWNERS OF REAL ESTATE. 

Anno, Samuel, Section 29, 160 acres. 

Ackerman, George, Section 27, 80 acres. 

Brown, Ezra. Section 16, 240 acres. 

Brown, Jeptha, Section 8, 160 acres. 

Bair, David, Section 20, 160 acres. 

Brundage, Benjamin, Section 3, 80 acres. 

Butler, Simons, Section 18, 80 acres. 

Baum, Peter, Section 18, 80 acres. 

Bair, Abraham, Section 6, 80 acres, also owned carding machine. 

Bair, Samuel, Section 5, 80 acres. 

Brown, Abram, Section 31, 107 acres. 

Bruna, John J., Section 30, 80 acres. 

Berry, Jacob A., Section 30, 80 acres. 

Bretz, Conrad, Section 18, 160 acres. 

Betzer, William, Section 30, 164 acres. 

Barkhart, Peter, Section 10, 100 acres. 

Betzer, John, Sections 27 and 34, 354 acres. 

Bardoon, Magdalena, Section 9, 120 acres. 

Cleland, Arthur, Section 15, 120 'acres. 

Carey, Harvey, Section 22, 80 acres. 

Carpenter, Daniel, Sections 8, 9 and 23, 320 acres. 

Culver, Ebenezer, Section 27, 80 acres. , 

Cornell, M. J. and W. H., Section 4, 80 acres. 

Combs, Jacob, Section 6, 120 acres. 

Caughey, William, Section 6, 40 acres. 

Caughey, Samuel, Section 6, 40 acres. 

Caughey, William, Section 6, 40 acres. 

Coon, John, Sections 28 and 21, 120 acres. 

Clingman, Andrew, Section 19, 80 acres. 

Corey, David, Section 28, 80 acres. 

Crawford, James, Section 29, 80 acres, 

Cunningham, G., Section 4, 80 acres. 

Dunlap, James R., Sections 3 and 10, 100 acres. 

Dennison, George, Section 3, 160 acres. 

Eyestone, Ezekiel, Section 30, 80 acres. 

Eyestone, Abraham, Section 30, 80 acres. 

Eyestone, George, Section 33, 199 acres. 

Eyestone, John, Section 7, 160 acres. 

Eichelberger, John, Section 28, 80 acres. 

Ford, Stephen, Section 28, 80 acres. 

Ford, Charles, Section 19, 40 acres. 

Ford, David, Section 20, 160 acres. 

Goodman, D. and John, Section 9, 160 acres. 

Garnett, George, Section 34, 97 acres. 

Goodman, W^illiam, Section 17, 80 acres. 

Gurney, Isaac, Section 4, 80 acres. 

Griffith,* William. Sections 7, 17 and 18, 559 acres. 

Gregg, Andrew, Section 10, 160 acres. 

Hushlinger, Jacob, Sections 3, 4 and 9, 240 acres. 

Hoover, John, Sections 22 and 27, 320 acres. 

Hudson, Allen, Section 8, 160 acres. 



*0ne of the first County Commissioners. 



SYCAMORE TOWNSHIP. 995 

Haines, Daniel, Section 9, 120 acres. 

Hudson, Samuel, Section 18, 80 acres. 

Hudson, Bribun, Section 8, 80 acres. 

Hiestand, Martin, Section 22, 80 acres. 

Hershberger, Jacob, Section 16, 80 acres. 

Ingerson, Jesse, Section 18, SO acres. 

Jacqueth, Isaac, Section 32. 100 acres. 

Jones, Levi, Section 31, 102 acres. 

Kisor, George, Sections 21, 22 and 28, 320 acres. 

Kisor, John, Section 28, 40 acres. 

Koon, Andrew, Section 30, 80 acres. 

Klick, John, Section 21, 160 acres. 

Knapp, Samuel, Section 19, 80 acres. 

Kroft, John, Section 21, 80 acres. 

Kester, Jonathan L., Section 34, 80 acres. 

Lundy, James, Section 30, 80 acres. 

Lee, Ebenezer, Section 10, 80 acres. 

Lemon, Joel, Sections 28 and 29, 200 acres. 

Lundy, Levi, Sections 18 and 19, 240 acres. 

Lupton, John R., Section 21, 80 acres. 

Lupton, William, Sections 16, 17 and 20, 240 acres. 

Lemart, Lewis, Section 10, 135 acres. 

Little, James, Section 29, 160 acres. 

Martin, John, Section 15, 160 acres. 

McCauley, Alfred, Section 21, 80 acres. 

McEwen, Robert, Section 3, 80 acres. 

Myers, John L. , Section 4, 79 acres. 

Morrow, Alexander, Section 6, 42 acres. 

Milligan, William, Section 29, 160 acres. 

Neadry, John, Section 3, 120 acres. 

Plane, Mary W., Section 5, 80 aci'es. 

Pontius, Solomon, Sections 3 9, 20 and 32, 842 acres. 

Pease, Loren A., Section 35, 1 acre. 

Pennington. Isaac, Section 4, 160 acres. 

Pennington, Levi, Section 5, 160 acres. 

Pennington, Henry, Section 5, 80 acres. 

Pool, Rodney, Section 6, 119 acres. 

Porter, Simon, Section 22, 80 acres. 

Rogers and Smith, Sections 20 and 21, 160 acres. 

Reed, T. C. and J. M., Section 7, 3 acres. 

Rogers. Calvin, Section 5, 120 acres. 

Reed, Isaac C, Section 7, 160 acres. 

Searles, John, Section 34, 80 acres. 

State of Ohio, Section 34, 66 acres. 

Shafer, Gideon, Section 4, 1 acre. 

Talman, Elihu, Section 7, 157 acres. 

Talman, Akins, Section 8, 160 acres. 

Van Gundy, Michael, Sections 15, 16, and 17, 480 acres. 

Welch, Hugh, Section 6, 160 acres. 

Wilson, Elisha, Section 19, 80 acres. 

Wagner, Jacob, Section 5, 40 acres. 

Walter, Daniel, Sections 15 and 32, 120 acres, 

Weeks, Robert M., Section 3, 80 acres. 



996 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Wolverton, Lewis, Section 28, 120 acres. 
Yates, Abner. Section 10, 25 acres. 
Yates, Thomas, Section 10, 40 acres. 
Watson, George A., Section 15, 80 acres. 
Pennington, Isaac, Section 4, 80 acres. 
Dunlap, Daniel W., Sections 10 and 15, 120 acres. 
Gregg, Andrew, Section 10, 160 acres. 
Milligan, William, Section 29, 80 acres. 
Ingerson, Alvin, Section 15, 40 acres. 

OWNERS OF PERSONAL PROPERTY. 

Samuel Anno, Benjamin Bair, Abram Bair, Jeptha Brown, Lucas Baum, 
Conrad Bretz,Abram Brown, Elizabeth Baum, William Betzer, John J. Bunn, 
Jacob Beery, Peter Betzer, John Betzer, Andrew Bentley, Andrew Bender, Peter 
Burkhart, David Babcock, William Caughey, Moses J. Cornell, Henry B. Co- 
penhaver. Gershom Cunningham, Daniel Carpenter, Andrew Clingman, Jacob 
Combs, John Cunningham, Adam Coon, David Corey, T. R. Culver, Miner 
P. Cable, James Crawford, Charles Chapman, John Coon, Ebenezer Culver, 
Asa Culver, Harvey Corey, Harriet J. Davis, James Danlap, George Eye- 
stone, George Eyestone, Jr. , JohnEyestone, Harman Eyestone, Ezekiel Eye- 
stone, Abram Eyestone, John Eyestone, Jr. , Jacob Eckleberry, Hampton Ford, 
David Ford. Stephen Ford, Isaac Gurney, Moses C. Gibson, David Goodman, 
William Goodman, John Goodman, William Griffith, Andrew Gregg, Adna 
Gillett, Bribner Hudson, Samuel Hudson, Allen Hudson, John Harper, James 
L. Harper, Jacob Hershberger, Leonard Housburg, Martin Heistand, George 
Harper, Jesse Ingerson, Alvin Ingerson, Jacob Imler, C. F. Jacqueth, Sol- 
omon S. Knapp, George Kisor, Jonathan Kester, Samuel Kittsmiller, Ben- 
jamin Knapp, Levi and Willits Lundy, James Lundy, James Little, Joel 
Lemon, William Lupton, Samuel Lupton, John K. Lupton, Lewis Lupton, 
William Leasure, Ebenezer Lee, John L. Myers, James Milligan, John 
Mattocks, John Martin, John Needry, George Ockerman, Salmon Osburn, 
Rodney Pool, Levi Pennington, Isaac Pennington, Solomon Pontius, Loren 
A. Pease, Mary Wilson Plain, Henry Pennington, Thomas F. Pierce, Ben- 
jamin Palmer, Simeon Porter, Caleb Phillips, Calvin Rogers, T. C. and 
J. M. Reed, C. P. Rogers, Alva Rose, Salem T. Richardson, Andrew Storkey, 
Salem P. Swinehart, Benjamin Shepard, George Taylor, Akins E. Tallman, 
John Tobridge, Michael Van Gundy, Michael Van Gundy, Jr., William Van- 
Gundy, Hugh Welch, David Wagoner, Elisha VVillson, Lewis Wolverton, 
Benjamin Wilcox, Ransom Wilcox. Daniel Walter. 

FIRST THINGS. 

The first house in Sycamore Township was erected by Samuel Harper 
about the year 1821. It was of hewed logs, dimensions 18x18 feet, one 
and a half stories high, and it stood till 1834-35. The first saw mill was 
established by William Griffith in 1830 on Section 18; it was operated 
until destroyed by fire in 1876-77; and the first grist-mill was known as 
Taylor's mill, erected on Sycamore Creek in Section 17 by George W. Tay- 
lor in 1843-44. It had two run of buhrs, and is still being operated. 
Prior to this mill, settlers had to go to the old Indian Mill at Upper San- 
dusky, to have their grinding done, or to Buck Creek in Clark County, 
Ohio. The first election in the township, which was then a full Congres- 
sional township, was held at the house of George Kisor near Petei'sburg, in 
1822-23, when a full board of township officers were elected. Prior to 



• SYCAMORE TOWNSHIP. 997 

1822, provisions were brought in from the south. At that date a store was 
established at Old Tymochtee. The first wedding in the township took 
place in 1826, at the residence of Peter Bavim, the contracting parties being 
Daniel Walters and Susannah Baum, and the first births were Susannah 
and Barbara Walters (twins), children of Daniel and Susannah Walters. 
The first death was that of Samuel Harper, which occurred at his old home- 
stead in 1823. He is buried on the farm A. Bretz now lives on. The first 
store in the township was in Sycamore Yillage, kept by George Harper pre- 
vious to which settlers went to Delaware for their supplies. There are now, 
besides those in Sycamore, three stores in the township, all in the village of 
Petersburg, viz. : One dry goods, by John Bender; one grocery, by Jerome 
Williams, and one drug store, by Francis Culver. 

ROADS AND KAILROADS. 

The only highway that traverses this township from north to south, other 
than the Crawford County line, is the Section line a mile west of Crawford 
County; three roads cross the township from east to west — one in the center, 
passing through the town of Sycamore, one a mile further south and a 
third on the Eden Township line. In addition to these there are several 
others leading either in parallels with or along the section lines, or in an 
irregular manner, one of which latter inclines in a northwesterly direction 
from the village of Sycamore to Mexico, in Tymochtee Township, and the 
Morrison State road, which was the first regularly laid out road in the 
township. The Ohio C^entral Railroad intersects Sections 18, 20, 21, 28, 
27 and 34, entering this township from Tymochtee on the farm of Charles 
B. Ingerson, and enters Crawford County by the farm of C. C. Pancoast. 

SCHOOLS, CHURCHES, ETC. 

The first school in this township was held in the village of Sycamore, 
and the first schoolhouse was a round-log structure, 18x18 feet in dimen- 
sions, located on Section 17. It was erected in 1825-26 by the citizens of 
the township. The first teacher was Nancy Parmenter, who received the 
munificent sum of $1 per week as salary, and this amount was raised by 
subscription. There are now six school buildings in the township. 

The first religious services in Sycamore Township, before any regular 
house of worship was erected, were held during the summer of 1822 at the 
house of Mrs. Harper, John Stewart, a colored missionary, and James B. 
Finley officiating, and meetings were continued to be held at private houses 
or cabins, and occasionally on the old camp ground, until the erection of 
the first church in 1834. This place of worship was a frame structure built 
on Section 18, nominally by the Methodists, actually by the united support 
of the people, regai'dless of sect. 

Ebenezer Methodist Episcopal Church of Pipetoivn. — This society held 
its first meeting in this township in the old round-log schoolhouse in about 
1834, and in that year their first church building was erected on a piece of 
ground seventy rods north of the southeast corner of Section 10, on the 
county line of Crawford and Wyandot. It was of frame work, 30x40 feet, 
and completed at no other cost than the gratuitous labor of those interested. 

The present church was built in 1853, a plain, but neat frame building, 
dimensions 28x35 feet, cost $62-5. It is located on the same site as the old, 
and in Section 10. In 1844, this society had some forty- four members, 
among whom were R. Weeks, William Gregg, Thomas Yates, A. Gregg, 
Lewis Lemert, Isaac Blair, Benjamin Shepherd, John Thompson, Robert 

47 



998 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Weeks, Jr., and the wives of all of them, together with several children. 
The pastors have been: Among those prior to 1844 — Revs. Thomas Thomp- 
son, James Wilson, H. O.Sheldon; since 1844 — Revs. Martin Welsh. Ralph 
Wilcox, Luke S. Johnspn, — Kishler, Jesse Williams, Thomas J. Gard, John 
McKean, — Huestis, and others, with their colleagues. The first Trustees 
were Robert Weeks, William Gregg, Thomas Yates ; present Trustees, C. W. 
Longwell, R. L. Speer, J. F. Gregg. There is at present no membership, 
and the church building is now used for funeral services, Sabbath schools 
and irregular church meeting appointments. The Sabbath schools are held 
in the summer months, and the attendance of scholars averages about fifty. 
In December, 1844, a revival took place in connection with this society, 
under the guidance of Revs. M, Welsh and J. R. Jewett, on which occasion 
many children and youths and about a dozen adults were brought into the 
church, and in January, 1854, quite a number of heads of families, as well 
as young persons, were converted and joined the church under the admin- 
istrations of Revs. Luke S. Johnson and — Kishler. 

There are several private burial grounds in the township, and of the 
public cemeteries one is located in each of Sections 10, 18, 29. 

SYCAMORE. 

This village is situated on Sycamore Creek between Sections 17 and 18, 
and on the line of the Ohio Central Railroad. It was laid out in the year 
1842, while Sycamore Township was yet apart of Crawford County. " Old 
Sycamore " as it is now termed, was of slow growth, and never attained 
higher than an ordinary country hamlet. Subsequent additions have been 
made, rather plats laid out independent of the "old town," till it now com- 
prises a thriving village of over 300 inhabitants. The first house erected 
on the site of the village was in the year 1836. It was a store 18x30 feet 
in dimensions, and built of logs by George Harper, who opened a store, 
conducting the same two years. At the expiration of this time, he 
disposed of the stock to William Combs, who continued in the mercantile 
business about the same length of time as Mr. Harper. Combs sold to Gus- 
tus Saffel, who was une of Sycamore's leading merchants till 1880. 

In 1849-50, A. W. Brinkerhoflf and J. B. Wilson opened a store and did 
business till 1856, when the firm dissolved and Brinkerhoff removed to Up- 
per Sandusky. 

The village now has three dry goods stores, besides groceries, a sash and 
door factory, and a very fine five-story brick flouring mill erected in 1884 
by George Taylor. 

RELIGIOUS. 

United Brethren Church in Christ— -The first meeting of this society 
was held in a schoolhouse located on Section — , by Rev. J. Powell, in the 
year 1849. Two years later, a permanent organization was effected by Rev. 
William Mathers, with eleven members, as follows: John Gring, F. 
Clapsaddle, William Van Gundy, Charles Shire, Samuel Swinehart, Jane 
Swinehart, Martha Brady, John Beck, Margaret Morris, Elizabeth Noel, 
Mary Crawford and Father Swinehart. The society continued to worship 
at this schoolhouse until 1853, when it erected a frame building in Syca- 
more, 30x40 feet in size, at a cost of $800. This was used as a house of 
worship until 1873, when it was replaced by a commodious brick structure, 
44x60 feet in dimensions. This edifice, located on Safi'ell's Addition, cost 
$4,300. The following pastors have served this charge, viz. : Revs. S. Es- 



SVCAMORE TOWNSHIP. 999 

sex, one year; S. H. Rowdabaugli, two years; Rev. Clingal, two years; J. 
Ridly, one year; L. Moore, one year; Rev. Struble, six months; E. B. 
Maiirer, two and a half years; and C. L. Bevington, the present incumbent. 
The present number of members is ninety, with the following officers: 
Trustees — William Van Gundy, P. K. Sheaffer, J. W. Eyestone, William 
Kinley and Solomon Downey, The society has been blessed with several 
revivals, some of the principal ones occurring in 1873, 1875 and 1877. In 
1884, some fifty accessions were made to the church. A Sabbath school, Mis- 
sionary Society and a society termed "The Gleaners," composed of young 
people, are maintained, and are in a flourishing condition. 

SECRET SOCIETIES. 

Bubicon Lodge, No. 645, I. O. O. F. — The dispensation was granted this 
lodge July 20, A. D. 1876. The original members were I. B. Gibbs, J. N. 
Asbury, M. G. Clapsaddle, George W. Biles, Philip Bloom, D. M. Bope, G. 
Eyestone, Harvey Griffith, J. A. Gibson. A. E. Gibson, W. A. Milligan and 
William Park. Nathan Jones, M. W. G. Master, organized the lodge with 
the following officers: I. B. Gibbs, N. G.; J. N. Asbury, V. G.; G. W. 
Biles, Secretary; J. A. Gibson, Treasurer; William Milligan, Warden; 
Philip Bloom, Conductor; William Park. I. G. ; A. E. Gibson. O. G.; D. 
M. Bope. R. S. N. G. ; H. Griffith, L. S. N. G. ; G. Eyestone, L. S. V. G. 

The present officers are: C. Moessner, N. G. ; P. L. Babcock, V. G.; E. 
V. Ingereon. Secretary; Jacob Staum. Treasurer; Philip Bloom, Warden; 
H. W. Hawkins, Conductor; J. S. Gault, I. G.; M. G. Clapsaddle, O. G.; 
D. M. Bope, R. S. N. G. ; H. Gritith, L. S. N. G. : Wilber Brown, R. S. V. 
G. ; A. Montours, L. S. V. G. ; A. J. Bretz, R. S. S. ; A. J. Brown, L. S. S. 

The society has a membership of fifty-five, and holds its meetings every 
Saturday evening in the hall over H. M. Byers' drug store. Prior to De- 
cember. 1883, it convened in " Biles' building." There has always been a 
deep interest taken in the order in ibis place since the institution of the 
lodge, and it has always been prompt in its attendance upon the sick or 
needy. But one member has been taken away by death. The financial 
standing of the lodge is good, now having $450 on interest. 

Jaqueth Post, No. 196, G. A. R., was organized January 31, 1882, with 
the following members, viz. : B. Pontius, J. E. Goodrich, W. Brown, C. 
Moessner, J. A. Boley, E. J. Wilson, J. Staum, William Milligan, William 
Beard, William Hill, T. Fox and Edward Ingerson. The Post was organ- 
ized by Inspector Brown, of Toledo. It has a membership of seventeen, 
with J. A. Boley as Commander, and C. Moessner, Adjutant. 

TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS SINCE 1845. 

Trustees — 1845, Hugh Welch, Isaac Jaqueth, John Martin. 
1846 — Isaac Jaqueth, Jesse Ingerson, Jeptha Brown. 
1847 — Jesse Ingerson, Jeptha Brown, Isaac Jaqueth. 
[ 1848 — Jesse Ingerson, Jeptha Brown, Isaac Jaqueth. 
1849 — John Kisor, Andrew Gregg, William Betzer. 
1850 — William Betzer, John Kisor, Andrew Gregg. 
1851 — William Betzer, John Kisor, Andrew Gregg. 
1852 — Andrew Gregg, William Betzer, Jonathan Kester. 
1853— Elisha Willson, Peter Burkhart, Jesse Ingerson. 
1854 — Elisha Willson, Jesse Ingerson, John K. Lupton. 
1855 — John K. Lupton, Ezekiel Eyestone, James K. Dunlap. 
1856 — John K. Lupton, James K. Dunlap, Ezekiel Eyestone. 



1000 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

1857 — Ezekiel Eyestone, Elisha "VVillson, Jeptha Brown. 

1858 — Jesse lugerson, Jeptha Brown, Elisha Willson. 

1859 — Jesse Ingerson, Jeptha Brown, Elisha Willson. 

1860 — Jeptha Brown, S. P. Swinehart, William Betzer. 

1861 — J. A. Gibson, S. P. Swinehart, Enoch Eyestone. 

1862 — J. A. Gibson, Enoch Eyestone, S. P. Swinehart. 

1863 — Enoch Eyestone, Jeptha Brown, J. K. Lupton. 

1864 — William Van Gundy, Jeptha Brown, C. C. Pancoast. 

1865— William Van Gundy, C. C. Pancoast, J. T. Konkle. 

1866— E. Willson, J. T. Konkle, P. C. Kitchen. 

1867— L. A. Pease, P. C. Kitchin, Silas Baker. 

1868 - J. A. Gibson, P. C. Kitchin, Silas Baker. 

1869~J. Gault, Cyrus Griffith. M. D. Betz. 

1870— J. Gault, J. F. Gregg, J. W. Little. 

1871— Jordan Gault, J. W. Little, A. Bender. 

1872— J. W. Little, A. Van Gundy, A. Bender. 

1873— A. E. Bender, A. Van Gundy, Cyrus Griffith. 

1874— Z. S. Willson. A. Thatcher, William Gibbs. 

1875— Z. S. Willson, A. Thatcher, William Gibbs. 

1876— A. C. Hershberger, Cyrus Griffith, J. W. Little. 

1877— A. C. Hershberger, Cyrus Griffith, William Van Gundy. 

1878— A. C. Hershberger, Cyrus Griffith, William Van Gundy. 

1879 — Jeptha Brown, A. J. Bretz, Benjamin Pontius. 

1880 — A. J. Bretz, Benjamin Pontius, John W. Nichols. 

1881 — A. J. Bretz, Benjamin Pontius, John W. Nichols. 

1882 — A. J. Bretz, Benjamin Pontius, John W. Nichols. 

1883— John W. Nichols, A. J. Bretz, Griffith Evestone. 

Clerks— 1845-46, James C. Pease; 1847-48, Augustus Saflfell; 1849-50, 
Samuel Hudson; 1851-54, Henry J. Flack; 1855-61, T. A. Peeso; 1862, 
J. W. Eyestone; 1863-66, L Philips; 1867-68, G. E. Basom; 1869-75, 
I Philips; 1876, J. C. Stalter; 1877, Wilber Brown; 1878, F. H. West; 
1879, Wilber Brown; 1880-83. L B. Gibbs. 

Treasurers — 1845, George Harper; 1846, L. A. Pease; 1847-54, John 
Harper; 1855, Jeptha Brown; 1856, A. Saffell; 1857-59, A. H. Lundy; 
1860, John Harper; 1861-65. A. H. Lundy; 1866-68, A. Safifell; 1869-73, 
John Stinchcomb; 1874, William Van Gundy; 1875-78, Silas Baker; 
1879-83, William Van Gundy. 

Justices of the Peace — 1845, David Ellis, Joel Lemon; 1848, Benjamin 
Knapp, Jacob Hershberger; 1850, Jeptha Brown; 1851, Jacob Hershberger; 
1857, Andrew Gregg; 1860, M. C. Gibson. Jacob Hershberger; 1866, John 
W. Eeynolds, James C. Pease; 1869, James C. Pease, John W. Reynolds; 
1871, G. W. Biles; 1872, J. E. Goodrich; 1874, George W. Biles; 1877, 
B. F. Culver; 1880, Tilghman Zellner; 1881, J. E. Goodrich; 1883, Tilgh- 
man Zellner. 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

JOB BAKER is a native of Seneca County, Ohio, and son of Richard and 
Fannie (Wheeler) Baker, natives of New York State. He was born March 
27,1843. His parents were married in Steuben County, N. Y., and migrated 
to Ohio in 1835, settling in Seneca County, where they reared a family of 
six sons — Silas, Frank, Job, Gratton H., Ralph W. and Richard W. The 
parents are still living. In 1865, Mr. Baker purchased 140 acres in Craw- 
ford County, and lived upon this farm till 1873. He then sold out and 
purchased 210 acres in this township, adding forty acres a few years later. 



SYCAMORE TOWNSHIP. 1001 

In 1872, he purchaHed 210 acres in Seneca County, now owning 460 acres, 
valued at $65 to $100 per acre. He has always devoted his attention to 
fai'ming and stock-raising, and has met with admirable success. He keeps 
some thoroughbred short-horn cattle, and good grades of stock generally. 
At the age of eighteen, Mr. Baker enlisted in Company B, Forty-ninth 
Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered into the service. He 
participated in the battles of Pittsburg Landing, Green River, and other 
minor engagements, receiving his discharge in August, 1863. He resumed 
work on the farm the same year, and has since been thus engaged, dealing 
more or less in stock. Mr. Baker was married November 14, 1865, to Eliza 
Nichols, of Mexico, this county, daughter of Henry M. and Margaret (Le- 
master) Nichols, parents and daughter all natives of Barkley County, W. Va., 
in which State the former were united in marriage. Her parents came to 
Ohio in 1842 and settled at Tiffin. In 1851, they removed to Mexico, where 
the father died January 29, 1879, and where the mother still resides. They 
had nine children, and seven still survive, namely, John W., Susan E., Ann 
E., Henry B., Samuel M., Catharine B. and James H. Mr. and Mrs. Baker 
have six children — Mary P., Maud A., Wheeler H., Mary M. , Nora D. 
and Charles F. Mr. Baker is a member of Eden Lodge, No. 310, F. & A. M., 
of Melmore, and also of the Royal Arch, Tiffin, Ohio. He obtained a fair 
education in the common schools, and spent two years at the Baldwin Uni- 
vei'sity, Berea, Ohio. He is a strong Republican and Prohibitionist. 

HIRAM BARE, M. D., was born July 25, 1832. He is a native of this 
township, and a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Berry) Bare, natives of Vir- 
ginia and Ohio respectively. His parents were married in Fairfield County, 
Ohio, and in 1824 moved to this township and purchased eighty acres of 
land, on which he erected a log cabin, in which he died in August, 1840. 
Five of the eight children are living — Elizabeth, Hii'am, Mary, Samuel and 
Eliza. The mother is living in Sycamore, in her seventy-lifth year. Hiram 

Bare was seven years of age when his father died. He went to County, 

where he remained eight years, and then returned to Wyandot. He had 
availed himself of the advantages of the common schools, and in 1852 went 
to Tiffin and became a student in the Heidleberg College, where he pursued 
his studies at intervals several years, teaching in district schools during the 
winter months. He continued teaching in this manner till about 1858 or 
1859. In 1855, he began the study of medicine at Mexico, under the in- 
structions of Dr. B. A. Wright, and continued his studies, teaching occa- 
sionally and attending lectures till about 1858, when he began the practice 
of his profession in Crawford County. He has since practiced in Jay 
County, Ind., Maumee .City, Mexico and Bucyrus, establishing himself in 
Sycamore in 1881. In 1882, he erected a fine brick residence, which he 
now occupies. He was married in March, 1854, to Eliza R. Robinson, of 
this county, and one child was born to them. It died in infancy, its mother 
in confinement, September, 1855. Dr. Bare was married, June 4, 
1862, to Miss Eliza Perdue, of Crawford County, daughter of Laban and 
Margaret (Harper) Perdue, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively. 
Dr. Bare is quite successful as a practitioner, and has a large patronage. 
He is a member of the F. & A. M. at Bucyrus, and strong in Republican 
faith. 

ANDREW F. BENDER, born July 30, 1821, is a native of Pennsyl- 
vania, Cumberland County, and son of George and Mary (Taylor) Bender, 
also natives of Pennsylvania, and of German lineage. His parents moved 
to Ohio in 1824 and located in Bucyrus, moving to Benton in the fall of the 



1002 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

same year, and entering eighty acres of land, where the sons and daughters 
were reared, their names as follows: Elizabeth, Andrew F., Mary, Susanna, 
George, Samuel and Joseph, all living but Samuel and Susanna. The mother 
died in 1830, the father in 1851. Our subject spent his youth and early 
manhood with his father, with whom he was engaged in farming several 
years. About 1844 or 1845, he purchased a small farm of thirty three acres, 
which he improved and resided upon for several years. In 1852, he became 
the owner of the old homestead farm of 150 acres, and disposed of his former 
home. In 1860, he sold the old homestead and purchased 160 acres in the 
same township, selling out again in 1863, and purchasing forty acres where 
he now resides. By subsequent purchases he has added forty-seven acres, 
and now owns eighty-seven acres, valued at $90 per acre. Mr. Bender was 
married, October 18, 1842, to Sarah Kiser, a native of this township, and 
daughter of George and Susanna (Hare) Kiser. This union was blessed by 
ten children — infant son, John, George, Andrew, Susanna, Sarah, Emma, 
Lily, Harvey and Mary, all living but the infant son. Mr. Bender now lives 
a retired life. He has served his township in several different offices, and 
is well respected in his community. He is a Democrat, and both he and 
Mrs. Bender are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church at Peters- 
burg. 

MICHAEL D. BETZ was born in Buffalo Valley, Union Co., Penn., 
April 28, 1824. He is a son of William and Catharine (Davis) Betz, natives 
of Pennsylvania and of German and Welsh descent. His parents were 
married in Union County, their children being John, Rosanna, Catharine, 
Susanna, Solomon, Leah, William, Mary, Michael D. and Jacob. Of these 
the deceased are William, Mary, John and Rosanna. Mrs. Betz died about 
1846, aged fifty-five; Mr. Betz died in 1869, aged eighty-one. Michael D. 
worked upon the farm with his father till twenty- four years of age. He 
then worked three years at the carpenter's trade and one year at grain 
threshing, operating the first separator ever used in Ross County. He was 
married, February 19, 1852, to Mary A. Pontius, a native of Ross and resi- 
dent of Wyandot County, daughter of Solomon and Rachel (Wells) Pontius, 
natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland respectively. Her parents were 
united in wedlock in Pickaway County, Ohio, and moved to Ross County 
and then to this township about 1833. Their children were Barbara, 
Andrew, Susanna, Elizabeth, Mary A., Rezin W., David, Sarah A., Benja- 
min — all living but Susan, Elizabeth and Barbara. Mr. Pontius died in 
1867, and Mrs. Pontius in 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Betz have had six children — 
Martha J., born February 15, 1853; Mary C, January 17, 1855; William 
E., February 23, 1856; Florence J., December 27, 1861; Ward Beecher, 
June 28, 1864; Jay W., November 7, 1869. William E. and Ward^ B. are 
deceased, the dates of their respective deaths being September 25, 1862, 
and March 2, 1867. In 1852, Mr. Betz moved to this township, but re- 
turned to Ross County in the same year on account of ill health. Two 
years later he returned to this township where he has since been exclusively 
engaged in farming and stock-raising. In 1855, he sold his first farm, and 
in 1860, purchased his present tract of 200 acres. He is largely engaged 
in gi'owing blooded stock— thoroughbred merino sheep, Poland-China hogs 
and short-horn cattle. Mr. Betz is an old Whig-Republican-Prohibitionist, 
and has served his township in many ways. He is a member of the United 
Brethren Church at Sycamore. 

WILLIAM BETZER. This aged and respected farmer was born in 
Ross County, Ohio, February 14, 1806. He is a son of John and Sarah 



SYCAMORE TOWNSHIP. 1003 

(Holraan) Betzer, natives of New Jersey and Pennsylvania respectively, and 
of German lineage. His parents married in Pennsylvania and moved to 
Ohio in 1800. They located in Koss County, where they resided till 1835, 
when they came to this county. Peter and William were their only chil- 
dren. The father died in about 1859, and the mother about ten years 
later — both in their eighty-fifth year. Our subject was married, August 7, 
1827, to Susanna Wells, a native of Maryland and resident of Pickaway 
County. She was a daughter of Rezin and Elizabeth Wells, and was married 
in Ross County, Ohio. This marriage was followed by five children — 
Eezin, Sarah A., Elizabeth, John and an infant daughter. Sarah A. and 
Elizabeth are now the only living. In 1828, Mr. Betzer entered 160 acres 
of land in this township, and several years later moved upon the same, and 
with his own hands cleared and improved it, enduring many hardships 
known only to pioneers. In 1845, he purchased 120 acres at the land sales, 
entered forty acres more, and a few years later purchased eighty acres in 
Tymochtee Township. He has since purchased two tracts of 80 acres each, 
one of 65 acres and one of 31 acres, most of which he has distributed to 
his children. He now lives a retired life with the wife of his heart, whom 
be married fifty-seven years ago. Both are members of the Baptist Church. 
In politics, Mr. Betzer has been a life-long Democrat. 

WILLIAM ^Y. BETZER, son of Rezin and Elvira (Wilson) Betzer, 
was born in this township March 15, 1859. His parents were also natives 
of this county, where his mother still resides. His father died when our 
subject was an infant. The three children of the family wei-e Mary, Will- 
iam W. and Elisha R. William Betzer began life on his own responsibili- 
ties when quite young. He inherited 160 acres from his father's estate, 
and this legacy he traded in 1882 for eighty acres of improved land in this 
township — five acres now within the village corporation. This farm he 
cultivates and values at SlOO to |110 per acre. Mr. Betzer was married, 
October 13, 1881, to Lucy J. Byers, a resident of this township and native 
of Seneca County, Ohio. She is a daughter of Philip and Ruth E. (Mc- 
Dongle) Byers, whose history appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. Betzer 
is a first-class farmer and citizen, and is a warm advocate of Republican 
principles. • 

THEODORE F. BLAIR is a native of Warren County, N. J., and was 
born August 9, 1844. His parents, James and Sarah (Linaberry) Blair, 
were born in New Jersey and were of Scotch-Irish and English parentage. 
They were married in their native State, their children being named as 
follows: William L., Emaline, Matilda, Caroline, Malinda, Theodore F., 
Marshal and James A. Of these Malinda and Marshal are deceased. The 
mother died in New Jersey, August, 1854. By a former marriage to Mary 
Liday Mr. Blair had three daughters — Elizabeth A., Rachel and Mary — 
the latter deceased. In 1856, Mr. Blair emigrated to Ohio and settled in 
this township, where he pui'chased land, engaged in agriculture and stock- 
raising. He was one of the most prominent farmers of the county, and at 
his death owned about 1,400 acres of land. His death occurred in Septem- 
ber, 1867. At his father's decease, our subject became the owner of the 
homestead, on which he now resides and does an extensive business in 
grain and stock-raising. He was married, October 15, 1868, to Celestia J. 
Spencer, a native of Athens County, born November 26, 1848, and daughter 
of Samuel and Barbara (Lane) Spencer. This union has been blessed by 
three children — Marietta B., born September 22, 1873; Samuel S., June 4, 
1875; Frank T., April 23, 1880; Marietta died May 7, 1874. Being a 



1004 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

member of the Ohio National Guards, Mr. Blair was called into the service 
in May, 1864, joining Company H, One Hundred and Forty-fourth Regi- 
ment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and serving till August. He and Mrs. 
Blair are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Mexico. In polit- 
ical sentiment Mr. Blair is a Republican. 

JOHN E. BREESE, son of Harrison and Zuba (Baker) Breese, was 
born ill Delaware, Ohio, February 6, 1N45. His parents were natives of 
Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively, and of Irish descent. They were mar- 
ried in Delaware County, Ohio. Their children were Fletcher, Isabel, 
Adelaide, John E., William H. and Joseph us K. — all living but the eldest, 
Fletcher. The father died June IS, 1858, aged forty-four years; his widow 
still survives, residing in Deunquat, in her sixty-ninth year. Mr. Breese 
began blacksmithing in 1862. August 14 of the same year he enlisted in 
Company F, Ninety-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and entered the service. 
He participated in the engagements at Memphis, Vicksburg, Chickasaw 
Blufis and siege of Vicksburg; was taken sick at the latter place and sent to 
the St. Louis Hospital, being discharged at that place July 25, 1865. Return- 
ing homo, Mr. Breese resumed his trade in Delaware County. He was mar- 
ried, February 21, 1867, to Eliza J. Case, a native of Delaware County, and 
daughter of Charles and Catharine (Carney) Case, natives of New York State 
and Pennsylvania respectively. Her parents were married in Pennsylvania, 
and moved to Ohio about 1833, locating in Delaware County. Their chil- 
dren were George, Caroline D. , Heni-y, Mary A. , Sophronia, Eliza J. , Car- 
oline A. and Adelaide E. George, Henry and Adelaide are deceased. The 
father died November 18, 1882, aged seventy-six; the mother is now in her 
sixty-eighth year. Mr. and Mrs. Breese have no children. They moved 
from Delaware County in 1871 and located in Petersburg, this township, 
where he has since plied his trade. Mr. Breese is a member of the Masonic 
fraternity, and a stanch Republican. 

ANDREW J. BRETZ was born May 23, 1825. He is a native of 
Fairfleld County, Ohio, and is the youngest son of Coonrod and Susan 
(Foorman) Bretz, who were born in Pennsylvania, and of German descent. 
His parents were married in Lancaster County, Penn., and migrated to 
Ohio about 1808, locating upon 160 acres in Fairfield County, where they 
reared a large family. Their children were Peter, Lydia, Anna, Lucinda, 
Eli and Andrew J. Three others are deceased. In 1835, the farm in 
Fairfield was sold, and the family came to Wyandot County. They pur- 
chased 160 acres in this township, where the parents died. Andrew J., our 
subject, was married, February 25, 1852, to Mary Baum, daughter of 
Michael and Ruhama Baum, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German and 
Irish descent. Her parents had nine children — Jackson, Alexander, Eliza, 
Mary, Harrison, Russell, Barbara, Peter and James — all living but Mary. 
The father died in January, 1861; his widow resides with her son, Andrew 
J. Mr. and Mrs. Bretz have one son, James Alexander, born August 29, 
1858. He was married, February 25, 1875, to Lucy A. Paulin. Mr. Bretz 
inherited his father's farm at the latter's death, and in 1870, he added 
eighty acres more, now owning 240 acres, valued at $100 per acre. His 
farm is in a high state of cultivation, and is provided with good buildings; 
Mr. Bretz is a strong Democrat, and has served this township as Trustee for 
five years. 

ASA BROWN is a native of Upper Canada, and was born near 
Brookville, Leeds County, June 27, 1806. He is the fifth son of Nathan 
and Susanna (Webber) Brown, who were natives of York State, and who 



SYCAMORE TOWNSHIP. 1005 

emigrated to Canada in 1800. They had twelve children, but fovu' of 
whom survive, viz., Obediah, Asa, Nathan and Armena. The father died 
in July, 1825, the mother in 1838. Asa, our subject, was married. Febru- 
ary 20, 1830, to Elizabeth Lee, native and resident of Leeds County, Can- 
ada, and daughter of Samuel and Anna Lee, natives of York State, and of 
English and Irish descent. Their eight children are all deceased. Mrs. 
Brown, born May 3, 1812, died January 10, 1850. She was the mother of 
ten children, namely: Wilber, born in Leeds County, Canada, June 13, 
1832; Lucy A., born July 13, 1834, also in Canada; Hannah M., born May 
12, 1836, alao in Canada; Delilah, July 11, 1838; Letitia, February 19, 
1840; Armenia E., December 2, 1841; Caroline A., January 8, 1844; 
Olivia A., November 3, 1847. The latter five were born in Crawford 
County, Ohio. Nathan L. and Samuel P. (twins) were born December 15, 
1849. Of these children the deceased are Hannah M. , Samuel P., Olivia A. 
and Nathan L. Mr. Brown came to Ohio in 1837, and purchased 1 60 acres 
in Crawford County, where he resided many years. In the meantime he 
retm-ned to Canada, and was married, June 10, 1851, to Nancy A. Brezee, 
of Leeds County. By this wife two children were born — Lucinda, April 
17, 1852. and Thomas W., December 24, 1854. The latter died October 
16, 1856, and their mother departed this life February 8, 1859. March 19, 
1860, Mr. Brown was married to Anna Snyder, of Crawford County. In 
1878, he moved to Sycamore, where he purchased property, and now lives 
on his land near town, where he erected a fine brick residence. Mr. Brown 
is a member of the Methodist Protestant Church, as is also his wife, who 
was formerly connected with the United Brethren Church. His first wife 
was also a member of the Methodist Protestant Church, and his second wife 
a professor of Christianity. Mr. Brown was first a Whig, then a Republican, 
and now a Prohibitionist. 

WILBER BROWN was born in Elizabethtown, Leeds Co., Canada, 
June 13, 1832, son of Asa and Eliza (Lee) Brown. In 1853, he began 
farming in Crawford County, Ohio. In 1872, he embarked in the grocery 
trade in Lucas County, where he remained till 1875. He then sold out, 
and in 1876 moved to Sycamore, and began the dry goods business, closing 
out the same year. In 1877, he embarked in the drug business, which he 
still pursues. He owns property in Fostoria and also in Sycan:iore, where 
he is conducting a profitable and prosperous business. In May, 1864, he 
enlisted in the army, and was honorably discharged in May of the same 
year. Mr. Brown was married, July 3, 1853, to Clarissa Lindley, of Likens 
Township, Crawford County, daughter. of Eli and Irene (Triscot) Lind- 
ley, natives of York State, and of English parentage. Her parents reared 
a family of five sons and six daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Brown had one child, 
born December 2, 1854, died October 6, 1875. [Mrs. Brown passed away 
August 8, 1872. July 15, 1873, Mr. Brown was married to Eliza A. Lucas, 
of Whitebouse, Lucas Co., Ohio, daughter of David and Catharine 
(Demuth) Lucas, natives of Pennsylvania. Three children have been born 
to this union — Eliza C, October 9, 1875; Catharine D., August 3. 1879; 
and Wilber L., November 28, 1881. In politics, Mr. Brown is a Repub- 
lican; served as Township Clerk several years; is a member of Rubicon 
Lodge, No. 645, I. O. O. F. , and both himself and wife are members of the 
the Protestant Methodist Church. They were both school teachers in their 
younger days. 

ALVA BUNN. This gentleman was born in this township April 22, 
1843. His parents were Levi and Mary (Bishop) Bunn, natives of Pennsyl- 



1006 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

vania and Virginia. They were oi German parentage, were married in Ross 
County, Ohio, and in an early day moved to this county and settled in this 
township. Their children were Lovina, Nicholas, John, Benjamin F. and 
Alva, all now living but Nicholas and Benjamin F. The father died on 
January 13, 1853, the mother in August, 1867. Alva Eunn was reared on 
a farm, and in this pursuit he has ever since engaged. He now resides on 
the farm of bis mother-in-law, owning fifty acres himself in this township. 
He was married, September 12, 1867, to Mary L. Osborn, of Crane Township, 
natives of Crawford County, and daughter of Warner and Susanna (Heston) 
Osborn, natives of York State and Ohio respectively, and of English and 
Irish descent. Her parents were married in Seneca County, then moved to 
Crawfoi'd County, and in 1854 to Crane Township, this county. Mrs. 
Bunn is their only child, and she was born October 21, 1848. Mr. and Mrs. 
Bunn are the parents of seven children — an infant daughter, born April 27, 
1868; William W., born April 23, 1869; Rolla O., July 2, 1871; Velora. 
September 11, 1873; Detwiler, May 26, 1876; Zora, October 4, 1878; Arden, 
June 15, 1883. The infant daughter is deceased. Mr. Bunn has served 
his township as Constable four years. He is a member of the Masonic 
Lodge at Melmore, and an active Republican. Mrs. Bunn is a member of 
the United Brethren Church at Sycamore. 

"WILLIAM A. CAUGHEY, dry goods merchant, Sycamore, was born 
October 7, 1835. He is a native of this township, and son of William and 
Charity A. (Pennington) Caughey, natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia 
respectively, of Irish and Welsh descent. His parents were married in 
what is now this township, but sold out in 1847 and purchased a farm of 
eighty acres, all of which is now within the coi'poration of Sycamore Village. 
Their children were Caroline, James P., Flavins J., William A., Phoebe J., 
Alva L. and EUza A. These are all living but Flavins J., who was drowned 
in the Sandusky River while bathing, June 21, 1844. He was twelve years 
of age. The father died August 30, 1848, the mother August 9, 1856, aged 
fifty-five and fifty-two years respectively. William A., our subject, 
remained at home till of age, and then spent one year in Minnesota. In 
August, 1861, he enlisted in Company G, Forty-ninth Regiment Ohio Vol- 
unteer Infantry, and passed through the engagements of Green River, Shi- 
loh and Salt Creek, being captured at the latter place in October, 1862. 
He was held by the rebels until March, 1863, and then returned to his reg- 
iment at Murfreesboi'o, where he was detailed as issuing clerk at brigade 
headquarters, which position he held till discharged in September, 1864, at 
Chattanooga, Tenn. He returned to Sycamore, and engaged in merchan- 
dising and produce business, and February 23, 1865, was married to Susan 
B., a native of this township, and daughter of Bribner and Jane (Caswell) 
Hudson, who were natives of York State, married in Cayuga County, and 
who moved to Ohio in 1827, locating in this township, rearing a family of 
ten children, namely. Sarah, James B., Smith, Samuel, Elizabeth, Alvin 
B., Oliver P., Richard L., Robert C. and Susan B. The deceased are Sam- 
uel. Smith, Elizabeth, Oliver P. and Alvin B. The father died in 1872, 
the mother in 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Caughey had eighi. children, namely: 
Bertha L., born December 19, 1865; Anna D., February 6, 1867; Janie, 
March 31, 1868; Nettie, March 25,1870; James B., March 5, 1873; Wheeler 
A., April 13, 1876; Charles F., February 16, 1878, and Sallie, September 
14, 1881. Janie died May 23, 1871; James B., September 29, 1880; 
Charles F., October 8, 1880; and Bertha L., October 15. 1880. Mr. Cau- 
ghey sold out his merchandise in 1865, and purchased land in Tymochtee 



SYCAMORE TOWNSHIP. 1007 

Township. In 1867, he disposed of this, and in 1868 moved to Missouri, 
where he purchased eighty acres, adding forty in 1875 and another forty in 

1881. In December, 1882, he disposed of all this, and returned in March, 
1883, to Sycamore, and purchased the interest of the Martin Bros., of the 
firm of Ketchin & Martin Bros., in the dry goods and grocery business. 
The firm has since been known as Ketchin & Caughey, and is doing a thriv- 
ing business. Mr. Caughey is one of the foi'emost citizens of Sycamore, 
and a Republican. 

WILLIAM CORFMAN was born in Tymochtee Township June 19, 
1834, son of Jacob and Mary (Beery) Corfman, natives of Fairfield County, 
Ohio. He was reared in his native township, and educated in the common 
schools. He was engaged in farming till 1872. In 1874, he organized the 
Wyandot Mutual Relief Association, and was elected its Secretary, officiat- 
ing in that capacity till 1883, when he was appointed Solicitor, the success 
of the association being largely due to Mr. Corfman's efforts. In 1868, he 
was elected Justice of the Peace of Tymochtee Township, serving twelve 
years. He served two years as Clerk, and declined a second nomination. 
For the past few years he has dealt in farming implements. October 1, 

1882, he became interested in the Sycamore Star, and continued in that 
connection till January 1, 1884. He aided in organizing the Pleasant 
Ridge Cemetery Association, framed its by-laws, and was elected its Secre- 
tary, serving as such at the present time. He owns a good farm of seventy- 
five acres in Tymochtee Township, and gives some attention to agricult- 
ural pursuits. Mr. Corfman was married, October 23, 1856, to Barbara J., 
daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Terilinger. She was born in Tymochtee 
Township, in March, 1836, and died November 10, 1872, leaving seven 
children — James A., Hiram E., Lawrence S., Albert C, Urban, Flora Ann 
and Lily A. He was again married in May, 1873, to Miss Catharine Nei- 
bel, daughter of An.os Neibel, five children being born to this union — Ber- 
tha, Nellie, Alia C, Ella M. and Ora. Mr. and Mrs. Corfman are members 
of the Evangelical Association. In politics, Mr. C. is a stanch Democrat. 

SOLOMON F. DOWNEY was born in Seneca County, Ohio, July 6, 
1849. He is a son of Henry and Anna (Fought) Downey, natives of Fair- 
field County, Ohio, and of German and Irish ancestry. His parents were 
married in his native county, and reared four children — Mary M., Solomon 
F., David H. and Thomas W. , all living and married. The mother died 
February 15, 1877, aged fifty-two years, and Mr. Downey was married the 
following May to Martha Boland, of Seneca County, where they still live. 
Our subject was reared a farmer, and was thus employed as an assistant for 
sever^ years. In 1873, he engaged in the lumber business in Seneca 
County, and after that rented farms for several years. In 1877, he pur- 
chased forty acres in this township, adding thirteen acres in 1880. This 
farm he has provided with excellent buildings, of all necessary kinds. He 
keeps the thoroughbred Merino sheep, Poland-China hogs, and devotes his 
attention to general agriculture. He was married, February 19, 1874, to 
Martha J. Betz, a resident of this county, native of Ross County, and 
daughter of Michael D. Betz. By this union four children have been born 
—Bertha M., December 28, 1875; Earl B., March 19, 1878; Ward S., 
July 10, 1881; Bart F., November 23, 1883. The deceased are Bertha M., 
who died February 23, 1877, and Ward S., September 22, 1881. Mr. and 
Mrs. Downey are members of the United Brethren Church, and Mr. Downey 
is an enthusiastic Republican of the temperance type. 



1008 HISTORY OF AVYANDOT COUNTY. 

DANIEL DUNLAP was born July 24, 1804. He is a native of Chester 
County, Penn., and son of Daniel and Abigail Dunlap, natives of the same 
State, and of Irish parentage. His father died in Pennsylvania about 1831, 
and in 1832 his mother moved to Ohio with her children. She died in 
Crawford County in 1855. Our subject is the only living member of the 
family. He has always l)een engaged in agricultural pursuits, and has 
been fairly successful. He was married, March 12, 1840, to Miss Isabel 
Hall, native of Fairfield, resident of Crawford County, and daughter of 
Joseph and Mary (Mills) Hall, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Irish descent. 
Her parents wei'e married in Fairfield, and moved to Crawford County in 
1829. They had eleven children, eight of whom now survive — -Samuel, 
Daniel, James, Josiah, Isabel, Mary, Rebecca and Martha J. The mother 
died March 13, 1860, the father in August, 1863. Mr. and Mrs. Dunlap 
are ihe parents of thirteen children — Emily, born June 16, 1841; Joseph 
H., November 14, 1842; Mary E., April 1, 1844; Hannah J., June 2, 1845; 
Martha E., April 18, 1848; infant son. May 11, 1849; Andrew L., June 27, 
1851; Justice, May 17, 1853; Daniel F., June 22, 1854; Isabel R., Feb- 
ruary 18, 1856; Frank B., July 7, 1858; Sarena M., December 17, 1860; 
Eunice A., December 26, 1862. Six of these are deceased — infant son, 
May 12, 1849; Andrew L. , March 23, 1852; Justice, August 3, 1853; Frank 
B., July 7, 1860; Sarena M., August 30, 1861; Joseph H, June 15, 1863; 
Emily, April 6, 1872. Mr. Dunlap has been fortunate in his business trans- 
actions, and now owns several hundred acres of land. He is a Democrat, 
and strongly imbued with the Jacksonian spirit. Mrs. Dunlap is a member 
of the Baptist Church. 

FAYETTE DUNLAP. The subject of this notice is a son of Daniel 
and Isabel (Hall) Dunlap, and was born June 22, 1854. His parents were 
natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectfully, and of Irish lineage. They 
were married in Crawford County, Ohio, and reared a family of thirteen 
children, namely: Emily, Joseph H. , Mary E., Hannah J., Martha E., 
Andrew L., Justice, Daniel F. , Isabel R., Frank B.,Sareno M. and Eunice 
A., also an infant son. Our subject was married, June 22, 1876, to Hulda 
M. Pancoast. a native of this county, and daughter of Casper C. and Anna 
A. (Kester) Pancoast. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania and York 
State respectively, and of English and German parentage. They were mar- 
ried in this county and reared a family of four sons and two daughters, 
namely: Hulda M. , Kester C. , William E., George W., James W. and 
Essie M. Mr. and Mrs. Dunlap have two daughters — L. Gertrude, born 
June 24, 1877; and Edith, born August 28, 1878. In 1877, Mr. Dunlap 
purchased in this township 107 acres of land, which he has improved with 
cultivation, tiling, buildings, etc., and now values at $100 per acre. He 
has one of the best sugar groves in the county; has always been a farmer 
and a Democrat. 

EDMOND K. EYESTONE, was born November 13, 1856. He is a 
native of this township and son of Enoch and Hannah (Weatherby) Eye- 
stone, both natives of Ohio. His parents were of German lineage. His mother 
is deceased; his father passed away in March, 1880. Mr. Eyestone was 
reared a farmer, and early in life learned the law of labor. He was married, 
May 11, 1879, to Viola Stokley, a native and resident of this township, 
and daughter of William B. and Charlotte (Lemon) Stokley, natives of Ohio 
and York State respectively. Her father is deceased; her mother departed 
this life May 6, 1883. Mr. and Mrs. Eyestone have but one child, a daughter, 
Lottie J., born March 4, 1880. In 1881, Mr. Eyestone came into posses- 



SYCAMORE TOWNSHIP. 1009 

sion of eighty acres of land, the old homestead in this township, where he 
now lives, engaged in agricultural pursuits. He is a good farmer and citi- 
zen, and votes in the interests of the Republican party. 

GEORGE W. EYESTONE, born November 18, 1831, is a native of Ross 
County, Ohio, and son of George and Elizabeth Eyestone, who moved from 
Ross County, and settled in this township in 1833. His parents died at the 
respective ages eighty-five and fifty-two, having reared a family of six sons 
and two daughters. Mr. Eyestone worked at the wagon and carriage trade 
from 1849 to 1860, and then began the work of a carpenter, which he has 
continued to a greater or less extent to the present time. He enlisted, Feb- 
ruary 4, 1864, in Company H, One Hundred and Twenty-third Regiment 
Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was engaged in the battles of New Market 
(receiving a slight flesh wound in the head), Berryville, Piedmont, Winchester 
and Fisher's Hill. At Winchester, he received another wound in the calf 
of the leg, and at Fisher's Hill he was wounded in the hand by a minie 
ball, as the result of which he receives a small pension. After eight months 
in the hospital at Little York, Penn. , he was honorably discharged June 11, 
1865. He then returned home and has since given his attention to farming 
and his trade. Mr. Eyestone was married, December 17, 1852, to Sarah A. 
James, of this township, native of Athens County, Ohio, and daughter of 
Benjamin and Melissa (Richeson) James. Her parents were natives of Ohio 
and — respectively, and of English descent. Mr. and Mrs. Eyestone had two 
children, daughters — Eva A. and Roberta M., who died in 1875 and 1878 
respectively. Mrs. Eyestone passed away April 29, 1881, and Mr. E. was 
married. May 3, 1882, to Mrs. Rosa H. Kisor, widow of Henry Kisor, of 
Tiffin, Ohio. By her first husband, Mrs. Eyestone had two children — Edith 
and Earl. Mr. Kisor died in December, 1877. Mr. Eyestone owns thirty- 
eight aci-es of well- improved land where he now resides. He and Mrs. Eye- 
stone are members of the Lutheran Church, of which society his first wife was 
also a member. In politics, Mr. E. is a stanch Republican and Prohibi- 
tionist. 

ALICE EKLEBERRY is a native of this township, and was born Au- 
gust 22, 1847. She is a daughter of Joel and Phoebe (Jaqueth) Lamon, na- 
tives of York State, and of English descent. Her parents were married in 
Jefferson County, N. Y. , and migrated to Ohio in 1837. They located in this 
township, and reared a family of eight children, five of whom now survive. 
Her father died October 24, 1875, aged seventy; her mother is still living, 
in her seventy -seventh year. Mrs. Ekleberry's marriage to Levi Ekleberry 
occurred September 3, 1868. He was a son of Nathan and Eliza (Wolver- 
ton) Ekleberry, and was reared in this county. Three children were the 
fruits of this marriage — Dow, born October 25, 1869; Nettie, October 7, 
1871; Roy, March 28, 1875. Mr. Ekleberry was a farmer, and highly re- 
spected in his community. He died March 26, 1875. His widow still lives 
in this township, and rents the farm, rearing her children, and giving her 
mothe a home with her. 

JORDAN S. GAULT was born in Lancaster County, Penn., August 28, 
1853. He is the second son of Jordan and Louisa (Betts) Gault, who were 
natives of Pennsylvania, and of German and Welsh descent respectively; 
his parents came to Ohio in 1854, and now live in Mexico, this county. 
Jordan Gault, our subject, was married, December 14, 1876, to Hannah 
Vermilyea, of Noble County, Ind. , daughter of Philip and Lucy (Higgin- 
botham) Vermilyea, natives of New Y'ork and Ireland respectively. Her 
father died February 22, 1876; her mother now resides in Sycamore. Mr. 



1010 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

and Mrs. Gault have three children — Charles J., born December 24, 1877; 
May, born May 14,1879; Marcus F., September 1, 1881. Mr. Gault has 
followed agricultural pursuits during the principal part of his life, and 
now resides on his father's farm. He obtained a fair education in the com- 
mon schools, and is comfortably situated in life. He is a member of the Ru- 
bicon Lodge, No. 045, I. O. O. F., at Sycamore, and votes with the Repub- 
lican party, to whose interests he is strongly attached. 

MADISON P. GEIGER was born March 14, 1853; he is a native of 
Seneca County, Ohio, and son of Henry and Christina Geiger, natives of 
Baden, Germany. His parents emigrated at the ages of thirteen and four- 
teen respectively, and were married in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, in Febru- 
ary, 1835. In the same year they moved to Seneca County, where they had 
entered land in 1834, and where they reared their family. Their children 
were Coonrod, Catharine, Jacob, Hannah M., William M., Mary A., John 
Henry and Madison P.— all living but Mary A. The father died January 
13, 1882. The mother resides in Seneca County with her daughter, Han- 
nah M. Mr. Geiger, oiu* subject, was married December 9, 1879, to Lizzie 
Brown, of Seneca County, daughter of Jonathan and Lucinda (Miller) 
Brown, also natives of Seneca County, of Scotch and English descent. Her 
parents were married in their native county, and had two children — Abi- 
gail and Lizzie, the former deceased. The father died in 1861; the mother 
now lives in Seneca County. In 1880, Mr. Geiger purchased eighty acres 
in this township, where he has since been engaged in agricultural pursuits; 
he is a Democrat politically. Himself and family are members of the Re- 
formed Church. 

ISAIAH B. GIBBS, M. D., was born at Hope, Warren Co., N. J., 
March 31, 1844; his parents, John P. and Catharine M. (Swayze) Gibbs, 
were natives of New Jersey and of Scotch descent. They were married in 
^^^ttrren County, and migrated to Ohio in 1858, settling in Mexico, this 
county, where they followed farming and reared a family. Their children 
were Susetta E. , Sarah M., Phcebe A., Emma L. , Isaiah B. , Alice J., Hen- 
rietta O. and Hattie D. Sarah, Phoebe and Emma L. are deceased. The 
parents now reside in Henry County, Ohio. In 1800-61, Dr. Gibbs at- 
tended the Methodist Central Ohio Conference Seminary, in South Toledo. 
He read medicine at that place with Dr. B. A. Wright, and clerked in 
Wright & Clark's drug store till 1867; attended lectures in Cincinnati in 
1867, 1868 and 1871, completing studies at the Physio- Medical Institute, 
and in the spring of the same year locating at Hoskins, Wood Co., Ohio, 
where he formed a partnership with Dr. D. B. Gedney, and continued his 
practice until May, 1873; he then removed to Plymouth, Ohio, where he re- 
mained till 1875, when he removed to Sycamore, where he has since been 
engaged in his profession. Dr. Gibbs was married, October 8, 1871, to 
Ada C. Kear, daughter of Byron and Eliza A. (Clark) Kear, natives of 
this county. Mrs. Gibbs was born in Wyandot County, and was one of 
three children, the others being Emma E. and Flora E. Two daughters 
have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs — Naarnah, January 12,1879; Ethel, April 
25, 1881. The latter is deceased, her death occurring October 7, 1881. 
Dr. Gibbs owns a comfortable house in Sycamore, and has established a 
lucrative practice. He is a Republican and has served four terms as Town- 
ship Clerk. Is a member of the Masonic Lodge, No. 314, at McCutchen- 
ville, and of the McCutchen Chapter, No. 96, at Upper Sandusky; is also a 
member of the I. O. O. F., at Sycamore; was a charter member and is now 
District Deputy Grand Master. 



SYCAMORE TOWNSHIP. 1011 

WILLIAM GIBBS was born in Hope Township, Warren Co., N. J., 
May 12, 1828. His parents, Christopher and Susanna (Bunting) Gibbs, 
were natives of the same State, and of Scotch and English parentage re- 
spectively. They were married and resided in Warren County, being the 
parents of ten children —Elizabeth, John P., David V., Levi B. , Richard, 
Sarah A., Israel, Abraham N. , William and Christopher — all living but 
Israel, Abraham N. and Sarah A. Their father died in 1831, the mother 
in 1862. At the age of twenty-two years, our subject began the meichant 
clothing business, which he followed till 1856, in his native place. He was 
married in August, 1850, to Miss Emeline Blair, of Hope, Warren Co. , N. 
J., daughter of James and Sarah (Lineberry) Blair, natives of the same 
county. Her parents were married in their native locality, and had eight 
children — William L., Emeline, Matilda F., Caroline L., Malinda, Theo- 
dore F., Marshall and James A. Mrs. Blair died in 1853, and Mr. Blair in 
1867. Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs are the parents of four children — three sons 
and one daughter — namely, Theodore Marshall, James Blair, May and Saron 
Ellsworth. Theodore M. died in December, 1869. James B. was married in 
February, 1876, to Miss Almeda E. Lease, daughter of Eden and Mary 
(Keller) Lease, of Seneca County, Ohio, May was married in January, 
1874, to A. F. Saffell, son of James and Jemima (Hartsough) Saffell, of 
W^yandot County, Ohio. Saron E. was married in September, 1883, to 
Miss Nancy E. Martin, daughter of Absalom and Rachael (Bretz) Martin, 
of Seneca County, Ohio. In 1856, Mr. and Mrs. William Gibbs moved to 
Ohio, Sycamore Township, and located on their present farm, which they 
own, 300 acres, where they now reside. He does a general farming and 
stock-raising business, is a breeder of thoroughbred, registered, merino 
sheep. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Mexico, and 
in politics a Republican. 

CYRUS GRIFFITH, a native of this township, and son of William 
and Mary (Cowgill) Griffith, was born June 19, 1831. He resided on the 
homestead till his marriage, October 3, 1853, to Elizabeth Crous, of Mel- 
more, Seneca Co. , Ohio, and native of Lancaster, Penn. ; then purchased, 
1854, 130 acres of land to which he added 220 acres in 1864, and sold 
fifty acres in 1867. He has since purchased twenty acres, now owning 320 
acres valued at $80 to $100 per acre. He has been chiefly engaged in agri- 
cultural pursuits and has done considerable business in stock-shipping. 
Mrs. Griffith is a daughter of George and Elizabeth (Hubbard) Crous, who 
were natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania respectively. They were mar- 
ried in Lancaster, Penn., and moved to Ohio in 1840, locating in Seneca 
County, where, after a few years engaged at his trade, Mr. Crous began 
farming, which occupation he followed during the remainder of his life. 
The children of this family consisted of four sons and two daughters, 
namely, Jacob, Frederick J., Henry, Henrietta, Elizabeth and Leonard G. 
Their father died September 4, 1846, and their mother July 4, 1883. Mr. 
Griffith is one of the prominent farmers and citizens of the township, and is 
a strong Republican politically. 

HARVEY GRIFFITH, son of William and Mary (Cowgill) Griffith, 
was born in this township in 1833. His parents were natives of Hamp- 
shire, where they were married in 1815, and were of W^elsh and German de- 
scent respectivel}. They moved to Ohio in 1819, and settled in Ross 
County, where they resided six years, he being engaged as a fuller and 
dresser of cloth. In 1825, they moved to this township and entered eighty 
acres of land upon which he erected, in 1827, the first saw mill in the town- 



1012 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

ship. He also erected a fulling mill, which he operated till about 1838, 
when he traded his mill property to George Harper for 120 acres of land. 
On this he moved and reared a family, five of whom are now living, 
namely, Mary, Jesse, Cyrus, Harvey and Jane — all now living in this town- 
ship but Jesse, who resides in California. The father died December 23, 
1861, the mother August 8, 1868. Harvey, our subject, resided on the 
home farm which he superintended and tilled. He was married, April 25, 
1867, to Miss Ann M. Myers, of Upper Sandusky, a native of Cumberland 
County, Penn., and daughter of George and Elizabeth (Baker) Myers, who 
were also natives of Pennsylvania, where they were married. Her jjarents 
moved to Ohio and reared a family consisting of five sons and four 
daughters. They located in this county, where the mother died. To 
Harvev and Ann M. Griffith were born three daughtei's, namely, Minnie A., 
January 1, 1869; Hettie, July 9, 1871; and Fannie, May 17, 1879. Mr. 
Griffith came into possession of the homestead in 1861, by his father's death, 
and to this farm he has added sixty-three acres, making 219 acres in all, 
valued at $300 to $110 per acre. He has always engaged in agricultural 
pursuits. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. , and has been a life-long 
Republican. 

DAVID GOODMAN was born August 25, 1810, in Ross County, Ohio. 
He is a son of William and Elizabeth (Conner) Goodman, natives of Penn- 
sylvania, and of German and Irish descent. They were married in Ross 
County and had eight children; four survive — David, John, Daniel and 
Ann. The mother died in June, 1832, aged forty-four; the father, in Feb- 
ruary, 1870, aged eighty-nine. David Goodman came to this county in 
1831, and located on eighty acres entered by his father in 1827. His par- 
ents moved into a cabin erected on the farm, and the sons and father cleared 
away the forest, living principally upon " Johnny cake " and venison for 
several years. Mr. Goodman was married, January 30, 1837, to Miss Mary 
Van Gundy, who was born in Ross County, Ohio, and daughter of Benja- 
min and Sallie (Snyder) Van Gundy, natives of Pennsylvania and of Ger- 
man descent. There were ten children in the family, four surviving — Han- 
nah, Elizabeth, Jefferson and George. The parents both died in 1842. 
Mr. and Mrs. Goodman were blessed with thirteen children — Ann E., Will- 
iam, David, Sarah J., Mahala, Minerva, Mary E., Laura, Isabel, John, Hi- 
ram, Catharine and George W. The deceased are Mary E., William, John 
and George W. The mother died April 2, 1868, aged sixty-two years. In 
1855, Mr. Goodman purchased eighty acres on which he still lives, adding 
to this till he now owns 238 acres, all in this township. He values this 
land at $75 to $85 per acre. He has always been a farmer and successful; 
was once a Whig but now a Republican. 

GEORGE HEISTAND was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, January 
28, 1832, son of Daniel and Nancy (Krans) Heistand, natives of Pennsyl- 
vania, and of Dutch descent. His parents were married in Fairfield County, 
and in 1837 moved to Wood County, where they purchased and cleared a 
farm of forty acres which they sold in 1844. They then moved to Seneca 
County, and, after eight years, to this county, locating in Tymochtee Town- 
ship, where Mrs. Heistand died. Mr. H. died in Indiana. George, the sub- 
ject of this sketch, was married, August 9, 1855, to Mary E. Van Gundy, a 
resident of this township, native of Ross County, Ohio, and daughter of 
Michael and Hannah (Eyestone) Van Gundy, natives of Pennsylvania and 
Ohio respectively, and of German descent. Mr. and Mrs. Heistand have 
two sons — William H., born July 17, 1856, and Isaac, born February 22, 



SYCAMORE TOWNSHIP. 1013 

1859. In October, 1856, Mr. Heistand moved to the farm of eighty acres 
where he now resides. He is a successful farmer and a strong Republican, 
well respected in his community. 

AARON C. HERSHBERGER was born in this township April 8, 
1836, is a son of Jacob and Christina (Hess) Hershberger, natives of Rock- 
ingham Cou.nty, Va. ; his parents were married in Seneca County, and in 
1832 settled in this township on 160 acres, entered by his father, Jacob 
Hershberger, Sr. There were four children in the family — John H., Aaron 
C, Mary C, and an infant deceased. Mrs. Hershberger's death occurred 
March 2, 1876. Our subject was married, March 14, 1861, to Sarah E. 
Finch, a native of Seneca County, and daughter of Solomon R. and Hester 
(Dean) Finch, natives of York State, and of English descent. Her parents 
came to Ohio in 1838 or 1839, settled in Seneca County, and reared a family 
of eleven children — Jesse, David, Mary J., Madison, Randolph, Caroline, 
Margaret, Catharine, Esther, Sarah E. and Julia, all living except Esther. 
The mother died September 5, 1859, the father August 25, 1863. Mr. and 
Mrs. Hershberger have two children — Alwilda and Jeanette. After renting 
land a few years Mr. Hershberger purchased the old homestead in 1866 
In 1879, he removed to Tiffin, Ohio, for the purpose of educating his daugh- 
ters, remaining two years. In the meantime he disposed of the old farm 
and purchased in the same township 180 acres, where he has resided since 
1881, it being the same farm on which he was born. He devotes his time 
to agricultural pursuits, exclusively keeping fine grades of sheep. He was 
a meuiber of Company E, Ohio National Guai'ds; is a Democrat, and has 
served three years as Trustee. 

JONATHAN HILL, son of John F. and Eliza (Titus) Hill, was born in 
Wan-en County, N. J., November 26, 1815. His parents were natives of 
New Jersey; were of English and German descent, and were married in 
Warren County, where they resided till their death. Their children were 
Jonathan, Andrew T., Catura K., Gideon L. and John B. — all living but 
Gideon. Jonathan Hill was married, February 17, 1844, to Sarah E. Simp 
son, who was also of his native county and daughter of James and Harriet 
(Squires) Simpson, also natives of same county. Her parents came to Ohio 
in 1846, and purchased land in Tymochtee Township, where they resided 
till 1866. when they moved to McCutchenville, where they resided till their 
respective deaths. He died May 11, 1866, and she followed February 14, 
1867. Seven of their twelve children survive, viz., Jehiel L.. Sarah E., 
John, Charity C. , Almira, Nancy A. and Theodore F. Mr. and Mrs. Hill 
have had eight children — Harriet, Ann Irene, Adel A., Cleone M., James S., 
John B., Edward S. and Parmelia M. The deceased are Harriet, Cleone 
M. and Edward S. Mr. Hill came to this State in 1846, and settled in 
Seneca County, where he was engaged at the cabinet trade till 1849, when 
he moved to this township, still working at his trade. In 1861, he moved 
to Wood County, where he purchased land on which he resided two years. 
He then returned to this township and purchased thirty acres where he 
still resides. He was formerly a Whig-Republican, but now a Prohibition- 
ist. Mr. Hill and his wife are both members of the Presbyterian Church 
at McCutchenville. 

ABRAHAM HONSBERGER was born October 27. 1826, in Lehigh 
County, Penn. He is a son of Abraham and Margaret (Richart) Honsber- 
ger, natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania respectively. They were married 
in Lehigh County, and were the parents of nine children, five now living — 
Ann, Rebecca, Eliza, Polly and Abraham. The latter learned the black- 

48 



1014 HISTORY OF AVYANDOT COUNTY. 

smith's trade when a young man, and was thus engaged about twenty years. 
In 1848, he came to Ohio and located in Seneca County. In 1806, he pur- 
chased eighty acres of land near Tiffin (where he had previously bought 
twenty-eight acres), and began farming. In 1877, he sold out and pur- 
chased 160 acres where he now lives. In 1880, the brick residence with 
which his farm was provided was destroyed by fire, but his present 
house was built in the same year. He was married to Miss Mary A. 
Bacher, a resident of Lehigh County, Penn., and daughter of Henry and 
Christina (Glick) Bacher, natives of Pennsylvania and of German parentage. 
Her parents had ten children, five of whom are yet living — Rebecca, Sarah, 
Jacob T., Solomon and Mary A. Mr. and Mrs. Honsberger are the parents 
of seven children — Amanda M. , born December 24, 1848; Henry A., Feb- 
ruary 26, 1850; Margaret A., March 4, 1853; Franklin A., March 31.1855; 
Elvina C, January 20, 1857; Laura M., May 10, 1859; Wilson A., May 3, 
1864; all are living but Amanda who died June 27, 1872. In politics, Mr. 
Honsberger is a Republican. He and his family are associated with the 
Evangelical Lutheran Church. 

BENJAMIN F. JAQUETH was born in the town of Rodman, Jefferson 
Co., N. Y., September 9, 1820. He is a sun of Amasa and Lydia 
(King) Jaqueth, natives of Vermont, and of English parentage. His parents 
were married in Jefferson County, and migrated to Ohio in 1848, and 
located in Crawford County, where they died at the respective ages seventy- 
eight and fifty years. Our subject came to Ohio in 1843. He purchased 
eighty acres of land in Crawford County in 1845. He subsequently sold 
this and after several deals in real estate purchased, in 1868, in this town- 
ship, 125 acres, where he still resides. He was married, April 12, 1847, to 
Mary J. Valentine, widow of Leonard Valentine, a native of Richland 
County, Ohio, resident of Crawford County, and daughter of John and 
Nancy (Wry) Hazlett. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania, of Irish 
and English parentage, and died when she was very young. Mr. and Mrs. 
Jaqueth had ten children, though but eight are now living — six sons and 
two daughters. Mr. Jaqueth was reared a farmer, but has given some at- 
tention to other vocations; was for some time in the employ of the Ohio 
Central Railroad Company. He has a farm well improved, which he values 
at $80 to $90 per acre. Politically, Mr. Jaqueth is a Republican-Prohibi- 
tionist. 

VIRGIL JUMP is a native of Crawford County, Ohio, and was born 
March 19, 1850. He is a son of Jervile and Debora (Close) Jump, natives 
of New York. His parents were of English descent; were married in New 
York, and migrated to Ohio about 1842, settling in Crawford County, where 
they still reside. Our subject has been a farmer from boyhood. He has 
eighty-two acres of land in this township, well improved and provided with 
a fine brick residence built in 1878. His land is valued at $80 to $90 per 
acre. Mr. Jump was married, November 17, 1874, to Hulda Wilson, a 
native of this township, and daughter of John L. and Susanna (Kisor) Wil- 
son, natives of York State and Ohio respectively, of English and Dutch 
descent. Her parents now live in Tiffin, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Jump have 
four children, two sons and two daughters — Martha, born December 4, 
1876; Nettie, May 22, 1878; Ora J., September 20, 1880; Wilson V., Feb- 
ruary 11, 1883. Mr. Jump is among the most enterprising agriculturists 
of his township and is highly esteemed as a citizen. He is an enthusiastic 
Democrat. 



SYCAMORE TOAVNSHIP. 1015 

WILLIAM B. KITCHEN was born at Berwick, Columbia Co., Penn., 
March 12, 1838; he is a son of Amos E. and Margaret (Campbell^ Kitchen, 
natives of New Jersey, and of Scotch and English parentage respectively. 
His parents were married in Mc-ntour County, Penn., and resided in Ber- 
vick, where they reared eight sons and two daughters, whose names are as 
follows: Oliver P. H., Matilda, Pemberton C, Dewitt C, Permilia, Ed- 
mond, John C, William B., Amos E. and an infant. Matilda, Dewitt C, 
Amos E. and the infant are deceased. Amos E. lost his life in the battle 
at Dallas, Ga. ; Dewitt C. was all through the Mexican war and the late 
rebellion. The father died in 1840, and in 1842 his widow and her chil- 
dren moved to Ohio and settled at McCutchenville. Mrs. Kitchen died 
at the home of her daughter in December, 1883, aged eighty- two years. 
She was a sister of John and Alexander Campbell, prominent men in the 
early history of this county. Our subject was cast out upon the world at 
the age of thirteen; he spent his early years in telegraph offices and as a 
drug clerk. In 1856, he returned to this county and clerked in a 
general store till 1861, in August of which year he enlisted in Com- 
pany G, Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Col. Gibson, serving 
in the Fourth Corps, Army of the Cumberland, until discharged in Septem- 
ber, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tenn. Returning home Mr. Kitchen was en- 
gaged in clerkships until 1867, when he opened a general store at Belle 
Vernon, where he remained about eleven years. In 1879, he migrated to 
Kansas, where he was engaged in mercantile pursuits a short time; then 
returning to Sycamore, where he has since conducted a profitable business in 
dry goods, groceries, etc. Mr. Kitchen was married, March 4, 1868, to 
Sarah E. Haymon, a native of Tymochtee Township, and daughter of 
George and Ellen (Scott) Haymon, natives of Ross County, Ohio, and of 
German and Scotch descent; her parents were married in this county, their 
children being Samuel, Jacob, Matilda J., George, Rebecca, Amanda, 
Charlotte, Sarah E., Josephine V., Joseph, Thomas and Peter. Samuel 
and Rebecca are deceased. Her father was accidently killed by a horse in 
1870; her mobher died in 1883, their ages being sixty-two and seventy re- 
spectively. Mr. and Mrs. Kitchen have had five children — Minnie J., born 
December 21, 1868; Jay, January 28, 1871; Ray, May 25. 1873; Day, 
July 4, 1875; Gay, November 5, 1880. Minnie J. is deceased. Mr. 
Kitchen is warmly attached to the interests of the Republican party, and is 
one of the foremost merchants of Sycamore. 

WILLIAM KINLEY was born in Tymochtee Township February 28, 

1848; he is a son of and Susanna (Sheneberger) Kinley, whose 

sketch appears in the Eden Township division of this work. Mr. Kinley 
was married, August 19, 1869, to Miss Laura A. Swinehart, a native of this 
township, daughter of Samuel P. and Jane (Milligan) Swinehart. Two 
children have blessed this union — Jerusha M. and Willard C. Mr. Kinley 
began housekeeping on moderate means; he rented land about seven years, 
and then (1876) purchased his father's homestead of forty acres (in Crane 
Township), which he sold in 1877; purchased forty acres in same township, 
and soon after sold out; purchased forty-seven acres in Tymochtee Town- 
ship, and sold out in 1879, buying a farm of seventy acres in the same year. 
In 1882, he disposed of thirty acres to H. Griffith, leaving forty acres, 
which he values at ^170 per acre; he has personal property to the amount 
of $1,500 to $2,000, all of which has been obtained by industry and econ- 
omy; he has served his township in several offices, and is regarded as one 
of the reliable citizens of his community; he and Mrs. Kinley are members 



1016 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

of the United Brethren Church, with which he is officially connected; he is 
alsoSu[jerintendent of the Sabbath School. 

JEHIEL T. KONKLE was born March 19, 1827; he is a native of 
Hardwick Township, Warren Co., N. J., and son of John and Mariam 
(Drake) Konkle, natives of the same county, where they were married, and 
where Mrs. Konkle died in July, 1882, at the age of eighty-two years. 
Mr. Konkle still lives in the same county, and is in his eighty-fourth year. 
They were of American descent, and had ten children. Those living are 
Jacob D., Alfred F., Jehiel L., George W., Elizabeth M. and Milton S. 
At the age of nineteen, our subject, Jehiel, left home to learn the miller's 
trade, which he followed in his native county about live years. In 1850, 
he came to Ohio, and for eight years was engaged in the same business in 
this and Seneca County. He was married, December 31, 1853, to Mary E. 
Park, of this township, but native of Warren County, N. J. She is a 
daughter of Jonathan A. and Eliza (Davis) Park, who were born and married 
in Warren County, N. J. Five of their eight children are yet living, 
namely: Mary E., Rebecca D., Sarah J., John B. and William. The father 
died November 16, 1858, the mother April 19, 1862, both in this township. 
To Mr. and Mrs. Jehiel Konkle were born six children, viz., Jonathan P., 
John F., Mariam, Eliza Otilia, Regena and Iva C. Mr. Konkle gave up 
milling in 1855, and began farming, which occupation he has since contin- 
ued. In 1864, he purchased the homestead of 120 acres of his wife's peo- 
ple, and on this farm he still resides. He has improved his farm in vari- 
ous ways, buildings, fencings, etc. He has served in different township 
offices for about sixteen years. He and Mrs. Konkle are members of the 
Presbyterian Church. In politics, Mr. Konkle is a Republican. 

JACOB LEASE is a native of Frederick County, Md. , and was born 
March 15, 1816. He is a son of Henry and Barbara Lease, both of whom 
died in Maryland. He came to Ohio at the age of eighteen years, and was 
for several years employed as a farm hand in Seneca County. He was 
married, in Seneca County, to Elizabeth Smith, who bore him two children, 
only one of whom is now living — Charles, a resident of Dakota. Mrs, 
Lease has been deceased about thirty-two years. Soon after the death of 
his first wife, Mr. Lease married Mary J. McCormick, of Seneca Coanty, 
and this marriage resulted in seven children, four now living, namely, Jane, 
Ann, Eliza and Robert. Mrs. Lease died in 1877. Mr. Lease has now re- 
tired from active labor. He is a Democrat, having been educated in its 
principles from his youth. 

^JOANNA LEE was born November 15, 1819. She is a native oi Bel- 
mont County, Ohio, and daughter of Samuel and Eliza (Oobel) Veirs, natives 
of Virginia and Pennsylvania respectively, and of English descent. Her 
parents were married in Steubenville, Ohio, and moved first to Belmont 
County, thence to Putnam County, and thence to Wyandot in 1847. They 
had six children, of whom but three survive, two sons and one daughter, 
viz., Joanna, John and James. The father died in 1841; the mother in 
1854. Joanna was married. March 19, 1839, to Hugh Lee, of Belmont 
County, Ohio, born July 12, 1810, and son of Robert and Mary (Vance) Lee. 
His parents were natives of Ireland and Pennsylvania respectively; were 
married in Washington County, Penn., and moved to Belmont County, Ohio, 
where they reared a family of twelve children, but four of whom now siir- 
vive — John, William, Joseph and Priscilla. His father died in 1849; his 
mother in 1836. Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Lee became the parents of twelve 
children — Amanda C, LaFayette, Robert, James T., Samuel V., Mary R., 



SYCAMORE TOWNSHIP. 1017 

Eliza, Hugh, Joseph V., Carrie E. and Ivy, all living but Eliza, Robert and 
an infant son. Mr. Lee began business for himself as a farmer, purchasing 
land first in Putnam County; then in AVyandot, Sycamore Township, in 1847, 
owning at his death 550 acres. He died June 12, 1882. He was a life-long 
member of the Lutheran Church, and affiliated with the Democratic party. 
Mrs. Lee still continues the management of the farm, assisted by her sons. 
She is a member of the Lutheran Church at Deunquat, this township. 

WILLIAM A. MILLIGAN was born in this township December 23, 1833. 
He is a son of James and Susan (Weddle) Milligan, who were natives of 
Fairfield County, Ohio, and Westmoreland County, Penn., respectively. 
They were married in E'airtield County, and moved to this county in 1831, 
settling on land entered in this township by his father in 1829. Here they 
reared a family of ten children, three of whom survive, namely, William A., 
John W. and Sarah E. The father died August 13, 1855; the mother April 
16, 1879. The former was a Methodist minister, having joined the church 
at the age of twelve. William A., the subject of this sketch, and who has 
never married, lived with his father till the latter's death. He then learned 
the carpenter's trade, which he followed till the late rebellion. In 1861, 
he enlisted in Company D, Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under 
Capt. Culver, and passed through the following battles: Shiloh, Stone 
River, Liberty Gap, Chattanooga, through the Atlanta campaign, Resaca, 
Jonesboro, Franklin, Nashville and others. He was 100 days under fire, 
and was honorably discharged at Strawberry Plains, Tenn. , December, 1863. 
He then veteranized in the same company, and served till November 13, 1865, 
at which time he was discharged at Victoria, Tex. He then returned home 
and to his trade, which he has since been engaged at. He purchased the 
homestead of eighty-two acres, where he still lives, and which is valued at 
$75 to $85 per acre. He also owns town lots in the village of Sycamore, and 
devotes his time to farming and stock-dealing. He is an official member of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, member of Wyandot Lodge F. & A. M., 
No. 311, at McCutchenville; charter member of the I. O. O. F. at Sycamore; 
member of the G. A. R., and a Republican-Prohibitionist. 

JOHN F. MONTGOMERY, son of Francis and Maria (Gregg) Mont- 
gomery, was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, September 25, 1836. His 
parents were natives of the same county, and of Irish descent. They moved 
to this county in 1850, and reared in this township a family of six children, 
three sons and three daughters. The father died in September, 1877. His 
widow now resides in Seneca County. In 1859, Mr. Montgomery made a 
purchase of eighty acres in this township. He sold this farm in 1861 and 
purchased fifty acres in Seneca County, where he resided seven years. He 
next moved to Republic, where he lived five years, and then purchased 
ninety-five acres of improved land Id Sycamore Township, where he now 
resides. Mr. Montgomery was married. May 1, 1863, to Martha E. Bland, 
of this county, daughter of William and Margaret Bland, natives of Vir- 
ginia and Maryland respectively. Her parents migrated to Ohio in an early 
day; were married in Muskingum County; moved to Wyandot, and pur- 
chased land in Tymochtee Township, where they were closely associated 
with the Indians. They died in the years 1858 and 1862 respectively. Mr. 
Montgomery has been an agi'iculturist all his life, and quite successful. 
He is Republican in political sentiment, and was once ejected Township Clerk 
in Seneca County. He is a member of Eden Lodge, No. 310, F. & A. M. , 
in Melmoro, and Mrs. Montgomery is a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church of Sycamore. 



1018 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

JAMES C. PEASE is a native of Hartford County, Conn. ; was born 
January 9, 1815, and is a son of Luther and Nancy (Pease) Pease, natives 
of the same State. His parents were of English ancestiy, and migrated to 
Ohio in 1817. They settled in Geauga County, and reared a family of three 
sons and one daughter, namely, Nancy L., Luther L., James C. and Loren 
A. Nancy L. is deceased. The father died in 1827, the mother in Novem- 
ber, 1810. While a young raan our subject learned the trade of a wagon- 
maker. In 1839, he located in Sycamore, where he and his brother, Loren 
A., opened a carriage and wagon shop, which they conducted until 1850, 
and then purchased 285 acres in Sycamore and Eden Townships, and began 
farming. He added ninety acres to his original purchase, and in 1881 gave 
up active business, purchased the John Kisor property at Petersburg, where 
he has since lived a retired life. He is now in his seventieth year. Mr. 
Pease was married, November, 1839, to Eliza C. Hall, a resident of Geauga 
County, Ohio, native of York State, and daughter of Moses and Elizabeth 
(Clark) Hall, natives of York State and Connecticut respectively. Her par- 
ents were married in Oneida County, N. Y., and moved to Geauga County, 
Ohio, as early as 1820. Their children were Eliza C, Martin, Moses, Jo- 
sephine, Carlos, Solon and Angeline. Three are deceased — Martha, Carlos 
and Angeline. The mother died in 1874, the father in 1877. The children 
born to Mr. and Mrs. Pease were Melissa, Virgil J., Myron E., Josephine 
E. and Luther D. The two eldest are deceased. Mr. Pease served as Jus- 
tice of the Peace nine years, and was elected Land Appraiser in 1880. He 
is a member of the Masonic order at Upper Sandusky, and in politics is an 
old Whig-Republican and Prohibitionist. He and Mrs. Pease were former- 
ly members of the Congregational Church, from which they now hold let- 
ters. 

LEVI PENNINGTON is a native of Hampshire County, Va. He was 
born October 24, 1811, and is a son of Elijah and Elizabeth Pennington, 
natives of Delaware and Virginia respectively. His parents moved to Ohio 
in 1826, and located in Seneca County, where they rented land a few years, 
in the meantime (1827) purchasing eighty acres and entering 160 acres in 
this township. About the same year they purchased eighty acres and en- 
tered the same amount in Seneca County. He resided on his first purchase 
till the death of Mr. Pennington. Of sixteen children but three now sur- 
vive — Isaac, Nancy and Levi, our subject. The latter was married, Jan- 
uary 24, 1833, to Elizabeth Hummon, a native of Pennsylvania, and daugh- 
ter of Peter and Mary Hummon. Her parents were also natives of Pennsyl - 
vania, of German ancestry, and reared a family of ten children; three are 
living — William, Saloma and Elizabeth. Mr. and Mrs. Pennington had 
five children — Mary E., Peter, Saloma, James H. and Levi M. , all living 
but Mar}' E. The four living are all married. In January, 1883, Mr. and 
Mrs. Pennington celebrated their " golden wedding " with ten grandchildi'en 
in attendance. Mr. Pennington has followed farming from his youth, first 
with oxen among the roots, clearing land and working hard. He inherited 
the homestead on condition that he support his parents in their declining 
years. By good management, industry and economy, he has amassed a con- 
siderable fortune; has assisted his children in starting in business, and still 
owns about 550 acres of valuable land. Mr. Pennington cast his first vote 
for Andrew Jackson, and has been faithful to the Democratic cause all 
through his life. 

LEVI M. PENNINGTON is a native of this township, and was born 
August 25, 1852. He is a son of Levi and Elizabeth (Hummon) Penning- 



SYCAMORE TOWNSHIP. 1019 

ton, natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania respectively. He was married, 
January 16, 1873, to Delilah Badger, of Tymochtee Township, daughter of 
Jesse and Elizabeth (Fisher) Badger, natives of Wayne and Wyandot 
Counties respectively. By this marriage Mr. and Mrs. Pennington have 
one son — Jesse, born September 26, 1874. In 1880, Mr. Pennington pur- 
chased forty acres of land in this township, and eighty acres in Eden Town- 
ship. He resides on the former tract, and is improving his farm in various 
ways. He has followed agricultural pursuits all his life, and has met with 
very good success in his favorite calling. His early years were passed at 
home on a fai'm, and in attendiug the district schools. Besides this part of 
his education, he also attended two terms at the Heidelberg College at 
Tiffin, Ohio. In politics, Mr. Pennington is a stanch Democrat. 

PETER PENNINGTON, son of Levi and Elizabeth Pennington, was 
born in this township January 6, 1835. He resided with his parents till his 
marriage to Hettie J. Johnston, May 8, 1859, and then purchased 100 acres 
in Eden Township, Seneca County, moving upon this farm the same year, 
and since residing there. It is just outside the Wyandot County line, op- 
posite the farm of his father. Mr. Pennington also purchased forty acres 
in this township in 1865, and now values his farm of 140 acres at $100 per 
acre. He is an excellent farmer, and keeps a good grade of stock — Jersey 
cattle. Cloud horses, Poland-China and Chester-White hogs. Mrs. Penning- 
ton is a native of Bucks County, Penn., and daughter of Joseph and Mar- 
garet (Baty) Johnston, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Scotch descent. Her 
parents migrated to Ohio in 1846, and located in Eden Township, Seneca 
County, where they reared a family of seven daughters, all now living but 
one. Their father and mother are both deceased. Mr. apd Mrs. Penning- 
ton have one child — Maggie E., born December 5, 1865. In politics, Mr. 
Pennington is a Democrat. 

DENTON V. ROGERS was born in Bedford County, Penn., November 
1, 1833, and is a son of John and Rachel (Smith) Rogers, natives of Penn- 
sylvania, and of Holland and English lineage respectively. His 
parents married in his native locality, moved to Crawford County, Ohio, in 
1839, and were the parents of six children, four now living — Thomas, 
Mary C, Matilda and Denton V. Mrs. Rogers died July 4, 1858, and Mr. 
Rogers January 26, 1881. At the age of seventeen, our subject went to 
Wisconsin, where he was employed in various ways for several years. He 
also traveled through parts of Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota and Dakota. 
May 11, 1873, he was mai-ried to Minerva A. Courtney, of Vineland, Win- 
nebago Co., Wis., daughter of George and Ann (Gale) Courtney, natives 
of England. Her parents were married in Yorkshire, England, and emi- 
grated to America about 1882, locating in Winnebago County, Wis. Eight 
daughters were born to them — Maria W., Elizabeth J., Margaret A., Minerva 
A., Libbie, Mary C, Martha E. and Lucy — all living. Mr. and Mrs. Rog- 
ers had three children — Laura A., born November 2, 1875; infant son, 
September 2, 1880; Irvin C, February 14, 1882 — only the latter surviving. 
Mr. Rogers was engaged in the real estate business in Minnesota, and in 
1881 moved upon the farm in this township inherited from his father. He 
owns 133 acres, valued at $100 per acre, his farm being well watered by 
several constant-flowing springs. He does a general farming and stock- 
raising business, and is considered a good agriculturist. He votes with the 
Republicans. 

THOMAS ROGERS, son of John and Rachel (Smith) Rogers, was born 
in Bedford County, Penn., July 11, 1838. He was married, January 15, 



1020 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

1863, to Rebecca J. Eaton, of Crawford County, native of Van Wert Coun- 
ty, and daughter of James and Parmelia A. (Fields) Eaton. Her parents 
were natives of this State, and of Irish and English pai^entage respectively, 
and were married in Crawford County. They moved to Van Wert County 
subsequently, the mother dying in Crawford County October 1, 1810, Mrs. 
Rogers being the only child. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers are the parents of nine 
children — Emma B., born December IS, 1863; infant daughter, January 8, 
1865; Eva May, March 25, 1868; Margaret E., August 26, 1870; Rebecca 
J. and John H. (twins), December 30, 1873; Mary M., November 23, 1875; 
Franklin E., February 4, 1879; Dora P., January 11, 1881. Two are de- 
ceased — the infant and Eva May, who died December 12, 1870. In 1869, 
Mr. Rogers pui'chased eighty acres of timber land in Hancock County, 
where he resided till 1882, when he sold out and moved to this township, 
where he purchased 160 acres, on which he now lives. He also inherited 
133 acres from his father's estate in the same township, now owning 293 
acres valued at $75 to $85 per acre. He is an excellent farmer, and votes 
the Democratic ticket. 

JACOB STAUM was born December 28, 1832. He is a son of Daniel 
and Susan (Hostetter) Staum, and a native of Holmes County, Ohio. His 
parents were born and married in Somerset County, Penn., and moved to 
Holmes County, Ohio, in 1831. In 1845, they came to this county, and 
purchased land in Eden Township, where they lived till 1872, when they 
sold out and moved to Belle Vernon, where they still reside. They had 
eight children, namely, Elizabeth, Samuel, Jacob, Catharine, David, Will- 
iam, Mary A. and Jane. Catharine and the three latter are deceased. The 
mother died in 1864. The father remarried, in 1866, to Margaret Wells, 
of Holmes County. Jacob Staum, the subject of this notice, resided with 
his parents till June 5, 1856, at which time he was married to Eleanor A. Sim- 
rift, who was a daughter of George and Elizabeth (McCrary) Simrift, and 
born in this county. Her parents were natives of this State, and of Ger- 
man and Irish ancestry respectively. They had three children — Theodore, 
Eleanor A. and Margaret C. The mother died in 1870, Mr. and Mrs. 
Staum have three children — George L., William H. and Hester E. Mr. 
Staum being a carpenter, followed that occupation several years. In Octo- 
ber, 1864, he enlisted in Company L, Thirty-third Regiment Ohio Volun- 
teer Infantry, and passed through the South with Sherman, and thence 
through the Carolinas. W^as wounded at the battle of Bentonville March 
19, 1865 (shot through the leg below the knee), and taken to David's Island 
Hospital, where he remained till June 19, 1865, when he was honorably dis- 
charged. He then returned home and resumed his trade, giving some at- 
tention to the undertaking business, which he has been engaged in for 
twenty years — the oldest undertaker in the county in the business. In 
1881, he added a stock of furniture, and to the two branches — furniture 
and undertaking — he now devotes his attention. He served as Postmaster 
at Belle Vernon, and is officially connected with the I. O. O. F., No. 645. 

JOHN WESLEY STINCHCOMB, son of James and Priscilla (Wed- 
dle) Stinchcomb, is a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, and was born Sep- 
tember 8, 1826. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and of English 
and Holland descent respectively. They were married in Monongahela, 
Penn., and moved to Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1824. His father had 
been a well-to-do boat builder, but lost all his wealth in securities, and 
located in the above county poor. He rented land till 1831, and then 
moved to Seneca County, where he entered eighty acres, which he and his 



SYCAMORE TOWNSHIP. 1021 

sons " cleared from the sprout," doing work for others in the meantime to 
obtain sustenance. He subsequently purchased eighty acres more, but sold 
the whole in 1865 and purchased property in old Sycamore, where he lived 
till the death of his wife, which occurrred in 1872 in her seventy-sixth year. 
Mr. Stinchcomb died in his eighty-second year in 1879. Four of their 
seven children survive— James W., John W., William R. and Elizabeth. 
Having taught school several years, our subject had about $200 at the date 
of his marriage, April 2-1, 1819. He continued teaching till about 1856, 
and then began farming, which he has since followed. He purchased 
eighty acres in Eden Township, but soon after sold out and bought 103 
acres in this township. In 1859, he disposed of this farm, and in 1860 
purchased of Allen Hudson 160 acres, where he now resides. In 1872, he 
erected an elegant frame residence at a cost of $5,000, and this was de- 
stroyed by fire in 1881. On the same foundation and in the same year, he 
erected a tine brick residence, and in this he still resides. He owhed 380 
acres, but has disposed of 160 acres, still owning 220. valued at SlOO and 
1110 per acre. Mr. Stinchcomb took an active part in the construction of the 
Ohio Central Railroad, and in 1861 became a member of a stock company 
known as Biles, Baker, Gibson & Co., organized for the purpose of conduct- 
ing a general merchandising business in Sycamore, the capital stock being 
about $200,000. He withdrew from this firm a few months later, the enter- 
prise not promising to be successful. Mr. Stinchcomb's wife was Miss Han- 
nah C. Little, of this township, and native of Ross County. She was a 
daughter of James and Mary (Anno) Little, the former born in Ireland, the 
latter in this State. Her parents were married in Ross County, and moved 
to Wyandot in 1829, entering land in this township. They had four chil- 
dren. Mrs. Little died in October, 1855, and Mi'. Little was married to 
Martha Braum in 1859. One child — George A. — was the result of this un- 
ion. Her father died in 1855, owning 423 acres of land. His widow still 
survives. By his second wife, Mr. Stinchcomb had eleven children — James 
S., William A., Louisa S., Josie A., Frank L., Scott W., Elmer E., Estella, 
Nellie, Maggie J. and J. Johnson — all living but the latter and Louisa S. 
Mr. S. has served as Treasurer of the township, and Justice of the Peace 
about eight years. In May, 1864, he enli«ted in Company H, Ohio Nation- 
al Guard, and served three months, being discharged in August, 1864. He 
is a Republican, and was a delegate to the convention at Cincinnati in 1870, 
nominating Charles Foster for Governor. He is a prominent member of 
the F. & A. M., and both he and Mrs. S. have been life- long members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Stinchcomb has been a local lawyer for 
twenty years. In 1883, he and part of his family went to Dakota and pur- 
chased 480 acres of land, which he attended to one season, and then left in 
charge of his son. 

PETER K. SHEAFFER, born in Dauphin County, Penn. , August 6, 
1846, is a son of Solomon and Sarah E. (Keitei*) Sheaffer, who were natives 
of Pennsylvania, married in Dauphin County. In February, 1853, his 
father died leaving four sons and four daughters — Isaiah W., Isaac C, 
Lydia A., John D., Peter K. and Sarah E. Two are deceased. After th 
father's death, the rest of the family moved in the same year to Crawford 
County, Ohio, where Mrs. Sheaffer died in February, 1883. Mr. Sheafter, 
our subject's father, by his first marriage had one child — William 
W. , who now resides in Crawford County, his mother Laving died 
while he was very young. Peter K., the subject of this notice, was obliged 
to shift for himself at the age of seven. He worked from place to place as 



1022 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

best he could till 1858, when he moved with his mother to this township. 
He then worked three years for Jehiel Konkle; at fifteen, went to Indiana; 
returned to Crawford County in 1864; worked one year for Jacob Heistand; 
rented same farm two years, and was married in 1868 to Miss Sarah E. Cow- 
gill, a native of Bucyrus and a daughter of Elisha and Balinda (Clapper) 
Cowgill, who wei-e natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania respectively. Her 
parents were married in Bucyrus, her father being engaged in the woolen 
mills of that place. He died there in 1852, his only child being Sarah E.. 
born June 26, 1847. At the age of six years, she was placed in the care of 
William Griffith, of this township, and with him she lived till her marriage. 
Her mother died in July, 1858. Mr. and Mrs. Sheaffer are parents of three 
children, namely, William W., born August 29, 1870; Nellie A., born June 
12, 1874, and Charley C, July 26, 1879. William W. was drowned in a 
spring April 6, 1873. Mr. Sheaffer has devoted most of his life to farming. 
In 1882, he moved to the town of Sycamore, and purchased property, where 
he now lives. He and Mrs. Sheaffer are members of the United Brethren 
Church; he is a Republican in politics. 

PHILIP SMITH was born in Hunterdon County, N. J., November 22, 
1806. He is a son of Abraham and Mary (Bellows) Smith, natives of the 
same State, and of German descent. He was married, September 17, 1833, 
to Levinah, daughter of Jacob and Nancy (Hazen) Rice, all natives of New 
Jersey. Mrs. Smith was born in Sussex County August 3, 1812. Mr. 
Smith migrated to Ohio in 1839, and located in this county, of which he has 
ever since been a resident. He has reared two daughters — Eleanor and 
Catharine — who are both yet living. He and Mrs. Smith are members of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church at Belle Vernon, and highly esteemed in 
their community. Mr. Smith has been a lifelong Democrat, and is still 
strong in the faith. 

JAMES F. SNODGRASS was born February 5, 1830. He is a native 
of Lancaster County, Penn. , and son of Samuel and Mary (Peterson) Snod- 
grass, also natives of Pennsylvania, and of Scotch-Irish descent. His par- 
ents were married in Lancaster County, and reared the family there. There 
were nine children — four now living — Robert, Samuel S., Hannah E. and 
James F. The latter migrated to Ohio in February, 1867, and located at 
Sycamore, where he was engaged in the practice of medicine fourteen years, 
having first graduated at the Medical University of Philadelphia, Penn. In 
1879, he purchased 225 acres of improved land in this township, and has 
since engaged in agricultural pursuits, giving but little attention to his 
profession. He was married, July 20, 1869, to Mary Saffell, of Sycamore, 
daughter of Augustus and Parmela (Kitchen) Saffell, natives of Maryland 
and Pennsylvania respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Snodgrass have six children 

— Mary, John, ; Arthur, Charles and Edith. Mr. Snodgrass is one of the 

leading farmers of the township, and an earnest supporter of Republican 
principles. 

SAMUEL SPENCER is a son of Nathan and Catharine (Speaks) Spen- 
cer, and a native of Jefferson County, Va., where he was born November 11, 
1812. His parents were also natives of Virginia, and of Scotch descent. 
They emigrated to Ohio about 1816, and located in Zanesville. (>atharine 
Spencer died in 1823 in Zanesville. After her death, Nathan Spencer emi- 
grated to Missouri, and died in 1847. Samuel Spencer was married, in 
March, 1843, to Barbara Lane, a native of Mviskingum County, and daugh- 
ter of John and Mary (Millirone) Lane, natives of Maryland, and of Ger- 
man descent. They emigrated to Ohio in 1815. John Lane died in 1854, 



SYCAMORE TOWNSHIP. 1023 

aged eighty-four years; Mary Lane died in 1837, aged fifty-six years. Mr. 
and Mrs. Spencer have three children — Charles I., born November 13, 1844; 
Marietta, December 11, 1846; Celestia I., November 26, 1848. Charles 
was married, in May, 18GS, to Mary McCan, of Muskingum County; Mari- 
etta was married, in July, 1867, to Joel H. Bland, of Licking County; 
Celestia was married, in October, 1868, to T. F. Blair, of Wyandot County. 
Mr. Spencer is a Republican in politics, and a Prohibitionist in sentiment 
from youth up. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as 
also is Mrs. Spencer. 

ANDREW STAFFORD, born in Jefferson County, Ohio, in March, 
1811, is a son of Thomas and Margai'et (Stewart) Stafford, who were natives 
of Maryland. They emigrated to Ohio in an early day, and settled in Jef- 
ferson County, where they purchased a farm, and reared a family of nine 
children, five of whom are now living, namely, Nathan, Andrew, Robert, 
Mary and Christina. The parents both died in Jefferson County. They 
were of Irish descent, their parents being natives of Ireland. Andrew 
Stafford, the subject of this sketch, began life a poor boy. He worked at 
farming from place to place for some time; spent, some time at the black- 
smith's trade, forging sickles; also made several trips on the Ohio and 
Mississippi Rivers as bowsman. In 1838, he purchased 120 acres of land 
in Sycamore Township, and this land he cleared and improved, subsequently 
making several trades in real estate. Mr. Stafford was married, in October, 
1854, to Bai-bara Walter, of Wyandot County, daughter of Daniel and Su- 
sanna (Baum) Walter, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and who were 
married in this county. In 1856-57, Mr. Stafford purchased forty acres, and 
afterward eighty acres, all in Sycamore Township, where he engaged exclusive- 
ly in farming. He was married, June 1, 1868, to Mrs. Hannah Whisler, wid- 
ow of J. K. W^hisler, by whom she had one child, MaryE., who still resides 
with her mother. Mrs. Stafford is a daughter of Thom and Mary (Cole) 
Moore, and was born August 19, 1832. Her parents were of Irish descent, 
and were married in Richland County, where they lived about seven years, 
then moving to Seneca County, where they reared six children, namely, 
Hannah, Jane, Mary A., Parthena, James C. and Benjamin W., all living 
but Jane and Parthena. The father of this family died August 11, 1844, 
but his wife still survives. Jacob K. Whisler, Mrs. Stafford's former hus- 
band, was born October 16, 1832, and died January 10, 1860. He was the 
eldest son of John and Elizabeth (Kehl) Whisler, who were natives of Penn- 
sylvania, and of Dutch descent. Mr. Stafford improved his farm in various 
ways, and in 1872 sold 120 acres. In 1873, he built a fine frame residence 
on the remaining eighty, at a cost of $3,000, also a barn costing $1,700. In 
1882, he sold this farm at $100 per acre, and moved to Sycamore, where he 
purchased a residence and three lots at $2,200, and now lives a retired life. 
He also owns six other joining lots, and eighty acres of land, which is val- 
ued at $70 per acre. He affiliates with the Democratic party, and favors 
temperance. His wife and daughter are active workers in the Women's 
Christian Temperance Union. 

W^ILLIAM B. STARR, grain dealer, Sycamore, was born at Carey, Ohio, 
May 14, 1859; his parents were Hiram J. and Ellen G. (Brown) Starr, na- 
tives of Ohio, his father born in Franklin County, Ohio, his mother, the 
first white child born in Crawford Township, this county. They were mar- 
ried in Carey and reared five children — Laura P., Lydia, Ellen G., James 
H. and William B., twins. Lydia is deceased. The mother was formerly 
the wife of Napoleon Carey, by whom she had one child, Emma, who died 



1024 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

at the age of seventeen. William B. Starr was married, September 21, 

1882, to Anna McClure, of Carey, born in Jefferson County, N. Y., daugh- 
ter of Russell and Milea (Joy) McClure, natives of New York also. Her 
parents had seven children — Abbie W., Neuton C, Emma J., Herbert R., 
Thurston W., Anna and Ada B. The deceased are Abbie and Herbert. 
Mr. Starr has been engaged with his father in the live-stock business for 
several years, dealing in tine grades of horses, cattle, sheep and hogs. Since 
1878, he has dealt considerably in grain at Carey, and in 1881 began the 
business in Sycamore. In 1882, he purchased the large elevator built by 
George Taylor in 1881, and this he has since operated, doing an extensive 
business. His line includes all kinds of grain, wool, seeds, live- stock, with 
coal, salt, etc. In 1882, he erected a fine frame residence in which he now 
resides. Mr. Starr completed his education in the Spencerian Business 
College, Cleveland, in 1880. He and Mrs. Starr are members of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church, Mr. S. holding the office of Trustee in the same. 
In politics, Mr. Starr affiliates with the Republican party. 

WILLIAM C. STEVENS, son of James M. and Alice (Skinner) Ste- 
vens, was born in Erie County, N. Y., March 25, 1821 ; his parents were na- 
tives of New York and Canada respectively', and of mixed ancestry — Scotch, 
Irish, Dutch and English. They moved to Ohio in 1827, and settled in 
Seneca County; built the first grist mill in Eden Township and reared a 
family of five children — Elizabeth A.. James M. and Mary A., William C. 
and Samuel C, all living but Elizabeth A. The father died January 8, 
1829; the mother in August, 1841. AVilliam C, the subject of this notice, 
began merchandising in the town of Melmore at the ago of twenty, contin- 
uing in this occupation till 1865. He then sold out his stock of goods and 
purchased 161 acres in Crawford County, this tract now beiug valued at 
$75 to $100 per acre. He now resides on 133 acres in this township, the 
farm being owned by his wife and valued at $100 per acre. Mr. Stevens 
was married, September 21, 1842, to Mary Dean, a native of New Jersey 
and resident of Seneca County, daughter of John and Sarah (Dougherty) 
Dean. Three daughters have blessed this marriage —Laura A., Ann D. and 
Mary J. Mrs. Stevens died May 15, 1862, and our subject was married, 
June 13, 1865, to Mary Rogers, of this county, daughter of John and Ra- 
chel (Smith) Rogers. Two children resulted from this second marriage, 
their names are Rolla R. and Myra. Since abandoning mercantile pursuits, 
Mr. Stevens has turned his attention exclusively to farming and stock- 
raising. He clings to the Republican faith in politics; is a member of the 
I. O. O. F. at Melmore, and, with Mrs. Stevens, is associated with the 
Presbyterian Church. 

REVERDY STOKELY, son of William B. and Charlotte (Lamon) 
Stokely, was born in this county February 14, 1856. His parents were na- 
tives of Pickaway County, Ohio, and York State, and reared a family of 
five children in this county; the father died in 1856, the mother May 11, 

1883. Our subject lived with his mother till his maturity, but while a mere 
boy was compelled to do for himself. He was married, September 80, 1880, 
to Elnora Lupton, a native and resident of this township, and daughter of 
John K. and Barbara A. (Pontius) Lupton, natives of Virginia and Ohio re- 
spectively. They reared a family of four sons and eight daughters, the 
father dying May 3, 1882, the mother February 11, 1882, aged seventy and 
seventy-six respectively. In 1883, Mr. Stokely purchased the old homestead 
of forty acres, on which he now resides. Mrs. Stokely also owns 80 acres, 
the whole tract of 120 acres being valued at $75 to $85 per acre. Besides 



SYCAMORE TOWNSHIP. 1025 

this, Mr. Stokely owns a house and lot valued at about $800 in the village 
of Petersburg. He gives his attention exclusively to agriculture and stock- 
raising. In politics, Mr. Stokely is a live Republican. 

GEORGE TAYLOR, sou of Matthew and Mary (Freeburn) Taylor, was 
born in Dauphin County, Penn., August 16, 1812. His parents were na- 
tives of the same county, and of Irish and English de.scent respectively. 
They were married in their native locality about the year 1800, their chil- 
dren being as follows: James, William, Elizabeth, George, Samuel and 
Matthew, the latter dying in infancy. The mother died about 1821, aged 
forty-five years, the father in 1859; both are interred in Halifax Cemetery, 
Dauphin County, Penn. Our subject served four and one-half years as an 
apprentice as a millwright, beginning at the age of fifteen. In 1832, he 
moved to Ohio, and worked one year in Henry St. John's mill in Seneca 
County, and with Anthony H. Arnold in Tymochtee Township, this county, 
six months. He was afterward engaged in Crawford, Morrow, Marion and 
Seneca Counties in the same work. He was married, June 3, 1841, to Mary 
C. Fitz Randolph, of Delaware County, Ohio, a native of Brooke County, 
Va., daughter of Cornelius and Julia A. (Congleton) Fitz Randolph, na- 
tives of New Jersey and Virginia respectively. Mrs. Julia A. Fitz Randolph 
was a dauechter of Moses Congleton, who was Major General in the war of 
1812, and whose wife lived to the advanced age of one hundred and four 
years, their marriage ceremony having been performed by Rev. Alex. Camp- 
bell. Ten of thirteen children of this family are still living, namely: Mary 
C. , Maria, Thomas, Adaline, Charlotte, Rachel, John, James, Hiram and 
George. The deceased are Congleton, Jefferson and Rebecca. The father of 
the family died October 7, 1878. The mother is still living in Morrow 
County in her eighty-fourth year, without a gray hair. Mr. and Mrs. Tay- 
lor's children were James, Mary J., Minerva, Thomas, Freeburn, George, 
Julia and Charlotte, all living but George and Freeburn. In 1843, Mr. 
Taylor purchased twelve acres of timber land in this township, and soon 
after erected a fine frame residence, and a lai'ge three and one-half story 
flouring mill on the same. This mill is yet in good repair, with three run 
of buhrs, and operated by his son, Thomas. Our subject purchased sixty- 
three acres adjoining his twelve-acre lot in 1850, and has since owned sev- 
eral different tracts. He gave up the milling business in 1855. He now 
owns 200 acres of land in this and Eden Township and has given 180 acres 
to his children. In 1881, he erected in Sycamore a large grain elevator, 
which he sold to Mr. Starr in 1882. He also built a fine large brick res- 
idence in Sycamore in 1882, and is now (1884) completing a large five-story 
brick flouring mill. He owns 160 acres in Missouri, and is an active 
business man of good character. He has taken considerable interest in Re- 
publican politics since 1861. 

GEORGE VAN GUNDY, son of Michael and Hannah Van Gundy, was 
born August 1, 1831. He is a native of Ross County, Ohio, and was reared 
a farmer. In 1857, he became the owner of 160 acres of partially improved 
laud in this township, where he still resides; he has always given his atten- 
tion to agricultural pursuits; he was married, December 26, 1858, to Mary 
E. Swinehart, a native of this township, daughter of Samuel and Jane (Mil- 
ligan) Swinehart, of German and Irish ancestry; her parents had eight chil- 
di'en — Nancy A., Rebecca J., Mary E., Hannah C. and Laura A., the only 
surviving. To Mr. and Mrs. Van Gundy ten children were born — Sabina 
A., born October 11, 1860; Louisa J., Mai'ch 11, 1862; John U., Septem- 
ber 26, 1864; Myrta, October 25, 1866; Hettie, November 15, 1868; Dettie, 



1026 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

April 19, 1871; Cecil R., September 27, 1873: Harry, February 17, 1877; 
Willie, February 9, 1878; infant daughter, May 18*, 1881. The deceased 
are Willie, Dettie and the infant. Mr. Van Gundy is a strict Republican 
of the temperance turn. He and part of his family are associated with the 
United Brethren Church. 

WILLIAM VAN GUNDY was born in Ross County, Ohio, September 
21, 1821. His father, Michael Van Gundy was a native of Pennsylvania, 
and of Scotch descent, and his mother, Hannah (Eyestone) Van Gundy, was 
a native of Ohio, and of German ancestry. They were married in Ross 
County, and moved to this township about 1836; he first entered 320 acres, 
and 160 a few years later. Their children were William, Elizabeth, Abra- 
ham, George and Susan ; Abraham and the latter deceased. The father died 
in 1859; the mother in 1848. William Van Gundy, our subject, was mar- 
ried, February 25, 1844, to Elizabeth Patten, of Crawford County. She was 
a native of Virginia, and daughter of William and Mary (Bishop) Patten, 
natives of Ireland and Virginia respectively. They I'esided for some time 
at Martinsburg, and then removed to Baltimore, where he was employed as 
a weaver till 1823. in which year he died, leaving one child (the wife of 
Mr. Van Gundy), who died in this township December 9, 1882. Mrs. Pat- 
ten returned to Virginia, after the death of her husband, and about 1831 
came to Ohio with her brother, and married in Ross County and moved to 
Crawford County, where she died August 8, 1867. Mr. and Mrs. Van Gundy 
had nine children — Lewis W^., Laura A., James A., Josephine A., Geoi'ge F., 
H. Mary, Alwilda A., Lucretia and Ruth. Lewis, George, Lucretia, an in- 
fant, and Mrs. Laura Lee, when twenty-five years of age, are deceased. 
In 3850, Mr. Van Gundy purchased 160 acres, on which he resided about 
three years, purchasing eighty acres in 1853, and residing on the latter 
farm till the present time. In 1860 to 1865, he purchased 160 more, now 
owning 400 acres, valued at $80 to $120 per acre. He has his farm well 
improved, and is now completing an elegant brick residence at a cost of 
$4,000; he formerly dealt somewhat in blooded horses, and is now giving 
considerable attention to the raising of thoroughbred Spanish INIerLno 
sheep, and blooded hogs, their stock all being registered. Mr. Van Gundy 
has held the office of township Treasurer for several years, and is a prom- 
inent member of the United Brethren Church at Sycamore, his wife also 
having been a faithful member till her death. Prior to her marriage, she 
was of the Methodist Episcopal persuasion. Mr. Van Gundy was a Dem- 
ocrat for his first few votes, but favored Republcanism for many years; he 
is now an active Prohibitionist. His son, James A., is his partner in the 
stock raising business, in which they are extensively engaged. 

DAVID G. WATSON was born August 9, 1835, in Eden Township, 
Seneca County, Ohio, and is a son of James B. and Mary (Glenn) Watson, 
natives of Pennsylvania, and of Scotch and Irish descent. His parents were 
married in Center County, Penn., and migrated to Ohio in 1831, locating 
in Seneca County. There were four children in the family — William A., 
James G., Ann E. and David G. In 1857, our subject went to California, 
returning in 1860. In May, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, Eighth Reg- 
iment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was subsequently three years in the 
service. He participated in the battles of Winchester, Chancellorsville, Get- 
tysburg and many others. Was all through the Wilderness under Gen. 
Grant, and also took part in the siege at Petersburg, receiving his discharge 
in July, 1864. Returning from the war he went to the Rocky Mountains, 
where he was engaged four years in prospecting and mining. In 1870, he 



SYCAMORE TOWNSHIP. 1027 

returned home, and March 28, 1871, he was married to Rachel A. Dunlap, 
a native of this township, and daughter of James K. and Mary (Cummins) 
Dunlap, natives of Pennsylvania. Her parents were married in Richland 
County, Ohio, and moved to this township in 1840. Their children were 
William H. , Rachel A., Jane, Laura, Sylvester and James H., all living. 
Mr. and Mrs. Watson have four children — James D., born December 18, 
1872; Glenn C, November 11, 1874; Mary G., July 5, 1877; Anna E., 
May 2, 1883. In 1876, Mr. Watson purchased 128 acres of land, on which 
he has erected an excellent frame residence, where he now lives. His farm 
is mostly improved land, and valuable. He is a Republican, and warmly 
attached to the interests of his party. Mrs. Watson is a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 

EVAN T. WILLIAMS was born in Licking County, Ohio, December 1, 
1846. He is a son of William and Mary (Evans) Williams, natives of 
Cardiganshire, Wales. His parents were married in Licking County, and 
had six children, namely: Evan T., Zachariah J., Margaret S., Sarah J., 
Phoebe A. D. and Susan E., all living but Margaret. The mother died 
April 30, 1882. Evan T. Williams has always pursued the vocation of an 
agriculturist. He attended the common schools of his native county, and 
spent one term in Granville College. In 1881, he moved to this county, 
and purchased eighty acres of land, which with his improvements he values at 
$75 to $85 per acre. Mr. Williams was married, March 23. 1876, to Ida 
M. Keller, native of Licking County, and daughter of Eli and Fidelia 
(Holler) Keller, also natives of Licking County. Her parents were of Ger- 
man descent, were married in their native county, and reared a family of 
eight children, namely: Martha J., Lorena, Philo J., Ida M., ^tna, Eli 
W., Ira C. and Eber A., all living at the present date. The father died 
December 3, 1866. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have two sons, namely: Eber 
K., born September 10, 1877, and Earl R., August 9, 1879. Mr. Williams 
is a good farmer, and a stanch Republican of the temperance persuasion. 

GEORGE C. WILSON was born in Chester County, Penn., October 28, 
1839. He is the eldest son of Elisha and Hannah (Wilson) Wilson, who 
were natives of Pennsylvania and who reared a family of six children — 
three sons and three daughters, namely: George C, Mary A., Sarah J., 
Edmond M., Emiline and James, all living. The father died in 1868, at 
the age of sixty-three. At fifteen our subject was thrown upon his own 
resources. He worked upon a farm till 1864. On the 2d day of May, 
1864, he enlisted as a private to serve in Company B, One Hundred and 
Sixty- fourth Regiment Ohio National Guard. He was honorably dis- 
charged in September of the same year, after which he returned home. He 
worked at brick and tile making from 1868 to 1880, for Mr. Bare and 
Lidy & Hamlin, of Seneca County. In 1880, he began the manufacture of 
brick and tile, in Sycamore, where he with Mr. Shoemaker built a large 
factory, and is still doing an extensive business. He is in partnership with 
Mr. E. Shoemaker, and both are thorough, energetic, business men. Mr. 
Wilson is the owner of some town property, and is well respected as a citi- 
zen in his community. He has yet never married. In political sentiment. 
Mr. Wilson is a Republican. 

ALBERT Z. WILSON was born August 20, 1837, in Tymochtee Town- 
ship, this county. He is a son of Jacob L. and Bathsheba P. (Shotwell) 
Wilson, natives of New Jersey and of English ancestry. His parents were 
married in New Jersey and moved to Ohio in 1835, locating in this county. 
Their children were Elizabeth, Abner, Albert Z,, Levi L., George, Edwin 



1028 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

S. and Walter. The deceased are Elizabeth, Abner and Levi L. The 
father died March 7, 1863. The mother is still residing on the old home- 
stead. Oar subject was reared a farmer and has always engaged in that 
pursuit. In 1860, he purchased forty acres in Eden Township, and this he 
resided upon till 1872, when he sold out and purchased his present farm of 
sixty-five acres in this township. His farm is watered by good springs, and 
provided with good buildings. Mr. Wilson was married, June 16, 1859, to 
Miss Frances Brown, who was born in this county August 21, 1838. She 
was a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Nitz) Brown, natives of Pennsyl- 
vania. Her parents migrated to Ohio in an early day, settled in Lexington, 
and subsequently in this county, where their children were brought up, their 
names being as follows: John. George, Sarah, Rachel and Margaret. Mr. 
and Mrs. Wilson had five children — Rozella R., William L., George E., 
Eva A., Sarah E. Two only survive — George E. and Sarah E. The mother 
died November 16, 1873, and Mr. W. was married, September 10, 1874, to 
Matilda Paulin, widow of Peter Paulin, and daughter of John and Sallie 
(Forman) Fisher, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. She 
was born in York County, Penn., December 25, 183L Her parents moved 
to Ohio in 1837, settled in Columbiana County, and reared a family of eight 
children — Matilda, George, John, Louis, Emanuel, Eliza, Eli and Sarah, 
all living but Emanuel and Louis. By her first husband, Mrs. Wilson had 
two daughters — Louia and Lucy. Mr. Paulin died July 11, 1860. He had 
been previously married and had two children by his first wife — Uriah and 
Sallie A. 

TILGHMAN ZELLNER is a native of Lehigh County, Penn., and was 
born February 18, 184L He is the only son of Samuel and Sarah (Gruver) 
Zellner, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German and English parentage. 
His parents were married in their native State, and in 1852 moved to 
Crawford County, Ohio, where they purchased land and resided eight years. 
They then moved to this township, and became the owners of 240 acres. 
Their two children were Amanda E. and Tilghman, the foi-mer of whom died 
about 1870. The mother died in March, 1879, the father in June 1883, 
aged sixty-two and sixty-eight years respectively. Mr. Zellner worked with 
his father at the carpenter's ti'ade until sixteen years of age, and then began 
farming, which he has since continued. In 1879, he purchased his father's 
farm of 240 acres, upon which he has made some valuable improvements 
and to which he added eighty acres in 1880. Mr. Zellner was married, 
April 8, 1862, to Barbara A. Betzer, a native of this township and daughter 
of Peter and Barbara (May) Betzer, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio re- 
spectively, and of Gei'man ancestry. Her parents were married in Ross 
County, Ohio, and moved to Wyandot in 1835. Mr. and Mrs. Zellner have 
one son and one daughter — Dora J., born February 15, 1863; and William 
S. , July 26, 1865. In 1880, Mr. Zellner was elected Justice of the Peace, 
and in 1883 was re-elected; he is a member of the Nevada Masonic Lodge 
and McCutcheQ Chapter, and is regarded as one of the foremost farmers of 
his township. Mrs. Zellner is a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. 



TYMOUHTEE TOWNSHIP. 1029 



CHAPTER XIII. 
TYMOCHTEE TOWNSHIP. 

Organization— Cherokee and AVhittaker Boys' Reservation— First Set- 
tlements — Owners of Real and Personal Estate at the Erection 
OF THE Township— McCutchenville— Religious, Etc.— Biographical 
Sketches. 

TYMOCHTEE TOWNSHIP dates its organization from 1825, and was 
formerly, along with Sycamore, a portion of Crawford Township. It 
commenced to fill up at an early day with enterprising settlers, principally 
from the southern part of the State. Tymochtee comprises Township 1 
south, Range 14 east, and received its name from Tymochtee Creek, which 
in the Wyandot language denotes " the creek or river round the plains. " 
It lies in the northeastern portion of Wyandot County, and is bounded on 
the north by Seneca County, on the east by Sycamore Township, on the 
south by Crane Township, and on the west by Crawford Township. It 
comprises thirty sis sections, being a square of six miles, or full Congres- 
sional township. 

INDIAN reservation. 

On page 263 and following pages will be found a full account of the 
Indian reservation in this county, together with the exact wording of the 
treaty. From this it will be seen (page 267) that " to Horonu, or the ' Cher- 
okee Boy,' a Wyandot chief, was granted a section of land, to contain 640 
acres, on the Sandusky River, to be laid oif in a square form, and to include 
his improvements." This chief's section was situated on both sides of the 
Sandusky, about the center of the county, old Tymochtee being on the cen- 
ter of its western limits. Cherokee Boy lived to the good old age of one 
hundred and ten years, and was gathered to his fathers in the happy hunt- 
ing-grounds in 1834. When the Wyandots were allotted their reservation 
in 1817, besides Cherokee Boy, the Whittaker boys, James and John, and 
other half-breeds, were allotted large tracts in their own right in this town- 
ship. Robert Cherokee, a son of Horonu, went west with the Wyandots. 
The Wyandot reservation line on its northern boundary included the most 
of the southern tier of sections of this township, but about half way across 
the township it took a sudden detour to the north, so as to include as far 
north as the Cherokee Boy section, when it turned south again. 

PHYSICAL features. 

Tymochtee is one of the choicest townships in the county, and is admi- 
rably adapted for the labors of the agriculturist and stock-raiser. It is truly 
a land of plenty, fertile in soil, well watered, with good roads and in near 
proximity to railways a few miles in every direction. The Sandusky River 
meanders gently across this township in a generally northern course, when, 
after traversing nearly the whole township, it turns sharply to the east and 
waters all the north end of the township. In addition to this river which, 
like the old Nile in Egypt, is the chief factor in fertilizing the land, there 

49 



1030 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

comes from the west across Sections 18 and 17, the historic Tymochtee 
Creek debouching into the Sandusky about the center of the east side of the 
latter section. Taylor Run drains all the eastern side of the township with 
its long and numerous branches. Sycamore Creek crosses the northeast cor- 
ner of Tychmotee from the township of Sycamore, entering the Sandusky 
near Mexico. Beside this, numei'oas rivulets babble through the township 
in every direction, making it a land of streams. 

Good substantial roads traverse the township in every direction, one of 
the chief of these is on the west side of the Sandusky, crossing the northern 
county boundary at McCutchenville; there it meets with a road from the 
southeast, crossing Belle Vernon. Another leading road enters Section 34 
from the south, and passing north for about a mile and a half, it meets a 
road from the west crossing the Sandusky, when they turn abruptly to the 
northeast, crossing the township toward Mexico. The only railroad in the 
township, is the Ohio Central, which crosses the northeast corner, coming 
out near McCutchenville. 

FIRST SETTLEMENTS. 

The first white settler was Henry Lish, who with his wife and three 
children settled on the southwest quarter of Section 17, about 1816-17, 
erecting the first dwelling, a log cabin, 18x20 feet. Other early settlers 
were Cyprion Stevens, Joseph Chaffee, Robert Gibson, Elisha Brayton, 
William Hodge, Linus Cutting, James Whitehead, Dr. Dunn, Joseph Stig- 
gerwalt and Thomas Leeper. The last named came in 1821 from Ross 
County, Ohio, abou.t the same time that Samuel Harper located in Sycamore. 
Soon after came Peter Baum, William Combs, Levi Bunn, John Taylor and 
George Bogart, who settled in what is now Belle Vernon, John Morris, Al- 
fred McCauley, and his brother Jehosaphat, Peter Hummon, Jonathan. Peter 
and Moses Kear, the latter a gunsmith. Henry Lish established in the 
earliest days of settlement a government ferry across the Tymochtee. Mi- 
chael Brackley, who sat in both branches of the Legislature, was also a very 
early settler. Ira Aikens and Joseph Chaffee opened the first taverns. 
Robert Gibson came with his parents to this township in 1821, being then 
but two years of age. He was a native of Ross County, Ohio; his parents 
settled one and one-half miles west of Tymochtee Village. At that time very 
few whites were in the township, while Indians were numerous. Mr. Gib- 
son grew up with the reputation of a Nimrod, and on one occasion he killed 
four deer, besides wild cats and turkeys. When twenty-three years of age he 
began herding cattle among the Indians. In 1844, he married Margaretta, 
daughter of John Beam, who settled near McCutchenville in 1829, and was 
the first white miller at the Indian Mill near Upper Sandusky. 

John S. Wagner, a very early settler, was a native of Pickaway County, 
and settled near Mexico. Abraham Corfman was born in this township in 
1830, and was son of Joseph and Susanna Corfman, of Pennsylvania. The 
father died November, 1855: his widow resides at Belle Vernon. Chris- 
topher Hufford came here in 1825, and is still living here, aged eighty-one; 
Trvin Walton, born in Ross County in 1828, was brought the same year to 
this township by his parents, Mathew and Catharine Walton, and 
still resides here. Daniel Walker, formerly a tailor, came here in 
1833, and brought with him his son, Edward, who was born in Lan- 
caster, May 24, 1833, and who is still a resident of Tymochtee. William 
Walton was here before 1838; his son Benjamin, born in December 4, 1838, 
in this township, still resides here; Nelson Wood, born in Tymochtee, May 



TYMOCHTEE TOWNSHIP. 1031 

25, 1832, son of Francis Wood, an early settler, is also still a resident here; 
John Sigler, born in Virginia in 1779, and who served Id Gen. Harrison's 
campaign against the ladians, settled here in 1826, dying in 1862; he en- 
tered land on which his son, Jacob, born January 22, 1818, still lives; Da- 
vid Ellis came in 1827, and to show the hardships of those days, it is said, 
had no stove in his house for years; Jonathan Kear, native of New York, 
moved from Delaware County in 1821, took up land here, and still has sev- 
eral sons residing here. 

Jacob Wagner came from Ross County, entering 320 acres in 1827. 
William Parker settled in 1831, Robert Roberts in. 1833, Henry Niebel in 1831, 
Levi Ekleberry prior to 1835, and Adam Milum before 1837. Elias Ellis, 
son of David Ellis, above mentioned, born in 1827, still resides on land en- 
tered by his father in that year. George W. Sherwood, of Seneca County, 
N. Y., came here with his family in 1836, dying in 1866, his wife, Julia, in 
1857. Lemar Walton came here from Ross County in 1826, and was orig- 
inally from New York; Gerhart Schuetz came prior to 1835; Peter Baum, 
before 1836; Jacob Ij. Williams, native of New Jersey, came to this town- 
ship from Warren County, Ohio, in 1835; Adam Wininger, a native of 
Germany, emigrated in 1801, and finally settled in this township in 1826, 
entering and purchasing 1,000 acres of land, and dying at the age of sev- 
enty-five. 

Among the first blacksmiths was John Freet. The first to erect a saw 
and grist mill was Elisha Brayton, which was the property of A. Arnold, 
The first schoolhouse was on the land of John Berry, and the first teacher 
was John A. Morrison. The first white child born in the township was a 
son of Henry Lish, in 1820, named Ralph, The first store was opened by 
James Whittaker, at Tymochtee. Among other early settlers we might 
name Col. Joseph McCutchen, who, in 1829, had the village of McCutchen- 
ville laid out by Dr. G. W. Sampson, in which year he erected the first 
dwelling in that village, Dr. Sampson putting up the second in the follow- 
ing year. Aaron Welsh opened the first store. Still other early names are 
Ralph Duddleson and his sons, James, William and Christian, Daniel White 
and James Wright, who had a romantic history, having been captui'ed 
by the Indians, for whom he worked as a silversmith. Some of his descend- 
ants are living in Richland Township. The settlers coming in about 1830 
were Asa Dunn, Asa, William and Peter Brayton, David Ellis, Gerhart 
Sheets, Joseph, Henry and Charles Parker, Michael and William Noel, and 
Samuel Kenan, who kept hotel in Tymochtee Village from 1830 to 1851. 

From 1830 to 1815, settlers came in rapidly. In 1815, the year the 
township was organized as a part of Wyandot County, the following persons 
were assessed for real and personal estate: 

OWNERS OF REAL ESTATE. 

Arnold, Anthony, Section 18, 160 acres, also owned a grist mill. 

Anderson, John, Sections 10 and 21, 160 acres. 

Arnold, William, Sections 1 and 5, 104 acres. 

Briggs, Joseph, Section 1, 83 acres. 

Baum, Jacob, Section 1, 93 aci-es. 

Baum, Michael. Section 11, 80 acres. 

Baum, Jacob, Section 11, 80 acres. 

Bibler, Jacob, Sections 10 and 11, 210 acres. 

Bibler, Christian, Section 12, 80 acres. 

Berry, Nicholas, Section 14, 40 acres. 



1032 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Bevins, Thomas C, Section 10, 45 acres. 

Berry, John, Section 19, 83 acres. 

Banning, Anthony, Section 30, 80 acres. 

Bland, William, Sections 25 and 26, 190 acres. 

Blackburn, William, Section 35. 96 acres. 

Bope, John, Sections 26 and 35, 208 acres. 

Bentley, Francis, Section 26, 40 acres. 

Bair, Daniel's heirs. Section 12, 80 acres. 

Coughenour, Abraham, Section 7, 40 acres. 

Campbell, Alexander, Section — 56 acres. 

Copes, J. and P., Section 12, 80 acres. 

Crouse, Jacob, Section 20, — 

Corfman, Jacob, Sections 10 and 14, 210 acres. 

Carpenter, Daniel, Section 24, 80 acres. 

Corfman, Barbara, Section 15, 80 acres. 

Conaghan, Dennis H., Section 19, 160 acres. 

Conaghan, Charles C, Section 19, 82 acres. 

Custis, Jacob, Sections 25 and 36, 104 acres. 

Cutting, Elijah, Section 26, 55 acres. 

Corfman, Joseph, Section 22, 80 acres. 

Corfman, Magdalena, Section 22, 80 acres. 

Drum, Jacob, Section 5, 160 acres. 

Dunn, Doctor, Sections 6, 7, 8, 29, 30, 31, 1,051 acres. 

Dunn, Asa, Section 30, 33 acres. 

De Bolt, Silas, Sections 1 and 12, 100 acres, also owned a tannery. 

Dunn, Thomas, Section 7, 40 acres. 

Dukeman, Stephen, Section 5, 80 acres. 

Dresbach, William, Section 13, 120 acres. 

Eish, Nicholas, Sections 6 and 7, 122 acres. 

Ekleberry, Ezekiel, Sections 23 and 24, 190 acres. 

Ellis, David, Sections 26 and 27, 160 acres. 

Frederick, Charles, Sections 4, 8, 9, 148 acres. 

Fisher, William, Section 37, 2 acres, also owned a saw mill. 

Fishel. Jacob, Sections 1, 2, 7, 140 acres. 

Frederick, Joseph, Sections 27, and 28, 209 acres. 

Gibson, Robert, Sections 19 and 30, 240 acres. 

Gibson, Daniel, Section 32, 38 acres. , 

Ganett, Lewis, Sections 28 and 34, 139 acres. 

Hetshugh, , Section 3, 73 acres. 

Hammond, Peter, Section 11, 160 acres. 
Hufiford, Joseph, Section 22, 80 acres. 
Howard, Joseph, Section 7, 80 acres. 
High, Jeranamas, Sections 7 and 8, 127 acres. 
Hufibrd, Michael, Section 22, 91 acres. 
Hershberger, Mary, Section 2, 80 acres. 
Hufford, Christopher, Section 23, 150 acres. 
Hulse, Silas' heirs, Section 31, 56 acres. 
Harper, William, Section 1, 62 acres. 
Hart. Daniel, Section 17, 80 acres. 
Ingraham, Peter, Section 12, 40 acres. 
Jacoby, Elijah. Section 6, 160 acres. 
Johnson, Jacob. Section 4, 80 acres. 
Jackson, Catharine, Section 7, 40 acres. 



TYMOCHTEE TOWNSHIP. 1033 

Koon, Adam, Section 25, 32 acres. 
Kear, Moses, Sections 18 and 19, 149 acres. 
Kear, Henry, Section 18, 56 acres. 
Kear, Jonathan, Sections 18 and 19, 189 acres. 
Kenan, Peter, Section 19, 8 acres. 
Kentlield, Smith, Section 30, 52 acres. 
Lee, Joel, Section 33, 31 acres. 
Leighton, Samuel, Section 33, 22 acres. 

Leeper Thomas, Section 1, 202 acres, also owned a saw and grist mill. 
Lightner, Samuel, Section 10, 32 acres, also owned a saw mill. 
Lupton, John B., Sections 3 and 13, 160 acres. 
Lundy, John, Section 24, 160 acres. 
Lundy, Aaron, Section 25, 160 acres. 
Lowmaster, John, Section 22. 70 acres. 
Ludwig, Daniel, Section 27, 5 acres. 
Lowmaster, Reuben, Section 26, 40 acres. 
Lowmaster, Alexander, Section 26, 40 acres. 

Ludwig, Jeremiah, Sections 9, 17, 21, 28 and 81, 157 acres, also owned a 
saw mill. 

Lush, Elizabeth, Section 17, 80 acres. 

Long, Jacob, Section 20, 58 acres. 

Ley, Sebastian, Section 5, 9 acres. 

Ley, F. J. and F. J., Jr., Section 14, 7 acres. 

McCutchen, Joseph, Sections 5 and 14, 215 acres. 

McConley, Alfred, Section 14, 80 acres. 

Morgan, Jesse, Section 12, 80 acres. 

Mulholland, Hugh, Section 17, 40 acres. 

Mackey, John, Section 5, 120 acres. 

Milum, Adam, Sections 21 and 34, 87 acres. 

Morris, John D., Sections 35 and 36, 58 acres. 

Milan, Tobias, Section 9, 73 acres. 

Morris, Joseph, Section 36, 71 acres. 

McLeas, Jane, Section 30, 80 acres. 

Nixon, Elizabeth, Section 2, 160 acres. 

Nettleton, Henry, Section 4, 58 acres. 

Niebel, Henry, Section 3, 80 acres. 

Noel, Michael, Sections 7, 8 and 17, 150 acres. 

Niebel, Enos, Section 26, 100 acres. 

Noble, Nathan, Section 15, 240 acres. 

Nits, John F., Section 24, 80 acres. 

Neffers, William F., Section 10, 80 acres. 

Ogg, Susannah, Section 18, 80 acres. 

Ogg, William A., Section 7, 40 acres. 

Porter, William's heirs, Section 4, 40 acres. 

Parker, William, Sections 15 and 22, 80 acres. 

Pontius, Andrew, Section 13. 160 acres. 

Prim, Samuel, Section 6, 40 acres. 

Russell, Alpheus, Section 2, 80 acres. 

Roberts, Robert, Sections 15 and 7, 105 acres. 

Reigle, George, Section 9, 50 acres. 

Robinson, James' heirs. Section 11, 80 acres. 

Roberts, J. A., Sections 17 and 27, 52 acres. 

Staggerwalt, Jacob, Section 19, 60 acres. 



1034 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Staggerwalt, Joseph, Sections 4 and 9, 61 acres. 

Saffell, John, Section 3, 80 acres. 

Switzer, Jonas, Section 3, 80 acres. 

Sigler, John, Section 4, 75 acres. 

Saffell, John, Section 3, 103 acres. 

Smith, William, Sections 17 and 20, 160 acres. 

Shaffer, Gotlieb, Section 4, 80 acres. 

Saffell, James, Section 10, 203 acres. 

Snock, John, Section 7, 82 acres. 

Squires, Jabez K., Section 15, 80 acres. 

Stokely, Robert, Sections 13, 14, 23 and 24, 400 acres. 

St. John, Henry, Section 20, 16(3 acres. 

Shellhouse, George, Section 22, 80 acres. 

Stalter, Abraham, Section 14, 40 acres. 

Scott, Peter W., Section 11, 80 acres. 

Schenerman, Conrad, Section 7, 80 acres. 

Stevens, Moses, Sections 18 and 19, 200 acres. 

Stalter, Abraham, Section 14, 40 acres. 

Stoker, John, Section 27, 34 acres. 

Stover, Ashford, Sections 23 and 26, 70 acres. 

Snover, Thomas, Section 36, 84 acres. 

Smith, Martin, Section 5, 80 acres. 

Sweet, Berry L. (heirs). Section 27, 80 acres. 

Schuetz, Gerhart, Section 3, 75 acres. 

State of Ohio, Sections 17, 14, 22, 20, and 27, 375 acres. 

Terry, Joseph T., Section 8, 8 acres. 
[ Taylor, James, Section 26, 80 acres. 

Taylor, John, Section 20, ^ acre. 
^ Turflinger, David, Section 27, 80 acres. 

Truitt, Isaac P., Section 9, 80 acres. 

Utto, Henry, Section 6, 40 acres. 

Ufford, J., Sections 6, 8 and 9, 213 acres. 

Van Doren, George, Section 20, ^ aci-e. 

Van Gnndy, Joseph, Section 25, 80 acres. 

Vocht, Martin, 65 acres. 

Wood, Francis, Section 23, 80 acres. 

Welch, Aaron, Section 6, 160 acres. 

Winninger, Adam, Sections 2, 3, 11 and 12, 498 acres. 

Walton, Lemar, Section 14, 124 acres. 

Walton, William, Section 14, 66 acres. 

Walton, John's heirs, Section 23, 170 acres. 

Walton William, Jr., Section 34, 47 acres. 
[ Walton, Matthevs^, Section 27, 160 acres. 

Wilson, Jacob L., Section 24, 80 acres. 

W^eiser, Fredrick, Section 25, 160 acres. 

Scott, Peter H., Section 11, 80 acres. 

Myers, John, Section 4, 1 acre. 

TOWN OF m'cUTCHENVILLE. 

Owners of lots: Jacob Albert, Magdalena Barton, Michael Brockley, 
James Chamberlin, Hugh Cleland, Hampton Crandall, Alexander Camp- 
bell, Conrad, Charles H. Dewitt, John C. Dewitt, Elizabeth Dewitt, 

Isaac H. Deerborough, George Eyler, J. J. Flack, Samuel C. Freet, Henry 



TYMOCHTEE TOWNSHIP. 1035 

J. Flick, Hiram Flick, Benjamin Harmon, Charles Hallock, Nancy Harris' 
heirs, Sebastian Ley, John H. Long, Jacob Long, Francis J. Ley, Jeremiah 

Ludwig, Lyman Munger, Merriman , Hannah McCutchen, Joseph 

McCiitchen, Henry Plott, Perry & Patrick, Samuel Roth, Anna H. Roberts, 
John Reed, George W. Sampson, Martin Smith, John L. Shaffer, William 
Stokely, State of Ohio, Peter A. Tyler, Thomas and Adam Welch, Adam Win- 
ninger, Nathan W. Wright, Aaron Welch, John H. Yambert and Peter 
Zobinskie. Seven houses were then mentioned as standing in the town, 
which were owned or occupied by Michael Brockley, James M. Chamber- 
lin, Joseph McCutchen, George W. Sampson, Martin Smith, John L. 
Shaffer and Adam Welch. 

TOWN OF BELLE VERNON. 

Names of owners of lots : J. L. Bartoon, William Bland, Ezekiel 
Ekleberry and Joseph McCutchen. 

TOWN OF PERU. > 

Owners of lots : John dinger, Ezekiel Ekleberry, Jesse Morgan, 
State of Ohio and Daniel Turfiinger. 

TOWN OF OLD TYMOCHTEE. 

Owners of lots : Sebastian Ley, J. B. Ludwig, Henry Earl, William 
H. Jones, J. A. Roberts, Henry St. John, State of Ohio, William Smith. 

TOWN OF MEXICO. 

Owners of lots: Allen and Frederick Bloom, Thomas Badger, David Bird, 
Silas De Bolt, S. Fairchild, Jacob Fishel, Solomon Finch, James L. Harper, 
Anthony Hemrich, Rosanna Kragen, John Klem, Joseph Leeper, James 
McNabb, Nicholas McCullough, John Miller, Philip J. Price, James Rob- 
inson, Sapauel P. Shaw, C. W. Shaw, Jonathan Slaymaker, State of Ohio, 
James Taylor, Martin Welch and Elmore Yokum. 

TOWN OF NORTH TYMOCHTEE. 

Owners of lots : Charles L. Boalt, George T. Frees, Daniel McCahan, 
William Smith, State of Ohio, Joseph T. Terry. 

OWNERS OP PERSONAL PROPERTY. 

John Anderson, Ira Ashby, Jacob Albent, William Arnold, Anthony 
Arnold, Anthony Arnold, Jr., George Baston, Jacob Bare, Sarah Bare, 
Michael Baum, David Babcock, Christopher Bibler, Michael Badger, Giles 
Barber, Nicholas Berry, Dr. Alvin Bingham (a practicing physician), Joseph 
Biggs, Frederick Bloom (a merchant), Jacob Baum, Michael Brockley, John 
Berry, Peter O. Brown, John Beam, Thomas Berry, William Blackburn, 
Solomon Blazier, William Bland, John Bope, George Bogart, Jonathan 
Berry, Michael Blue, Francis Bentley, Coleman C. Bivens, John Bentley, 
John Barnhart, Jacob Bibler, Jacob Bibler, Jr., Peter B. Beidler, James 
Chamberlin (a merchant), Samuel Cowper, Jacob Corfman, Henry Clerk, 
Charles Conaghan, Dennis Canaghan, FraQcis Canaghan, Mary Chaffee, 
David Curtis, Jacob Curtis, Perry Chaffee, Elijah Cutting, Harley P. Cut- 
ting, George Compton, Jacob Crouse (a merchant), Frederick Cogle, Conrad 
Corfman, Joseph Corfman, John dinger, Hampton L. Crandall, Abraham 
Cohenhous, Samuel Campbell, James H. Carr, Alexander Campbell (a mer- 
chant), Silas De Bolt (a merchant), Philip Daum, Doctor Dunn, Isaac H. 



1036 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Deerborough, Andrew Dumm, George Dukeman, John C. Dewitt, Jacob 
Drum, Stephen Dukeman, George Eyier, Daniel Empy, Ezekiel Ekleberry, 
George W. Edwards, David Ellis, George Eckman, Jared Eaton, Alanson S. 
Finch, Solomon Finch, Jacob Fishel, John Freet, IHenry Freet (a mer- 
chant), Jackson Fleck, Dr. John Free (a merchant and physician), Samuel D. 
Freet, Heaton Freet, Henry D. Freek, Joseph Fredrick, Lewis Grubb, Zeb- 
ulon Groff, Robert Guire, Dyak Gardner, Robert Gibson, Benjamin Gibson, 
Joseph Gibson, David Gibson, William Harper, Samuel Harriger, Mary 
Hershberger, Conrad Hitchhugh, David Hitchhugh, Hoffman & Perry 
(merchants), Daniel Hoffman, Henry H. Houpt, G. High, Thomas High, 
George Harmon, William Hawk, Christopher Hufford, Michael Hufford, 
Andrew Heinrich, Edward C. Ingman, Alexander Ingman (a merchant), Peter 
Ingman, Nicholas Ish, William H. Jones (a merchant with stock of $2,000), 
Samuel Johnson, William Johnson, Elijah Jacoby, Thompson Johnson, 
Jacob Johnson, Jonathan Kear, Moses Kear, Henry Kear, Abel J. Kinney, 
Frederick Klice, Samuel Kenan, Joel Lee, Catharine Leeper, James 
Leeper, John H. Long, Sebastian Ley, Francis J. Ley, Jeremiah Ludwig, 
Daniel Ludwig, John Longabaugh, Samuel Longabaugh, Widow Leash, 
Hiram Lear, Isaac Lundy, John Lund, Reuben Lowmaster, Alfred Low- 
n:astei', John Lowmaster, Dr. Ziba A. Letson (a physician in practice), Isaac 
Lott, Samuel Lane, C. F. Lautenslager, Joseph Miller, George W. Myers, 
George Miller, Alfred McCauley, Jesse Morgan, Nicholas McCullough, 
Thomas McNutt, Thomas Mazee, Lyman Munger, Richard Menholland, 
Joseph McCutchen, Hugh Menholland, William Martin, Joseph Morris, John 
Morris, Mary Milan, John McKee, Obed Niebel, Obed Niebel, Jr., Marcena Nif- 
tis, Michael Noel, Henry Neise, Jacob Neise, John F. Nitts, John Nitts, 
William Niffis, William A. Ogg, Susanna Ogg, John L. Ogg, Andrew 
Pontius, Roswell Perry, Samuel Prine, Christopher Y. Pierson, John Pier, 
Henry Parker, William Parker, Charles Parker, Jane Robinson, David 
Robinson, Alpheus Russell, Samuel Rhodes, Samuel Rinebolt, Dr. Erastus 
Ranger (a practicing physician), George Reagle, Samuel Rife, Solomon 
Richardson, Eli Regie, Philip Regie, Daniel Smith (a merchant), Abraham 
Smith, Philip Smith, Peter W. Scott, Henry Spotts, Robert Stokely, 
Elizabeth Snover, Ashford Stover, George Shellhouse, George Shellhouse, 
Jr., James Saffield, Jacob Staggerwalt, Jasopt Staggerwalt, Jasopt Stagger- 
wait, Jr., Jacob Stover, John Squires, B. Stokely, Gerhart Sheets, John 
Saffield, Augustus Saffield, Jacob Sighe, Conrad Sherman, John L. Shaffer, 
Levi Smith, Thomas Shaw, Dr. George W. Sampson (a practicing physician), 
Jacob Shelby, John Smook, Samuel Smook, Michael Shaffer, Abraham 
Shafer, George W. Sherwood, John Sigler, Gotleib Shafer, Moses Stevens, 
Spencer St. John, Abraham Stalters, Jacob Stoker, Charles Townsend, 
William Taylor, John Taylor, Jr., John Taylor, Perry Taylor, Widow 
T. Trevit, Daniel Turflinger, Peter A.Tyler (an attorney), Samuel Van Gundy, 
Martin Vocht, Henry Welch, Martin Welch, Casanda Walton, Henry Walton, 
Margaret Walton, John Wagoner, George Winniger, Winniger's estate, 
Lemar Walton, Jacob Wilson, William Walton, Mathew Walton, Francis 
Woods, Jacob Wagoner, John Washburn. 

KELIGIOUS. 

This township from a very early period has been well supplied with 
chui-cbes, and there was no lack of religious privileges, and there are now 
nine churches in the township. Indeed, in McCutchenville there were at 
one time five church organizations where to-day there are but two — the Pros- 



TYMOCHTEE TOAVNSHIP. 1037 

byterian and tbe Methodist Episcopal. We have to thank Mr. James M. 
Chamberlin, now in his seventy -eighth year, and a settler in the township 
since 1833, for the following reminiscences on church matters. Mr. Cham- 
berlin says there are but two individuals resident in McCutchenville who 
were there when he came — Dr. G. W. Sampson and Mrs. Brackly. He says 
the first church here was the Methodist Episcopal, who had erected a log 
church about one-fourth of a mile north, in Seneca County, but that they 
took it down and erected a church in the village, which they occupied until 
1858 or 1859, when they erected their present brick building. Between 

1833 and 1840, three other churches were erected. The German Reformed 
and Lutheran, who had each a small congregation, united in erecting a log 
building which, after using for several years, owing to the falling away in 
the congregations, was sold and torn down. The Methodist Protestant 
formed a small class and undertook to build, but after erecting the frame 
and putting on the roof were unable to complete it. About this time there 
was a Congregational organization formed, and by agreement with the 
Methodist Protestants they finished the building for the privilege of using 
it half the time for twenty-five years, but the Methodist Protestant body not 
increasing much, preaching ceased, the building was sold some twenty years 
ago, and it is now used for secular purposes. The Congregationalists, after 
maintaining their organization, with Rev. John Pettit as minister, until 
about 1850, disbanded, and at the organization of the Presbyterian Church 
in May, 1854, many of their members united with the latter church. About 

1834 or 1835, there being quite a number of Catholic families in McCutch- 
enville and vicinity, they erected a frame structure, which was used for 
several years, but owing to numerous removals it was seldom used. A few 
years ago it was consumed by fire, undoubtedly the work of an incendiary, 
as there had been no fire in the church for a long time previously. It has 
never been rebuilt. The Albright or Evangelical denomination also erected 
a small frame building which they occupied for some time, but as most of 
the members lived a few miles to the northeast they built a brick church 
two and one-half miles east, in Seneca County, the old building being sold 
and taken down. 

Ebenezer Evangelical Church. — In October. 1835, at the home of Jacob 
Corfman, where he still resides, occurred the first gathering of those inter- 
ested in this cause. At this meeting divine worship was conducted by the 
Rev. Henry Downey. A year from this date occurred a camp-meeting near 
IMcCutchenville, out of which grew the present church. Thei'e were at first 
ten members, among whom were Joseph and Jacob Corfman, and Chris- 
topher Hufiford and their respective wives. The pastor on this occasion 
was Rev. Absalom Shaf er. Three years later, sufiicient strength was gathered 
to erect a frame church, 30x35 feet, at a cost of $600, on Section 23, and the 
same edifice is still in use, although it was remodeled in 1878 at a cost of 
$500. The successive pastors have been: Absalom Shafer, one year; John 
Cup, one year; Mr. Kemmerly, one year; Robert Miller and Peter Weist, 
one year; John Miller, Mr. Wonders, J. French, C. M. Reinhold, George 
Haily, John Stull, H. Longbrake, J. Munk, A. Yambert, C. M. Reinhold, 
Andrew Swartz, J. G. Baughman, J. B. Crouse, H. Longbrake, A. Yander- 
sal, C. Halderman, L. C. Morse, Storme Berry, G. Blasier, Mr. Fause, W. 
Wonder, S. Hoy, D. H. Rosenberg, D. Stull, H. Brenneman. 

The present membership is twenty-five, and the present officials are 
John Baughman, John McBeth and Elza Corfman. This church was in- 
corporated under the State laws in April, 1878. 



1038 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

On May 6, 1867. a Sunday school was instituted, which has been kept 
up uninterruptedly ever since. In 1845, a missionary auxiliary society was 
formed, which is still in existence. In 1850, a revival gathered in thirty 
souls, and again in 1860, under the supervision of Rev. C. M. Reinhold, 
over one hundre 1 conversions took place, and since that time several inter- 
esting revivals have occurred. 

Zion United Brethren Church. —In the summer of 1846, the Rev. Will- 
iam Bevington organized this church with three members at a meeting held 
in the cabin of Hiram Anderson. The memorable trio who gave origin to 
what is at present a living, thriving church of seventy members, were 
George and Sarah Curts and Catharine Anderson. In 1849, we hear of 
their being ministered to by Rev. M. Tabler; in 1850, by Rev. William 
Mathers; in 1850, by Rev. M. Lammon; in 1852-53, by Rev. Peter Flack 
and J. Franck. In 1884, the pastor is Rev. C. L. Bevington. The present 
leader is P. C. King; the Trustees are William Walton, H. Clabaugh, A. 
Bare, L. Wood and P. C. King, As to revivals, we may say that this is a 
revival church, almost every year since its organization witnessing mani- 
festations of the power of the Gospel. The church edifice is a frame 
structure, erected in 1854 on Section 23. 

First Presbyterian Church of McCutchenville. — In May, 1854, the Rev. 
Charles Thayer, Rev. L. Pelan and Elder Mathew Rogers interested them- 
selves in the organization of this church, and it commenced with a member- 
ship of thirty-three, among whom were J. M Chamberlin, S. Hill, J. C. 
McGoffin, Jacob Johnson, J. Mangus, P. Lott, W. Kerr, John Kerr, 
Matliew Laii'd, and the wives of all the foregoing, together with Rachel E. 
Miles, Elizabeth Fishel, J. H. Brinkerhoflf and others. The society used the 
Methodist Protestant house of worship until 1860, when they erected a 
brick structure, 34x52 feet, at a cost of $2, 500. Although there never was 
a regularly installed pastor, the following have acted as supplies: Revs. 
S. Pelan, JohnMcLain, S. Cook, William Reed, R. B. Moore and R. C. Col- 
mery, their terms of service varying from six months to six years. The 
present membership is forty-two. This church has never had a special re- 
vival, but had a steady increase of membership until 1863, when it reached 
eighty, but although many new members have been added since then, such 
has been the loss by deaths and removals that it has fallen to its present 
membership. During the most of the time there has been a Sabbath 
school, which is still in a prosperous condition. 

Methodist Episcopal Church of McCutchenville. — The present church 
edifice is a brick structure, 32x52, erected in 1858 at a cost of $2,500 in the 
village of McCutchenville. The pastors since 1858 with the number of 
years they respectively served are as follows: Lewin J. Dales, one year; 
Richard M. Biggs, two years; Joseph Good, one year; Gershom Lease, one 
year; Jacob M. Hemes, two years; George W. Miller, two years; Samuel 
M. Boggs, two years; Richard M. Culver, three years; John W. Hill, two 
years; Isaac N. Calb, three years; Philip A. Drown, two years; John 
Houghtby, two years; Benjamin F. Rowand, one year; Matthias C. Howey 
is the present pastor. The present Trustees are M. C. Johnson, Truman 
Brashares, John Row, William Huffman and Allen Pontius. Notwithstand- 
ing our most strenuous efforts, we have been unable to obtain any clear ac- 
count of the early organization of this church, which has a present mem- 
bership of fifty, but we are enabled to present a list of the first members. 
These were Caleb and Thomas Brundage, Mr. Nestle, John Tingle, John 
Nafus, Daniel Whetzel, Mr. Ellis, Mr. Pratt, Mr. Drake, Samuel Sailor, 



TYMOCHTEE TOWNSHIP. 1039 

Hugh Mulholland, Mr. Van Ness, Jacob Sigler and their respective wives; 
also Mrs. Dedwit, Mrs. Sampson and Mrs. Porter. The first meetings vpere 
held in a hewed-log house over the county line in Seneca Township. A 
flourishing Sunday school is in existence in connection with the church. 
The principal seasons of revival have occurred as follows: In 1870, under 
the pastorate of Rev. Samuel M. Boggs, about seventy were converted; in 
1881, under Rev. John Houghtby, sixty souls were added to the church; 
and last winter the Rev. C. Howey held a revival at which twenty were con- 
verted. There have been of course other revivals, but the above are the 
most noteworthy in their results. 

Evangelical Chapel, Mexico. — In the winter of 1875, several persons 
interested in this cause met at the residence of St. John Miller to discuss 
the advisability of organizing a church of the Evangelical denomination. 
These were Mr. and Mrs. Miller, J. Delaplane and wife, D. Miller, Mrs.Shuler, 
Mrs. Cline and Green Cooper. The first public meeting was held in the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church, and addresses were delivered by A. A. Vandersal 
and G. W. Ellenburger, the former of whom was the organizing pastor. 
The church edifice, a frame structure, 36x48 feet, was erected in 1876, at a 
cost of $2,300, and the pastors have been J. S. Hawk in 1876, C. M. Halde- 
man three years, D. H. Rosenburg for three years, and the present pastor. 
The membership is now twenty-eight, and the present oflicials are A. A. 
Niebel, J. Delaplane and B. H. Niebel, Trustees; A. A. Niebel, Leader; J. 
Funk, Assistant Leader and Sexton. 

Methodist Episcopal Church of Mexico. — The present church edifice is 
quite a commodious wood structure, erected in 1869 at a cost of $5,000, 
and is 36x54 feet. The pastors have been as follows: Rev. Mr. Gard, served 
three years; Rev. Mr. Hannawalt, one year; Rev. Mr. Cutler, two years; 
Rev. Mr. Batman, two years; Rev. Mr. Lawrence, three years; Rev. Mr. 
Owens, two years; Rev. Mr. Disette, one year, and Rev. Mr. Palmer is the 
present pastor. There are at present twenty-four members, and the officials 
are Samuel Spencer, Jordan Gault, William Gibbs, Theodore Blair and Dow 
Tuttle, Trustees; J. C. Gault, Class-leader; and Dow Tuttle, Steward. 
Sunday school has been uninterruptedly maintained for ten years past. 

CEMETERY. 

Pleasant Ridge Cemetery Association. — The pleasantly situated grounds 
of this association cover an area of six and one-half acres near the Zion and 
Ebenezer Churches; are well fenced, and adorned with evergreen and maple 
trees, with a large number of fine granite and marble monuments dotting 
its surface. Indeed, Pleasant Ridge Cemetery is second to none in the 
county for location, plan of arrangement and tine memorials of the departed. 
On November 17, 1880, a meeting of those interested in the formation of a 
cemetery, met in Ebenezer Church and proceede<l to business by appointing 
Elias Eilis, Chairman, and William Corf man, Secretary. The committee 
appointed to select ground purchased six and a half acres from C. Hufford 
and Lester Wood; $1,100 was at once raised by subscription, $50 entitling 
each person to a lot. On the 8th of December following, the organization 
was completed, the members being Elias Ellis, William Corfman, Lewis 
Stokley. W. Walton, Henry Parker, L. R. Walton, P. C. King, Conrad Huf- 
ford. Lester Wood' and others. Elias Ellis was first President, W. Corf- 
man. Secretary; W. Walton, Treasurer; L. Stokley, Henry Parker and L. 
R. ^^'alton, Trustees; Committee on Constitution and By-laws, W. Corfman 
and T. W. Parker. The association was incorporated on January 4, 1881. 



1040 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Regular meetings are held quarterly; the annual meeting is on the first 
Monday in December. It is somewhat singular that the first person buried 
in the cemetery should be one who took a deep interest in its inception, 
and to whom much credit is due for energy manifested in securing the es- 
tablishment of the association; we allude to the late Lewis Stokley. who 
died April 29, 1881. 

BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

PETER L. BABCOCK was born in this township May 17, 1850, and is 
a son of David G. and Saloma (Hummons) Babcock, natives of York State 
and Pennsylvania respectively, and of German descent. His parents mar- 
ried in 1840, and purchased ninety-two acres in this township, where their 
children were reared, four in number — Rebecca E., Minerva M., Peter L. 
and Florella G. His father died in 1854; his mother now resides with him 
on the old homestead. Our subject remained with his mother on the farm. 
He was married, April 30, 1874, to Miss Sarah E. Safifell, who was born in 
this township November 25, 1852, a daughter of James and Jemima (Hart- 
sough) Saffell. and to this iinion three children were born — Nellie S., Frank 
L. and Carl, the first of whom died February 25, 1880. Mr. Babcock has 
purchased the interests of the respective heirs, and now owns the entire 
homestead of ninety-two acres, his wife holding fourteen acres adjoining in 
her own name. The land is all well improved, and worth about |100 to $110 
per acre. Mr. Babcock is a member of Rubicon Lodge, No. 645, I. O. O. 
F., and a Republican politically. 

GEORGE BADGER is a native of Fayette County, Penn., son of 
Thomas and Ruth (Franks) Badger, and was born October 1, 1816. His 
parents were of Irish-German descent; were natives of Pennsylvania; mar- 
ried in Fayette Cuunty, and in 1821 moved to Wayne County, Ohio. Here 
they purchased land and resided till 1847, when they came to this township. 
Of their ten children eight survive — George, William, Simon, Michael, Jes- 
sie, Cindrilla, Mary A. and Cornelius. His father died September 15, 1849, 
his mother January 16, 1882. George Badger remained with his parents 
till the age of twenty-seven years five months and seven days, employed on the 
farm. March 7, 1844, he married Harriet Pile, of Wayne County, Ohio, 
native of Somerset County, Penn., born October 22, 1821, and daughter of 
Jacob and Margaret (Casel) Pile. Her parents were Germans, born in 
Pennsylvania, and moved to Wayne County, Ohio. Eight years later they 
moved to Van Wert County, where her mother died in 1852, and her father 
in 1873. Their four children were Levi, Noah, Harriet and Regena, all 
deceased but the latter. Mr. Badger resided on the old home farm in 
Wayne County till 1854, when he came to Wyandot and purchased 260 acres 
of timber land in this township. This he cleared and improved, adding 
forty acres more in 1868. He now has 290 acres, valued at $100 per acre. 
Mr. and Mrs. Badger are parents of eight children, namely, Hezekiah, 
Thomas J., Clarissa, Regena E., Mary M., Harriet O., Catharine and Cin- 
drilla, all living but Harriet O. Mrs. Badger passed from earth October 7, 
1880. In politics, Mr. Badger is a Republican. 

JESSE BADGER was born in Wayne County, Ohio, September 15,1825. 
He is a son of Thomas and Ruth (Franks) Badger, and at the age of twenty- 
foiir began farming rented land. He was married, March 3, 1850, to Eliz- 
abeth Fishel, daughter of Jacob and Susan (Sears) Fishel, who settled in 
this township in an early day. She was born in this township in 1831, and 
by her union with Mr. Badger had six children — Mary J., Susan D., Ruth 



TYMOCHTEE TOWNSHIP. 1041 

J., Fremont C, Rachel K. and Clara A. The mother died June 1, 1861, 
and Mr. B. was married, October 19, 1865, to Mary E. Safifell, daughter of 
James M. and Esther (Switzer) Safifell. She was born in this township, 
her parents being natives of Maryland, and moving to this State about 1835. 
They purchased land in this township, and had six children — Jonathan S. , 
Mary E., Hannah S., Martha A., Eliza J. and James, all living but Han- 
nah and the latter. The mother died, and the father married Mrs. 
Jemima Haines, daughter of Isaac and Hester Hartsough, and by this wife 
had two children — James F. and Sarah E. This wife also passed away, 
and Mr. Safifell married Ann E. Webb, of Baltimore, Md. One son, Charles, 
now deceased, was born to them. Mr. S. died, and his widow still 
lives in this township. The childi'en of Mr. and Mrs. Badger are Lida J., 
James F. and Jesse M. Mr. Badger purchased, in 1859, 160 acres in Syc- 
amore Township, selling the same the following year. In 1860, he pur- 
chased 200 acres of his present farm in Tymochtee Township, which he 
has increased to 468 acres, valued at ."^80 to $110 per acre. He did consid- 
erable work in the construction of the Ohio Central Railroad. He and wife 
are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in politics he is a Re- 
publican. 

PETER BAUM, born in this township July 26, 1836, is a son of Mich- 
ael and Rheumhannah (Baum) Baum, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Ger- 
man and Irish descent. His parents married in Pennsylvania, and moved 
to Ohio in 1828, locating in Pickaway County. From that point they moved 
to this county by wagon several years later, and located in this township. 
The family camped out till a cabin could be erected, the same being with- 
out doors, windows or floors for two years. Eight of their nine children yet 
survive. The father died in 1850; the mother is still living, in her eighty- 
seventh year. Peter Baum, our subject, resided with his parents till the 
spring of 1858, his marriage to Miss Mary S. Bope occui'ring on May 8 of 
that year. Mrs. Baum was born in this county August 23, 1835, and is a 
daughter of John and Lydia (Bretz) Bope, natives of Virginia and Penn- 
sylvania. Her parents married in Fairfield County, moved to this county 
rearing a family of thirteen children, nine of whom are yet living. The 
father died December 22, 1882; the mother is still living. Mr. and Mrs. 
Baum are parents of five children — Lydia A. , John, Ambrose W. E. , Har- 
rison and Mary, all living except Harrison . Mr. Baum was reared a farmer, and 
from the age of twelve years has done for himself. About 1858 or 1860, 
he purchased eighty acres of the old home farm, to which he has since 
added thirty-five acres, and which he has very greatly improved with build- 
ings, drainage, cultivation, etc. Mr. Baum- is a member of Rubicon Lodge, 
No. 645, 1. O. O. F., and affiliates with the Detaocratic party. He served 
one term as Commissioner, and has been Township Trustee several years. 

ABRAHAM BLUE was born January 23, 1818, in Richland County, 
Ohio, and was the eldest son of William and Susan (Emerine) Blue, natives 
of Virginia and Pennsylvania, of Dutch descent. They were married, in 
Richland County, Ohio, and about seventeen years later I'emoved to Seneca 
County, Ohio, where they reared a family of eight children, of whom five 
still survive, viz., Abraham, William W., Elizabeth, Samuel D. and Ange- 
lina W. The parents moved in about 1870 to Forest, Ohio, where the 
father died December 26, 1872, and where his widow still resides in her 
eighty-fourth year. Our subject was married, September 15, 1842, to 
Mary Ann Snook, of Crawford Township, this county, and born near Fred- 
erickstown, Md., February 3, 1824. She was the daughter of Jacob and 



10-12 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Charlotte (Walker) Snook, natives of Maryland, and of German and English 
descent. They came to Ohio in about 1828, and settled in Muskingum County, 
removing in 1836 to Wyandot County, settling in Crawford Township. 
They reared a family of seven children, of whom three still survive, viz., 
William E., Jacob and Mary A. The father died November 5, 3870, and 
the mother died August 27, 1872, aged respectively seventy three and 
eighty-two years. To Abraham and Mary Blue two children were born — 
Chester C. and Ruhemma A., the only former surviving. Our subject pur- 
chased land in Hancock County, Ohio, in 1841, which he disposed of after 
living upon it for about five years. He then purchased land and other 
property in Adrian, Seneca County, where he resided about seven years 
In 1851, he sold out and purchased the farm on which he now resides, con- 
taining 122 acres, to which he has added considerable land. His farm is 
now valued at about $75 to $90 per acre. He follows general agriculture 
at present; followed railroad work as sub-contractor for several years, also 
did contract work on the Miami & Erie Canal. He is a Republican in 
politics. 

CHESTER C. BLUE is a native of Big Spring Township, Seneca 
Co., Ohio, son of Abraham and Mary A. (Snook) Blue, and was born Au- 
gust 25, 1848. He was married, November 19, 1867, to Rose Ann L. Hart- 
man, who was born in Norton Township, Medina Co., Ohio, November 11, 
1849, davighter of Peter and Tracy (Mills) Hartman, natives of Pennsylva- 
nia, and who moved to Ohio and settled in Medina County in an early day. 
Their children were Joshua, Moses, Jacob, Levi, Muasa, Manna, Mary and 
Rose Ann L. The father died November 11, 1860. The mother subse- 
quently married Mr. Darumur High, who died ton years later, after which 
she returned to Medina County, where she passed away September 11, 1874. 
Mr. and Mrs. Blue are parents of four children — Albert, born June 16, 
1868; Almon, February 7, 1870; Mary G., April 20, 1875; Margie Ardel- 
la, January 14, 1877. Albert died November 14, 1869. In 1880, Mr. Blue 
became the owner of forty acres, on which he now lives in the pursuit of 
general agriculture. In the same year he erected a fine frame residence. 
He is a Republican, a member of Wyandot Lodge, F. & A. M. , at Mc- 
Cutchenville, and, with Mrs. Blue, a member of the Evangelical Association. 

CONRAD BOPE was born in this township Avigust 15, 1839, son of 
John and Lydia (Bretz) Bope, natives of Rockingham County, Va.. and 
Fairfield County, Ohio, respectively. His parents married in Fairfield 
County, his father having moved there at four years of age. They came to 
this county in 1830; settled first in Sycamore Township, and one year later 
moved to Tymochtee, where they purchased land and reared their children, 
nine of whom are still living, namely, Abraham, Daniel, Susan, Mary S. , 
Conrad, Eliza J., Andrew, Amanda and George W. The father died De- 
cember 21, 1882; the mother is still living on the homestead. In April, 
1861, Mr. Bope enlisted in Company G, Fifteenth Ohio Volunteer Infan- 
try, and served till August, same year. September 1. 1861, he re-enlisted 
in Company G, Forty-ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and partici- 
pated in many of the chief battles of the war, Shiloh. Stone River, Mission 
Ridge and Chickamauga being among the number. In January, 1864, he 
veteranized and took part in the campaign of Atlanta. He was wounded 
June 27, 1864, at Picket's Mills, Ga., a gunshot removing the middle fin- 
ger of right hand, and as a result was absent from his regiment two months. 
He joined his command at Atlanta, returned to Nashville, participated in 
the engagement there, and was wounded in the left shoulder which com- 



TYMOCHTEE TOWNSHIP. 1043 

pletely disabled him. He remained six weeks at the Nashville hospital, 
when his father took him home and he slowly recovered. In May, 1865, 
he went to Columbus, and the following month received his discharge, hav- 
ing served as Sergeant all through the service of the Army of the Cumber- 
land. Returning home Mr. Bope was married, September 27, 1866, to 
Miss Dorothy Coon, who was born in Sycamore Township September 7, 
1842. Her parents were Adam and Elizabeth (Heckathorn) Coon, natives 
of Virginia and of German extraction. They were married, in this county, 
eight of their eleven children surviving, namely, Jacob, Barbara, Catharine, 
Henry, Elizabeth, Mary A., Dorothy and Ethan. The father died March 
28, 1877; the mol her September 4, 1882. In 1871, Mr. Bope purchased 
ninety-seven acres on which he still lives, and on which he erected in 1877 
a tine brick residence at a cost of $3,000. He follows general agriculture, 
and gives some attention to the raising of thoroughbred horses. He is a 
strong Republican. Mrs. Bope is a member of the Evangelical Church. 

HENRY BRASHARES, son of Truman and Elizabeth (Kerns) Bra- 
shares, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, June 9, 1833. He was married, 
January 31, 1861, to Miss Phoebe Kear, born in this township July 8, 1839, 
daughter of Henry and Susan A. (Ogg) Kear, natives of New York and 
Maryland respectively; her parents married in this county, their children be- 
ing Dorothea, Phoebe, Henrietta and Moses, the latter deceased. Her father 
died in 1846. Her mother is now in her seventieth year. Mr. and Mrs. 
Brashares have had three children — Josie, born June 28, 1866; Harry, Au- 
gust 9, 1868, died May 22, 1884, aged' fifteen years nine months and thir- 
teen days; Livonia, August 5, 1864, also deceased. Mr. Brashares 
farmed rented land for some time, but in 1869 purchased seventy acres in 
this township, where he lived till 1881, when he bought thirty-eight acres 
adjoining, on which he now resides. He has a valuable farm, and keeps it 
well stocked with the best grades. • 

TRUMAN BRASHARES was born in Seneca County, Ohio, September 
24, 1839. He is a son of Truman and Elizabeth (Kerns) Brashares, na- 
tives of Maryland and Pennsylvania respectively. His parents married in 
Fairfield County, Ohio, and moved t(f Seneca in 1835. They entered 160 
acres, and reared the following-named children: Jacob, Sarah J., Henry, 
Elizabeth, Barbara, Truman, Periy, Delilah, George L. and Freeman IJ. 
Those now deceased are Sarah J., Barbara and Jacob. The father died 
December 15 1849, the mother May 27, 1871. Mr. Brashares' grandfather 
was born January 10, 1769, his grandmother January 5, 1779. They had 
ten children — Barbara, Ti'uman, Owen, Freeman, Solomon, Esther, Catha- 
rine, Elizabeth, Hiram and Perry — all deceased but Esther. Mr. Brashares 
remained upon the farm with parents till twenty-six years of age. He was 
married, July 14, 1867, to Elizabeth Mulholland, who was born in this town- 
ship September 14, 1842, daughter of Hugh and Maiy (Young) Mulholland, 
who located in Seneca County, Ohio, in 1828. Her parents purchased land 
in this county about 1840. They had twelve children, nine of whom still 
survive — George W., Nancy J., William, John, Hugh, Attie A., Elizabeth, 
Olive and Miles. The mother died September 21, 1864, the father July 6, 
1879. Mr. Brasheres farmed rented land for several years. In 1874, he 
purchased fifty- one acres in Crawford Township, but afterward sold the 
same and purchased eighty acres on which he now lives. He is improving 
his farm, preparing to build a new frame residence, and devoting his time 
chiefly to general farming. Mr. and Mrs. Brasheres have three children — 
Essie, born October 22, 1868; Earl, December 12, 1873; Ray, April 15, 



1044 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

1882. The parents are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
at McCutchenville. 

JAMES M. CHAMBERLIN was born August 25, 1836. He is a na- 
tive of Bloomsburg, Columbia Co., Penn., and son of John and Jane (Mills) 
Chamberlin, the former a native of Ireland, the latter of Pennsylvania. 
Their three childi-en were Sarah, John M. and James M., the latter the only- 
one surviving. The mother died January 17, 1807. The father married, 
in 1809, Martha Sloan, a native of Ireland, and three children — William 
B., Martha and Thomas — were born to them. Mr. Chamberlin died Au- 
gust 21, 1835, and his latter wife January 28, 1865. James M. Chamber- 
lin grew to manhood in his native town. In 1831, accompanied by Alex- 
ander Campbell, he visited this country, looking at the prospects for a busi- 
ness enterprise. In the following year, Mr. Campbell moved with his family 
to Findlay, Ohio, and in 1833, in partnership with Mr. Chamberlin, opened 
a general merchandise establishment at McCutchenville. Three years later 
the firm dissolved, and Mr. Chamberlin conducted the business alone till 
1850. In 1848, he purchased eighty acres in Seneca County, and on this 
farm he took up his residence in the spring of 1852. He was married, 
May 27, 1833, to Roxanna Courtright, who was born in Pennsylvania, 
October 12, 1805, and who was a daughter of John and Mary (Abbot) Court- 
right, natives of Connecticut, and of Low-Dutch parentage. Of seven 
children of this family two survive — Cornelius and John D., now residents 
of Illinois. The parents are both deceased. By his first wife Mr. Chamber- 
lin had one child, John W., born May 21, 1837. This wife died January 
19, 1850, and our subject was married, April 4, 1851, to Catharine Janes, 
a resident of Seneca County. She was born in Hunterdon County, N. 
J., February 7, 1812, the daughter of Joab and Elizabeth (Fisher) Janes, 
natives of New Jersey also. Her parents married in their native State, and 
moved to New Hope, Bucks Co., Peun., where her father worked at the 
cooper's trade. Their children wei-e Catharine A., Hettie, Joseph B. , Will- 
iam M. , Elizabeth, Ann M. and John. The deceased are Hettie, Elizabeth 
and Joseph. The parents are both deceased. By this union there were 
born to Mr. and Mrs. Chamberlin four sons — Charles W. and Oliver P., 
twins, James M. and William H. Mrs. Chamberlin was formerly the wife 
of William Hall, by whom she had seven children, four now living — Mary 
E., Ann, Dennis S. and Samuel G. Mrs. Chamberlin departed this life 
March 14, 1884. Mr. Hall was a native of Somerset County, N. J., and was 
born December 30, 1792. He died April 1, 1846. Mr. Chamberlin now 
resides in Tiffin, Seneca County. He is a member of the Presbyterian 
Church at McCutchenville. His first wife was a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. He was formerly a Whig, but has been a Republican 
since the organization of that party. 

HENRY J. CLABAUGH was born near Newark, Ohio, May 15, 1832, 
and is a son of Joseph and Mary (Crouse) Clabaugh. His parents moved to 
this county and township in 1833, and purchased land. Their children 
were Susan, Rebecca, Hannah, Henry J., Daniel and Delilah — all deceased 
but Henry and Susanna. The father died August 20, 1837, the mother in 
February, 1870. Our subject remained on the farm at home from his 
youth up. He purchased the shares of the other heirs from 1850 to 1865, 
eighty-three acres in all, and to this he has added till he now owns 330 
acres, valued at $65 to $100 per acre. He was married, June 9, 1853, to 
Miss Susan Barnhiser, who was born near Hagerstown, Md., March 2, 1837, 
She was a daughter of John and Susan (Brown) Barnhiser, natives of 



TYMOCHTEE TOWNSHIP. 1045 

Pennsylvania and Maryland respectively. They came to Ohio in 1837, 
and located in Seneca County. Their children were Mary A., Sarah, Susan, 
George W., William H., John J., Thomas J. and Benjamin F. Two of 
these are deceased — John and George W. Her parents moved to Carey 
about 1864, and there lived in retirement many years. Mr. Barnhiser died 
August 20, 1877; his widow still survives in her seventy-fifth year. To 
Mr. and Mrs. Clabaugh were born the following children: Eranklin C, 
William H. , John A., James A., Amos E., Sarah E. , Amanda A., Peter S., 
Lona, Charles E., Effie M. and George T. All these are living but Charles 
E. , who died May 25, 1883. Mr. Clabaugh is a member of the United 
Brethren Church, and votes with the Democrats, and for the Second Amend- 
ment. Mrs. C. is also a member of the United Brethren Church. 

DAVID A. CURLIS is a native of Sussex County, N. J., and was born 
September 13, 1816. He is the eldest son of Jacob and Charity (Albertson) 
Curlis, who were natives of the same State, of English and Holland de- 
scent. They were married in their native State by Rev. James Woolsey, 
August 4, 1808, and there remained till 1839, when they moved to Ohio and 
purchased a farm in this township, the same farm being now owned by our 
subject. While in New Jersey, Jacob Curlis followed blacksmithing, but 
also owned a farm, and engaged in his trade several years in this county, 
resuming his farm work in 1847. In 1841, he erected the dwelling in which 
his son now lives. Three of the seven children survive, viz.: David H., 
John F. and Sarah. The mother died February 1, 1859, the father Feb- 
ruary 3, 1872, their respective ages being sixty-nine and eighty-five years. 
David H. Curlis, the subject of this notice, was married, February 22, 
1844, to Charity Snover, who was born in Warren County, N. J., February 
22, 1827. She is a daughter of Thomas H. and Elizabeth (Hawk) Snover, 
who were also born in New Jersey, and were married in that State in April, 
1825. Her father was a blacksmith. He moved to Ohio in 1839, settling 
in this township, where he pui-chased land and afterward engaged in farm- 
ing. The four surviving children are William H., Marshal B., Lemuel and 
Charity. The father died in September, 1844; his widow in August, 1873. 
Mr. and Mrs. Curlis are parents of seven children — Cecilia A., Rachel M. , 
Sarah C, Laura J., Jacob C, James L. and John D. Mr. Curlis was en- 
gaged on the farm for some time, but was many years in the blacksmith 
trade, which he still works at occasionally. In 1851, he purchased eighty 
acres, and though meeting with some reverses in the failure of crops, he has, 
by the aid of a friend or two, succeeded in accumulating 288 acres of val- 
uable land. He served as Trustee four years; as Justice of the Peace three 
years; as Treasurer two years. Both he and Mrs. Curlis are members of the 
Evangelical Association. They were connected with the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church from 1841 to 1859, in which society Mr. Curlis was Class- leader 
and Exhorter. 

JACOB CORFMAN is a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, born in 
Pleasant Township January 7, 1806. His parents, Jacob and Magdalene 
(Bibler) Corfman, were natives of York County, Penn., and Rockingham 
County, Va., respectively, were of German extraction; married in Fairfield 
County, Ohio, and had eight children, namely, Joseph, Jacob, Lydia, 
Coonrod, Magdalene, John, Barbara and Catharine. Those now living are 
John, Magdalene, Barbara and Jacob. The father died about 1821, the 
mother about 1845. Jacob Corfman, our subject, was reared on a farm, and 
remained at his father's house till March 1, 1827, at which time he was 
united in marriage to Mary Beery, of Fairfield County, Ohio, where she was 

50 



1046 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

born August 13, 1803. She was the eldest daughter of Jacob and Nancy 
(Cile) Beery, natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania, and of German lin- 
eage. Her parents married in Rockingham County, Va., and moved from 
there to Fairfield County, Ohio, about 1799. They had ten children — 
Henry, Nicholas, Abraham, Jonathan, William, JacolD, Mary, Nancy, Cath- 
arine and Elizabeth. The father died in 1838, the mother 1846. Mr. 
Corfman with wife and first son, Noah, moved to this township and entered 
eighty acres in 1828, his patent deed being signed by President Andrew Jack- 
son, for whom he cast his first vote. On this farm Mr. and Mrs. Corfman 
still reside, and keep the cheer of their own household just as of old, both 
being very active for people of their years. A few months prior to locating 
here, Mr. Corfman had visited this township and had built a log cabin. He 
cleared his farm, made shoes and boots, worked at carpentering, was viewer 
of roads, and in fact did anything by which to earn an honest living. He 
has owned several hundred acres of land, which he has divided among his 
children; paid several thousand dollars to free his sons from the draft dur- 
ing the war, but still retains the old homestead. Here have been born to 
them nine children — Noah, born April 6, 1828; Henry, July 18, 1829; 
Sarah A., July 30, 1832; William, June 19, 1834; John, January 23, 1839; 
Daniel, March 23, 1841; Magdalene, December 25, 1843; Samuel, July 30, 
1846. Two of these, Sarah Ann and Henry, have departed. Mr. Corfman 
has served as Township Treasurer, and with Mrs. Corfman has been a mem- 
ber of the Evangelical Church since 1836. They were both converted at 
the same Indian camp meeting, in which Mr. Corfman was formerly wont to 
work all night. They now have forty grandchildren and one great-grand- 
child. 

LEVI EKLEBERRY was born in this township June 30, 1835. He 
is a son of Ezekiel and Mary (Tobridge) Ekleberry, with whom he re- 
mained upon the farm until he was twenty-two years of age. He was mar- 
ried, April 23, 1857, to Miss Barbara Hufford, who was born in this town- 
ship October 25, 1837, a daughter of Christopher and Catharine (Corfman) 
Hufford, who came to this county in an early day; settled in Tymochtee 
Township, and reared their children — two sons and six daughters. The 
parents were natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Ohio. Mr. and 
Mrs. Ekleberry are parents of ten children — Sarah E., Margaret A., Will- 
iam, Levi, Joel, Alvin, Sebeda L., Avery, Orvil and Nettie G. — all living 
except Avery. Mr. Ekleberry rented land and farmed a few years, and at 
the death of his father, purchased with his brother Isaac, the home farm of 
160 acres — eighty acres each. This farm Mr. Ekleberry retains and has im- 
proved the same by buildings and cultivation till he now values it at $75 
to $85 per acre. He has also added to his original purchase, now owning 
151| acres. In connection with his agricultural work, Mr. Ekleberry gives 
some attention to his profession as veterinary surgeon, in which he is quite 
successful. He is a Republican, a member of the F. & A. M., and of the 
Evangelical Church, of which society Mrs. Ekleberry is also a mem,ber. 

JORDAN GAULT was born in Cambridge, Lancaster Co., Penn., March 
22, 1823. He is the third son of William and Margaret (Goodman) Gault, 
who were natives of Pennsylvania, and of Welsh and Irish descent i-espect- 
ively. His parents married in Chester County, Penn., there being nine sons 
and two daughters born to them, six of whom yet survive, namely: Will- 
iam, Jordan, Levi, John, Malon and Alexander. His mother died in June, 
1846, his father in June, 1856. Mr. Gault was thrown upon his own re- 
sponsibilities at the age of ten. He worked on a farm, and in a tannery 



TrMOCHTEE TOWNSHIP. 1047 

till eighteen years old; then began as an apprentice at the wagon and buggy 
trade, working three years for his board and clothes. He then worked three 
years as journeyman, and though having to go in debt for a suit of clothes 
when he began, at the end of that time he had saved $225. He was mar- 
ried, November 11, 1847, to Miss Louisa Betz, who was born in Lancaster 
County, Penn. , November 20, 1828. She was a daughter of John and Bar- 
bara (Miller) Botz, who were natives of Germany and Pennsylvania re- 
spectively, her father having fought under Bonaparte. Her parents married 
in Lancaster County, Penn., and reared four children, three of whom still 
survive, namely, Catharine, Elizabeth and Louisa. Her father died in 
1838, her mother in 1861. After his marriage, Mr. Gault began manufact- 
uring wagons and buggies in his native county, where he continued the 
business six years. In 1854, he migrated to Ohio and located in Ashland 
County, where he plied his trade twelve years, moving to Bloomville, Sen- 
eca County, in 1866. Here he was engaged two years in farming, then sell- 
ing out and moving to Sycamore Township, this county, wbere he pur- 
chased eighty acres, upon which he resided about ten years, and which is 
now valued at $100 per acre. In 1878, Mr. Gault removed to Mexico, this 
township, where he built a residence and store room, where he still resides 
and conducts a profitable business in general merchandise under the firm 
name of J. Gault & Son. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Gault eight chil- 
dren have been born, their names as follows: Levi F., Barbara R., J. 
Sylvester, William H., Emma V., Phoebe A., James E. and an infant son. 
The deceased are William H. , Emma and the infant. In politics, Mr. 
Gault is a Kepublican and Prohibitionist, and has been a consistent member 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church for about thirty years. Mrs. Gault is 
also a member of the same society. 

W. SCOTT GIER was born October 4, 1854, in Tymochtee Township, 
Wyandot Co., Ohio, and was the eldest son of Robert and Antoinette (Smith) 
Gier, natives of Ohio, of German descent. They were married in this 
county. Their children were W. Scott, infant daughter, Etta, Frank, Olive, 
Sherman and Nettie — all living but the infant daughter. The father is de- 
ceased. Our subject followed farming until after twenty-one years of age. 
In 1878, he embarked in the grocery business in Upper Sandusky, but con- 
tinued in it only a few months. He was married, September 30, 1878, to 
Miss Lydia A. Thomas, a resident of this township, born near Medina, Me- 
dina County, February 6, 1855. She was the daughter of John and Re- 
becca (Waltz) Thomas, natives of Virginia and Connecticut, and of English 
and German descent. They were married in Medina County, where they 
rebided until 1879, then removed to Wood County, where they now re- 
side. Their family was as follows: Linan, John, Eliza, Mary, Lydia, A. 
Franklin, Nelson, Jesse and Marvin Only four now live — Nelson, Jesse, 
Mary and Lydia. W. Scott and Lj^dia Gier's family consists of two daugh- 
ters — Grace, born July 8, 1881, and Blanche, born March 4, 1883. Our 
subject became owner, from his father's estate, in 1876, of 123 acres of land 
in this township, which he has improved in various ways. In 1882, he 
built a very fine barn at a cost of about $1,000, and in 1883 he erected a 
fine frame residence at a cost of about $1,500, also other good outbuildings. 
He follows general agriculture for a livelihood. Politically, he is a Re- 
publican. 

JACOB GILLILAND is a native of Jeiferson County, Ohio, born Au- 
gust 11, 1827. He is a son of James and Susan (Steward) Gilliland, natives 
of Ohio and Maryland respectively, and of Scotch and Dutch lineage. His 



1048 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

parents married in Jefferson County, Ohio, in 1823, moved to Tuscarawas 
County in 1833, and to this county in 1845, purchasing 200 acres of land 
in Eden Township. There were ten children in the family — Lucinda, 
Jacob, Edward, David, Susan, William, James L. , John M., Margaret A. 
and George W. The latter died in infancy; David was killed in the battle 
of Bull Run in 1862; Susan died in 1875. The father died November 13, 
1877, and was interred on the home farm in Eden Township. The mother is 
now in her eighty-second year. Jacob Gilliland remained at the old home 
till twenty-two years of age. He was married, January 17, 1850, 
to Miss Hannah Savidge (see sketch of Foster Savidge), and two children, 
James F. and Rebecca A., were born to them. The former died in infancy, 
the latter is now the wife of Mr. Gleadhill, of Crawford County, Ohio. 
Mrs. Gilliland passed away March 26, 1860, and Mr. G. was married, June 
6, 1861, to Miss Mary Hale, a resident of this county, born in York County, 
Penn., May 2, 1837, daughter of John G. and Lucy (Millard) Hale, who 
were born and married in York County, Penn. Her parents came to this 
county from Pennsylvania in 1854, and located in Crane Township. Their 
children were Mai'y, Jonathan I., Samuel and Phoebe C. Samuel is de- 
ceased. The father was killed by the falling of a tree February 18, 1855. 
The mother is now in her seventy-seventh year. By this latter marriage 
Mr. Gilliland had eight children — Corrilla E., Susan L., Lacy E., John 
H., Florence I., George W., Mary A. and Alburtis G. The only deceased 
is George. Mr. Gilliland began business by renting a farm in Crawford 
Township. In 1851, he purchased forty acres in Eden Township, adding 
twenty acres in 1856, and twenty-tive acres in 1868. In 1871, he sold out, 
and purchased 117 acres in this township, the farm on which Matthew 
Brayton was stolen by the Indians. He has since purchased 110 acres in 
Crawford Township. In former years, Mr. Gilliland was a broom-maker 
by trade. He has served as Trustee, Assessor and Justice of the Peace, 
always discharging his duties satisfactorily. Both he and Mrs. G. are mem- 
bers of the United Brethren Church, his former wife having been a member 
of the same denomination. In politics, Mr. Gilliland is a Democrat and 
Prohibitionist. 

LEUIS GRUB was born in Bavaria, Germany, February 3, 1820. 
He is a son of Leuis and Catharine (Dick) Grub, who had eleven 
children, two of whom are living, viz., Catharine and Leuis. His parents 
came to this country in 1840, and settled in Mexico, this township, where 
the father died in 1848, the mother in 1860. His father was previously 
married in Germany to a Miss Yagel, and ten or eleven children were born 
to this union, two only now living. Our subject, after the death of his 
father, was called upon to look after the general interests of the family. 
In 1848, he leai*ned the mason and plastering trade, continuing in this 
work till 1857, when he j^urchased ninety-three acres of land, on which he 
still resides. He has since added to his possessions till he now owns 442 
acres (111 acres in Defiance County), valued at 155 to $100 per acre. Mr. 
Grub was married, May 15, 1855, to Rachel C. Ulum, who was born in 
Barclay County, Va., February 11, 1831, a daughter of Andrew and Polly 
(Pitzer) Ulum, natives of Virginia. Her parents were married in Barclay 
County, Va. , and four of their five children yet survive — Elizabeth, John, 
Rachel C. and Margaret J. Her mother died in 1854. Her father married 
again, to Mrs. Valinda Pond, and had eight children, four now living, name- 
ly, Thomas, Wesley, Shepherd and Ella. This latter wife also died, and 
the father is now living in Washington County, Md., in his eighty-seventh 



TYMOCHTEE TOWNSHIP. 1049 

year. Mr. and Mrs. Grub have had eleven children — Elizabeth, John, 
Andrew, Luther, Peter R., Ellen, George B., Guy. Philip, Theodore, Nora 
M. and Margaret J. Those living are Elizabeth, Andrew L., Peter R., 
Philip and Nora M. Mr. Grub has served two years as Trustee, and as 
Treasurer of the township two years. He is a Democrat, and, with his wife, 
a member of the Reformed Church. 

JACOB HAYMAN was born November 24, 1833, in Tymochtee Town- 
ship, this county, and is the son of George and Ellen (Scott) Hayman, the 
father being of German nativity, and the mother of Scotch-Irish descent. 
They married in Wyandot County, Ohio, where the father followed black- 
smithing for a few years, but finally adopted general agriculture as an oc- 
cupation. They reared a family of six sons and six daughters — Samuel, 
Jacob, Matilda J., George, Rebecca, Amanda, Charlotte, Sarah E., Jose- 
phine, Joseph Mc, Thomas and Peter, all living but Samuel and Rebecca. 
The father died August 25, 1870, and the mother died September 10, 1883; 
both interred in the Dunn Graveyard, this township. Our subject was mar- 
ried, February 10, 1859, to Miss Lydia Corfman, of this township and 
county, born in the same township November 4, 1841, daughter of Joseph 
and Susanna Corfman, who were of German descent. They were mar- 
ried in Fairfield County, Ohio, and removed to Wyandot County, in an 
early day, and settled in this township. Their children were Mary A., 
Levi, Samuel, Abraham, Sophia, Magdaline, Jeremiah, Isaac, Lewis and 
Lydia. Jeremiah, Samuel and Mary A. are deceased. The father is de- 
ceased, and the mother died February 26, 1884, in her eightieth year. To 
the union of Jacob and Lydia Hayman have been born ten children, viz. : 
Oliver S., born January 9. 1860; Martin E., January 5, 1862; Ida May, 
May 31, 1864; Charlie, March 6, 1866; Minnie B., April 2, 1868; Frank, 
July 2, 1869; Noah, November 20, 1871; Howard, January 20,1873; Har- 
rie, January 25, 1876; George E., November 20, 1878. Minnie B., Frank, 
Noah and Harrie are deceased. Our subject purchased in 1859 thirty-five 
acres of land in this tov\^nship, and since then has owned various tracts of land 
in different townships of the county, and finally purchasing ninety acres in 
this township, located on the Sandusky River, also a saw and grist mill. 
In 1883, he added forty -five acres to his ninety, which he has improved and 
farmed. He now gives his attention to the milling business. In 1880, he 
rebuilt and improved his mills, and now values the mill property at about 
$5,000. His land is worth about $100 per acre. He enlisted in August, 
1862, in Company F, One Hundred and Twenty-third Regiment Ohio Vol 
unteer Infantry, and was wounded in the foot, and discharged, November, 
1862, returning home. He affiliates with the Democratic party. 

ELI HEILMAN is a native of York County, Penn. He is a son of 
Philip and Catharine (Cladfetter) Heilman, and was born in 1821. His 
parents were born and married in Pennsylvania, and there reared a family 
of five children, subsequently coming to Ohio and settling in Seneca County, 
■where the parents died. Eli Heilman was married in 1850 to Catharine 
Elliott, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1828, a daughter of Peter and 
Hannah (Stewart) Elliott, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and married 
in Franklin County, of that State. Her father died there in 1818; her 
mother came to Seneca County, and there died in 1855. To Mr. and Mrs. 
Heilman were born ten children, of whom seven survive — Flora C, Oscar 
P., Mabel, Maggie, Mattie, George W. and Sarah E. Oar subject pur- 
chased land in this^township in 1851, selling the same about six years later, 
and moving to McCutchenville. He resided there about seven years, and 



1050 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

then moved upon the farm where he now lives, and which was purchased in 
1860. Mr. Heilman is a good farmer and a stanch Democrat. Mrs. Heil- 
man is a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church at McCutchenville. 

GEORGE HETZEL was born in Lembach, county of Weisenburg, 
France, June 27, 1833. He is a son of George and Barbara (Hetzel) Hetzel, 
natives of the same locality, their children being Magdalena, George, 
Michael, Eva and Catharine; his mother died in her native country, Feb- 
ruary 27, 1853, and his father emigrated to this country 1854, and set- 
tled in Crawford Township, Wyandot Co., Ohio, where he died Septem- 
ber 8, 1864. Our subject, George Hetzel, was married, June 4, 1861, to 
Elizabeth Walter, of Seneca County, Ohio. She was born in Wayne County, 
Ohio, April 1, 1839, and was the eldest daughter of Michael and Mai'garet 
Walter, natives of Lebach and Oberhofen, France. Her parents were married 
in Wayne County, Ohio, and in 1844 moved to Seneca County, Ohio, where 
her father died June 6, 1873, and her mother December 31, 1876. Their 
seven sons and three daughters are all living at the present time. Mr. and 
Mrs. Hetzel have ten children — Sarah A., George M., Henry A., Matilda B., 
Anna M., John R., Catharine A., Magdalena, Harvey E. and Frank J. In 
1868, Mr. Hetzel and brother Michael purchased the home farm of the other 
heirs, and in 1869 purchased 340 acres in Tymochtee Township. They 
remained partners for twenty years, and at the end of that time divided their 
property. Mr. Hetzel is now the owner of 240 acres of land, which is all 
cleared, fenced and drained, being all in Tymochtee Township. In 1879, 
he built a large frame house, and in 1883 a line barn. He is a Democrat, 
and himself and family are members of the Gei'man Lutheran Church of 
Upper Sandusky, Ohio. 

MICHAEL HETZEL was born in Lembach, county of Weisenburg, 
France, October 8, 1835. He is a son of George and Barbara (Hetzel) Het- 
zel, natives of the same locality, their children being Magdalena, George, 
Michael, Eva and Catharine. His mother died in her native country Feb- 
ruary 27, 1853, and his father emigrated to this country in 1854, and settled 
in Crawford Township, Wyandot Co., Ohio, where he died September 8 
1864. Our subject, Michael Hetzel, was married, March 28, 1862, to Susan 
Sprau, who was born in Walshausen, county of New Hornbach, RheinpEalz, 
Bayern, Germany. Her parents were Christian and Susana M. (Schei-er 
Sprau, natives of the same place, where they married, and thence they 
emigrated to America in 1842; they located first in Crawford County, Ohio, 
but sold out and moved to Salem Township, Wyandot Co., Ohio, about ten 
years later. Their children were Catharine, Mary, Lucy Ann, Christian, 
Margaret, George, Susan, Elizabeth and Sarah. Mr. and Mrs. Sprau both 
died on the same day, February 8, 1871. Mr. Sprau attained the age of 
sixty-six years and two months, and Mrs. Sprau sixty-three years and three 
months. To Michael and Susan Hetzel have been born ten children — 
Emma M., Anna, Frederick W., Lucy, Mary, Charles M., George R., Cora 
E., Sarah, Ida and Lillie M. Those now deceased are Anna, Lucy, Charles 
M. and Cora E. In 1861, Mr. Hetzel purchased eighty acres in Ridge 
Township, selling out in 1868, and moving to the home farm, where he and 
his brother George were in partnership, and doing all their business and 
farming under the name and firm of Hetzel Bros. In 1869, they together 
purchased a tract of land of 340 acres, and remained partners for twenty 
years, which was finally divided. They are living there at the present time. 
Michael Hetzel is the owner Of 212 acres of land in Tymochtee Township, 
on which he erected a good barn in 1879, and an elegant brick residence in 



TYMOCHTEE TOWNSHIP. 1051 

1883. He is a Democrat politically, and himself and family are members 
of the German Lutheran Church of Upper Sandusky, Ohio. 

MILES C. JOHNSON, only son of Jacob and Ann (Teford) Johnson, 
was born in Bucks County, Penn., February 28, 1825. His parents were of 
Quaker, German and Irish descent; were married in Bucks County, and 
moved to Ohio in 1838. His father purchased land in this township and 
did blacksmithing and farming, rearing four children — Eliza A., Miles C, 
Atty A. and Martha J. His father died June 4, 1857 ; his mother is still 
living on the old farm in her ninety-third year. Miles C, our subiect, 
remained at home on the farm till his marriage to Miss Hannah Brundage 
May 19, 1853. Mrs. Johnson was born in Seneca County, Ohio, July 22, 
1830, a daughter of Thomas and Osee (Depue) Brundage, who were born and 
married in New York, and who came to Ohio in 1828, and settled in Seneca 
County, where they endured many hardships of pioneer life, mush made of 
corn grated by hand being their chief article of diet for many months. 
Their seven children were Eliza J., Hannah, George, Benjamin, Mary, 
Thomas and Moses. The mother died May 18, 1874, the father August 21, 
1879. For about twenty-two years, Mr. Johnson farmed the old home farm. 
In 1868, he purchased sixty-eight acres, and on this he still lives. He has 
since added thirteen acres more, and in 1876 erected a fine brick residence, 
at a cost of $2,500. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson five sons and one daughter 
were born — Thomas A. J., November 26, 1854; Alvin T., November 30, 
1856; Edgar J., April 23, 1859; Ann E., May 10, 1861; Benjamin F., 
April 16, 1864; Hiram D., September 26, 1866. All are living but Ben- 
jamin F. , who died September 15, 1865. Mr. Johnson has given most of 
his attention to farming, but is also manufacturing brick and tile. He is a 
Democrat, and has served both as Trustee and Treasurer of his township. 
He is a member of the A., F. & A. M., the I. O. O. F., and, with Mrs. John- 
son, of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

BYRON KEAR, son of Jonathan and Caroline (Porterfield) Kear, was 
born in this township January 24, 1832. His parents were natives of 
New York and Maine respectively. They married in Delaware County, 
Ohio, and located in this township on land entered by our subject's grand- 
father. Their children were Lucinda E., Anna M., Crawford J., Byron, 
Susan C. and Agnes J. Lucinda is deceased. The mother died in August, 
1853, the father in March, 1876, aged fiftj'-five and seventy-five years re- 
spectively. They were entombed upon the farm where the grandparents, 
each in their ninety-third year, were also interred. Byron Kear remained, 
from his youth up, on the home farm, which he obtained in later years. He 
was married, April 24, 1853, to Eliza A. Clark, who was born in Delaware 
County, Ohio, December 23, 1836, a daughter of John and Caroline (Fisher) 
Clark, natives of New York. Her parents married in Delaware County, 
Ohio, and moved to Wyandot in 1839, settling in Crawford Township. 
The children of this family were Marion A., Martha A., James B., Isaac F., 
Albina E., Eliza A., John S., Caroline C. and Cicero; the latter and James 
B. now deceased. The mother died in April, 1849, the father, February 3, 
1866. Mr. and Mrs. Kear are parents of three daughters — Ada C, born 
April 16, 1854; Emma E., February 11, 1858; Flora E., October 2, 1860, 
all living and married. Ada C. was united with I. B. Gibbs October 8, 
1871; Emma was married to John Slatterback, November 18, 1875; Flora 
E. was made the wife of J. E. Gibbs July 24, 1879. In addition to the 
home farm in 1874 Mr. Kear purchased twenty-five acres, now owning 215 
acres of valuable land. In May, 1864, he enlisted in Company D, One 



1052 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

Hundred and Forty- fourth Ohio National Guards, and served till Septem- 
ber, 1864, when he was honorably discharged. He and Mrs. Kear are 
members of the United Brethren Church. Mr. Kear is a member of the 
Masonic Lodge, a Republican and Prohibitionist. 

DOCTOR KEAR, son of Moses and Jemima (Nathan) Kear, was born 
in this township February 10, 1833. He resided on the farm with his 
parents, becoming the owner of the premises in 1854. He was married, 
April 22, 1858, to Mary J. Crouse, who was born in Richland County, Ohio, 
January 16, 1836, the daughter of William and Eliza (Musselman) Crouse, 
natives of Pennsylvania and of German parentage. By this union one 
daughter, Leona Jane, was born, her death occurring at the age of eight 
years. Mrs. Kear passed from earth June 28, 1859. Our subject was 
married, March 21, 1861, to Miss Mary Brundage, who was born in Seneca 
County, Ohio, March 2, 1837, daughter of Thomas and Osee (Depue) Brun- 
dage, whose history appears elsewhere in this work. By this marriage, four 
children have been born — Osee L., Harriet E., Eliza J. and Lola M , the 
latter deceased. In 1872, Mr. Kear added 300 acres to the home farm, on 
which he still lives. He erected a good barn in 1873, a residence in 1877, 
and other buildings in 1882. He is a good farmer, a Republican in politics, 
Prohibitionist, jmd has served his township in various offices. 

PETER C. KING, son of Peter and Mary (Whitney) King, was born 
in Perry County, Ohio. His parents were natives of Germany and Penn- 
sylvania respectively, married in Perry County, Ohio, in 1812, in the war 
of which year Mr. King entered soon after his marriage, and continued in 
the service till its close. He was the father of fourteen children — Saloma, 
Catharine, Rebecca, Lydia, Susan, Solomon, Mary, Peter C. , David C, 
Leah, Elizabeth, John C., William C. and Frank C. Four are deceased — 
Solomon, Lydia, Susan and Saloma. The father died in 1859, aged seventy- 
six years; the mother, January 26, 1860, aged sixty-seven years. Peter C, 
King, the subject of this sketch remained at home on his father's farm and 
worked in his grist mill till his marriage to Caroline Long March 30, 1848. 
She was the eldest daughter of David and Sarah (Mechliog) Long, and was 
born in Perry County October 16, 1829. Her parents were natives of Vir- 
ginia and Pennsylvania, of German descent, and were married in Perry 
County, Ohio. Their children were Simon G. , Caroline, Reuben and Han- 
nah, ail deceased but Caroline. The father died June 19, 1833, aged 
thirty-one years; his widow married Michael Mechling, in Fairfield County, 
Ohio, and soon after moved to Perry County, They had eight children — 
Amos, Mahala, Franklin, Mary, Benjamin, Jesse and Martha. The father 
died February 14, 1866, aged fifty-six years. The mother passed away 
January 26, 1868. To Peter and Caroline King were born eight children 
—Benjamin F., March 23, 1849; Matilda A., May 9, 1851; Mary A., 
July 31, 1854; Sarah E., May 30, 1859; Alvin D., May 20, 1860; Ella 
May, January 12, 1863; Leefe E., December 12, 1865, and an infant 
daughter who was born July 6, 1864. Those now living are Mary A., 
Sarah E. and Leefe E. In 1848, soon after his marriage, our subject loaded 
his "Pennsylvania wagon," and with two teams attached to it, started 
to this county. He halted in Pitt Township, April 21, on land purchased 
from his father a tract of eighty acres, and in a few years purchased eighty 
more on Section 10, where they resided till 1853. He then sold out and 
purchased 200 acres three miles northeast of Upper Sandusky, and in 1855 
he sold this farm and purchased a saw and grist-mill on the Sandusky 
River, eight miles north of Sandusky. In 1864, Mr. King purchased his 



TYMOCHTEE TOWNSHIP. 1053 

present farm of 161 acres, and added forty-five acres in 1871, and twenty- 
five acres in 1879. In 1881, Mr. King, with others, formed a cemetery 
association, and laid out a fine cemetery adjoining his farm, near the 
United Brethren Church. Mr. King is a Prohibitionist politically, and, 
with Mrs. K., is a member of the United Brethren Church. 

HENRY LONG, proprietor of the " Gier House," Old Tymochtee, 
Ohio, was born December 15, 1842, in McCutchenville, Ohio, and is the son 
of Jacob and Lydia (Eyler) Long, natives of Pennsylvania. They emi- 
grated to Ohio in about 1837, and settled in McCutchenville, Ohio, where he 
followed the trade of shoe-making for several years. In 1845, he purchased 
fifty-six acres of land in Tymochtee Township, this county, upon which he 
settled, after clearing and building a log cabin, etc., in 1849. He reared a 
family consisting of four sons and five daughters — James, Margaret, Har- 
riet, Mary, John, Lucinda, Henry, Elizabeth and Wilson, of whom all are 
living with the exception of the two latter. The mother died in 1867, and 
the father in 1872. Oar subject was married, in 1862, to Lydia C. Freet, 
of Tymochtee Township, this county, who was born in Loudoun County, Va., 
her parents being Henry D. and Lydia C. (Clise) Freet, natives of Virginia 
and of German descent. They emigrated to Ohio and settled in McCutch- 
enville, this county, where he followed the blacksmith trade, afterward 
moving to "Old Tymochtee." They raised a family of twelve children, of 
whom only four are living — Amanda A., Henry C, Lydia C. and George 
W. The parents are deceased — both interred in the Dunn Graveyard. To 
the union of Henry and Lydia C. Long have been born one son and one 
daughter — Carl Grant and Vistio A. , both of whom are living. Our sub- 
ject rented farms for several years, then purchased property in "Old Ty- 
mochtee," subsequently purchasing the old tavern stand known as the Gier 
House in the above town, where he still lives, and his present occupation 
is farming and grain threshing. In 1882, he purchased 114 acres of land, 
which he is now improving, and which he values at $50 per acre. Polit- 
ically, he is a Democrat. 

LEWIS LUPTON was born in this county September ], 1844, and is a 
son of John K. and Barbara A. (Pontius) Lupton. His parents were mar- 
ried in this county, and both died here in 1882, the mother in February, the 
father in May. They had twelve children, eight yet living. Our subject was 
reared a farmer, and remained at home till 1864, when, being a member of 
the Ohio National Guards, he was called into service and served till August of 
the same year, when he was honorably discharged. He participated in the 
skirmish at Berryville, Va., and others of less importance, but escaped unin- 
jured. In 1865, he went to Missouri, but returned the same year. He was 
employed in various ways till his marriage to Miss Mary Sharp June 28, 
1882. She was born in Crawford County, Ohio, and was born May 22, 
1862. Her parents, Andrew and Rosa (Beck) Sharp, were natives of Ger- 
many, and emigrated in 1855. They settled in Crawford County, and 
reared a family of nine children, of whom six sons and two daughters sur- 
vive. Mrs. Sharp died February 2, 1881. Soon after his marriage, Mr. 
Lupton became the owner of eighty acres of land on which he now resides, 
he improving his farm and devoting his attention to agriculture. Polit- 
ically, Mr. Lupton is a Republican. 

HON. JOSEPH McCUTCHEN, one of the most prominent and worthy 
pioneers of Wyandot, and one who in his day and generation did much to 
give the infant county that impetus to which it is so greatly indebted for its 
present status among its sister counties, was born in Harrison County, Ky., 



1054 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

February 2, 1798, and came to what is now Wyandot County in 1827, settling 
first in Tymochtee, but afterward moving to what, through his enterprise, be- 
came the village of McCutchenville, thus perpetuating the name of its worthy 
founder. Years before the Wyandots left for their new homes in the far 
West, Mr. McCutchen was a pioneer in the then almost unbroken wilderness, 
Of an ardent and enterprising turn of mind, our subject was soon, by the 
force of his genius, looked up to by the pioneers, and was successively 
selected to be their Representative in the Legislature, and also as State 
Senator. He was also elected County Auditor. His occupation, which he 
pursued with the same zeal that distinguished all his career, was that of 
hotel-keeping. So great was his desire for public improvement that he 
frequently sacrificed his own means in the endeavor to do public good. In 
the spring of 1845, he removed to Upper Sandusky, where, with the excep- 
tion of one year in California, he passed the remainder of his days. Al- 
though not a member of any religious body, he was a liberal supporter of the 
Presbyterian Church, the church of his fathers. During the late civil war, 
he enlisled in the cause of the Union, and served as Captain of a company. 
He was first married, in 1823, to Sarah Watt, of Ross County, Ohio; next, 
in 1826. to Letitia Britton, of Chillicothe, Ohio; and lastly, to Mrs. Keys, 
of Upper Sandusky. His decease occurred March 13, 1869, at the ripe old 
age of seventy-two years. Thus passed away, full of days and full of 
honors, beloved by all who knew him, Joseph McCutchen, the worthy pioneer 
of old. Few of the early settlers had more prominence than Col. Mc- 
Cutchen. He took an active, aggressive position on all questions of local 
and general interest. His ambition was to lead, never follow, and in all 
the movements of early times around and about this locality, he was a cen- 
tral figure. His spirit and dash were subjects of remark, and although 
sometimes mistaken and ill-advised, yet the earnestness and candor spread 
over his efibrts were plain in the understanding that if faults he had they 
were at least not of the heart. The deceased was of enthusiastic impulses, 
and guarded by a heart overflowing with human kindness. He could not 
hear of distress without oflfering assistance, and his neighborly acts were as 
common as his grateful nature. He was generous to a fault, assisting others 
at the risk of his own personal welfare. While this was yet Crawford 
County, he laid out the town which still bears his name, twelve miles north 
of Upper Sandusky, erected and managed there the first hotel of importance 
in this part of Ohio. He was a model landlord in every respect but the one 
that brings pecuniary success. If he had but one guest, that guest must 
feast like a king for the price then asked for a dinner. The matter of profit 
and loss was never taken into consideration when catering to the wants of 
the public as a landlord. Col. McCutchen was a principal mover in securing 
the new county of Wyandot, and after the organization thereof removed to 
Upper Sandusky and engaged in mercantile business. He brought to 
this business the same old dash and vigor that marked his course in former 
years at McCutchenville; but a man of his peculiar disposition, so full of 
sympathy and consideration for others, was not calculated to make a success- 
ful merchant, although he did an immense business. Up and until about 
the year 1853, Mr. McC. was a zealous Democrat, and an energetic worker; 
failing of success in that party, went over to the other side, and in Know- 
Nothing times was elected County Auditor. It was during his term as 
Auditor that he planted the shade trees that now ornament the court house 
square. These beautiful shade trees attest his enterprise, and are tributes to 
his memory. After leaving the Auditor's Office, at the end of a two years' 



TYMOCHTEE TOWNSHIP. 1055 

term, he purchased the Bates House, in this place, that stood where now 
stands the Hudson House. He managed this hotel for several years, with 
the same enterprise that marked his course in McCutchenville, and while 
his house became very popular, and was the delight of the traveling public, 
it was not a source of profit. It could not be, with Mack's lavish expend- 
itures in the interests of his guests. Shortly after retiring from the hotel, 
he entered the army, and was in active service. He was truly a re- 
markable man, of rare and pleasing conversational powers, in which he never 
failed to exhibit a nature that was all fiber, and was intense on everything 
he undertook. He was the very man to develop a new county, as his energy 
and irresistible force spread their influence over all. He carried with him 
to the last the admiration of our people, and his somewhat sudden and 
lamentable death threw a cloud of gloom over our people. He was a grand 
man, who had spread benefits over all who came within his presence, even 
at a personal sacrifice. No name is more feelingly referred to in the his- 
tory of Wyandot County than that of Col, McCutchen.* 

JOEL MILUM, a native of this township, was born September 18, 1837, 
He is a son of Adam and Mary (Bogart) Milum, natives of Highland and 
Lancaster Counties, Ohio. They were married in this county, and had six 
children — Jane, Sarah, Mary, Joel, George and Adam. Mary, Joel and 
George are now the only living. The father died in September, ] 844, the 
mother is still living, now in her seventy-third year. Mr. Milum was mar- 
ried, March 2, 1858, to Miss Lydia Ekleberry, who was born in this town- 
ship July 12, 1837. She was a daughter of Ezekiel and Mary (Tobridge) 
Ekleberry, who were married in Muskingum County, Ohio, and moved to 
Wyandot about 1833 or 1834. Their children were Jacob, John, Nathan, 
Ezekiel, Jane, David, Isaac, Margaret and Levi (twins), and Lydia. Those 
deceased are John and Ezekiel. The father and mother are both de- 
ceased. Mr. and Mrs. Milum have had seven children — Leonard, George 
Abraham, Jay. Ida M. , Charlie, and an infant daughter, deceased. Mr. 
Milum rented land for several years after his marriage, but in 1866 pur- 
chased forty acres in this township, where he now resides. He added twen- 
ty-seven acres in 1870, twenty-seven acres in 1871, thirty acres in 1873, 
eighty-five acres in 1880, and forty-six acres in 1881 — now owning 256 
acres. He follows general agriculture chiefly, but has given considerable 
attention to shipping stock. He enlisted October 4, 1864, in Company D, 
Twenty-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and took part in the en- 
gagement at Honey Hill, being honorably discharged November 3, 1865. 
He is a member of the G. A. R. , and one of the most stin-ing farmers of 
Tymochtee Township. 

MILES A. MITTEN was born in Seneca County, Ohio, November 30, 
1842. He is a son of Miles and Rebecca (Coughlan) Mitten, natives of 
Maryland, and of mixed parentage — German, Irish and English. His 
parents married in Maryland, and in 1838 moved to Ohio, locating in Seneca 
County. In 1843, they moved to this county and settled in Eden Town- 
ship, moving to Tymochtee in 1856. They had seven children, the five liv- 
ing are named as follows: John T., James L., William A., Joseph H. and 
Miles A. Two daughters are deceased. The father died in September, 
1865. At his father's death, our subject received the home farm of 160 
acres. He was married in February, 1866, to Josephine Pecher, who was 
born in Seneca County, Ohio, September 24, 1846, daughter of Stephen J. 
and Julia A. (Emlet) Pecher, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German and 

♦Contributed. 



1056 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

English parentage. Her parents married in Stark County, Ohio, moved to 
Seneca County, and there reared their childi'en — Margaret A., Agnes, Jose- 
phine, Joseph W., Lucretia J., Cleophas A. and Pius S. Mr. and Mrs. 
Mitten have had nine children; their names as follovys: John E. , Emily 
C, Miles S., Anna B. J., Joseph E., Gilbert R., Mark F., Eliza E. and an 
infant. The latter, Amanda and John E. now deceased. Mr. Mitten has 
never moved from the homestead. He added seventy -six acres to the old 
farm, and now has a fine farm of 236 acres well-stocked and improved. 
He is a stanch Democrat, and, with his wife, a member of the Catholic 
Church. 

JOHN F. MYERS was born in Cumberland County, Penn., April 11, 
1842. He is the eldest son of Jerry and Mary J. (^Magethon) Myers, who 
were born and married in Pennsylvania, and who moved to this county in 
1847, and settled at McCutchenville. The children were John F., Robert 
and Joseph. The father died in Cincinnati ; the mother is still a 
resident of Cumberland County, Penn. Mr. Myers was reared in this coun- 
ty by his grandparents on the farm. He enlisted May 10, 1861, in Company 
Gr, Fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and passed through many of 
the heaviest battles — Rich Mountain, Romney, Winchester, Woodstock, 
Port Republic, a seven-day battle at Richmond, and many others of less 
importance, serving till honorably discharged in August, 1863. Mr. Myers 
then returned home and resumed farming. He was married. May 24, 1865, 
to Eliza C. Freet, who was born at McCutchenville July 28, 1849, a daugh- 
ter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Trammel) Freet, natives of Virginia. Nine 
children are the fruits of this union, namely. Trvin R., Zoa R., Nora A., 
Freety S., Henry C, Abbey F., May M., Ella F. and an infant daughter. 
Three are deceased — Henry C, Freety S. and May M. Mr. Myers farmed 
rented land for several years, purchasing in 1874 seventy acres, on which he 
now lives. He is a Democrat, and has served as Township Trustee; is a 
member of the Masonic Lodge at McCutchenville, and of the G. A. R. at 
Upper Sandusky. 

^ ABRAHAM A. NIEBEL was born in Union County, Penn., July 31, 
1839, and is a son of Enos and Mary (Aurand) Niebel, natives of Pennsyl- 
vania and of German parentage. His parents came to Ohio in 1840, and 
located in this township, where his father still resides with his second wife, 
his first wife having passed away in April, 1846, leaving five children, of 
whom four now are living —Abraham A., Catharine, John H. and Abner. 
Our subject was married to Miss Anna M. C. Holdeman May 18, 1869 ; she was 
born in Morrow County, Ohio, September 19, 1847, the daughter of Henry 
and Lydia (Ettinger) Holdeman, who were natives of Ohio and Pennsyl- 
vania respectively. Her parents married in Richland County, Ohio; moved 
to Morrow County and there reared their children — Elah, Ann M. C, Will- 
iam W., Amanda A., Reuben J., Daniel J., Sarah Irena and Ulyses G., all 
living now but Elah. The parents still live on the old homestead, which 
was left Mr. Holdeman by his father. Mr. Niebel was reared a farmer. 
In 1870, he purchased fifty acres in this township, and in 1881 he added 
ten acres more. His farm is highly improved and valued at $80 to $90 per 
acre. He spent one year in the Northwestern College of Plainfield, 111. — 
1866-67— and taught the following year in the county; he has two children 
—Ida Elnora, born March 10, 1871, and Orville Jay, September 22, 1873. 
He is a Republican-Prohibitionist, and, with Mrs. Niebel, a member of the 
Evangelical Church at Mexico. 



TYMOCHTEE TOWNSHIP. 1057 

HENRY PARKER was born in Lycoming County, Penn., January 8, 
1817; he is a son of William and Rachel (Compton) Parker, natives of 
Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and of Scotch and German parentage re- 
spectively. His parents married in the above county in 1810; moved to 
Ross County, Ohio, 1818, and in 1834 to this township, where they purchased 
a farm. Their children were Charlotte, John C, Joseph, Henry, Charles, 
William, Delilah A., Susan and Eliza J. Those now living are Joseph, 
Susan and Henry. The parents are both deceased. Henry Parker staid on 
the home farm till twenty-seven years of age; he was married, February 

26, 1843, to Hannah B. Walker, who was born in Lancaster, Ohio, Novem- 
ber 1, 1825, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Newman) Walker, who were 
natives of Pennsylvania and New York respectively, who married in Fair- 
field County, Ohio, and moved to this county in 1834. They settled in this 
township but moved to Upper Sandusky later. Their children were Han- 
nah B., Ellen, Eliza, Edward F., Sarah E., Maria and Louisa. The father 
died in 1849, the mother in 1874. Our subject rented land for several 
years, and in 1851 purchased forty-four acres, obtaining thirty-one acres 
from his father's estate in 1856. He has since made several other addi- 
tions, and now has 143^ acres of well-improved land provided with good 
buildings, fences, etc. Mr. and Mrs. Parker are parents of eight children 
— Charlotte, Theodore W., Emily J., Joseph D., Louis H., Edward E., 
Elmer E. and Olive M. The deceased are Charlotte, Louis H. and Elmer. 
Mr. Parker is a strong adherent to the principles of Democracy, and has 
served his township in several offices. 

ANDREW PONTIUS was born in Ross County, Ohio, December 15, 
1818. He is the eldest son of Solomon and Rachel (Wells) Pontius, the 
former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Hagerstown, Md. His 
parents moved from Ross County in 1834, and located in the woodland of 
Sycamore Township, this county, where they erected a log cabin and spent 
the remainder of their days. Their children bore the following respective 
names: Barbara, Andrew, Elizabeth, Susan, Rezin, Mary A., David, Sarah 
A., Benjamin, all living, excepting Barbara, Elizabeth and Susan. His 
father died in 1867; his mother passed away in 1878. Mr. Pontius was 
married, March 3, 1840, to Lucinda Bretz, who was born in Fairfield County, 
Ohio, January 30, 1820. She was a daughter of Conrad and Susanna (Fore- 
man) Bretz, who were born and married in Pennsylvania. Her parents 
moved from their native State, and settled first in Fairfield County, Ohio, 
moving to this county in 1835. They had nine children — Christiana, Peter, 
Lydia, Anna, Noah, Barbara, Lucinda, Eli and Andrew J. Three are de- 
ceased — Christiana, Noah and Barbara. The parents are also deceased. 
Mr. Pontius was reared a farmer from boyhood. In 1840, he became owner 
of 160 acres of timber land in this township, where he still resides. He 
erected a log cabin on this farm, and du"ring the first six years of his resi- 
dence thereon he put sixty acres under cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. Pontius 
are parents of eleven children — Sylvester, was born May 31, 1841; Diana, 
December 15, 1842; Maretta S., August 14, 1844; Rachel M., November 
20, 1846; Simeon P., September 30, 1848; Rufus D., December 10, 1850; 
Rella, October 31, 1852; David R., October 7, 1855; Addison M., December 

27, 1857; Cintha E., May 26, 1860; Oliver H, February 9, 1866. Cintha 
E., died January 1, 1869; the others are all living. Mr. Pontius was an 
old Whig, and is now a Republican-Prohibitionist. He was a member of 
the Masonic fraternity, and, with Mrs. Pontius, of the IMethodist Episcopal 
Church. 



1058 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

SOLOMON EONK was born March 1, 1834. He is a son of Jacob and 
Anna M. (Van Buskirk) Ronk, and native of Bedford, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, 
His parents were natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia respectively, of 
German and Scotch lineage; were married in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, 
his father being engaged in stone work, contractor, etc. In 1834, the fam- 
ily moved to Seneca County, and in 1848, or near that time, purchased land 
in this county. The children were named as follows: Sarah A., Sophia, 
William, Solomon, Mary A., Melinda, Eliza J., Melissa and Cordelia, all 
living but William and Mary A. The father died October 8, 1873, in his 
seventieth year; the mother now resides in York State in her seventy-fifth 
year. At the age of twenty-two, Solomon Ronk began operations for 
himself working by day's work in various parts of the country. He was 
married, December 31, 1861, to Margaret A. Cox, who was boi'n in Craw- 
ford County, Ohio, February 2, 1833. Her parents were William and 
Sarah (Ward) Cox, natives of Ohio and Virginia, and of English and 
Scotch descent. Their children were George, Lydia J., Margaret A., Emma 
T., Sarah, John, Mary L. , Eliza and William, the two latter deceased. 
The mother died August 5, 1878. To Mr. and Mrs. Ronk were born six 
children — William E., Iva M., Edward J., George W., Jacob E. and Anna 
A. Edward J. died in infancy. Mr. Ronk farmed rented land a few years, 
and then purchased eighty acres in Mifflin Township, though still renting 
for some time. He finally traded his eighty acres for forty-eight in Crane 
Township, where he resided till 1882, when he sold out and purchased 185 
acres in Tymochtee where he now lives, owning 160 acres also in Jay Coun- 
ty, Ind. He is a Republican, and, with Mrs. Ronk, a member of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church.-^ 

WILLIAM SCHUETZ was born in this township December 19, 1836, 
a son of Gerhart and Mary (Hummon) Schuetz, natives of Germany and 
Pennnsylvania respectively. His father emigrated to this country at the 
age of eighteen (1822), married in this county and reared six children — 
Mary A., Catharine, Elizabeth, Peter, John and William. Peter and 
Elizabeth are now deceased. The mother died in 1837, and the father was 
married soon after to Catharine, a sister of his first wife, and seven chil- 
dren were born to them — Susan, Louis H. , Saloma, Daniel, Charlotte^ 
Joseph M. and Maria, all living but Saloma. This wife died and Mr. 
Schuetz married Mrs. Margaret Secondcost, who had two children — Will- 
iam and Alice — by her first husband, and by this union one daughter, 
Cora Idel, was born. The father died in December, 1872. V/illiam Schuetz 
was married, November 12, 1863, to Martha A. Willdermood, who was born 
in this township November 13, 1844, a daughter of John and Lydia E. 
(Gilbert) Willdermood, natives of Germany and Maryland respectively. 
Her parents married in Maryland, and moved to Ohio about 1837. In 
1849, they came from Seneca and settled in this county. Their children 
were Mary E., Catharine, John H., Martha A., Ephraim, Lydia E., Jere- 
miah and Frances V. Ephraim is deceased. Her father died in October, 
1866; her mother is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Schuetz have had five chil- 
dren, Lydia M. and Ada R. being the only ones now living. Amanda A., 
Franklin G. and Jennie are deceased. Mr. Schuetz rented land for several 
years, but in 1868 purchased sixty-two acres, selling out and buying eighty 
acres improved land soon after. His farm is well improved and valuable. 
He is a Democrat politically, and has served as Township Trustee for sev- 
eral years. 

JOSEPH W. SHAFFNER was born in Seneca County, Ohio, June 5, 
1847. He is a son of William and Mary A. (Coffman) Shaff'ner, natives of 



TYMOCHTEE TOWNSHIP. 1059 

Pennsylvania, and who married in his native county, and reared eight chil- 
dren—Joseph W., Sarah F., Emma E., Charles B., Alice A., Martin F., 
Ida M., Elmer L. Clara B. is deceased. Our subject was reared on a 
farm. He attended a normal school, and at the age of eighteen began 
teaching, which he engaged in six successive winters, also during a few sum- 
mers. He also spent some time at the Baldwin University of Berea. He 
was married, March 2, 1871, to Miss Martha J. Keller, of Licking County, 
Ohio, where she was born February 16, 1851. She is a daughter of Eli 
and Fidelia (Holler) Keller, who were also born and married in Licking 
County, and who had eight children — Martha J., Lorena E., Philo J., Ida 
M., Ettie E., Eli W., Ira C. and Eber A. Her father died December 3, 
1866, and her mother moved with the rest of the family in 1876 to Seneca 
County, where she carries on a farm, assisted by her sons. In 1872, Mr. 
Shafifner purchased fifty-two acres where he now Jives, and this farm he 
has thoroughly improved, the same being valued at $115 to $125 per acre. 
In politics. Ml'. Shaffner is a Republican. 

LEWIS M. STOKELY, deceased, was born in Pickaway Coanty, Ohio, 
October 24, 1821. He was a son of Robert and Hannah (Wolverton) Stoke- 
ly, who were natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania I'espectively. He wa& 
one of the most prominent farmers of this township, owning 400 acres of 
land, and town property at Sycamore at the time of his death. He was 
married, December 31, 1849, to Sarah M. Park, who was born in New Jer- 
sey May 15, 1832. Her parents were Nathan and Achso F. (Fleming) Park, 
also natives of New Jersey, and of Scotch-Irish descent. By this union 
nine children were born — Achso A., Madison S., Hannah M. , Margaret F., 
Aaron L., Mary L., Hettie H., Harry V., Minnie M. Mr. Sfcokely died 
April 29, 1881, aged fifty- six years, and is interred in the Pleasant Ridge 
Cemetery. He was a Democrat in politics, and had served his township in 
various capacities. Mrs. Stokely still resides on the old homestead, in which 
she retains an interest, and this her son cultivates in connection with his- 
own share of the estate. 

JOHN SWERLEIN was born in Oberbach, Bishopsheim, Bavaria, Feb- 
ruary 17, 1820. His parents were Lawrence and Margaret (Rutiger) Swer- 
lein, natives of the same town, county and kingdom in which they were mar- 
ried, lived and died. Their children all died in the old country but three 
— Margaret, John and Elizabeth. The former is now deceased, and the lat- 
ter resides in Wisconsin. At the age of nineteen years, Mr. Swerlein emi- 
grated to America, and in 1840 he located at Tiffin, Ohio. He was mar- 
ried, April 29, 1842, to Theresa Kiltsch, of the same nativity, a daughter of 
John and Mary (Rease) Kiltsch, also a native of the same locality, and who 
emigrated in 1830, and settled in Tiffin. Her father died four days after 
his arrival, leaving a wife and four children — Elizabeth, Theresa, Mary and 
Eve. The mother died January 22, 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Swerlein are the 
parents of ten children — Joseph H. , Albert, William R. , Helena, Edward, 
Amelia, Harmon, Mary, Loretta and Lawrence. Three of these are de- 
ceased — Mary, Helena and Amelia. Mr. Swerlein worked at the shoe-mak- 
ing trade two years in Tiffin and four years in Mexico. In 1847, he pur- 
chased forty acres of the " Cherokee section " of this township, where he 
plied his trade three years, and hired his farm cleared. In 1850, he sold 
out, and purchased in " old T3'mochtee," selling out at the end of three 
years. He then purchased forty acres, to which he added twenty-six in 
1858, and which he sold in 1865, purchasing 130 acres, his present farm 
in 1867. He has good buildings and a valuable farm, and is a member of 



1060 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

the Catholic Church. Ho built a fine frame residence in 1876, costing 
$2,000, and an excellent barn in 1880, costing $500. 

ALBERT SWERLEIN was born in this township February 20, 1847. 
He is a son of John and Theresa (Klitsch) Swerlein, with whom he remained 
till his marriage September 6, 1873, to Miss Victoria Richardson, who was 
born in this county October 18, 1852. Her parents were Solomon and 
Eleanor (Lowmaster) Richardson, the former a native of England, the lat- 
ter of Pennsylvania. They married in Pickaway County, Ohio, and moved 
to Wyandot in 1834, settling first in this township, and thence to Eden 
Township. Their surviving children are Ann, Tbomas, Solomon, Joel, Vic- 
toria and Canarissa. The father is deceased; the mother died May 9, 1880. 
Mr. and Mrs. Swerlein are parents of six children — Cora, Harry, Grace, 
Carl, Bessie and Jessie. Two — Harry and Grace — are deceased. In 1878, 
Mr. Swerlein purchased fifty acres in this township, having rented land for 
several years pi'evious. His farm is valued at $75 to $85 per acre. He and 
Mrs. Swerlein are members of the German Reformed Church at Upper San- 
dusky. In politics, Mr. Swerlein is a Democrat. 

GEORGE VAN POOL, son of George and Nancy (Hastings) Van Pool, 
was born in Franklin County, Penn., December 4, 1828. He is an only 
son, his parents being natives of Pennsylvania and of Irish and Dutch 
descent. They were married in Franklin County, Penn., and there his 
father died. With his mother Mr. Van Pool moved to Seneca County, this 
State, in 1847, and then to this township, where he purchased the farm of 
sixty- five acres, on which he now lives. He has added to his original pur- 
chase till he now owns 263 acres. He was married, June 4, 1855, to 
Amanda C. Freet, who was born in Loudoun County, Va., July 30, 1831, a 
daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Trammel) Freet, natives of Virginia. 
Her parents married in Loudoun County, Va. , and in 1834 moved to this 
township, where her father engaged in blacksmithing many years. The chil- 
dren of this family were Amanda, Mary and Eliza. The father died March 
31, 1883; his widow now resides with Mr. Van Pool in her seventy-fourth 
year. Mr. and Mrs. Van Pool having no children of their own, adopted, at 
the age of three years. Flora E. Willson, whom they reared and educated, 
and who is now the wife of James Chamberlin, of Hoopeston, 111. Mr. Van 
Pool is a Democrat, and has served his township for several years, in the 
various offices of Clerk, Trustee and Justice of the Peace. 

JOHN S. WAGNER was born in Ross County, Ohio, October 13, 1813; 
he is a son of Jacob and Eva (Smith) Wagner, who were natives of and 
married in Frederick County, Md. His parents moved into Ohio in 
1808, and settled in Ross County, where they lived nineteen years. 
They then moved to this county, settled on the banks of Wild Run 
in this township, entered 320 acres, erected a log cabin of the true 
pioneer brand, with quilts for doors, greased paper for windows, and 
the ground for a floor. Of their children, Jacob, James, Elizabeth, David, 
and Nancy were born in Maryland, and John S. and Cynthia were born in 
Ohio. Of these, alone surviving, John S. and Nancy are both residents of 
this county. On locating in this wilderness, the parents were well nigh dis- 
couraged, but were induced to stay by their few neighbors — Mr. and Mrs. 
Pennington, Barney Rogers, William Caughey and another or two. The 
mother died about 1829-30; the father married again about 1837, and 
moved to Seneca County, where he died about 1840 or 1842. In 1833, at 
the age of twenty, John Wagner, our subject, was sent to Ross County to 
learn the trade of shoe-making, and remained three yaars. He then re- 



TYMOCHTEE TOWNSHIP. 1061 

turned to Seneca County, made his home with Adam Pennington, set up a 
shop and worked for the people, sometimes going to the neighbors with his 
tools to work leather for them. He continued this work many years. He 
was married, February 17, 1837, to Charlotte Gurnee. who was born in this 
county May 28, 1821, the daughter of Isaac and Hannah (Nap) Gurnee, 
natives of N. Y. State, and early settlers of this county. By this marriage 
eight children were born, five of whom are yet living, namely: Cyrus. 
Eliza J., Hannah M., Albert and Anna. The deceased are John N., 
James and George. Mrs. Wagner died October 22, 1883. George W. was 
shot and died in the army. Mr. Wagner gave up the shoe-making trade, 
and in 1845 purchased nine acres in this township. He has since added to 
this, bought, sold and traded till he now owns 135 acres, besides what he 
has given to his sons. He is a Republican and a member of the Evangel- 
ical Association, though formerly a Democrat and Methodist. Mrs. Wagner 
was also a member of the Evangelical Church. 

L. R. WALTON, one of the leading farmers and stock dealers of the 
county, was born near the village of Old Tymochtee, June 16, 1833. His 
parents, Matthew and Catharine (Shepler) Walton, were natives of Tren- 
ton, N. J. They were married in their native county, and subsequent- 
ly removed to Ross County, Ohio, from which place they came to Wyandot 
County in 1826-27. Mr. Walton entered eighty acres of land three miles 
east of Old Tymochtee, and resided on that till July, 1833, when he pur- 
chased 160 acres three and a half miles southeast of Old Tymochtee. He 
cleared most of this farm, and remained on it till his death, which occurred 
June 1, 1861, at the ripe age of sixty-two years. Mrs. Walton preceded 
him in March, 1855, at the age of fifty. Their union was blest with ten 
children, five of whom are living at the present time, their names as 
follows: Andrew Irvin, a resident of this township; James H., on the 
old homestead in this township ; L. R., our subject; Casander, wife 
of Elijah Lake, and Matthew, a resident of Upper Sandusky. L. R. 
Walton, whose name heads this sketch, was reared on the homestead and 
educated in the common schools. September 8, 1853, he was married to 
Miss Catharine J. Hufford, daughter of Christopher and Catharine (Corf- 
man) Hufford, who were early settlers in this township. Mrs. Walton, a 
native of this township, was born June 9, 1834. To Mr. and Mrs. Walton 
have been born four children; of these, two are Jiving — Barbara E., wife of 
Madison Stokely, and Birt. Clayton died at the age of six years and nine 
months; Casper at the age of nine years. In 1865, Mr. Walton bought 
eighty acres where he now resides. He made subsequent additions to this 
purchase till he owned 240 acres of land. He has since disposed of a 
part of his farm to his daughter, and now owns 165 acres, which is under ex- 
cellent cultivation and finely improved. He has an artificial fish pond cov- 
ering half an acre, which is supplied with water from a spring thirty rods 
away, being conveyed by an underground pipe. In May, 1883, he pur- 
chased sixty- five German carp, paying therefor $40, and has since paid 
considerable attention to fish culture. Mr. Walton has engaged extensively 
for the last fourteen years in handling stock. He ships on an average forty 
car loads annually, principally to Buffalo, N. Y., and East Liberty, Penn. 
Mr. Walton ranks as one of the leading live stock men of the county. He 
is a citizen of public spirit, and has always performed his part in pub- 
lic improvements and enterprises of the county. He served his township as 
Trustee three years. He owns Section F, containing half an acre, in Pleas- 
ant Ridge Cemetery, and has taken great pains to improve it. 

91 



1062 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

WILLIAM WALTON was born in Ross County, Ohio, December 21, 
1824; he is a son of Lemar and Anna (Thompson) Walton, natives of New 
Jersey; his parents married in Ross County, Ohio, and moved to Wyandot 
about 1826, locating in this township. Six children were born to them — 
William, Maria, Levi, Sarah J., Lemar S. and Marshal, all living but Levi 
and Maria. William Walton, the subject of this notice, was married Octo- 
ber 7, 1846, to Miss Delilah A. Parker, a resident of this township, native 
of Ross County, Ohio, and daughter of William and Rachel (Compton) 
Parker, who were born and married in Pennsylvania. They afterward came 
to this county, where they purchased land and reared a family of children, 
Joseph, Henry and Delilah are living; Charles, Chartte, John and Jane 
are deceased. The parents are also deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Walton have 
five children — Alvin M. , Joel L., Olive P., Laura A. and Sarah E. Mrs. 
Walton, after suffering untold agony for many weeks, died of cancer of the 
breast, December 5, 1883. Mr. Walton rented land for several years after 
his marriage, but in 1852 purchased eighty acres in this township. In 
1858, he obtained ninety-three acres, upon which he now lives. He deals 
largely in stock, especially sheep, and has added to his original purchase 
till he now owns 524 acres. His farm is well improved as to drainage and 
fences, and is provided with good buildings of all necessary kinds. 

EDWIN S. WILLSON is a native of this township, and was born 
February 16, 1846. He is a son of Jacob and Bathsheba P. (Shotwell) 
Willson, who were born and married in New Jersey, and who came to Ohio 
in 1835 and purchased eighty acres in this township. Their children were 
Elizabeth E., Abner, Albert Z., Levi L., George, Edwin S. and Walter. The 
father died March 1, 1862; his widow still resides in this township. Our sub- 
ject resided on the farm until eighteen years of age. He enlisted February 
20, 1864, in Company D, Forty-ninth Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry, 
and participated in several battles, among which are Dallas Mountain, Ga., 
May 5 to 27; Atlanta, Nashville, and a great many skirmishes. He was 
wounded at Dallas Mountain in the right side by a gunshot wound, and lay 
at the hospitals of Nashville and Murfreesboro, Tenn., till August. He 
then joined his regiment, and was again wounded December 16, and subse- 
quently discharged from the Louisville Hospital May 27, 1865. On his 
return home. Mr. Willson resumed farming. He was married, March 1, 
1866, to Eliza C. Price, who was born in Eden Township, this county, July 
7, 1848. She was a daughter of George B. and Anna (Manning) Price, 
also natives of New Jersey. Her parents married in their native State, 
came to Ohio in 1840, settled in Hancock County, and. in 1845, moved to 
Eden Township. They had ten children — Isaac, Aaron, Mary J., Sarah E., 
Margaret A., Warren, Hannah M., Eliza C, John M. and Laura E. The 
sons are all deceased. The mother died March 22, 1878. The father is 
still living. In 1863. Mr. Willson obtained forty acres of partially im- 
proved land from his father. He engaged in the sheep business which 
proved unsuccessful, and then turned his attention to general agriculture. 
He has made several trades in real estate, and now owns 200 acres valued 
at 180 to $100 per acre. Mr. and Mrs. Willson are parents of six children 
—John L., Anna E., Abner J., Lily B., George E. and Everett P.; all liv- 
ing but George E. Both parents are members of the Methodist Protestant 
Church. Mr. AVillson is a Republican. 

CHARLES L. WININGER, son of John and Catharine Wininger, 
was born in this township May 6, 1846. He resided with his parents till 
thirty years of age. Was married, September 28, 1876, to Laura V. Welsh, 



TYMOCHTEE TOWNSHIP. 1063 

a resident and native of Muskingum County, born April 1, 1856, a daugh- 
ter of Jobn and Herma (Gorsuch) Welsh, who were born and married in 
the same county. She was one of four children— Edwin B. , Joseph G. , 
Laura V., Kosa B. Mr. and Mrs. Wininger have three children — J. Frank- 
lin, born August 22, 1877; Herma K, July 31, 1879; Polly, December 15, 
1882. In 1867, Mr. Wininger purchased 180 acres in Seneca County, 
where he now lives. He has a good farm well provided with buildings, in- 
cluding a frame dwelling built in 1878, at a cost of $3,000. Mrs. Winin- 
ger is a member of the Presbyterian Church at McCutchenville. 

GEOKGE L. WININGER was born in Seneca County, Ohio, February 
13, 1836. His parents, John and Catharine (Lane) Wininger, are else- 
where noticed in this work. He resided with them till his marriage to 
Leah E. Pennington April 1 , 1860. He worked on the farm and obtained a 
good common school education, attending the Heidelberg College a short 
period. He began teaching at the age of eighteen in what was then known 
as " Frog Pond District." now " Sugar Grove," and continued in this pro- 
fession during winters six years. After his marriage, Mr. Wininger moved 
into a log cabin on an eighty-acre lot, which his father deeded to him about 
one year later. This farm he improved, and, in 1863, purchased forty acres 
more just across the line in Seneca County, Ohio. A few years later, he 
purchased a few acres more, giving him the benefits of the Sandusky River. 
He now owns 127 acres. In 1880, he erected a fine brick residence, costing 
$5,000, in place of the little frame cottage which had sheltered his family 
twenty years. In the same year he lost by fire a large grain barn well 
stored, valued at $1,000. Mrs. and Mrs. Wininger are parents of four 
children — Catharine I., born December 23, 1861; John F. . October 13, 
1865; Carrie A. and Harry J., June 18, 1876. All are living but Catha- 
rine, who died October 2, 1 872. She was regarded as an exceedingly bright 
and intelligent child by all who know her. Mrs. Wininger was born in 
Eden Township, Seneca County, Ohio, March 28, 1843, and is a daughter 
of Adam and Cintha A. (Wagner) Pennington, natives of West Virginia 
and Ross County, Ohio, respectively. Her parents married in Seneca Coun 
ty, and four of their children yet survive — Mary A., William J., Leah E. 
and Thomas J. The father died in 1818, the mother in 1878. Mr. Win- 
inger is a Democrat in politics, and served one year as Township Clerk. 

JOEL WININGER, son of John and Catherine (Lane) Wininger, was 
born in this township January 22, 1839, and remained at home on the 
farm principallj'^ till his marriage. He obtained a good education, attend- 
ing both the academy at Republic, and the Heidelberg College at Tiffin, 
Ohio. He taught several terms, farming during the summers in the mean- 
time. He was married, March 31, 1863, to Miss ZiliaA. King, of this town- 
ship, born in New York State, Genesee County, February 24, 1840, a 
daughter of Belah and Elizabeth (Fitch) King, natives of Massachusetts 
and Connecticut respectively. Her parents settled in Ashtabula in 1841, 
and in 1842 moved to Little Sandusky, where he pui'chased property and 
engaged in shoe-making. He afterward kept a hotel at Adrian, Ohio. 
Zilia A., Charles M. and Henry P. are the children of this family. The 
father died, February 13, 1849, aged forty- three; his widow married Fran 
cis Wood, of this county, about two years later, and she died July 30. 
1878. Mr. and Mrs. Wininger have one daughter — Florence A., born 
August 23, 1865, now a student of the Green Springs Academy. In 1862. 
Mr. Wininger purchased eighty acres in this township, moved upon the 
same in 1863, and has since resided there. In 1874, his old dwelling was 



1064 HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY. 

destroyed by fire, and in 1879, he erected a fine frame structure, at a cost 
of $4,500. In 1865, Mr. Wininger purchased forty acres of land in Seneca 
County. He teaches school usually in the winter season, and tills his 
farm during the summer. He served as Township Clerk two years ; is a 
Democrat in politics, and a member of the Universalist Church. Mrs. Win- 
inger is a member of the Presbyterian Church. 

JOHN WININGER, born March 9, 1810, is a native of Fairfield County, 
Ohio, and son of Adam and Mary (Crow) Wininger, natives of Germany. 
His parents emigrated in an early day, his mother having been sold for 
a term of years to pay her passage over the sea. His father was previously 
married in Germany and reared three children, only one of whom survives 
— Catharine^now Mrs. Reinboit, a widow of Seneca County, in her 
eighty-third year. Her mother died in Philadelphia, and her father then 
married Mary Crow, and moved to Ohio in 1804. He settled in Fairfield 
County, near Lancaster and in 1815 moved to Richland County among the 
Indians. In 1826, he moved to this county, purchased and entered about 
1,000 acres of land, mostly in Tymochtee Township, built a log cabin, 
cleared up his farm, and by hard work was enabled to make a living. He 
was sometimes compelled to go forty to fifty miles to get his grain ground, 
and was then often obliged to stay from five to eight days to await his turn, 
so many being ahead of him. There were ten children in this family, four 
surviving, namely: Elizabeth, John, Susan and William. The father and 
mother died at the ages of seventy-five and seventy years respectively^ — 
Our subject, John Wininger, resided with his parents till his marriage, 
which occurred December 29, 1832, Miss Catharine Lane, of Musk- 
ingum County, Ohio, daughter of John and Mary (Millison) Lane, 
being his chosen companion. She was born in Baltimore County, Md. , 
August 5, 1807. Her parents were born in Germany and emigrated to 
America and settled in Baltimore County in an early day. Mr. and Mrs. 
Wininger have had five children — Solomon, George L. , J. A. Jackson, Joel 
and Charles L., all living but Jackson. Mrs. Wininger passed away in 
April, 1880, and od the 28th of April, 1881, Mr. Wininger was married to 
Mary B. Johnston, who was born in Bucks County, Penn., November 16, 
1888. She was a daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Beatty) Johnston, na 
tives of New Jersey and Pennsylvania respectively, and who were married 
in Bucks County, Penn. ; migrated to Ohio about 1845, and settled in Seneca 
County, near Melmore. They reared eight daughters — Sarah, Hettie, 
Maggie, Mary B., Eliza, Elten, Amanda and Emma. Sarah and Maggie 
are deceased. The father died in March, 1861, the mother May 6, 1864. 
When first married, Mr. Wininger kept tavern three years in Seneca County. 
In 1836, he became the owner of 125 acres in this township, where he now 
lives. He has since purchased from 110 to 130 acres for each of his four 
SODS, and has made other purchases and sales, but still retains the home- 
stead, valued at $125 per acre. He has served his township in many of- 
fices, and is a member of the Baptist Church, of which his first wife was 
also a member. His present wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church. 
In politics, Mr. Wininger has been a life- long Democrat. 

LESTER WOOD, born January 11, 1829, in Huron County, Ohio, is a 
son of Francis and Eliza (Latham) Wood, natives of New York and Con- 
necticut respectively, of English parentage. His parents were married in 
Huron County, Ohio, and in 1829 moved to this township, where they pur- 
chased land and reared their children. They had five sons and three 
daughters — Lester, Betsey, Nelson, Silas, Horace, Huldah, Ezra and Lydia 



TYMOCHTEE TOWNSHIP. 1065 

A., only three of these now living, namely, Huldah, Nelson and Lester. 
The latter was married, September 27, 1860, to Rachel Clark, who was born 
in Seneca County June 27, 1834. She was a daughter of Mathias and Ma- 
ria (Copeland) Clark, natives of Pennsylvania and of German and Irish de- 
scent. Her parents married in Huntingdon County, Penn. ; emigrated to 
this State in an early day, and settled in Wayne County. They had nine 
children — Rebecca, Sebella, Rachel, Morgan, James, Henry, Hannah C, 
Mary A. and Margaret E. Those yet living are Rebecca, Henry, Morgan 
and Rachel. The mother is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Wood have six 
children — Myron, Sarah E., Elmer E., Ada, Charles and Huldah, all liv- 
ing but Ada. Mr. Wood was reared to farm life, and in 1861 became the 
owner of eighty-three acres, which he has materially improved, and now val- 
ues at $80 to $90 per acre. In 1876, he added eighty acres of improved 
land, and eight acres by a subsequent purchase. He and Mrs. Wood are 
members of the United Brethren Church at Mount Zion. Mr. Wood is a 
Democrat, and voted for the Second Amendment in 1883. 

WILLIAM YAMBERT. This gentleman is a native of Perry County, 
Penn., and was born November 25, 1828. He is a son of John and Catha- 
rine (Cooney) Yambert, who were married in Perry County, and reared sev- 
en children — ^John, Daniel, Samuel, Solomon, Lydia, William and Susana. 
Daniel was drowned in the Sandusky River. By a former wife, Mary (Glick), 
Mr. Yambert had four children — John H., Aaron, Sarah and Mary. After 
his second marriage, Mr. Yambert, in 1833, moved to Ohio, and located in 
Seneca County, where he died May 24, 1863. His wife passed away June 
7, 1876, their respective ages being eighty-two and eighty-five years. Will- 
iam Yambert, the subject of this sketch, remained on the farm with his par 
ents till grown to manhood. He went to Iowa and entered 120 acres of 
land, which he sold soon after, and returned home. He was married, No- 
vember 15, 1855, to Susannah Hottenstein, who was born in Lancaster 
County, Penn., December 21, 1835, a daughter of Henry and Mary (Grube) 
Hottenstein, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. Her par- 
ents married in Pennsylvania, and moved to Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1837. 
They moved to this township from Seneca County in 1850-51, and resided 
here till their death. Their children were John, Elizabeth, Susannah, Mary 
and Henry. The mother died in March, 1850, the father is also deceased. 
Mr. and Mrs. Yambert are parents of seven children — Henry M., Mary E. , 
Rilla J., Laura J., William A., John F. and Arthur R. Three are deceased 
— Henry M. , Mary E. and Laura J. Mr. Yambert farmed rented land a 
few years, when he obtained eighty acres from his father's estate. In 1863, 
he purchased eighty acres in this township, and to this tract he has since 
added 100 acres. In 1878, he erected a fine brick residence. He is a Re- 
publican, and, with Mrs. Yambert, a member of the Evangelical Church. 




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